Focus on maximising tech to boost bio-based economy
Bioeconomy impacts productivity
The Namibia Sustainable Bioeconomy Strategy 2024 to 2029 was released recently.
Key areas related to the bioeconomy that have been identified in Namibia include the need to maximise the use of technologies related to agriculture, health and manufacturing or industry in a sustainable manner.
This is according to the Namibia Sustainable Bioeconomy Strategy 2024 to 2029, which was recently launched by the National Commission on Research, Science and Technology (NCRST).
The bioeconomy, or bio-based economy, is a new model for industry and the economy. It involves using renewable biological resources sustainably to produce food, energy and industrial goods.
The strategy aims to integrate bioeconomy activities into Namibia's broader economic framework, fostering innovation, conservation and the sustainable use of biological resources.
NCRST is tasked with overseeing the implementation of the strategy to ensure its objectives are achieved.
Changes
According to the strategy, the bioeconomy comprises primary production such as agriculture, forestry, fisheries, aquaculture and industries that use or process biological resources.
“Therefore, bioeconomy activities bring significant changes to our society, anticipated through the transformation of the economic systems.”
According to the report, Namibia generates approximately N$13 billion in revenue from its biodiversity, of which 40% is due to tourism.
“Overall, in 2020, primary industries accounted for 19.1% of the gross domestic product (GDP) of which the agriculture, forestry and fishing sectors accounted for 9%, livestock farming for 3.5% and crop farming and forestry 2.9%.”
Fishing and fish processing onboard accounted for 2.6%, and the mining and quarrying sector accounted for 10.1%.
Secondary industries accounted for 16.5% of the GDP, of which manufacturing accounted for 11%, while electricity, water and construction accounted for 1.8% each.
Tertiary industries accounted for 57.9% of the GDP, of which 9.6% are wholesale and retail trade and repairs, 1.4% are hotels and restaurants, 1.8% transport, 0.7% storage, 0.7% professional, scientific and technical services, 10.9% education, and 3.7% health.
“Bioeconomy has the potential to contribute to the above sectors and to increase their respective share of the GDP. To do this, Namibia will focus on the selected strategic focus areas.”
Sustainable response
The report said these activities aim to provide a sustainable response to society's nutritional and material needs while preserving natural resources and ensuring the provision of quality environmental services.
According to the report, leading up to 2029, Namibia will focus on agriculture, health, natural resource management and cross-cutting issues related to the bioeconomy.
Strategic objectives include promoting and supporting the quality of bio-based indigenous products and services, as well as enhancing products produced through bio-innovation from indigenous biological resources.
Other strategies are to support the utilisation of high-performing crop varieties, the processing of local fresh produce and the development of value chains based on non-timber forest and wildlife products.
This is according to the Namibia Sustainable Bioeconomy Strategy 2024 to 2029, which was recently launched by the National Commission on Research, Science and Technology (NCRST).
The bioeconomy, or bio-based economy, is a new model for industry and the economy. It involves using renewable biological resources sustainably to produce food, energy and industrial goods.
The strategy aims to integrate bioeconomy activities into Namibia's broader economic framework, fostering innovation, conservation and the sustainable use of biological resources.
NCRST is tasked with overseeing the implementation of the strategy to ensure its objectives are achieved.
Changes
According to the strategy, the bioeconomy comprises primary production such as agriculture, forestry, fisheries, aquaculture and industries that use or process biological resources.
“Therefore, bioeconomy activities bring significant changes to our society, anticipated through the transformation of the economic systems.”
According to the report, Namibia generates approximately N$13 billion in revenue from its biodiversity, of which 40% is due to tourism.
“Overall, in 2020, primary industries accounted for 19.1% of the gross domestic product (GDP) of which the agriculture, forestry and fishing sectors accounted for 9%, livestock farming for 3.5% and crop farming and forestry 2.9%.”
Fishing and fish processing onboard accounted for 2.6%, and the mining and quarrying sector accounted for 10.1%.
Secondary industries accounted for 16.5% of the GDP, of which manufacturing accounted for 11%, while electricity, water and construction accounted for 1.8% each.
Tertiary industries accounted for 57.9% of the GDP, of which 9.6% are wholesale and retail trade and repairs, 1.4% are hotels and restaurants, 1.8% transport, 0.7% storage, 0.7% professional, scientific and technical services, 10.9% education, and 3.7% health.
“Bioeconomy has the potential to contribute to the above sectors and to increase their respective share of the GDP. To do this, Namibia will focus on the selected strategic focus areas.”
Sustainable response
The report said these activities aim to provide a sustainable response to society's nutritional and material needs while preserving natural resources and ensuring the provision of quality environmental services.
According to the report, leading up to 2029, Namibia will focus on agriculture, health, natural resource management and cross-cutting issues related to the bioeconomy.
Strategic objectives include promoting and supporting the quality of bio-based indigenous products and services, as well as enhancing products produced through bio-innovation from indigenous biological resources.
Other strategies are to support the utilisation of high-performing crop varieties, the processing of local fresh produce and the development of value chains based on non-timber forest and wildlife products.
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