The government has distributed a total of 15 580 ewes and 779 rams to 779 farmers under a small stock revolving initiative since 2009.
This was announced by minister of agriculture, fisheries, water and land reform Inge Zaamwani-Kamwi at the launch of the Hope Farm Project near Usakos in the Erongo region on Saturday.
At the event, 30 farmers received 600 ewes and 30 rams on Saturday.
The sheep and goat project was initiated by the Swakop Uranium Foundation.
“This is more than just a launch event; it is the start of a journey connecting our national goals to the livelihoods of our farmers and strengthening our livestock sector in a sustainable and meaningful manner,” the minister said.
The revolving initiative is designed to empower vulnerable households in all 14 regions.
Zaamwani-Kamwi said the programme was allocated N$6 million, which was used to distribute 840 goats to 20 farmers each in the Otjozondjupa and Omaheke regions in the 2024/25 financial year,
“For the current financial year, N$4 million has been allocated, targeting 40 farmers in the Erongo and Omusati regions.
“These farmers will receive a total of 800 ewes and 40 rams,” she said, adding that this marks the beginning of the programme’s second round, from which all 14 regions will benefit.
“This initiative aligns with the ministry’s mandate of enhancing food security and import substitution through the acceleration of livestock and food production capacity in rural and under-served communities,” she said.
Each beneficiary farmer gets 20 ewes and a ram which they return after three years, keeping the offspring, to pass on to other needy farmers.
“This revolving approach ensures this is a growing and multiplying effort, not a one-time act,” the minister said.
Zaamwani-Kamwi said she was particularly happy to see that the project prioritises women and young people, who are the backbone of communities and the future of farming in Namibia.
She called for more investment, not only through resources, but also knowledge, skills and opportunities.
“Moreover, this initiative speaks to the Swapo Manifesto Implementation Plan and other policies, such as the sixth National Development Plan, Vision 2030 and the overarching Sustainable Development Goals at global level,” the minister said.
She said the ministry’s technical teams are heavily involved in providing veterinary services and ongoing training to the beneficiaries.
Zaamwani-Kamwi urged the farmers to build sustainable livelihoods and share what they learn with others, and, most importantly, “honour your revolving agreement to also give back and make your contribution to the next beneficiary”.
She expressed gratitude to Swakop Uranium, the Office of the Governor, and the Erongo Regional Council for the partnership and commitment to uplift the living standards of rural communities through agriculture and other sectors.
– email: matthew@namibian.com.na
