FAO, Japan supports farming households (Agri Monitor)
The Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO), in collaboration with the embassy of Japan in Namibia and the previous Ministry of Agriculture, Water and Land Reform (MAWLR), recently symbolically handed over climate-resilient agro-inputs worth N$2.6 million to farmers in Kavango East region at Rundu town council.
The equipment, funded by the government of Japan, include drip irrigation kits, solar-powered water pumps, water tanks, horticultural seeds, and poultry feed. They are part of a broader FAO resilience building project to enhance food and nutrition security and build the resilience of 1,760 vulnerable farming households across the Kavango East, Kavango West, and Ohangwena regions.
During the handover ceremony, FAO representative in Namibia, Dr Qingyun Diao, underscored that the support provided by FAO aims to enhance agricultural resilience in the face of climate-change challenges such as drought as a means to ensure sustainable food production.
“Without climate-resilient farming systems, rural livelihoods remain at risk. This support empowers farmers to grow more, even under harsh conditions,” said Diao.
Meanwhile, in his handover remarks, Japan’s ambassador, Shinichi Asazuma, recognised Kavango East region's potential to be a major player in ensuring food security in the country.
“With its fertile land and access to water, Kavango East has the potential to become the food basket of Namibia,” Asazuma said.
The ambassador reaffirmed the Japan's commitment to supporting the agriculture sector in Namibia through similar initiatives and in close collaboration with partners such as FAO.
In his acceptance remarks on behalf of the region, governor of Kavango East, Bonifatius Wakudumo, praised the initiative and highlighted the importance of partnerships in uplifting rural farmers and communities from climate induced challenges.
“Climate change has had a heavy toll on our farmers. This initiative demonstrates the strength of partnerships in helping our communities adapt to changing weather patterns,” Wakudumo noted.
Overall, the handover event highlighted the vital role of partnerships in building resilient and sustainable agrifood systems through climate-smart agriculture practices to enhance food security and production at both household and community level.
The equipment, funded by the government of Japan, include drip irrigation kits, solar-powered water pumps, water tanks, horticultural seeds, and poultry feed. They are part of a broader FAO resilience building project to enhance food and nutrition security and build the resilience of 1,760 vulnerable farming households across the Kavango East, Kavango West, and Ohangwena regions.
During the handover ceremony, FAO representative in Namibia, Dr Qingyun Diao, underscored that the support provided by FAO aims to enhance agricultural resilience in the face of climate-change challenges such as drought as a means to ensure sustainable food production.
“Without climate-resilient farming systems, rural livelihoods remain at risk. This support empowers farmers to grow more, even under harsh conditions,” said Diao.
Meanwhile, in his handover remarks, Japan’s ambassador, Shinichi Asazuma, recognised Kavango East region's potential to be a major player in ensuring food security in the country.
“With its fertile land and access to water, Kavango East has the potential to become the food basket of Namibia,” Asazuma said.
The ambassador reaffirmed the Japan's commitment to supporting the agriculture sector in Namibia through similar initiatives and in close collaboration with partners such as FAO.
In his acceptance remarks on behalf of the region, governor of Kavango East, Bonifatius Wakudumo, praised the initiative and highlighted the importance of partnerships in uplifting rural farmers and communities from climate induced challenges.
“Climate change has had a heavy toll on our farmers. This initiative demonstrates the strength of partnerships in helping our communities adapt to changing weather patterns,” Wakudumo noted.
Overall, the handover event highlighted the vital role of partnerships in building resilient and sustainable agrifood systems through climate-smart agriculture practices to enhance food security and production at both household and community level.
