The Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Land Reform has called on development partners to align their financial and technical support with Namibia's strategy for the transformation of the agri-food sector.
Inge Zaamwani was speaking at a networking breakfast meeting in Windhoek on Monday.
.The event was aimed at strengthening collaboration on the implementation of the Strategy for the Transformation of the Agri-food Sector, also known as STAS.
Zaamwani stated that the focus must now shift towards practical implementation that delivers tangible benefits for Namibians.
She also emphasised that transforming the sector cannot be achieved by the government alone but by every stakeholder, commercial and communal farmers, smallholder producers, agribusinesses, and other development partners, including academia.
“Each one of these is a co-creator and co-implementer of this strategy. The STAS provides a platform to institutionalise cooperation between public and non-state actors, ensuring that all stakeholders can contribute and coordinate their efforts around one shared national strategy.”
Speaking on behalf of development partners, United Nations Resident Coordinator Hopolang Phororo reaffirmed their commitment to supporting the government's efforts to transform agriculture into a more productive, resilient, and inclusive sector.
She also described the strong partnerships and coordinated investments as key to transforming agriculture and strengthening food security.
She further emphasised that increased investment in climate-resilient agriculture, water management, agribusiness development, value addition, innovation, and market access can transform the country's agri-food sector into one that is more productive, resilient, and inclusive.
“Ultimately, the success of STAS will be measured not only by increased production and productivity but also by its contribution to inclusive economic growth, decent employment, improved livelihoods, and greater resilience among rural communities. In this regard, particular attention should be given to creating opportunities for young people and women.”