Agriculture Ministry, UNAM Move to Strengthen Agricultural Training and Projects
The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Land Reform and the University of Namibia (UNAM) are exploring a formal partnership aimed at strengthening agricultural training and improving the performance of key agricultural projects.
The two institutions held discussions today on a proposed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) focusing on the Mashare and Tsumis Agricultural Training Institutions.
The meeting was chaired by Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Land Reform, Hon. Inge Zaamwani, and attended by Deputy Minister Hon. Ruthy Masake. The UNAM delegation was led by Vice-Chancellor Professor Kenneth Matengu.
Beyond agricultural training, the discussions examined measures to improve the operational standards and performance of the Kalimbeza Rice Project and the Vhungu-Vhungu Dairy Farm.
The proposed collaboration also covers agro-processing facilities, with the institutions looking at ways to strengthen value addition within the agricultural sector.
Projects targeting women and young people were also discussed, particularly poultry initiatives aimed at expanding opportunities for participation in agriculture and creating potential avenues for employment and income generation.
Another area of discussion was the development of feed production facilities, including efforts to address shortages of fish feed.
The proposed MoU is expected to provide a framework for closer cooperation between the Ministry and UNAM in agricultural education, research, skills development and the improvement of agricultural production and related facilities.
The engagement forms part of broader efforts to strengthen Namibia’s agricultural capacity by linking training and academic expertise with practical agricultural production and value-addition initiatives.
