By Kaleb Nghishidivali
OTJIWARONGO, Aug. 15 – Minister of Agriculture, Water and Land Reform, Calle Schlettwein, is poised to officiate the handover of livestock-oriented infrastructure developments to the Amarika Farmers’ Cooperative, benefitting its 122 members. The event, scheduled for August 18, 2023, will be held in Okatumba, Omusati Region.
Through a partnership between the Government of Namibia, the European Union, and the Government of the Federal Republic of Germany via the German Development Bank, a substantial investment of NAD 23.8 Million has been made in the project. This funding has facilitated the creation of essential infrastructure across a 40,000-hectare land area. The improvements encompass a 53-kilometre water pipeline, six water reticulation facilities, and a 56-kilometre rangeland fence. The project aims to elevate livestock management practices and market-oriented approaches within the Amarika Farmers’ Cooperative.
In planning and implementing these enhancements, close collaboration was maintained with the Omusati Regional Council, Ongandjera Traditional Authority, Uukwambi Traditional Authority, Farmers’ Union, and other stakeholders. Regional Land Use Planning and participatory planning processes were seamlessly integrated to ensure the optimal use of the infrastructure.
The primary goal of these initiatives is to enhance the livelihoods of communal farmers, facilitating a shift from subsistence to commercial farming methods. The Amarika Farmers’ Cooperative serves as a notable example, effectively translating government initiatives into tangible outcomes. As evidence of their success, the cooperative has established two butcheries, located in Okahao and Outapi towns within the Omusati Region.
Subsequent to the infrastructure handover, Minister Schlettwein will inaugurate the Amarika Farmers’ Cooperative’s newly constructed butchery on August 17, 2023. Attendees will have the opportunity to experience a variety of locally sourced meat products derived from livestock raised by the cooperative. ‐ Namibia Daily News
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