A sweet revolution is brewing in Namibia as the nation gears up for its inaugural harvest of locally-grown bananas this winter. This landmark event promises to significantly reduce the country’s reliance on imports, marking a major step towards agricultural self-sufficiency.
Namibia imports a staggering 7,000 tonnes of bananas annually, primarily from South Africa, making it the second most consumed fruit after apples. However, this year marks a turning point, as trial projects in the fertile Zambezi region have yielded promising results.
Tangeni Hangula, fruit development officer at the Namibian Agronomic Board (NAB), exudes confidence. “We are looking at a winter harvest. We started planting 2,222 seedlings, and the results at the project trial sites look very good. I can confidently say that Namibia will produce its own bananas this year.”
While the anticipation is palpable, Hangula stresses that this initial harvest is just the beginning. The focus now shifts to establishing a robust and sustainable local banana industry. Rigorous data collection and analysis are crucial to assess the long-term viability of banana production in Namibia.
The foundation for this burgeoning industry was laid in 2023 when the NAB partnered with AvaGro, a leading agricultural solutions company. Through tissue culture techniques, high-quality seedlings were produced and planted in field trials across regions with suitable climates and soil conditions.
The project has since expanded to include the Etunda Green Scheme Irrigation Project in Ruacana, signalling a move towards large-scale commercial production. This complements the existing small-scale cultivation in regions like Zambezi and Kavango, where bananas are primarily grown for personal consumption.
The growth potential is significant. Across sub-Saharan Africa, banana production is expanding at an average rate of 3%, with Uganda leading the way. Namibia’s ambition to join this growing sector is driven by a desire to reduce its import bill and empower local farmers.
However, challenges remain. Climate fluctuations and the threat of diseases pose potential hurdles to banana cultivation. But with careful planning, continued investment, and the dedication of Namibian farmers, the dream of a thriving local banana industry is within reach. This year’s harvest will be a crucial milestone, marking the beginning of a sweeter, more self-reliant future for Namibia’s agricultural sector.
