INVESTING IN RURAL PEOPLE

(NAMIBIA CASE STUDY)

increasing capacity of the poor to generate income
on sustainable basis.

PROMOTION OF AGRI

BUSINESS AMONGST THE

POOR
 SCALING UP OF GREEN BUSINESS MODELS FACING
TECHNICAL, MARKET, ECONOMIC AND REGULATORY
BARRIERS.
 CHALLENGES FOR
AGRIBUSINESS IN RURAL AREA IN
NAMIBIA
ENVIROMENTAL
& FIELD
CONDITION
DRAUGHT & CLIMATE CHANGE
LESS FERTAILITY OF NEW LAND
(SALINIZATION)
POOR MECHANISATION SERVICE, AND (SUPPLY
CHAIN)
GOVERNANCE,
MANAGEMENT

KEEP RURAL INSULATED FROM MARKET

POVERTY DEPRIVES INDIVIDUALS FROM COMPETENCES AND

CAPACITIES
 OVERCOME
CHALLENGES
• CLIMATE-SMART INTERVENTIONS SOFTEN THE DRAUGHT IMPACTS
• BUILD THE RESILIENCE OF POOR RURAL HOUSEHOLDS TO THE HARSH CLIMATE
CONDITIONS
• ENHANCING SUSTAINABLE USE OF NATURAL RESOURCES, ESPECIALLY LAND
AND WATER
• STRENGTHENING THE TECHNICAL SKILLS AND ORGANIZATIONAL CAPACITIES
OF POOR RURAL
• GROWING PRIVATE-SECTOR INVOLVEMENT IN AGRICULTURE.
• IMPROVING THE ACCESS OF POOR RURAL FARMERS TO BETTER SERVICES,
INCLUDING TECHNOLOGY, FINANCE AND MARKETS
 OVERCOME
CHALLENGES
• ASSIST COMMUNITIES TO ENHANCE THE PRODUCTIVE POTENTIAL OF THE NEWLY
RECLAIMED LANDS
• ASSIST WOMEN AND CHILDREN FROM POOR HOUSEHOLDS TO IMPROVE THEIR
NUTRITIONAL AND SOCIO-ECONOMIC PROFILE..
• MERGE RURAL IN ACTIVITIES INCLUDE DEVELOPING INSTITUTIONS, REHABILITATING
INFRASTRUCTURE AND WORKING WITH LOCAL COMMUNITIES TO IMPROVE ACCESS
TO SOCIAL AND PRODUCTIVE SERVICES.
• IMPROVING THE FERTILITY OF NEWLY RECLAIMED LANDS,
• RURAL TARGET GROUPS INCLUDE SMALLHOLDER HOUSEHOLDS, LANDLESS,
LABORER'S WITH RUDIMENTARY EDUCATION, UNEMPLOYED YOUTH, WOMEN AND
HOUSEHOLDS HEADED BY WOMEN.
• UPGRADING MECHANIZATION SERVICES, FOOD TECHNOLOGY AND DELIVERY
SYSTEMS, PROCESSING FACILITIES, REFRIGERATION TRUCKS.
 TOOL-KITS FROM SUCCESSFUL STORIES
• ACCESS TO FERTILIZERS, PESTS, SEEDS, AND OTHERS, BY AGRO DEALERS THROUGH THE CREDIT GUARANTEE
PROGRAM TO STRENGTHEN WORKING RELATIONSHIPS BETWEEN FERTILIZER SUPPLIERS AND INPUTS
DISTRIBUTORS, CREATED BY (ONE OF BUSINESS PARTNERS-LOCAL BANK). THIS EASE OF SOURCE MATERIALS TO
RETAILERS, OR FARMERS BY DISTRIBUTOR. (CREATE NEW JOB IN RURAL AREA FOR RETAILERS, AGRO DEALER –
SERVICE PROVIDER)..(NIGERIA CASE)

