Unam Plans to Expand Rice Production in Ogongo

The University of Namibia (Unam) has announced plans to expand its rice production operations in the Ogongo area of the Omusati region. This expansion is part of the university’s efforts to contribute to national food security and economic development. Unam’s Ogongo Rice Project, established in 2018, currently cultivates 40 hectares of land. The expansion plans aim to increase the project’s production capacity to 1,000 hectares. The project is expected to create employment opportunities for local farmers and boost the economy of the Ogongo community. It will also provide a valuable source of income for the university, which can be used to support teaching, research, and community engagement initiatives. Unam Vice-Chancellor Professor Kenneth Matengu said the rice project aligns with the university’s commitment to innovation and sustainable development. “This expansion will not only enhance our capacity to produce food but also contribute to the development of the Ogongo area and the country as a whole,” he said. The project will benefit from Unam’s expertise in agriculture and environmental management. The university’s researchers have conducted extensive studies to determine the optimal conditions for rice cultivation in Ogongo. The expansion plans include the construction of a new irrigation system, a rice mill, and storage facilities. Unam has already secured funding for the project from the German government through the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ). Minister of Agriculture, Water and Land Reform Calle Schlettwein welcomed Unam’s plans. “This project is a significant contribution to our efforts to increase domestic rice production,” he said. “It will not only reduce our reliance on imported rice but also create jobs and improve the livelihoods of our farmers.” The Ogongo Rice Project is part of Unam’s broader agricultural development strategy. The university also has plans to establish a commercial farm in the Kavango East region and is working with farmers in the Zambezi and Ohangwena regions to improve agricultural practices.Unam’s Ogongo Campus Plans Rice Expansion

Unam’s Ogongo Campus Plans Rice Expansion

The University of Namibia’s (Unam) Ogongo campus aims to expand its rice production by 10 hectares annually over the next four years. This was confirmed by the Japanese embassy’s second secretary, Yamada Takehiro, whose country is assisting in implementing the project. Unam celebrated its second annual rice harvest on campus, with the aim of harvesting between 15 and 17 tons from seven hectares this year. The project is headed by plant scientist and professor Pamwenafye Nanhapo, who benefited from a Japanese scholarship program. The project began as a five-year research initiative titled “Flood and drought adaptive cropping systems to conserve the environment water environment in semi-arid regions.” The Japanese government has provided over N$62 million in funding through the Scientific and Technological Research Association for Sustainable Development (SATREPS) program. The project aims to promote agricultural production and food security in areas affected by climate change. It has attracted small farmers and agriculture enthusiasts from various regions. Japanese universities have also provided guidance on rice cultivation projects. Japan has also funded trilateral cooperation projects in support of Namibia’s government since 2013. These projects include health initiatives through the World Health Organization and agriculture projects through the Food and Agriculture Organization. The university plans to clear 10 hectares annually to expand rice production, aiming to increase the acreage to 40 hectares in the next four years. The expansion is expected to boost rice production and support Namibia’s agricultural sector.Unam plans to expand rice production in Ogongo The University of Namibia (Unam) is planning to expand its rice production at the Ogongo Campus in the Omusati Region. This was revealed by Unam’s Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Research, Innovation and Development, Professor Kenneth Matengu, during a visit to the campus on Thursday. Matengu said the university was looking at increasing its rice production from the current 100 hectares to 500 hectares. “We are looking at expanding our rice production to 500 hectares. We have the land and the water, and we are confident that we can make this project a success,” he said. The Ogongo Campus is home to Unam’s Faculty of Agriculture and Natural Resources. The faculty has been producing rice on a small scale for the past few years. Matengu said the expansion of the rice production would help to meet the growing demand for rice in Namibia. “Rice is a staple food in Namibia, and we are currently importing most of our rice from other countries. We believe that we can produce rice locally and reduce our dependence on imports,” he said. The Unam rice project is expected to create jobs and boost the local economy. “This project will create jobs for the local community and help to boost the economy of the region,” Matengu said. The Unam rice project is part of the university’s broader plan to become a self-sustaining institution. “We are looking at ways to generate our own income and reduce our reliance on government funding. The rice project is one of the ways that we are doing this,” Matengu said.