The training, held at Tjatjitua Vision Farming, was spearheaded by Suncrest Farming Solutions Namibia (SFS) to equip crop farmers with the skills needed to improve their agricultural practices and maximise their yields.
Among the participants was 65-year-old Fransina Tjavanga from the Okovimburu settlement, who said the training was an eye opener for her.
“I learned a lot from this workshop, especially how to plant onions, potatoes, and other crops. The preparation of the soil for planting also attracted my attention,” she said.
Tjavanga added that the training also motivated farmers to produce more food.
“We need more training of this nature as it will enlighten us on crop production skills so that we can become self-sustainable. I am now able to measure between the rows when planting my carrots, beetroots, spinach, and onions in my backyard,” she noted.
Ngaihape Muundjua, 34, from Ovinjuru village said the training was worth attending and expressed a desire for more such initiatives in the area.
“To be honest; I did not know how to plant onions, potatoes, and the other crops. We even learned how to kill insects that attack our crops,” said Muundjua, who now plans to expand his small backyard garden.
Janee Kazombaue from Kalkpan settlement said the training was very informative.
“We have been given free seeds and that motivates us to work harder. I can now replant my crops, which is something new I acquired from the workshop,” she said.
Okajombo labourer Linius Katareko, 24, said he is looking forward to starting his small garden.
“I want to produce my own food and make a living from it,” Katareko said.
SFS marketing officer Agnes Kaposambo explained that the training was initiated based on the needs expressed by local farmers seeking to enhance their skills in horticulture and fodder production.
"It was worth it as we can see that the participants showed hunger to learn," she said.