Parliamentary Committee Assesses Impact of Agribank and EIF-Funded Projects in Kunene Region
The Parliamentary Standing Committee on Education, Youth, Civic Relations and Community Development has assessed the impact of government-supported financing on community-based agricultural and tourism projects during field visits to the Kunene Region.
The Committee visited two projects funded through the Agribank-supported New Youth Development Fund (NYDF) and the Environmental Investment Fund (EIF), examining the progress made by beneficiaries as well as the challenges affecting their operations.
The first project visited was a poultry farming venture owned by Patrick Khunuxab, a beneficiary of funding under the NYDF through Agribank.
The project was initially approved while Khunuxab was based in the Erongo Region, but land-related challenges prompted him to relocate to his home region of Kunene after acquiring his own land.
Khunuxab has since established temporary infrastructure and commenced preparations for poultry production, with a focus on broiler chickens and egg-laying birds.
However, he has encountered difficulties securing a reliable market for broilers, prompting him to place greater emphasis on egg production, which he believes offers more sustainable market opportunities.
The Committee also visited Elephant Rest Camp, owned by Kathrine, a beneficiary of funding from the Environmental Investment Fund in the Sori Sori Conservancy.
EIF funding enabled the establishment to construct a reception office, four accommodation chalets and a shaded area, providing essential infrastructure for the tourism business.
The camp is strategically positioned to accommodate tourists travelling through the conservancy and contribute to the local tourism economy.
Although the project experienced some administrative challenges during implementation, the funding has significantly contributed to the development of the establishment.
Kathrine said she intends to expand the facility, with future plans potentially including a swimming pool and additional accommodation rooms.
The remote location of the camp remains a challenge, particularly when it comes to attracting and retaining qualified employees.
The establishment employs both local and foreign workers, with its workforce increasing from approximately two employees at the beginning of the project to about five.
The tourism establishment is also contributing directly to the Sori Sori Conservancy by allocating 3% of its profits to the conservancy.
This arrangement provides an additional source of benefit to the local community while supporting conservation and tourism-related activities.
The field visits gave the Committee an opportunity to assess first-hand how public financing is supporting entrepreneurship, employment creation and economic activity in rural communities.
At the same time, the projects highlighted persistent challenges that require continued attention, including access to markets, infrastructure development, administrative processes and the availability of skilled human resources.
The Committee’s assessment demonstrates that targeted government financing can play an important role in supporting rural businesses and community development.
However, the experiences of the beneficiaries also underscore the importance of complementary support to ensure that funded projects remain sustainable and capable of expanding their contribution to local economies.
