By: Ketemba Tjipepa

Minister Calle Schlettwein says 70% of the Namibian population depends on the agricultural sector as a source of income and livelihood.

Schlettwein said that despite agriculture contributing 6% to GDP, challenges like climate change and market volatility persist.

The minister said for the sector to grow, Namibia must prioritise agriculture in resource allocation and invest in water and infrastructure.

Schlettwein made these remarks today at the 25th Annual Bank of Namibia Symposium in Windhoek.

“We start from the premise that agriculture, both commercial and subsistence, is a direct and indirect source of income and livelihoods for a significant share of the population, estimated at about 70 percent of the population. This is an attestation that broad-based growth in the sector impacts positively on the quality of life, jobs, prosperity and social transformation for the majority of people in Namibia,” said Schlettwein.

Schlettwein recommended enhancing livestock value chains, increasing productive capacity, and promoting domestic market-oriented flows. 

The minister said for the sector to grow, Namibia must prioritise agriculture in resource allocation and invest in water and infrastructure.

“The sector contribution to GDP amounts to an average of six percent over the past five years, and as the sector contends with the impact of climate change, volatility in monetary policy, and variable industry growth, real growth averaged 4.6 percent over the same calendar year,” stated Schlettwein.

He also stressed the need to diversify market access and address impediments such as high logistics costs and mismanagement in public industrialisation entities.

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