In the heart of Namibia, where the rhythms of life echo through vast landscapes and rural communities thrive, a visionary voice rises above the challenges, offering a compelling vision of prosperity. Johannes !Gawaxab, the Governor of the Bank of Namibia, is not just a financial steward but a fervent advocate for change. He contends that the key to transforming Namibia’s rural economy and making it flourish lies in the vibrant tapestry of agriculture diversification.
In a recent address, Governor !Gawaxab spoke eloquently about the vital role that diversification plays in rejuvenating the agricultural sector, making it more lucrative, and securing a brighter future for the nation. He urged farmers to transcend the limits of subsistence farming and embrace innovation to increase productivity.
Agriculture stands as the cornerstone of Namibia’s rural economy, providing employment opportunities and nourishing food security for approximately 70% of the population. To achieve a profound transformation, !Gawaxab asserts that agriculture must take center stage in the narrative of rural economic evolution.
“Diversification involves developments in technology, the provision of better infrastructure, and well-functioning agricultural markets to support more diversified production,” he emphasized. Diversification, he argues, is not a mere concept but a catalyst for change, a vehicle to nurture agri-preneurs, and ultimately, a wealth-creating sector. Agriculture, he stresses, is not just a developmental endeavor; it is, indeed, a business.
Governor !Gawaxab’s vision extends to the crucial role of irrigation schemes, particularly green schemes, in the transformation of the agricultural sector and their role in ensuring food security. He underscores the need for a significant focus on rural infrastructure, including irrigation systems, storage facilities, and transportation networks.
In addition, he champions access to finance and technical support to facilitate the adoption of modern and sustainable farming techniques. He envisions a future where agriculture harnesses innovation and cutting-edge technologies like robots, temperature and moisture sensors, aerial images, and GPS technology to usher in an era of profitability, efficiency, safety, and environmental stewardship.
Namibia’s persistent drought for the past decade has cast a shadow of food insecurity, affecting an estimated 750,000 Namibians. !Gawaxab voices his deep concern, warning of a looming national crisis if measures aren’t taken. Climate-resilient practices in agriculture must become the cornerstone of resilience, especially in these trying times.
Furthermore, the Governor underlines the pressing need for Namibia to reduce its dependence on imported food and products. This move not only transforms the rural economy but also presents a lifeline to the unskilled part of the unemployed population, offering them opportunities for meaningful work.
“This is a simple goal we can achieve by replacing imports with products made or grown in our own country,” he declared. Collectively, these measures have the potential to boost Namibia’s value addition, economic diversification, and self-sufficiency, paving the way for robust economic growth.
Namibia’s rural economy, primarily defined by agriculture, is facing increasing competition from urban areas for labor, land, and water resources. Currently, the agricultural sector contributes a modest 5% to the nation’s GDP. In 2018, it provided employment to 167,242 people, with a significant portion located in rural regions. However, a staggering 87.6% of these jobs were informal, highlighting the urgent need for transformation.
In conclusion, Johannes !Gawaxab’s clarion call for agriculture diversification resonates as a powerful anthem of change, one that can breathe new life into Namibia’s rural economy. The path to prosperity lies in innovation, resilience, and self-reliance, with agriculture as the central protagonist in this compelling story of transformation. By following !Gawaxab’s visionary guidance, Namibia can seize the opportunity to thrive, building a prosperous future where rural communities flourish and the nation prospers.
Stay updated with the latest farming tips and agriculture industry news from Africa by subscribing to our newsletter. Don’t miss out on valuable insights and updates. Follow us on Twitter, LinkedIn, and Facebook to join our farming community and stay connected with us.
