Namibia’s Minister of Agriculture, Water, and Land Reform, Calle Schlettwein, recently emphasized the urgent need to prioritize agriculture as a national focal point. Addressing the Keetmanshoop Agricultural, Industrial and Tourism Expo, Schlettwein called for increased budgetary allocation and resource support for the sector, underscoring agriculture’s potential to enhance food security, promote social inclusion, and drive economic progression.
Schlettwein highlighted that despite agriculture’s critical role in job creation—contributing to around 20% of direct employment—the sector’s current budget allocation is disproportionately low, with only 2.3% of the non-interest expenditure and 0.7% of GDP in the 2024/25 fiscal year. He urged policymakers to elevate agriculture’s status as a priority sector, aligning resources to match its potential.
Namibia’s agriculture sector, which has historically relied heavily on rainfed systems, faces increasing pressure from climate-related challenges and global economic shifts. Schlettwein stressed the need for a shift toward climate-smart and intensive agricultural practices, which require substantial investment in water infrastructure, sanitation, and energy resources. “Secure, affordable, and reliable power provision, alongside accessible water resources, are essential for sustaining and expanding agricultural productivity,” he noted.
To further bolster Namibia’s agricultural output, Schlettwein proposed investment in critical infrastructure, from abattoirs and processing plants to cold storage facilities and digital marketing hubs. Enhanced logistical and supply-chain systems are also necessary to address quality and distribution challenges, particularly in the livestock and agronomic sectors.
The minister’s call for increased agricultural resources emphasizes that agriculture’s potential for poverty alleviation, income equality, and national food sovereignty could be fully realized through targeted investments.
Source: Coleman, A. “Namibian Agriculture Needs More Resources – Calle Schlettwein.” Farmers Weekly. Available at https://www.farmersweekly.co.za/agri-news/africa/namibian-agriculture-needs-more-resources-calle-schlettwein/
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