N$14m Japan-funded project empowers farmers

The government of Japan, in partnership with the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO) and the agriculture ministry, recently outlined a one-year project through which approximately N$14 million was allocated to scale up FAO&#039;s resilience-building interventions in the Ohangwena, Kavango East and Kavango West regions.Each of these regions was allocated agro-inputs valued at approximately US$146,000 (N$2.6 million) to expand access to climate-smart agricultural practices. Launched in April 2024, the project is set to conclude this month.In collaboration with the ministry and regional councils, FAO distributed essential agro-inputs –including seeds, gardening tools, water tanks, small-scale solar-powered irrigation equipment, chickens, chicken feed, and materials to construct chicken houses – to 1 760 targeted farming households, benefitting approximately 8 800 people.This initiative marks the third consecutive assistance project. The first, in 2021, was valued at N$4.1 million, followed by a N$21.8 million project in 2022. Through these two projects, FAO successfully reached a total of 6 793 households (11 739 people), including 1 438 households headed by women.Speaking at the handover of agricultural inputs in Rundu recently, Japan&#039;s ambassador to Namibia, Shinichi Asazuma, said the project&#039;s goal is to enhance resilience and diversify the livelihoods of vulnerable communities while strengthening food systems."As an independent nation, food self-sufficiency and food self-reliance can no longer be mere slogans. We must take collective action to implement practical and tangible solutions to achieve these national aspirations. Similarly, we must invest time, finances and other resources in strengthening community resilience to support efforts aimed at mitigating climate-induced shocks while improving agricultural and food production capacities," he said."For a region like Kavango East, which benefits from the abundant water supply of the great Okavango River and, under normal conditions, receives relatively good rainfall, there is immense potential to become the &#039;food basket&#039; of Namibia. It is against this backdrop that the government of Japan is complementing Namibia’s programmes aimed at ensuring optimal food production at household, regional and national levels," he said. He added: "As we all know, the first step toward food production is ensuring access to quality seeds in sufficient quantities for those in need, an initiative we are about to witness through this ceremony."Increasing threats FAO representative Qingyun Diao highlighted the importance of the Japan-funded project titled &#039;Emergency Response to Enhance Resilience and Mitigate Climate-Induced Impacts on Livelihoods, Food, and Nutrition Security of the Most Vulnerable Households in Namibia&#039;."This project marks a significant step in our ongoing efforts to combat the devastating effects of climate change and food insecurity in Namibia. As we hand over these agro-inputs, including seeds, gardening tools and climate-smart irrigation equipment, we are not only providing essential resources but also empowering our communities to build resilience and adapt to the growing challenges facing the agrifood sector," she said."As we all know, climate change, particularly prolonged droughts, poses an increasing threat to Namibia&#039;s agricultural productivity. Rural communities that rely primarily on rain-fed agriculture are particularly vulnerable. This is why the FAO’s primary focus is on building agricultural resilience because adapting food production to be climate-smart is the only way to ensure long-term food security. Without climate-resilient farming systems, rural livelihoods remain at risk, and hunger and poverty persist."Diao said the assistance provided under this project extends beyond the distribution of agricultural inputs. "It also includes capacity-building initiatives such as technical training and exposure visits for farmers to learn best practices in climate-smart agriculture. These resources will enable farmers in the Kavango East, Kavango West, and Ohangwena regions to improve their agricultural practices, mitigate the adverse effects of climate change, enhance food security, and ultimately diversify their sources of income and nutrition for themselves, their families, and their communities."nikanor@nmh-hub.com.na

N$14m Japan-funded project empowers farmers

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Namibian Sun 2025-03-19

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N$14m Japan-funded project empowers farmers

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Namibian Sun 2025-03-19

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