Hardap governor strengthens community farming at Amperbo
The Office of the Hardap Governor has handed over gardening materials and equipment valued at N$50 000 to the !Khar-Khoen Traditional Authority at Amperbo in the Gibeon Constituency, in a bid to strengthen community-led agriculture and food security in the region.
Hardap governor Riaan McNab, accompanied by Gibeon Constituency regional councillor Jeremia van Neel, handed over the materials and equipment on Monday (2 February). The donation was received by Gaob Dawid Hanse, leader of the !Khar-Khoen Traditional Authority.
A few months ago, McNab visited the community and commended its efforts to initiate a crop production project on a three-hectare piece of land despite facing infrastructure challenges. During that visit, he underscored agriculture as the first identified pillar under the 8th Administration of President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, highlighting its role in enhancing food security, promoting self-sustainability and creating employment opportunities, particularly for women and young people.
Returning this week to honour his commitment, the governor officially handed over the equipment, which will enable the Traditional Authority to complete fencing around the project site, commence ploughing and begin the planting phase. The initiative is expected to pave the way for increased local food production and greater community self-reliance in Amperbo.
McNab thanked Hanse and the community for demonstrating initiative and “meeting government halfway” in their efforts to empower themselves. He expressed confidence that the project could serve as a model for other Traditional Authorities across the Hardap Region.
Chief Hanse conveyed his appreciation to the governor and his delegation, assuring them that the garden project would make a significant contribution to feeding households in the area. He also revealed plans to undertake an excursion to the Oshana Region to learn best agricultural practices from Chief Nangolo and requested Governor McNab and Councillor van Neel to assist in facilitating the knowledge-sharing visit.
The project marks another step forward in the Hardap Region’s advancement of sustainable agriculture and community-driven development. - [email protected]
