Windhoek: The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Land Reform (MAFWLR) and the University of Namibia (UNAM) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to enhance collaboration in key areas.
According to Namibia Press Agency, the MoU focuses on research, innovation, teaching, training, and capacity development in the agriculture and natural resources sectors. The ministry's Public Relations Officer, Simon Nghipandulwa, highlighted that the agreement, signed on Tuesday, establishes a structured framework for cooperation in collaborative research, curriculum development, student placements, technical training, and access to specialised facilities.
Nghipandulwa further explained that the agreement will enable UNAM students and staff to gain practical exposure through work-integrated learning, internships, field attachments, and clinical veterinary training within ministry programmes. The collaboration in seed improvement will support the development and testing of seed varieties, enhance seed quality, and bolster national breeding programmes tailored to Namibia's climatic conditions.
The MoU also facilitates the joint development of curriculum and technical training programmes, particularly in agriculture, veterinary sciences, fisheries, environmental science, engineering, and related fields. Co-supervision of postgraduate students and collaborative proposal writing for international research funding opportunities are included in the agreement.
Through this partnership, both institutions aim to create new knowledge, enhance human capacity, and contribute to increased productivity, sector competitiveness, and national food security. The memorandum signifies a mutual commitment to evidence-based decision-making, innovation, and long-term sustainability in Namibia's agriculture and natural resources sector.
In the statement, outgoing Executive Director of MAFWLR, Ndiyakupi Ngituwamata, emphasised that the Ministry's well-established facilities, including green scheme irrigation projects, research stations, seed multiplication and testing units, and agricultural laboratories, will aid in the partnership's implementation. "These facilities will be made available for research projects, field trials, teaching support, and innovation-driven initiatives," she added.
The Vice-Chancellor of UNAM, Kenneth Matengu, stated that they will focus on food systems related to fisheries and various agricultural products. He expressed UNAM's eagerness to support the ministry in addressing food shortages and highlighted the importance of utilising competent human resources, particularly to support graduates in the agriculture field.