• IMPROVED AGRICULTURAL TECHNOLOGIES AND PRACTICES SUCH AS HEAT-TOLERANT CROP VARIETIES, ORGANIC
AGRICULTURE METHODS, IMPROVED IRRIGATION METHODS, AFFORDABLE HARVESTING AND POST-HARVEST
TECHNOLOGIES FOR LOSS REDUCTION, LOW-COST AGRICULTURAL MACHINERIES

• LIVELIHOOD DIVERSIFICATION WILL INCLUDE THE INTRODUCTION OF HIGH VALUE CROPS, INTERCROPPING,
HORTICULTURE, AQUACULTURE AND ANIMAL PRODUCTION (LENDING SCHEMES AND WEATHER FORECASTS FOR
EARLY ACTION TO SUPPORT ADAPTATION TO CLIMATE CHANGE. (EGYPT CASE, AND TANZANIAN MOBILE
SERVICES COMPANY)
 TOOL-KITS FROM SUCCESSFUL STORIES
• LOW-HORSEPOWER TRACTORS TARGETED AT SPECIFIC CROP VALUE CHAINS.  THE COMPANY RENTS
OUT TRACTORS THAT ARE SUITABLE FOR FARMS OF 0.5 TO 5 ACRES, TO BE USED FOR LAND
PREPARATION, WEEDING, THRESHING AND WINNOWING, CANAL MAINTENANCE AND TRANSPORT OF
PRODUCE. FARMERS ARE TRAINED IN MECHANIZATION AND AGRONOMIC PRACTICES AND SUPPORTED
TO LINK UP WITH CREDIT INSTITUTIONS AND PRODUCE MARKETS.

• THIS COLLABORATION BETWEEN IFAD AND AGRA REFLECTS THE ENHANCED EFFORTS OF THE FUND TO
ENGAGE THE PRIVATE SECTOR AS AN IMPORTANT PARTNER FOR SUSTAINABLE ECONOMIC
TRANSFORMATION. IN THIS PARTICULARLY CRITICAL PERIOD, THE INNOVATIVE PRODUCTS AND
SERVICES IN TECHNOLOGY, DIGITIZATION AND MECHANIZATION THAT THE GRANT HAS IDENTIFIED
CAN IMPROVE NUTRITION AND OPEN UP NEW MARKETS AND JOB OPPORTUNITIES, ESPECIALLY FOR
THE YOUTH. TO ENSURE SCALING-UP, ADAPTATION AND REPLICATION IN OTHER REGIONS AND
CONTEXTS, THESE SOLUTIONS WILL BE FEATURED ON THE RURAL SOLUTIONS PORTAL, THE FUND’S
WEB-BASED PLATFORM FOR KNOWLEDGE SHARING AND SSTC (INDIAN CASE-NYAPON)

• DATA GAPS TO DEVELOP BETTER LIVESTOCK INSURANCE FOR SMALLHOLDER FARMERS

(AGRICULTURAL AND AGROFORESTRY TECHNOLOGICAL INNOVATION PROGRAM )(PITAG)
 KARAS REGION PRELIMINARY BUSINESS THOUGHTS

• LET US BRING SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT CLOSER TO THE PEOPLE THROUGH THE

CREATION OF PLOTS AT THE NECKARTAL DAM TO ACCOMMODATE SMALL SCALE
FARMER

• LET THE CREATION OF FEASIBLE WATER POINTS AND DAMS IN THE RURAL AREAS
SUPPORT HYDROPONICS, CROP, FISH, AND LIVESTOCK FARMING SO THAT WE ADAPT
TO THE CHANGES.

