Namibian youth farm faces market challenges
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Young farmers at the Nakalega Youth Irrigation Project in the Oshana region of Namibia are struggling to find consistent buyers for their fruits and vegetables.
Elikana Namboga, the project manager, explained that despite selling to both formal and informal markets, a lack of demand remains a key obstacle. The project, established in 2015, aims to provide employment and income for young people who have not completed their education, currently employing seven individuals on a permanent basis.
The 12-hectare farm grows crops like sweet potatoes, carrots, and watermelons, using a drip irrigation system supplied with free water from NamWater due to its focus on youth empowerment. However, the project also contends with rising costs for fertiliser and pest control. Recently, 45 agricultural and forestry officers participated in a training program at the farm, learning about the “farmer field schools” concept as part of the Drylands Sustainable Landscapes Impact Project.
This larger project, active in 11 African and Asian countries, intends to establish 220 field schools in northern Namibia to educate approximately 7,200 people about addressing environmental issues and improving agricultural practices. Namibia began participating in the project in March 2023, with activities planned through April 2028.
