Bernafay project launched at Stampriet

Empowering 14 families
At the heart of this initiative is the revitalisation of the orchard, planted with over 200 fruit trees, alongside engaging in horticulture and lucerne production.
Francoise Steynberg
  • 1 Week Ago - 2024-05-07 00:00:00
The Bernafay Farm Integrated Food System Project was officially inaugurated on 30 April by the executive director of the ministry of agriculture, water and land reform, Ndiyakupi Nghituwamata, at the Bernafay resettlement farm - located a few kilometres outside of Stampriet in the Hardap Region.
The project is a collaborative effort between the ministry, the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) and esteemed partners.
At the heart of this initiative is the revitalisation of the orchard, planted with over 200 fruit trees, alongside engaging in horticulture and lucerne production.
With an investment of close to N$700 000 from the ministry for farm-related maintenance, including borehole rehabilitation, drilling and fencing and a substantial contribution from WFP and its partners - totalling close to N$700 000 - for capacity-building and project needs - this project will contribute to food security and agricultural sustainability in the region.
During her keynote address, Nghituwamata commended WFP for its unwavering support and for rallying partners like Namibia Diamond Trading Company (NDTC), DeBeers Group Namibia and Namibia Desert Diamonds (Namdia) to join forces in this noble cause.
She urged other corporates to follow suit and collaborate with the government to uplift agricultural activities across the country.
Ericah Shafudah, WFP Namibia's deputy country director, reaffirmed WFP's commitment to supporting the Bernafay community in implementing planned food production activities under the project, ensuring sustainable growth and poverty reduction.
Acknowledging the collective efforts of the ministry, WFP and partners, Jassop Johannes, chairperson of the Bernafay Farm Integrated Food System Project, pledged to diligently oversee the project's implementation to ensure maximum benefit for the community.
This transformative project aims to empower 14 families, comprising approximately 108 individuals from previously disadvantaged communities who benefitted from the ministry's resettlement programme in 2002.