• DEVELOPMENT COMMUNAL WATER POINT INFRASTRUCTURE DEVELOPMENT

• INCREASE ACCESS TO WATER POINTS AND DAMS FOR THE CROP, LIVESTOCK, AND
FISH FARMING
(WFP MODEL PROJECT)
BERSEBA
 INVESTIGATION FOR BERSEBA
AUGUEST 2022 (EXPERT – VISIT)
• 4.1 TECHNICAL OBSERVATION
• PROPER TREATMENT FOR SALTY SOIL HAD NOT CONDUCTED BEFORE CULTIVATION
• CROPS HAVE BEEN SUFFERING FROM SALINIZATION
• FISH FARM HAVE NOT OPERATED DUE TO LACK OF TECHNICAL SUPPORT.
• 2.4.2 RECOMMENDATIONS
• 1- PROPER FERTILIZATION PROGRAM SHOULD APPLIED IN LAND.
• 2- TREATMENT OF SOIL BY LEACHING BEFORE FARMING
• 3-TRAIN LABOR AND SUPPORT PROJECT MANAGEMENT TO OPERATE FISH FARMS
• 4-SUPPLY EFFECTIVE FERTILIZERS FOR CULTIVATED CROPS ACCORDING TO
AGRONOMIST CONSULTANCY.
• 5- CONNECT IRRIGATION SYSTEM WITH FERTILIZERS TANK.
 BERSEBA (WFP/ PROJECT)
JULY 2021- ANALYZED STUDY BY WFP
•IN JULY 2021, WFP STUDIED SMALLHOLDER FARMERS IN THE //KHARAS REGION TO INCREASE INTELLIGENCE TO
INFORM THE STRATEGY TO ENHANCE FOOD AND NUTRITION SECURITY. THE OBJECTIVES INCLUDED:

1. IDENTIFYING CHALLENGES FACING SMALLHOLDER FARMERS AT THEIR FARMS AND HOMESTEAD.

2. EXPLORING OPPORTUNITIES FOR SUPPORTING SMALLHOLDER FARMERS; AND
3. DATA COLLECTION ON THE VARIETY OF CROPS GROWN AND LOCATION OF GARDENS.
 

ANALYSIS OF COLLECTED
DATA

VALUABLE FINDINGS
 MAIN FINDINGS
1. THERE WERE FOUR TIMES MORE MALE FARMERS THAN FEMALES.
2. THE YOUTH COMPRISED LESS THAN 4% WITH MOST SMALLHOLDER FARMERS IN THE AGE BRACKET OF 40 - 60
YEARS.
3. CLOSE TO 80% OF SMALLHOLDER FARMERS ARE SUPPLEMENTING CROP PRODUCTION WITH LIVESTOCK FARMING.
4. THE CROPS GROWN ARE MOSTLY SPINACH, ONIONS, MAIZE, WHEAT, LUCERNE, DATES, AND WATERMELON.
5. THE LIVESTOCK ARE MOSTLY SHEEP, GOATS, AND CATTLE.
6. ONLY 41% OF SMALLHOLDER FARMERS ARE PRODUCING BEYOND SUBSISTENCE TO COMMERCIAL PURPOSES.
7. CLOSE TO 50% OF SMALLHOLDER FARMERS HAVE BEEN PRACTICING FOR LESS THAN THREE YEARS.
8. THE AVERAGE HOUSEHOLD SIZE IS BETWEEN 5 TO 10 MEMBERS.
9. THE TOP 4 CHALLENGES ARE WATER, PESTS, LACK OF SEEDS, AND LACK OF EQUIPMENT, RESPECTIVELY.
10. THERE IS A SHARED DESIRE TO IMPROVE FARM PRODUCTION FOR BOTH SUBSISTENCE AND COMMERCIAL
PURPOSES
11. THERE EXIST OPPORTUNITIES IN SUPPORTING SMALLHOLDER FARMERS THROUGH EDUCATION AND TRAINING
ON
GOOD AGRICULTURAL PRACTICES (GAP), INCREASING ACCESS TO WATER, FARMING EQUIPMENT,
AFFORDABLE
FINANCING, AND EXTENSIVE MARKETS.
12. THERE'S POTENTIAL FOR EXPANSION OF IRRIGATION ALONG ORANGE RIVER AND NECKARTAL DAM.
13. THERE ARE PLACES WITH UNDERGROUND WATER, E.G BERSEBA 
 LIKELIHOOD RAISED ISSUES IN BERSEBA PROJECT

(Nationa • WOULD BE USEFUL TO INCLUDE SCALABILITY E.G. WOULD THE

l master
plan)
ANALYSIS INDICATE THAT BERSEBA CAN EASILY SCALE UP, FOR
EXAMPLE, FROM 2 HECTARES TO 200 HUNDRED HECTARES? 

