Namibia - Agriculture
Less than 1% of Namibia is arable. About 47% of the active population depends on agriculture for their living. Agriculture consists of two sectors: a commercial sector with some 50,000 workers (producing 80% of annual yields), and a subsistence sector situated largely in communal areas. Colonialism left Namibia with a three-tier agricultural production system: 4,000 commercial ranches; 20,000 stock-raising households; and 120,000 mixed-farming operations. The ranches displaced local farmers on 66% of the viable farmland and left only 5% of the land to the 120,000 mixed-farming operations.
Corn is grown primarily in the area known as the Grootfontein–Otavi–Tsumeb triangle, where farms are much smaller than in other parts of the country. Corn production in 1999 amounted only to 18,000 tons (down from 50,000 tons in 1991). Recent droughts have created a dependency on grain imports. Namibia is dependent on South Africa for corn, sugar, fruit, and vegetables. In 2001, Namibia's agricultural trade deficit was $17.8 million.
Caprivi and Kavango in the northeast have potential for extensive crop development. Communal farms there are estimated to produce 60% of their staple food, such as mahango (which is also used to brew beer). Cotton, groundnut, rice, sorghum, and vegetable production have begun on an experimental basis in Kavango. An irrigation project at Hardap Dam near Mariental produces corn, alfalfa, feed corn, and grapes.
Namibia is a land of oppertunity, we have smart people in our country who do know how to farm and farm well, example being Sidney Martin.
These type of people can teach our commrades from Kavango and Caprivi Regions how to farm not only for themselves but in order to feed the whole Nation and make profit in the process. It is clear to me and the educated people of Namibia that we are not a Nation that should be importing the basic food groups.
So I would like to call upon the Namibian governmentto startb investing in our people and stop enriching other countries.
I am interested in farming and specifically your country, I am thinking of around Hardap dam.
My interests are:
a. sheep on a small scale, fed for the market not older than 5 months;
b. and lusern on a much bigger scale, would like to work around 100ha for local use and if any
left overs for possible export to neighboring countries.
To be able to do this, I will require:
a. land with ample water and electricity freely available;
b. a basic house to accommodate me till further improvements can be made;
c. I am of the opinion that a labor force of around 4 families will be required;
d. are you aware of any interest in lusern?
Can anybody please put me in touch with suitable propositions?
Highly appreciated.
Regards
Frikkie
The Small Scale Commercial Farming in the Caprivi is a possible solution to increase food security in Namibia. Why do I say so?
1. Caprivi has viable and fertile under-utilised land suitable for most crops.
2. Caprivi has high rainfall figures in comparison to other regions of Namibia.
3. Caprivi has savannah suitable for large stock farming (cattle).
4. Caprivi is surrounded by four rivers (Zambezi, Linyanti, Kwando and Chobe)and therefore no contest for possible irrigation.
5. Caprivi is positioned well to access neighbouring states for market penetration. It is bordering Zambia, Botswana, Angola and Zimbabwe.
6. Caprivi serve as a host for the electricty link (supply)to some perts of Namibia.
With these few facts, I want to believe that Caprivi can contribute significantly to both crop and large stock production in Namibia. However, the implementation of KAZA which encourages conservation of wild life is a concern for the effective utilisation of the Caprivi arable and fertile land. GRN and the private sector should start thinking on the possibility of utilising the natural resources in the Caprivi region for the benefit of all Namibians.
Regards.
Allen