Africa-Press – Namibia. Farmers and traders in the Zambezi region have expressed concerns about limited market access, the damaging effects of prolonged droughts, and the urgent need for improved support in value addition and infrastructure development.
During a stakeholder meeting in Katima Mulilo yesterday, they complained that without reliable markets and resilient infrastructure, their livelihoods remain at risk.
In response, Deputy Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Land Reform Ruth Masake assured participants that the government is committed to creating “responsive, inclusive, and impactful” policies that directly address these local challenges.
Speaking at a stakeholder meeting hosted by the Namibian Agronomic Board, Masake emphasised the need for inclusive and practical solutions to protect livelihoods that depend on land, water, and fisheries resources.
“The challenges we face, from climate change and land degradation to water shortages and food insecurity, require coordinated efforts and inclusive solutions,” she said, addressing a hall filled with farmers, fisherfolk, traditional leaders and civil society representatives.
Masake urged unity and collective action to address the urgent issues facing the Zambezi region’s food and water systems.
She praised the Zambezi region’s rich natural resources and cultural heritage but also stressed that these assets must be managed carefully to benefit current and future generations.
“This meeting is not just a formality. It is a platform for open dialogue, shared learning, and collective action,” she reiterated.
The meeting brought together key stakeholders from the agriculture, fisheries, water, and land sectors to discuss practical measures aimed at increasing productivity, ensuring food security, and promoting sustainable resource management.
The deputy minister also called for stronger partnerships between government, traditional authorities, civil society, and development partners to support the region’s agricultural and fisheries sectors.
“Let us use this opportunity to build trust, strengthen partnerships, and reaffirm our commitment to serving the people of this region — especially the farmers, fisherfolk, and communities who depend on these resources daily,” she said.
The meeting was part of a larger national effort to increase dialogue between the government and producers, making sure the voices of local communities are central in shaping Namibia’s future agri-food systems.
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