Fostering resilience among smallholder farmers

A project is being implemented to diversify rural livelihoods and foster resilience among 6 100 rural smallholder farming households in Kavango West, Karas, Ohangwena, and Zambezi.The Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) has partnered with Japan and the agriculture ministry to embark on a transformative agriculture initiative in Namibia.This involves a US$1.2 million project entitled 'Emergency Response to Mitigate Multiple Shocks and Enhance Resilient Livelihoods in Namibia'.According to the FAO, through the distribution of vital agro-inputs and strategic investments in innovative small-scale irrigation and water-saving technologies, the project seeks to empower farmers to withstand the shocks of climate change and economic fluctuations.“In addition to providing material support, the project places a significant emphasis on capacity building.”Capacity programmesFAO said that it, in partnership with the agriculture ministry and other stakeholders such as the German Agency for International Cooperation (GIZ), aims to equip targeted local communities with crucial skills and knowledge.It said that by implementing focused, demand-driven and outcome-oriented capacity-building programmes, the project aims to empower not only smallholder farmers but also enhance the capabilities of agricultural extension personnel and key community stakeholders, including youth and traditional leaders.The FAO said the impact of this collaboration is already being felt on the ground in the beneficiary regions.Bearing witness A recent joint field mission by FAO and the embassy of Japan to the Kavango West Region bore witness to the tangible difference the project is making in the lives of rural farmers, it said.The mission also served as an opportunity to symbolically hand over agricultural tools and inputs to some of the project’s beneficiaries.Japan's ambassador to Namibia, Hisao Nishimaki, expressed his optimism about the project’s transformative potential.He emphasised its potential to uplift vulnerable communities from the clutches of hunger and poverty, offering not only sustenance but also income-generating opportunities."It was truly encouraging to hear one of the youth beneficiaries share how the project's support has enabled him to boost his garden's profitability. This underscores the kind of positive impact we aspire to achieve through this assistance.”Governor Sirkka Ausiku of Kavango West Region said the response from the youth beneficiaries of this project has been very encouraging, as they are showing a strong willingness to engage in agribusiness to earn money for themselves and support their families.Meanwhile, Ferdinard Mwapopi, assistant FAO representative (Programmes), said that projects like these underscore the importance of partnerships in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.

Fostering resilience among smallholder farmers

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Republikein 2025-06-18

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