Namibian President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah has called for heightened vigilance against wildfires, stressing that the country’s agricultural sector—a key economic foundation—is severely threatened by such disasters.
Speaking at a meeting with commercial farmers in the Omaheke region, the President cited the spreading fire from Etosha National Park, which has destroyed critical grazing land for both wildlife and livestock.
President Nandi-Ndaitwah underscored the foundational role of agriculture, which contributes about 4.6% to the national Gross Domestic Product (GDP). She noted that the sector is a crucial “low-hanging fruit” the country must leverage, especially given recent commodity price drops in the mining sector, particularly diamonds.
“Let us always remember that agriculture is not only about farming, it is about building the land,” she stated, urging farmers to unite to prevent future disasters. “If we build the land together with resilience and unity, we will build a stronger Namibia for generations to come.”
The President encouraged commercial farmers to deepen their investment, framing agriculture as the bedrock for national stability and progress. “Without food, there can be no economy, no stability and progress. With food, nations can rise, innovate and thrive,” she concluded.
