Ngurare pushes Otjinene peanut butter plant
Prime Minister Elijah Ngurare has urged farmers in Omaheke's Otjinene area to explore peanut butter manufacturing as a vehicle for job creation, rural industrialisation and local economic empowerment.
Speaking at Farm Toekat on Wednesday during an engagement with farmers, Ngurare said the initiative fits within the government's broader ambition to ensure every region builds industries around its comparative economic strengths.
He said that President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah last year directed him to ensure each region establishes a factory or processing facility linked to what it produces best.
Ngurare said Omaheke holds enormous agricultural potential and could become one of Namibia's leading food-producing regions if communities invest in local production and processing.
"We have the land, the farmers and the determination. What is needed now is to add value to what we already produce so that our people can benefit economically and more employment opportunities can be created, especially for the youth," he said.
He also emphasised unity, accountability and active citizen participation, encouraging residents to engage government leaders openly and hold public officials to account when commitments are not met.
"Government alone cannot achieve development without the involvement of communities. Citizens must feel free to engage leaders and demand progress where promises have been made," Ngurare said.
Farm Toekat owner Steenkamp described the discussions as a "dream come true" that had renewed hope among local farmers. He called on commercial, communal and resettled farmers to work together as equal partners in strengthening food production and ensuring food security.
"We must support one another and move forward together. Agriculture can only thrive when farmers unite and share knowledge, opportunities and resources," Steenkamp said.
