Farming communities in the Omaheke Region have shared their concerns with President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, pointing to the conditions they believe are holding the sector back.
They highlighted challenges such as animal diseases, lack of water, poor gravel roads, and land tax – which they say have contributed to the decline of the dairy industry and made it harder to access livestock markets.
Chairperson of the Omaheke Regional Agricultural Union, Kalie von Kühne, says the agriculture sector's significance to the local economy is well recognised.
Yet, he says, farming communities in the Omaheke Region face enormous challenges that hinder their collective growth.
Kühne says there is a need for greater awareness raising around foot and mouth disease, lumpy skin sickness and proper coordination at border control fences.
The agriculturalist also touched on the issue of the Stampriet Water Aquifer, saying if proper measures are not taken, the sector risks further degrees.
Dairy farmer Frans Murangi stressed that the country's dairy industry is on the verge of collapse, as most of his fellow farmers have decided to walk away, given high input costs, unfavourable markets and minimal support from key stakeholders.
President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah acknowledged that most of the related challenges are a national problem. But, she said this should not stop farmers from producing enough food and raising quality livestock.
Agriculture, she says, has proven itself in terms of contributing to the nation's economy. On the Stampriet water aquifer issue, the Head of State informed the gathering that proven scientific research is needed before any decision might be taken regarding the matter.
Dr. Nandi-Ndaitwah also touched on the issue of alcohol abuse and indigenous minority groups in the region as some of the areas that the government, through key partners, needs to find amicable solutions for.
The President also informed the farming communities that all raised challenges will be shared with cabinet ministers for further deliberations.