Farmers receive fodder support from MTC

WINDHOEK, JULY 9 – Namibia Agriculture and Farming Unions were on Tuesday the recipients of monetary support aimed at mitigating fodder shortages.

Currently, the drought situation in the country is affecting the production of arable crops and
animal feed, which can negatively impact on farmer income by directly increasing their input costs as well as churning out low food output.

That said, the Namibian Agricultural Union received a donation of N$250 000, while the Namibian National Farmers Union received N$400 000.

MTC says it has made a firm decision to stand by Namibian farming communities and alleviate the effects of “the worse drought experienced over the last 30 years.”

“This support is aimed at increasing the availability of fodder resources for livestock, one of the main challenges faced by farmers dealing with the impact of drought,” read a statement released by MTC.

At the handover, MTC chairman Elvis Nashilongo shared concerns that the agricultural sector was in dire straits, as the nation is confronted by escalating numbers of livestock perishing daily – an immediate threat to food security in itself.

“MTC has never shied away from playing its part when it comes to corporate social responsibility, and today we want to make another contribution geared towards assisting farmers, through the farmers’ unions to get over this difficult period. We want to encourage the two farmers’ representatives to put this donation to good use, and in the best interest of the most disadvantaged farmers,” said Nashilongo.

John Ekongo, Manager Corporate Affairs, Communications and Sponsorships at MTC, said that signs of “extreme climatic events” had spurred the corporate giant into action and offer support to the industry.

“Our action today is informed that on the basis as the largest ICT solutions provider and by far the leading CSI supporter in Namibia, we should not be (oblivious) to the fact that drought will affect us.”

Ekongo called for unity in the face of adversity.

“During times like these, as Namibians we need to hold hands and vigorously push for support towards each other to help us live through this natural calamity, which is no fault of the farmers,” he added.

Currently, MTC has a campaign: “SMS and Connect for Good Campaign,” which commenced on 31 May 2019 and will run until 31 August 2019. Under this campaign, 10 MTC customers will be chosen on a daily basis and win a voucher valued at N$3 000 each. In addition, 16 customers will win N$10 000 each on a monthly basis.

The vouchers are for fuel, groceries or farm implements, redeemable at Agra, Kaap Agri, Shoprite and selected Service Stations.

Another donation at the event was dedicated towards the Winter Knights project, which care of the most vulnerable members of society during winter. Winter Knights received a donation of N$100 000.

Last year MTC also supported Winter Knights with an amount of N$200 000.

“It is important to keep our people warm during this winter, especially knowing that a number of our young and old citizens find themselves homeless,” said Ekongo. – NDN Staffer