The Otjozondjupa Regional Council and the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) on Tuesday signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on food production and security for inhabitants of the region.

The MoU was signed by Otjozondjupa Regional Council Chairperson Marlayn Mbakera and WFP Country Director Dr George Fedha.

Through the agreement, the two entities will identify suitable agricultural sites in the region, as well as the types of farming activities desired and appropriate for the identified places.

Otjozondjupa Governor James Uerikua, who was present at the signing ceremony, suggested that the identification process consider the areas with strong underground water sources as irrigation activities will play a major role in the success of the programme.

“We have places in the region where fertile vast tracts of land are found, including plenty of underground water in the Otavi, Kombat, Grootfontein, Okakarara and Omatako constituencies,” said Uerikua.

He further said the agreement should also allow for consultations with the inhabitants, as well as for physical land assessment by agricultural experts.

Fedha said the deal between the regional council and WFP would want to venture into gardening and poultry projects on a large scale.

On the amount of money to be invested, Fedha said it will depend on the types of farming to be identified, as well as the sizes and distance of that location.

Mbakera on her part said the regional council is prepared to donate land and the labour force to be solicited from the general public.

The MoU will run for a period of five years.

Source: The Namibian Press Agency