Kunene Governor Vipuakuje Muharukua has announced the establishment of multi-million-dollar Kunene Capital Agri Hubs aimed at helping farmers access markets, improve production, and create jobs. 

The initiative, which is expected to start operations by April next year, forms part of the governor's broader plan to transform the Kunene region's agricultural economy.

The Kunene Capital Agri Hubs will be situated in Outjo, Khorixas and Opuwo.

Muharukua said that with a population of about 120,000, he is concerned that the region's main source of income is government social grants. 

"If the majority of income in our region comes from government social grants, what are we as farmers doing? If you sit on 4,000, 3,000, or 2,500 hectares, or however big, shouldn't we then go back to the drawing board and find out for ourselves how much we are making per hectare? How can we improve our income to ensure that the majority comes from the land and that those who own the largest commercial properties are included?"

He said this also reflects on challenges faced by farmers, who are struggling to make profits due to limited markets.

Other challenges faced by farmers in the Kunene Region include droughts, infrastructure gaps, general unemployment, and limited education. 

"We recognise as a people that if we have drought, there's little we can do; if we don't have infrastructure, our production is limited; education is the same way. Yet we have opportunities."

He said they do have land and create jobs for the unemployed youthful population. 

Muharukua emphasised that the Kunene Capital Agri Hub is in line with the Swapo Party's manifesto, which promises to create 500,000 jobs in five years, and the plan is to have at least 5,000 of those jobs created in the Kunene Region.

He said supporting farmers through improved market access will strengthen the agricultural sector and reduce dependence on government assistance.

The Kunene Capital Agri Hub is envisaged to generate over N$60 million and ensure that farm produce reaches 63% of people living in rural areas.

Over 40 farmers who attended the meeting welcomed the initiative, confirming that most of their produce often goes to waste due to limited or no access to markets. 

The project has already begun to register farmers, with an ambitious goal of incorporating at least 5,000 individuals by April.