Agri Ministry, UNAM strengthen agri research partnership
Boosting research, skills and innovation
The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Land Reform (MAFWLR) and the University of Namibia (UNAM) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at strengthening cooperation in research, innovation, teaching and capacity development across Namibia’s agriculture and natural resources sectors.
The agreement establishes a structured framework for collaboration in key areas, including joint research initiatives, curriculum development, student placements, technical training and shared access to specialised facilities. Through the MoU, UNAM students and academic staff will gain practical exposure via work-integrated learning, internships, field attachments and clinical veterinary training within MAFWLR programmes.
MAFWLR has committed to making its existing infrastructure available to support the partnership. These include green scheme irrigation projects, agricultural research stations, seed multiplication and testing units, and laboratories. The facilities will be used for research projects, field trials, teaching support and innovation-driven initiatives designed to address sector challenges.
The partnership is expected to support green scheme development through research-driven improvements in irrigation systems, crop diversification and yield optimisation. Scientific studies led by UNAM will also strengthen the operations of research stations, contributing to improved breeding programmes, soil management practices, rangeland monitoring and disease surveillance.
Developing and testing seeds
In the area of seed improvement, the collaboration will focus on developing and testing seed varieties, enhancing seed quality and strengthening national breeding programmes that are suited to Namibia’s climatic conditions. This work is intended to improve resilience and productivity in local farming systems.
The MoU further provides for joint curriculum development and technical training programmes, particularly in agriculture, veterinary sciences, fisheries, environmental science, engineering and related fields. Co-supervision of postgraduate students and joint proposal development for international research funding opportunities also form part of the agreement.
Both institutions say the partnership is designed to generate new knowledge, strengthen human capacity and contribute to improved productivity, sector competitiveness and national food security. The MoU reflects a shared commitment to evidence-based decision-making, innovation and long-term sustainability in Namibia’s agriculture and natural resources sector.
The agreement establishes a structured framework for collaboration in key areas, including joint research initiatives, curriculum development, student placements, technical training and shared access to specialised facilities. Through the MoU, UNAM students and academic staff will gain practical exposure via work-integrated learning, internships, field attachments and clinical veterinary training within MAFWLR programmes.
MAFWLR has committed to making its existing infrastructure available to support the partnership. These include green scheme irrigation projects, agricultural research stations, seed multiplication and testing units, and laboratories. The facilities will be used for research projects, field trials, teaching support and innovation-driven initiatives designed to address sector challenges.
The partnership is expected to support green scheme development through research-driven improvements in irrigation systems, crop diversification and yield optimisation. Scientific studies led by UNAM will also strengthen the operations of research stations, contributing to improved breeding programmes, soil management practices, rangeland monitoring and disease surveillance.
Developing and testing seeds
In the area of seed improvement, the collaboration will focus on developing and testing seed varieties, enhancing seed quality and strengthening national breeding programmes that are suited to Namibia’s climatic conditions. This work is intended to improve resilience and productivity in local farming systems.
The MoU further provides for joint curriculum development and technical training programmes, particularly in agriculture, veterinary sciences, fisheries, environmental science, engineering and related fields. Co-supervision of postgraduate students and joint proposal development for international research funding opportunities also form part of the agreement.
Both institutions say the partnership is designed to generate new knowledge, strengthen human capacity and contribute to improved productivity, sector competitiveness and national food security. The MoU reflects a shared commitment to evidence-based decision-making, innovation and long-term sustainability in Namibia’s agriculture and natural resources sector.
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