Strengthening Namibia’s Seed Systems

Ongwediva, Namibia – As part of Phase II of the China-FAO-Namibia South-South Cooperation (SSC) Project, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Land Reform (MAFWLR) facilitated a dynamic two-day training workshop to strengthen Namibia’s seed systems.

The training workshop, titled “Workshop on Baseline Survey Questionnaires of the Namibia Seed System,” aimed to equip participants with skills and tools to support data collection for seed system planning. It forms part of broader efforts under the SSC Phase II tripartite agreement to enhance agricultural productivity and sustainability.

Hosted in Ongwediva on 25 March and Rundu on 27 March respectively, the workshop targeted MAFWLR technical staff from ten crop-growing regions across the country. The regions were grouped into two training venues: Omusati, Oshana, Ohangwena, Oshikoto and Kunene North attended the Ongwediva session, while Kavango West, Kavango East, Otjozondjupa, Omaheke, and Zambezi participated in the Rundu session.

Participants were guided through the methodology, structure, and objectives of the seed system baseline survey, with in-depth sessions on interpreting and administering four newly designed survey forms. FAO’s technical expert, Chen Kun, led discussions on how to classify questions, identify appropriate respondents, and streamline data collection efforts.

“The training gave me the opportunity to have face-to-face discussions with many agricultural extension officers and seed technicians in Namibia,” said Kun, the SSC Seed System Planning Expert. “It allowed for mutual learning and joint improvement between Chinese experts and Namibian technicians.”

FAO Seed System Planning Expert Chen Kun pictured with training participants in Rundu, Kavango East region.

The practical and participatory format of the workshop allowed for extensive dialogue and collaborative refinement of the questionnaires. Irene Mundjele, MAFWLR Senior Agricultural Scientific Officer and national counterpart to the project, emphasized the importance of this participatory approach.

“The training was very successful. Participants provided positive and important inputs,” Mundjele noted.

A total of 26 technical staff, nearly half of whom were women, attended the training. They are expected to lead survey activities across the northern regions, reaching at least 100 respondents per region.

Daniel Shekuhungama, a trainee from Ohangwena, remarked: “The training was very educative as we gained new knowledge on seed production techniques.”  Other trainees emphasized the relevance and innovative nature of the tools presented. The training concluded on a high note with strong commitments from participants and organizers to maintain communication throughout the planned survey period.

The seed system baseline survey is expected to commence in April 2025 and will play a critical role in shaping Namibia’s strategy for seed security, variety development, and farmer access to quality planting materials.

This training initiative not only strengthens the technical capacity of MAFWLR but also exemplifies the power of South-South Cooperation in enhancing local expertise through global partnerships.