Erasmus Shalihaxwe
Popular Democratic Movement’s (PDM) leader, McHenry Venaani has raised alarm over the escalating livestock theft in the country, highlighting its detrimental impact on farmers.
Speaking at a rally in Gobabis over the weekend, Venaani claimed that livestock theft cost farmers more than N$3.4 million in the Omaheke region last year.
“PDM is resolutely committed to addressing crime in all its forms, ensuring that our communities can feel safe and secure. We shall enhance the training of police officers to ensure that investigations result in successful convictions,” he said.
Venaani pledged to decentralise policing powers from national to regional and local authorities.
According to Venaani, livestock crimes threaten the agricultural sector and those who depend on it.
Shifting the focus to food insecurity, Venaani outlined the PDM’s plan to invest 10% of Namibia’s gross domestic product into the agricultural sector.
In the Omaheke region alone, nearly 1 000 Namibians have succumbed to malnutrition.
A tragedy that Venaani said cannot be ignored.
‘’To address food security, we shall expand access to affordable agricultural inputs and technologies for smallholder farmers, particularly in rural areas where food insecurity is most acute. Establish community-based food storage and distribution networks to mitigate postharvest losses and ensure food reaches vulnerable populations,’’ he said.
He argued that investing in local agriculture would not only secure food supplies but also create jobs and stimulate the economy through local value chains.
He said his party also plans to empower farmers’ cooperatives and associations with subsidised funding.
Venaanis said that in order to enhance their livelihood and boost farming income through value addition (agro-processing) to their produce, farmers must receive timely assistance with the necessary machinery, equipment, and tools at an affordable rate and price.
“Moreover, we shall further secure funds for the farmers’ cooperatives and associations for timely production of enough fodder throughout the year for livestock as a drought mitigation measure. This will assist the government to be prepared and spend fewer resources during drought periods while keeping livestock marketing prices at auctions at a maximised price,’’ he stated.
