Agribank – Windhoek Observer

28 Apr

AgriBank, NAB ink loan scrutiny agreement

ObserverUncategorisedAgribank, Agricultural Bank of Namibia (AgriBank) and the Namibia Agronomic Board (NAB), Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), NAB ink loan scrutiny agreement

Obrein Simasiku The Agricultural Bank of Namibia (AgriBank) and the Namibia Agronomic Board (NAB) inked a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on risk assessment of loan applicants, who want to venture into agricultural production, value addition and storage of agronomic and horticultural products. Under the same terms, the institutions will evaluate the need for new loan products across the agronomic and horticultural value chain. The MoU runs for five years with an option of renewal, and will also extend to interventions aimed at developing the agronomic and horticultural industry in Namibia. "The two institutions will also share information relevant to the…

06 May

Michael Iyambo’s woes mount

ObserverObserver MoneyAgribank, Michael Iyambo, Namibian Agronomic Board (NAB)

Kandjemuni Kamuiiri Former Chairperson of Agribank, Michael Iyambo’s continued stay as Chairperson of the Namibian Agronomic Board (NAB) remains uncertain amid indications of on-consultations being carried out by the appointing authorities over his role. Iyambo who was appointed to the NAB role in 2017, was forced out from his role as Chairperson of Agribank, amid accusations that he used his position to access personal funding from the Government-owned bank. Public Enterprises Minister, Leon Jooste, whose ministry is entrusted with ensuring governance compliance by State-owned entities, confirmed that his ministry was looking into the matter.“We will look into that after we’ve…

01 May

Rangeland productivity, utilization, degradation

ObserverUncategorisedAgribank, Erastus Ngaruka

Erastus Ngaruka Rangeland is defined as an area of land with natural forage materials that are utilized by livestock and wild animals. Its productivity depends on rainfall and utilization. Rangeland plants require favorable environmental conditions and protection for their establishment, distribution, and resilience in agroecosystems or on livestock farming lands. In particular, the most important attributes to consider about rangeland productivity in grazing areas are grass vigor, density, species composition and abundance or richness amongst others. These attributes indicate, how strong and active is the grass growth after dormancy and grazing, the amount of grass yield per unit area, the…

30 Apr

The opportunities import restrictions offer to local poultry producers

ObserverUncategorisedAgribank, Hanks Saisai, Ministry of Agriculture, Water & Land Reform

Hanks Saisai The recent announcement by the Ministry of Agriculture, Water & Land Reform’s Directorate of Veterinary Services to restrict the import of poultry products due to an outbreak of Fowl pox in South Africa, offer local producers a grace period to penetrate the market as the ban is for a period of 21 days (starting from 19th of April 2021 to 09 May 2021). Namibia’s poultry sector has several small-scale farmers that are focused on the production of broilers, eggs and indigenous chickens all aimed at providing Namibian households with a high value protein source. As poultry imports into…

15 Dec

When farming becomes a livelihood

ObserverUncategorisedAgribank, Emerging Farmers Retail Financing Product (ERFP)

Staff Writer Elia Kamati, a loan beneficiary of Agribank’s Emerging Farmers Retail Financing Product (ERFP), left his formal employment to live his passion, which is farming. He is currently a full-time farmer in the Mpungu district of the Kavango-West region, where he farms with livestock, cattle and goats. “I was a permanent employee for one of the insurance companies for 15 years and in 2007, I resigned from my full-time job to concentrate on my dream and passion which is farming and now am a full-time farmer,” Kamati narrated. Through the ERFP loan from Agribank, Kamati bought 38 heifers and two…

10 Nov

Agribank inaugurates new regional office

ObserverUncategorisedAgribank, Katima Mulilo, Zambezi region

Staff Writer Agribank has inaugurated its newly relocated regional office in Katima Mulilo on Friday, to improve its client experience as well as to ensure conducive working environment for staff when servicing farmers and potential farmers in the Zambezi region. Though the Bank has been operational for some years in the town, the new office according to the lender, elevates the it’s visibility and accessibility to clients and other stakeholders. Zambezi Regional Governor Lawrence Sampofu in a speech read on his behalf said the opening of the new Agribank office in Katima Mulilo is a welcome expression of the trust…

21 Oct

Agribank launches women and youth scheme

ObserverUncategorisedAgribank, Namibia

Staff Writer Agribank launched the women and youth loan scheme in Windhoek on Monday, with relaxed conditions to encourage participation and enhanced financial inclusion. The bank said the product aims to enable the majority of women and youths who are unable to access affordable financing for farming purposes. “While current financing for the youth is not at an optimal level, thus the Agribank women and youth scheme is flexible in that it provides relaxed conditions for funding. The purpose of the scheme is to promote financial inclusion, economic empowerment, employment creation as well as to stimulate Namibia’s economic growth.” Eligible…

17 Oct

Agribank disburse over N$246 million worth of loans

ObserverUncategorisedAgribank, Sakaria Nghikembua

Staff Writer Agribank disbursed N$246 million of loans in the financial year ended 31 March 2020 and of this amount, more than N$21 million was paid exclusively to female clients, while N$52 million went to the youth (below 40 years of age). According to the bank’s latest financials, Agribank also extended funding worth over N$15 million to communal farmers without collateral, while over 8-thousand farmers countrywide benefitted from training and mentorship interventions during the same period. “The Bank continues to deliver credible financial performance as its loan book grew by 11 percent to N$3.01 million in 2020 from N$2.8 million…

10 Oct

Functions of Nutrients in Crop Production

ObserverUncategorisedAgribank

Hanks Saisai The successful production of any given crop or vegetable is dependent on certain factors. In most cases, crops have unique climatic and soil requirements that influence their growth and development. A key factor that influences crop growth and development is soil fertility, which is defined as the soil’s ability to make plant nutrients available to crops. Crops require about sixteen (16) essential elements (Carbon, Oxygen, Hydrogen, Nitrogen, Phosphorus, Potassium, Calcium, Magnesium, Sulphur, Iron, Zinc, Copper, Manganese, Boron, Molybdenum & Chlorine). They all perform specific functions that promote growth and development of specific parts of a given crop or…

01 Oct

Agribank makes new appointments

ObserverUncategorisedAgribank, Ingo, Muhindua Kaura

Staff Writer Agribank has appointed its Organisational Development (OD) Manager Muhindua Kaura as the new Executive for Human Resources with effect from 1 October 2020. Kaura, who has been with the Bank since January 2015 will succeed Selma Ambunda, who is set to leave the Bank by the end of this month. The Bank has also appointed its Otjiwarongo Branch Control Officer Etuhole Ingo as the Regional Branch Manager for Oshakati, effective from 1 November 2020. Ingo is set to succeed Johannes Nekwaya, who will go on retirement after a life-long career of distinguished service to the Bank. Announcing their…