Hertta-Maria Amutenja
Swapo’s National Council member, Melania Ndjago, has stressed the need for the Ministry of Agriculture, Water, and Land Reform to focus on rainwater harvesting, artificial rivers and canals to enhance irrigation capabilities.
Speaking during the conclusion of debates on the Appropriation Amendment Bill, Ndjago advocated for a comprehensive approach to address the challenges faced by farmers, particularly in mitigating the impacts of drought.
“Our farmers play a significant role in the agricultural sector. The government must subsidise and offer all necessary support to small-scale farmers in particular to help them access markets with quality, consistent produce. To do this, the effects of drought must be better mitigated,” she said.
Ndjago stressed the significance of agriculture in sustaining livelihoods and the economy, urging prudent analysis of the allocated budget to ensure key issues within the realm of agriculture, land and water are thoroughly examined.
Highlighting the escalating hunger crisis in both rural and urban areas, Ndjago underscored the importance of urban agricultural projects to supplement existing initiatives like the Food Bank program.
“Many rural communities in Namibia face challenges in accessing a healthy meal daily. In recent years, we have seen an increase in this dilemma in urban centres where hunger is the order of the day for many families. President Hage Geingob established the Food Bank programme to help needy and vulnerable communities with food rations. This action was necessitated by the hunger experienced by many in that pocket of society,” Ndjago said.
Emphasising the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal Two, which aims to end hunger by 2030, she called for the adoption of new technologies and techniques responsive to climate change.
“We must be intentional and aggressive in our efforts to attain food security and invest in sustainable agriculture through concerted political will and substantive financial support to this end,” she said.
Expressing concern over the impact of climate change on agriculture, Ndjago referenced discussions at the Pan African Parliament, emphasising the need for parliamentary involvement in climate change solutions. She urged the government to facilitate green scheme programs to ensure food security. The politician called for increased support, subsidies, and mitigation strategies for small-scale farmers, particularly in dealing with the effects of drought and global fertilizer shortages.
