• By Jeremiah Ndjoze

Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Land Reform minister, Inge  Zaamwani described the recent launch of the Hope Farm Project, a public-private initiative, as the start of a journey that links national development goals to real and everyday impact.  Launched at Farm Daweb near Usakos, in the Erongo Region, the project is designed to strengthen livelihoods, create income opportunities and empower communities through sustainable livestock farming. The initiative forms part of the government’s small stock distribution and development in communal areas (SSDDCA).

“I must commend the Hope Farm project launched by the Swakop Uranium Foundation, because it follows strong principles. Livestock is given to selected farmers not as a handout, but as a tool for building income and creating independence,” Zaamwani said.  She added that the programme is based on a revolving model where farmers are expected to return 10 young animals after 15 months, so that more people can benefit in future rounds to keep the initiative going.

The venture was funded to the tune of N$3 million investment and saw the distribution of 630 animals to 30 local farmers. The remaining livestock will follow later this year. Erongo regional governor, Nathalia  /Goagoses hailed the project as a “timely intervention for underserved farming communities across the region after a long period of drought.” 

Swakop Uranium chief executive officer, Luo Wei, revealed that project beneficiaries will undergo: “Training sessions to ensure that they have the necessary skills to rear the animals well and also honour their commitment to return animals in the specified period.” 
Chinese embassy representative, Wei  Jinming drew parallels between this initiative and his country’s efforts to strengthen its agricultural sector through community-led solutions.

 “The Hope Farm Project brings to life the values we share, empowering families, investing in knowledge and building from the ground up. It is a powerful example of what meaningful development looks like,” Jinming said. Introduced in 2009, the SSDDCA is said to have so far benefited about 779 farmers nationwide with 15,580 ewes and 77 rams having been distributed to date.