Fodder production in spotlight
Gover nm en th as intensified a programme that will enable farmers to produce fodder through hydroponic means, an initiative that was prompted by the loss of sizeable livestock in previous years due to drought.
This was announced by I-Ben Nashandi, the executive director in the Office of the Prime Minister during a courtesy visit along with the Country Director of the United Nations World Food Programme, George Fedha, to the governor of Omaheke region Pijoo Nganate on Monday.
Nashandi narrated that Namibia being a drought-hit the country, there is need to intensify various methods and in ensuring the country builds resilience.
He said government has invested a lot of resources in the provision of water.
The purpose of the visit was to assess the progress of the many government supported programmes that are implemented across the country, such as the food assistance programme, which is implemented in conjunction with the World Food Programme and water provision countrywide.
Country Director of the World
Food Programme George Fedha said, through the fifth National Development Plan (NDP5), the agency wants to ensure food and nutrition security situation in Namibia is stable, especially after the Covid-19 and the recent drought.
For the past six months, the Omaheke region has benefitted from the just-ended generous provision of food by the World Food Programme, which mostly targeted anti-retroviral therapy (ART) patients.
Health regional director Jeremia Shikulo expressed his gratitude for the food programme and articulated it helped with the viral load suppression from 67% to 76%, which consequently helps with the reduction of new infections in the region.
Shikulo further said the ministry is looking forward to other sustainable programmes that will ensure food security to improve adherence and for patients to continue with their medication.