Namibia, like many other African countries, relies heavily on agriculture for its economic growth and development. Agriculture accounts for about 5% of the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and provides employment for more than 70% of the population. However, the sector faces many challenges, including unpredictable weather patterns, limited access to credit, and outdated farming practices. These challenges have led to low productivity levels, making it difficult for farmers to compete in local and international markets.
The Neckartal Dam project is one of the government’s initiatives aimed at improving agriculture in Namibia. The project, which began in 2013, involved the construction of a dam with a holding capacity of 800 million cubic meters. The dam, which is the largest in the country, was designed to collect water and be used for irrigation and farming purposes. The first phase of the project was completed in 2018, and the second phase is currently underway.
The Ministry of Agriculture, Water and Land Reform has announced that an additional N$2 billion is required to complete the second phase of the Neckartal Dam project. The money will be used for planning, designing, implementing and running the envisaged irrigation scheme. The government has already spent N$5.4 billion on the project, and this additional funding will ensure that the project is completed as planned.
The completion of the Neckartal Dam project has several potential benefits for farmers in Namibia. Firstly, the dam will provide a reliable source of water for irrigation purposes, which will increase crop yields and productivity. Currently, farmers rely on erratic rainfall patterns, which often lead to crop failures and low yields. With access to water from the dam, farmers will be able to irrigate their crops throughout the year, which will increase their income and food security.
Secondly, the dam will enable farmers to grow a wider range of crops. Currently, farmers in Namibia mainly grow maize, sorghum, and millet, which are rain-fed crops. With access to water from the dam, farmers will be able to grow other crops, such as vegetables, fruits, and cash crops like tobacco and cotton. This will increase the diversity of crops grown in the country, which will provide more options for consumers and improve food security.
Thirdly, the Neckartal Dam project will create employment opportunities in the agricultural sector. The project has already created jobs during the construction phase, and once the irrigation scheme is operational, more jobs will be created in the farming and agribusiness sectors. This will provide much-needed employment opportunities, particularly in rural areas where job opportunities are scarce.
In conclusion, the Neckartal Dam project has the potential to transform agriculture in Namibia. With reliable access to water, farmers will be able to increase their crop yields, grow a wider range of crops, and create employment opportunities. The government’s commitment to completing the project is a positive step towards improving the agricultural sector, and it is important that stakeholders work together to ensure that the project is completed as planned.
