Nkurenkuru – The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) has partnered with the Government of Japan and the Ministry of Agriculture, Water and Land Reform (MAWLR) to embark on a transformative agricultural initiative in Namibia. At the heart of this endeavour is a USD 1.2 million Japan-funded project, titled "Emergency Response to Mitigate Multiple Shocks and Enhance Resilient Livelihoods in Namibia." 

 

The project aims to diversify rural livelihoods and foster resilience among 6 100 rural smallholder farming households spread across four focal regions: Kavango West, //Karas, Ohangwena, and Zambezi. Through the distribution of vital agro-inputs and strategic investments in innovative small-scale irrigation and water-saving technologies, the project seeks to empower farmers to withstand the shocks of climate change and economic fluctuations.

 

In addition to providing material support, the project places a significant emphasis on capacity building. FAO, in partnership with MAWLR and other stakeholders such as the German Agency for International Cooperation (GIZ), aims to equip targeted local communities with crucial skills and knowledge. 

 

Though the implementation of focused, demand-driven, and outcome-oriented capacity-building programs, the project aims to empower not only smallholder farmers but also enhance the capabilities of agricultural extension personnel and key community stakeholders, including youth and traditional leaders. 

 

The impact of this collaboration is already being felt on the ground in the beneficiary regions. A recent joint field mission by FAO and the Embassy of Japan to Kavango West region bore witness to the tangible difference the project is making in the lives of rural farmers. The mission also served as an opportunity to symbolically handover agricultural tools and inputs to some of the project's beneficiaries. 

 

Speaking during the mission, His Excellency Hisao Nishimaki, Japan Ambassador to Namibia, expressed his optimism about the project's transformative potential. He emphasized how it could lift vulnerable communities from the clutches of hunger and poverty, offering not only sustenance but also income-generating opportunities. 

 

“It was truly encouraging to hear one of the youth beneficiaries share how the project's support has enabled him to boost his garden's profitability. This underscores the kind of positive impact we aspire to achieve through this assistance,” said the Ambassador. 

 

Governor Sirkka Ausiku of Kavango West region echoed the Ambassador’s sentiments. She expressed her hope that the project would serve as a catalyst for income generation, particularly among the region's youth, who often grapple with limited employment prospects. 

 

"The response from the youth beneficiaries of this project has been very encouraging as they are showing a strong willingness to engage in agribusiness to earn money for themselves and support their families," Governor Ausiku remarked. 

 

Meanwhile, Ferdinard Mwapopi, Assistant FAO Representative (Programmes), underscored FAO’s overarching mission to build resilience among vulnerable households in a bid to reduce rural poverty and improve food and nutrition security in Namibia. He stressed that projects like these underscore the importance of partnerships in achieving the Sustainable Development Development Goals. 

 

Patrick Mukoso, a youth farmer from Klein Musese and one of the project's beneficiaries, shared his personal journey. In 2012, faced with unemployment, he planted the seeds of a garden. Today, that garden is not only his source of income but also his pride and joy. He sells horticultural produce, including onions and tomatoes, and his hard work is paying off. 

 

"With this support I received from the project, I will be able to expand my garden and diversify my produce to cater to market demands and increase my current income even higher," Patrick affirmed confidently.