Agriculture Minister supports Bank of Namibia’s drought relief policy

Agriculture Minister supports Bank of Namibia’s drought relief policy

The Bank of Namibia has introduced a financial relief policy for farmers affected by ongoing drought, which includes loan restructuring, debt moratoriums, and emergency funding at preferential terms. Agriculture Minister Calle Schlettwein expressed support for the policy in an interview with Future Media, emphasising the need for financial products tailored to the agricultural sector's unique challenges. Minister Schlettwein, discussing Namibia's response to climate change, further highlighted the importance […]

October 29, 2024 16

Environment

Fungi to the rescue: South African scientists use innovative approach to protect apple trees

Woolly apple aphids are destructive pests, threatening South Africa’s apple-growing industry. Westend61/Getty Images By Antoinette Paula Malan, Stellenbosch University; Letodi Luki Mathulwe, Stellenbosch University, and Nomakholwa Faith Stokwe, Stellenbosch University Gardeners the world over dread the appearance of aphids on their plants. There are around 4,000 species of these sap-sucking insects and about 250 are pests that can wreak havoc on crops in a garden or orchard. One […]

September 17, 2024 23

Environment

The role and importance of farmers’ associations

By Erastus Ngaruka: Technical Advisor – Livestock & Rangeland Management The agricultural sector in Namibia is the backbone of the country’s economy through its three main pillars, namely, food production, employment creation, and income generation. The sector faces endless challenges associated with climate, market, technologies, inputs, and conflicts amongst others. These are hindering sustainable crop and livestock production in the country at all scales in […]

June 26, 2024 61