Market
• COMPONENTS OF FOOD PRODUCTION, DISTRIBUTION (FOOD VALUE
Link CHAINS) AND USE (CONSUMER CHOICES) GUIDED BY THE (PUBLIC &
PRIVATE) FOOD ENVIRONMENT THAT LEAD TO NEW MODALITIES FOR
THE SUPPLY AND DEMAND FOR FOOD
Market • LIVELIHOOD OUTCOMES: HEALTHY DIETS, SUSTAINABLE FOOD
Link
SUPPLY (RESILIENCE) AND EQUITY (INCLUSION OF SMALLHOLDER
PRODUCERS, YOUNG WORKERS AND POOR CONSUMERS) THAT COULD
(Project
concept EITHER SUPPORT EACH OTHER OR BECOME CONFLICTIVE.
and
• OWNERSHIP CHALLENGES
design)
 UPGRADE BERSEBA BUSINESS MODEL

• INSTITUTIONAL CAPACITY BUILDING AT THE CENTRAL AND LOCAL LEVELS FOR SCALING UP CAPACITY
BUILDING FOR RURAL BUSINESS AND PROMOTION TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE WITH RURAL INSTITUTIONS
• ESTABLISHING CLIMATE INFORMATION CENTERS AND PROVIDING 5 DAYS WEATHER FORECASTS WITH
RECOMMENDATIONS OF WHAT TO DO TO REDUCE LOSSES IN CASES OF FORESEEN EXTREME WEATHER
EVENTS FOR THE MAIN CROPS OF THE AREA
• SUPPORT TO CREATE PROPER MARKET LINKS, INTRODUCING NEW HIGH VALUE CROPS SUCH AS
MEDICINAL AND AROMATIC PLANTS THAT FARMERS CAN BE INTRODUCING ALONGSIDE THEIR STAPLE
CROP PRODUCTION THROUGH INTERCROPPING OR CULTIVATION IN INTER-SEASONAL PERIODS
• SUPPORTING POULTRY PRODUCTION REQUIRES INVESTMENTS IN SHEDS AND EQUIPMENT, SINCE CHICKS
AND FEEDS ARE GENERALLY PURCHASED FROM COMMERCIAL SOURCES. FEEDS PREPARATION IN FARM
COULD REDUCE COSTS.
• INTRODUCE ANIMAL REVOLVING LOANS AS A COMPLEMENTARY SOURCE OF INCOME; (GOAT, SHEEP,
CATTLE, DAIRY COW), ADD MILK PROCESSING ACTIVITIES TO PROJECT.(YOGURT , CHEESE PRODUCTION)
• USE COMPATIBLE IRRIGATION SYSTEM INTEGRATE WITH RECLAMATION NEEDS.

• USE SUFFICIENT WIND BREAKER TOOL, AND MICRO TUNNEL GREEN HOUSE IN DEMO FIELD.
 UPGRADE BERSEBA BUSINESS MODEL
• HONEY AND POLLEN PRODUCTION PERFORMED BY SMALL PRODUCERS AS A COMPLEMENTING ACTIVITY
IN THE PRODUCTION SYSTEM. THE PRODUCTION IS SOLD ON LOCAL MARKETS
• GOAT AND SHEEP PRODUCTION. THIS PRODUCTIVE ACTIVITY IS WELL ESTABLISHED IN SEMI-ARID
TERRITORIES SINCE GOAT AND SHEEP ARE RESISTANT TO DROUGHT AND THE MEAT IS DEMANDED ON
LOCAL MARKET.

