By: Laban Rasalus

The Governor of the Erongo region Neville Andre says agriculture is the key to economic development in Namibia, saying most of the inhabitants in the region depend on agriculture, either directly or indirectly, as their main source of livelihood.

The governor was speaking at a  farmers’ day held at Omaruru on 2 – 3 March.

Andre urged farmers to play their part in making sure agriculture becomes a catalyst for economic growth as well as food and livelihood security.

“Land sustains every aspect of our lives, providing fundamental life-support systems and the foundation of our economy and society. It is the decisions we make that affect not just the land, but also water, oceans, air, and atmosphere, and the life they support,” he noted.

Andre also maintained that land ecosystems are central to the maintenance of fundamental life-support systems for the planet.

He applauded the Ministry of Agriculture, Water and Land Reform officials for the initiative that brought organisations and resettled farmers together in order to share information, stating that they will enable farmers in discussing different issues in the farming sector and help farmers gain insight on matters that are affecting the region.

“My office receives numerous questions from people who would like to know why they haven’t got resettled, despite applying for many years,” he revealed.

He said fencing and water issues, boundary disputes, lack of farm infrastructure and other challenges have affected the resettlement selection criteria.

He revealed that the Erongo region has thus far collected N$106 210.25 on rental fees as at February 2023, which is 99.5% return, out of the set target of N$106 785,83 to be collected from the 41 out of 58 farming units with lease agreements in the region.