Allexer Namundjembo
Former Mukwe Constituency independent candidate Isdor Muronga has called for financial support to assist rural farmers. His appeal comes after he delivered farming equipment to a woman he met during his campaign trail.
He said small-scale producers in remote areas need urgent assistance to sustain food production.
Muronga told the Windhoek Observer on Sunday that he first met Shadinyando Kayungu at Shamaghandutji in Kavango East. He said the inland village is difficult to reach because of poor roads.
He said her determination to run a small garden and feed her community left a strong impression on him.
“During my campaign trail in Mukwe Constituency, I came across Shadinyando Kayungu, who had a small garden at Shamaghandutji, a village that is not easily accessible due to poor road infrastructure. I was so impressed with her effort to feed her community,” he said.
He said Kayungu shared her challenges with him during the campaign, and he promised to assist her after the elections.
“I promised her that once the elections were over, I was going to deliver what she requested. Today, I delivered on my promise,” he said, adding that he spent most of the day in the inland areas.
“I must admit, it was the most satisfying thing to do.”
Muronga said the campaign showed him how many residents rely on small gardens and micro-scale farming to survive.
He said many farmers face serious obstacles, including lack of equipment, irrigation systems, proper roads, and market access.
“We discovered a lot of small projects across the constituency,” Muronga said.
He urged the government to increase its support to small-scale farmers, saying they remain central to Namibia’s food production.
He called for equipment, funding, soil-to-crop matching services and irrigation tools, especially in areas with strong agricultural potential.
Muronga has converted his campaign team into the Muronga Isdor Foundation, which he says will drive interventions in Mukwe Constituency.
He appealed for financial and in-kind support from the public to assist more farmers like Kayungu.
“I am therefore seeking financial assistance to enable me to assist a lot of people who are trying their best to feed their people and their families,” he said.
Speaking to the Windhoek Observer on Sunday, Shangara Carlo said his mother has been farming for many years and sells vegetables from her garden to villagers.
“She is dedicated. She makes use of the rain to plant more crops such as cabbages and potatoes. During the summer she only plants sweet potatoes due to water shortages,” he said.
He said his mother hopes to one day supply vegetables to local hostels and shops.
“If we had enough water storage facilities, we would be producing more food that could be supplied to local hostels. We just need to be assisted for her dream to become true,” he said.
Carlo added that his mother dreams of expanding the garden to employ more young people in the community.
“We have more unemployed young people in our communities. If we expand the garden, we will be able to match the government’s job creation efforts, he stated.
He said anyone willing to help can reach him at +264 81 609 3432.
