Agriculture ministry invests N$700 000 in revival of resettlement farm

The Ministry of Agriculture, Water and Land Reform has invested N$700 000 in the resuscitation of operations at the Bernafay Farm Integrated Food System Project near Stampriet in the Hardap region.

The farm, which already has an orchard with more than 200 fruit trees, will also engage in horticulture farming to contribute to food security and lucerne production for livestock feed.

This transformative project aims to empower 14 families, comprising approximately 108 individuals from previously disadvantaged communities who benefited from the ministry’s resettlement programme in 2002.

While the ministry’s investment is for farm-related maintenance, including borehole rehabilitation, drilling and fencing, the World Food Programme (WFP) and its partners had contributed close to N$700 000 for capacity building and to contribute to agricultural sustainability in the region.

Speaking at the official inauguration of the project on Tuesday, agriculture executive director Ndiyakupi Nghituwamata said the resettlement beneficiaries are former workers of the former owner of the farm.

“The orchard at this farm used to flourish and we want to introduce new agricultural expertise using smart agriculture to obtain food security, food self-reliance and create employment for the youth at the farm,” said Nghituwamata.

She commended the WFP for their unwavering support and for rallying partners, including the Namibia Diamond Trading Company (NDTC), DeBeers Group Namibia and Namibia Desert Diamonds (Namdia).

WFP Namibia deputy country director Ericah Shafudah reaffirmed WFP’s commitment to supporting the Bernafay community in implementing planned food production activities under the project, ensuring sustainable growth and poverty reduction.

“Since WFP’s strategic shift in 2021, we have been closely working with all partners, including government, state-owned enterprises, the private sector and farmer associations, to tackle the root causes of food insecurity. Today’s launch is testament to the fruits of this collaboration,” Shafudah said.

– email: matthew@namibian.com.na