Hundreds of smallholder farmers in Kavango East have greatly boosted their fight against climate change-induced food insecurity, thanks to a N$2.6 million agricultural support initiative funded by the Japanese government.

The intervention, implemented by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) in collaboration with Namibia’s Ministry of Agriculture, Water and Land Reform, aims to enhance resilience among farming communities affected by the ongoing El Niño-induced drought.

During the official handover of agricultural inputs in Rundu on Monday, FAO representative in Namibia Qingyun Diao emphasized the importance of empowering farmers to withstand climate shocks through sustainable agricultural practices.

As we hand over these agro inputs, we are not only providing essential resources but also empowering our communities to build resilience and adapt to the growing challenges facing the agrifood sector,” she said.

Funded under a N$14 million project by the Japanese government, the programme will also benefit farmers in Ohangwena and Kavango West. Each region is receiving agro inputs worth N$2.6 million, including seeds, gardening tools, water tanks, small-scale solar-powered irrigation systems, chickens, and materials for constructing chicken houses.

Japanese ambassador to Namibia Shinichi Asazuma reaffirmed his country’s commitment to supporting Namibia’s agricultural sector, noting that beyond distributing inputs, the initiative prioritizes skills transfer and capacity building.

“Our collective actions must be geared towards bringing about the practical and tangible solutions to achieve these national aspirations,” Asazuma stated.

Kavango East governor Bonny Wakudumo welcomed the intervention, highlighting the struggles of subsistence farmers who have faced repeated droughts. He urged beneficiaries to make full use of the resources to improve their productivity and move towards food self-sufficiency.