• SUPPORT THE DEVELOPMENT AND LINKAGES WITH DAIRIES. FOR THIS POTENTIAL BUSINESS PLANS
COULD CONSIDER IMPROVING AND WIDEN THE EXISTING FACILITIES BY ENHANCING THEIR
PRODUCTIVE AND BUSINESS MANAGEMENT CAPACITIES. THE INVESTMENTS COULD INCLUDE
IMPROVING THE MILK PRODUCTION, PROCESSING INFRASTRUCTURE AND EQUIPMENT, COOLING
FACILITIES AND TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE. WORKING CAPITAL CAN BE A MAJOR LIMITATION IF MILK
IS PAID TO PRODUCERS AT INITIAL DELIVERY. HOWEVER, MILK PRODUCTION CAN ALSO BE PAID
ONCE PROCESSED PRODUCTS ARE SOLD. A MAJOR CHALLENGE TO EXISTING AND NEW PROCESSING
FACILITIES IS TO COMPLY WITH SANITARY REGULATIONS AT MUNICIPAL, STATE AND/OR FEDERAL
LEVEL, SO AS TO MAINTAIN AND OR INCREASE ACCESS TO COMMERCIAL OUTLETS AND
INSTITUTIONAL MARKETS. THIS ACTIVITY GENERALLY REQUIRES AN ASSOCIATED EFFORT AND
FOSTERS EMPLOYMENT OF WOMEN AND YOUNGSTERS IN THE PROCESSING FACILITIES
 PLANNING FOR RURAL BUSINESS
(SMALL PRODUCERS)

BUILD SELF FINANCING

INSTITUTIONAL CRITERIA
CAPACITY AFTER PROJECT
PERIOD

• Plans would be operating on a sustainable basis

• Business plans would increase income level; at least 20% for 80%
of target groups.
• Increase income at least by one-half of the minimum salary
 BUILD INSTITUTIONAL CAPACITY AT ALL LEVELS TO ENABLE
SUSTAINABILITY AND REPLICATION

IMPROVE MANAGEMENT
TOOLS
• STRENGTHEN TOOLS TO CAPACITATE THE PROMOTION OF RURAL
BUSINESS AMONGST THE POOR
• STRENGTHENING COORDINATION AND NETWORKING CAPACITY
• COLLABORATIVE FRAMEWORK (WELL DESIGNED)
 IMPROVE MANAGEMENT TOOLS

STRENGTHEN TOOLS TO CAPACITATE THE PROMOTION OF RURAL BUSINESS AMONGST THE POOR

•PROVIDE TO, SERVICE PROVIDERS AND PARTNER INSTITUTIONS THE APPROPRIATE TOOLS TO REACH AND ENGAGE
POOR FARMERS INTO SUCCESSFUL BUSINESS STREAMS. AMONG THE TOOLS ARE:
•(A) ESTABLISHING A SYSTEM OF INFORMATION AND MARKET INTELLIGENCE, THAT CAN BE USED BY SERVICE
PROVIDER, PARTNER INSTITUTIONS AND PRODUCERS’ ORGANIZATIONS,
•(B) INTRODUCTION OF METHODOLOGIES (INCLUDING SOFTWARE) FOR FORMULATION, EVALUATION AND
MONITORING OF BUSINESS PLANS, THE SOFTWARE MUST HAVE ADEQUATE INTERFACE AND ESPECIAL MODULE FOR
USE BY GROUPS OF PRODUCERS AND THEIR ASSOCIATIONS. THE EXPERIENCE OF WHICH WILL BE ONE OF
PROJECT’S C LOSEST PARTNERS AND ALREADY OPERATES A POWERFUL SYSTEM OF PROJECT MONITORING,
SHOULD BE USEFUL,
•(C) PREPARATION OF TEACHING MATERIALS FOR TRADITIONAL COURSES AND DISTANCE LEARNING FOR
TECHNICIANS AND PRODUCERS ON ISSUES RELATED TO PROMOTION AND MANAGEMENT OF RURAL BUSINESSES,
•(D) ESTABLISHMENT OF AN INFORMATION SYSTEM TO PROMOTION OF THE SMALL, MEDIUM AND MICRO
ENTERPRISE SECTOR WITHIN THE COUNTRY
 IMPROVE MANAGEMENT TOOLS
Strengthening coordination and networking capacity
 IMPROVE MANAGEMENT TOOLS
PROJECT DESIGN INSIDE COLLABORATIVE
(PROJECT RESULTS MATRIX) FRAMEWORK

