Namibia’s Omaheke Region is emerging as a beacon of agricultural transformation, with local farming communities earning high praise for their innovative, grassroots approach to development. Deputy Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries, Water, and Land Reform, Ruth Masake, lauded these efforts at the interregional agricultural and industrial show in Tallismanus, highlighting their alignment with the nation’s ambitious National Development Plan Six (NDP6).
Masake emphasised that the event, showcasing livestock, indigenous foods, and local breeds, embodies NDP6’s vision of community-driven innovation. “This is a practical demonstration of a localized approach to development,” she stated, reiterating the ministry’s commitment to bolstering smallholder farmers with training, veterinary services, and expanded livestock improvement programs. The goal, she added, is to bridge the rural-urban divide, underscoring the vital link between farming, culture, and economic growth.
Otjombinde Constituency Councillor Wenzel Kavaka commended farmers for their ingenuity in value addition and product transformation. He stressed that the show represents not just an exhibition, but “the dreams of the farmers and the determination of our people,” aiming for food security and inclusive development.
Dave Tjozongoro, representing the farming communities, underscored the platform’s importance for knowledge exchange. He passionately called for “economic emancipation” and a collective fight against hunger, asserting that “this Namibia is for all.” The sentiment at Tallismanus is clear: local innovation is key to unlocking Namibia’s agricultural potential and securing its economic future.
