San communities train in basic and conservation agriculture

WINDHOEK, Sept. 27 – The FNB Namibia Holdings Foundation Trust handed over N$ 100 000 towards the work of the Desert Research Foundation of Namibia (DRFN) – in partnership with the Ministry of Land Reform (MLR) – to support the San communities on resettlement farms in Omaheke. This partnership contributes towards strengthening entrepreneurial skills and training of Namibia’s most vulnerable communities as well as supporting various income generating initiatives.

Clara Bohitile, Chairperson of the FNB Namibia Foundation Trust said: “FNB intends to continuously join hands with the government to create a country where no one dies of hunger, where citizens have access to decent shelter and to basic amenities, such as safe drinking water, quality education, basic health services and a sustainable income to afford the necessities of life.”

Mclesia Mbaisa, Clara Bohitile and Augustinus Tebele

She added that supporting the traditional San livelihoods was very important, because cultural diversity and market access of products contributes towards improved living conditions in remote parts of Namibia. It is anticipated that the will be used to increase skills and knowledge among the San in basic agriculture and conservation agriculture. Both San men and women, inclusive of youth, are expected to benefit from the training.

Deputy Director of the Omaheke Land Office, Ms Mclesia Mbaisa expressed her gratitude towards FNB Namibia for the gesture and added: “Thank you for accepting and reacting to the San Community plight to be enabled in agriculture and nature conservation.”

Michael Kandovaza, Local Development Committee member of the Drimiopsis Farmers’ Association explained that the training was important to the beneficiaries of the community.

Josef Afrikaner and his wife

“We are hoping that it will bring a great change and also improve our gardens. We can attest to the benefit the training has already brought to our community throughout last week and it has been very effective, especially for the gardeners who participated.” – NDN Staffer