FAO in Namibia

FAO Namibia fulfill promise by handing over agricultural tools to Sihetekera Women group

28/02/2019

FAO Namibia handed over agricultural tools to the Sihetekera Women Group in Kapako Constituency, Okavango West Region. This was in fulfilment of the FAO pledge made to this women group during the 2018 World Food Day commemoration held in Bunya village, Kavango West Region.

The tools donated which consists of wheelbarrows, rakes, hoes, fences and poles, will assist the women group to increase production and productivity of their agricultural produce in order to improve food security and nutrition for their families and in their communities. According to the Sihetekera Women Group, the biggest challenges to their farming activities are the livestock that destroy the crops and lack of water during the dry seasons. With the provision of fences and pole materials, livestock problem will now be something of the past; however, there is still a need to address the water supply issue in order to achieve food security.

During the handing over ceremony officiated by the councilor of Kapako Constituency Hon Johannes Karondo and Assistant FAO Representative (Programme) Mr Ferdinard Mwapopi, the Hon Councilor of Kapako Constituency thanked FAO-Namibia for fulfilling its promise, the commitment shown and for donating to the Sihetekera Women Group in Kapako Constituency, a constituency regarded as one of the poorest part in Kavango West Region. In his remarks, the Councilor confidently affirmed that the tools donated by FAO will not be wasted but will be put to good use by the Sihetekera Women Group, who he confirmed as hard working and committed to agricultural activities in their given 1.5 hectares of land.

In attendance were also staff from the Ministry of Agriculture, Water and Forestry, Kapako constituency office as well as the members of the Sihetekera Women Group.  

The chairperson of the Women Group, Ms Pauline Likeke could not hide her happiness and appreciation for the FAO support, which came at a time when it is most needed. In her word of thankfulness, she welcomed FAO support, on which she said, will build on the assistance the Group received in the past from the Ministry of Gender and Child Welfare. She concluded by saying that the gardening project started by a group of 18 members and now 23 members does not have to worry any more about livestock destroying the crops, big thank you to FAO.