The Namibian, 21 May 2019



REHOBOTH - Due to the recent improvements on the B1 highway, infrastructure in Hardap has substantially increased in quality. “It is now easier for trucks to come in”, says Nweme, a crop farmer.

“The trucks have been bringing in food from Khomas, and it’s been difficult to compete”, laments Nweme. Local groceries have been stocking themselves with the cheaper food imported from the north of the country, depressing prices.

When asked about how he would deal with this situation, Nweme said that he would “follow his neighbours and turn my fields into a ranch.” The improvements in infrastructure has increased livestock exports from Hardap, and more and more farmers are switching agricultural practices.

However, certain issues have arisen. Firstly, the switch to livestock means that inexperienced farmers have been trying to raise livestock - often with limited success. Next, it has been difficult for smaller landowners to make the change, and certain complaints have been raised to their representatives.

One such farmer, Adisa Dawel, mentions “The government only cares about the rich, increasing the development and whatnot! But they do not care about us, the farmers who have no money to afford livestock. This is not fair!”

Overall, the residents of Hardap seem pleased with the recent developments.