Green scheme funding of N$561 million inadequate for agricultural growth

By: Envaalde Matheus

Former agriculture minister Calle Schlettwein says the N$561 million allocated for green schemes is a positive move, but it’s not enough to make agriculture a strong, job-creating sector in Namibia’s economy.

President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah revealed during her first State of the Nation Address (SONA) that she aims to strengthen food production and reduce Namibia’s reliance on imports, particularly from South Africa.

Speaking to News on One, Schlettwein revealed that agriculture, despite being a priority area, receives less than 2% of the total national budget — an amount he says is insufficient to drive significant growth, job creation, and food security.

“It is good to invest in intensive agriculture, and I commend the president for supporting that. The $560 million investment into green schemes is very necessary,” Schlettwein said. “But that falls far short of the total support agriculture needs to become the vibrant sector it should be — one that provides jobs, income, and food security for the entire population, not just a small group.”

He said while investment in infrastructure is important, direct support to farmers is even more critical to boosting the sector.

Schlettwein also raised concerns over bureaucracy and centralized decision-making in green scheme projects, which he said hampers farm productivity.

“I believe the model of operation is key to whether farms will be productive or not. Farming operations happen on the farm — all management decisions must be made immediately by farm managers, not by agents or distant head offices bogged down by bureaucracy,” he stressed.

The former minister further argued that aiming for total self-reliance in food production is neither realistic nor financially sustainable, given Namibia’s geographical and economic limitations.
“You cannot threaten your citizens with famine,” he said. “We need a more differentiated approach. Being self-reliant in everything is not doable, nor is it financially sustainable. What is sustainable and achievable is self-sufficiency in basic foodstuffs, proteins, cereals, and carbohydrates,” he said.

The post Green scheme funding of N$561 million inadequate for agricultural growth first appeared on Future Media News.

The post Green scheme funding of N$561 million inadequate for agricultural growth appeared first on Future Media News.