• PROJECT MANAGEMENT
UNIT
BUILD INSTITUTIONAL • FOCAL POINT
STRUCTUE
FOR YOUR PROJECT • COMMUNITY
professionals with full-time assignment to
project activitiesM responsible for project
INTERVENTION
implementation
The PMU will be managed
under direct supervision of LEADING AGENCY

Foster the coordination of project activities with

other development initiatives at state and local level.
COMMUNITY
INTERVENTION
Provide general
orientation to PMU
 Project Institutional Structure
Beneficiaries from
FOCUS GROUP
Improved irrigation system
Officials – NGO
Goats lending activities
Project Staff – Project
Experts
 RURAL PROJECT
EVALUATION

CRITERIA

• RELEVANCE (DESIGN
COMPATIBILITY)

• EFFECTIVENESS (LOW COST

SOLUTION)

• SUSTAINABILITY (REPLECATION)
 RURAL PROJECT
EVALUATION
CLEAR QUANTITATIVE CRITERIA
PROPORTIONAL TO TARGET
GROUP
•PROPORTIONAL BENEFITING FROM OPTIMAL IRRIGATION EFFICIENCY USING LOW-COST SOLUTIONS
WFP -
•PROPORTION OF TARGET COMMUNITIES BENEFITING FROM ADEQUATE SERVICES OF WATER USERS
EGYPT
ASSOCIATIONS.
•NUMBER OF PEOPLE FROM AMONG THE TARGET POPULATION BENEFITING FROM DEMONSTRATION FARMS,
EXTENSION SERVICES, AND FARM-TO-FARM VISITS TO ENHANCE THEIR RESILIENCE AND REDUCE CLIMATE
RISKS
•KEY INSTITUTIONS NEEDED CAPACITY DEVELOPMENT TO DELIVER SERVICES
•OF WOMEN TRAINED ON RISK REDUCTION IN RAISING LARGE RUMINANTS, SMALL RUMINANTS AND
POULTRY; ANIMAL
•PROPORTION OF WOMEN ACCESSING ADEQUATE VET SERVICES IN THEIR VILLAGES AS IT RELATES
•LIVESTOCK VARIETIES.
•NUMBER OF AWARENESS MATERIALS PRINTED NUMBER OF TV SPOTS AND PROGRAMMES AIRED NUMBER OF
ONLINE MESSAGES
•
 RURAL BUSINESSES
NAMIBIA – PROPOSAL

• SUPPORT POOR PRODUCERS’ GROUPS TO DEVELOP AGRICULTURAL BUSINESSES

• DEVELOP PUBLIC AND PRIVATE INSTITUTIONAL CAPACITY TO PROVIDE ADEQUATE

TECHNICAL AND MANAGERIAL SERVICES FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF
AGRICULTURAL BUSINESSES AMONG ASSISTANCE, FORMATIVE EVENTS,
METHODOLOGIES AND TOOLKITS TO DELIVER BUSINESS.

• SUPPORT REGIONAL INSTRUMENTS AS WELL AS SOME INFRASTRUCTURE TO

SUPPORT RURAL BUSINESS.
 RURAL BUSINESSES
NAMIBIA – TOOL-KIT

• SERVICE PROVIDERS AND PARTNER INSTITUTIONS THE APPROPRIATE TOOLS TO

REACH AND ENGAGE POOR FARMERS INTO SUCCESSFUL BUSINESS STREAMS.
TOOL -
KIT
AMONG THIS TOOLS ARE:
• (A) ESTABLISHING A SYSTEM OF INFORMATION AND MARKET INTELLIGENCE, THAT CAN BE USED
ORGANIZATIONS,

• (B) INTRODUCTION OF METHODOLOGIES (INCLUDING SOFTWARE) FOR FORMULATION, EVALUATION AND

MONITORING OF BUSINESS PLANS. THE SOFTWARE MUST HAVE ADEQUATE INTERFACE AND ESPECIAL
MODULE FOR USE BY GROUPS OF PRODUCERS AND THEIR ASSOCIATIONS.