Namibia keen to contribute to food security in Africa

President Nangolo Mbumba says Namibia is ready to play its part to contribute to food security on the continent.

Speaking at the Africa Fertiliser and Soil Health Summit in Kenya yesterday, Mbumba said while imports of fertilisers to the continent are welcome, local production should be promoted and supported.

“Our country is endowed with natural wind and sun resources, and it is well on its way to become a competitive producer and exporter of green hydrogen, reckoned to catalyse the decarbonisation of the planet,” Mbumba said.

He added that fertilisers can help address nutrient deficiencies in African soils, increasing crop yields and improving food security.

However, while fertilisers are crucial to increase agricultural productivity, their use can be harmful to the environment, he said.

“Their indiscriminate use can also have negative environmental consequences.”

Mbumba said having a balanced approach to soil fertility management is essential.

The integration of mineral fertilisers with organic input, conservation agricultural practices and agro-ecological principles can promote sustainable agriculture systems, he said.

Furthermore, combining both current and future food needs through this system will not comprise the health of the environment, he said.

“Namibia, together with other Southern African Development Community states and key stakeholders, developed the Harmonised Fertiliser Regulatory Framework to promote uptake and improved utilisation of quality fertilisers.”

Mbumba said by showing support, African Union member states can acquire fertilisers from Africa, encouraging efforts to produce more locally in Africa.

“By fostering collaboration, innovation and investment in agricultural development, we can overcome the challenges facing African agriculture,” Mbumba said.

He added that collaboration can unlock the sector’s full potential to nourish a growing population and alleviate poverty through economic growth.

Mbumba said Africans working together will show commitment to advancing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals across the continent and by ensuring an integrated, prosperous and peaceful Africa, driven by its own citizens and representing a dynamic force in the international arena, can this be accomplished.