Justicia Shipena
The implementation of Namibia’s new agriculture cooperation programme with the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) faces a funding gap of US$8.9 million (approximately N$168 million).
The programme requires a total of US$15.7 million (approximately N$296 million) to implement, but only US$6.8 million (approximately N$128 million) has been secured so far.
The funding forms part of the Country Programming Framework (CPF) signed between the FAO and the Namibian government. The framework will guide cooperation in agriculture and food systems from 2025 to 2029.
The agreement was signed at the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Land Reform Namibia in Windhoek on Monday.
FAO representative ad interim in Namibia Patrice Talla Takoukam said the framework strengthens cooperation between the FAO and Namibia to improve food systems.
“This document is not merely a strategic plan. It is a declaration of shared intent… to transform the agrifood systems that Namibians depend upon for their survival and their dignity,” he said.
Takoukam said the programme comes at a time when many Namibians face food insecurity.
According to the FAO, 57.2% of Namibia’s population experiences moderate or severe food insecurity.
Nearly one in five Namibians are undernourished, and more than one in five children under the age of five are affected by stunting.
The CPF focuses on three priorities. These include strengthening policies and institutions in the agrifood sector, supporting economic recovery through agricultural value chains and promoting sustainable development.
Takoukam said the framework also follows the FAO’s global strategy known as the “Four Betters” — Better Production, Better Nutrition, a Better Environment and a Better Life.
The better production pillar aims to reduce Namibia’s reliance on food imports. Between 50% and 80% of the country’s food is currently imported.
The programme also targets nutrition challenges such as child stunting, diet-related diseases and micronutrient deficiencies among women.
Environmental sustainability forms another part of the framework. The programme will support the protection of rangelands, forests, fisheries and water resources while strengthening climate resilience.
Takoukam said the initiative also focuses on supporting women, youth and small-scale farmers.
“It is for the smallholder farmer who needs better seeds and access to markets… for the mother whose child is stunted… and for every Namibian who deserves a food-secure, well-nourished and prosperous future,” he said.
At the same signing ceremony, minister of agriculture, fisheries, water and land reform Inge Zaamwani said the CPF will guide technical and programme cooperation between Namibia and the FAO over the next five years.
She said Namibia has benefited from cooperation with the FAO in food security, agricultural development and resilience programmes.
“Together we have built a foundation of trust and collaboration that is delivering real impact for our farmers and our communities,” she said.
Zaamwani said universities and the private sector will also play a role in implementing the framework.
“We would like to see the University of Namibia and the Namibian University of Science and Technology partnering with the ministry to support projects in the framework through research that can be applied by our farmers,” she said.
