NNFU urges farmers to vote
The Namibia National Farmers' Union (NNFU) has encouraged farmers and farm workers to participate in tomorrow's national elections.
NNFU board chairperson Vetuundja Kazapua last week underlined that agriculture is a key sector of the economy and a vital contributor to Namibians' national livelihoods.
He said farming plays a vital role in improving the living standards of Namibians, based on a number of fundamental issues such as peace, socio-political and economic stability, food production for food security, education and skills development, leadership and management, and policy and legal frameworks, including laws, bills, policies, and guidelines.
“The primary role of farmers’ associations and unions is to advocate, lobby and ensure a conducive farming or production environment for farmers," he said.
In this process, supportive policies and strong legal frameworks form the foundation for a prosperous farming environment.
Cast your vote
Kazapua emphasised that national governance structures, represented by elected members and parliamentarians, are the custodians of policy-making processes.
In urged farmers therefore to participate in the voting process.
“Farmers’ participation in the electoral process and in electing capable leaders must be an undoubtedly important act,” he said.
“Moreover, it is through the elected government and its governance structure where trade agreements, policies and bills will be deliberated and enforced.”
According to Kazapua, political parties, in their race for the elections, have made promises that often directly address pressing issues related to agriculture and farm businesses.
“There have also been considerable discussions regarding the importance of sustainable environmental conservation, governance, green hydrogen and carbon credits," he added.
Difficult operations
Kazapua said the ongoing struggles, tight margins and low profitability in various farming sub-sectors – such as crop, dairy, poultry, beef, among others – have worsened and fluctuated significantly.
He said these struggles have pushed some farm operations to the brink of financial disaster.
“Access to land, land tax, crop and livestock production expenses, land rental rates and input cost have increased substantially over years. Not forgetting the severe impact of climate change on agricultural production, drought and disasters.”
Kazapua added that farmers’ leaders and operators also emphasise the importance of having strong, responsive and flexible trade agreements, along with access to solid and lucrative markets for export products, as well as fewer trade disputes within the value chain components.
#NamibiaDecides2024
NNFU board chairperson Vetuundja Kazapua last week underlined that agriculture is a key sector of the economy and a vital contributor to Namibians' national livelihoods.
He said farming plays a vital role in improving the living standards of Namibians, based on a number of fundamental issues such as peace, socio-political and economic stability, food production for food security, education and skills development, leadership and management, and policy and legal frameworks, including laws, bills, policies, and guidelines.
“The primary role of farmers’ associations and unions is to advocate, lobby and ensure a conducive farming or production environment for farmers," he said.
In this process, supportive policies and strong legal frameworks form the foundation for a prosperous farming environment.
Cast your vote
Kazapua emphasised that national governance structures, represented by elected members and parliamentarians, are the custodians of policy-making processes.
In urged farmers therefore to participate in the voting process.
“Farmers’ participation in the electoral process and in electing capable leaders must be an undoubtedly important act,” he said.
“Moreover, it is through the elected government and its governance structure where trade agreements, policies and bills will be deliberated and enforced.”
According to Kazapua, political parties, in their race for the elections, have made promises that often directly address pressing issues related to agriculture and farm businesses.
“There have also been considerable discussions regarding the importance of sustainable environmental conservation, governance, green hydrogen and carbon credits," he added.
Difficult operations
Kazapua said the ongoing struggles, tight margins and low profitability in various farming sub-sectors – such as crop, dairy, poultry, beef, among others – have worsened and fluctuated significantly.
He said these struggles have pushed some farm operations to the brink of financial disaster.
“Access to land, land tax, crop and livestock production expenses, land rental rates and input cost have increased substantially over years. Not forgetting the severe impact of climate change on agricultural production, drought and disasters.”
Kazapua added that farmers’ leaders and operators also emphasise the importance of having strong, responsive and flexible trade agreements, along with access to solid and lucrative markets for export products, as well as fewer trade disputes within the value chain components.
#NamibiaDecides2024
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