Country Profile
In most developing countries, agricultural extension services are managed by the public sector or state. The public sector in Namibia is represented by the government through the Ministry of Agriculture, Water and Forestry (MAWF). The role of non-state agents including private sector firms, NGOs and other Donors is limited in scope and the bulk of extension service is provided by public sector (Kumba’ 2003). According to Thomas et al. (2011), the Namibian agricultural sector has, broadly, a dual system comprising a well-developed, capital intensive and export oriented commercial sub-sector and subsistence based communal farming sub-sector, low in technology and external inputs and highly labor intensive. Both sectors contribute to the achievement of the country’s national agricultural development goals that include: The long term Vision 2030, the Millennium Challenge Account (or Millennium goals) and the short term National Development Plan (NDP). Agricultural development hinges on the proper use of information and agricultural extension services (a vital component of rural development) are at the center of cooperation amongst farmers, researchers, farmer organizations and community developers (Kaurivi, 2008). For a full report on the pluralistic agricultural extension system in Namibia, click HERE
In most developing countries, agricultural extension services are managed by the public sector or state. The public sector in Namibia is represented by the government through the Ministry of Agriculture, Water and Forestry (MAWF). The role of non-state agents including private sector firms, NGOs and other Donors is limited in scope and the bulk of extension service is provided by public sector (Kumba’ 2003). According to Thomas et al. (2011), the Namibian agricultural sector has, broadly, a dual system comprising a well-developed, capital intensive and export oriented commercial sub-sector and subsistence based communal farming sub-sector, low in technology and external inputs and highly labor intensive. Both sectors contribute to the achievement of the country’s national agricultural development goals that include: The long term Vision 2030, the Millennium Challenge Account (or Millennium goals) and the short term National Development Plan (NDP). Agricultural development hinges on the proper use of information and agricultural extension services (a vital component of rural development) are at the center of cooperation amongst farmers, researchers, farmer organizations and community developers (Kaurivi, 2008). For a full report on the pluralistic agricultural extension system in Namibia, click HERE
Public SectorGovernmental or ministry-based extension organizations:Ministry of Agriculture, Water and Forestry (MAWF) www.mawf.gov.na, www.op.gov.na/Decade_peace/agri.htmDepartment of Agriculture and Rural Development: The five directorates of this department are responsible for the following areas: 1. animal health; 2. agricultural research and training; 3. agricultural extension and engineering 4. planning and policy, and 5. administration. 3. Directorate of Engineering and Extension Services Mission Extension and Engineering Services exists to promote the adoption of improved agricultural technologies and practices in order to increase agricultural production, empower farmers and facilitate sustainable improvement in living conditions of rural communities. Main Objectives
Public Research Institutions with Extension UnitUniversity-based ExtensionSemi-autonomous Governmental Extension OrganizationsNon-Governmental OrganizationsFarmer Based OrganizationsPrivate Sector Organizations or Firms | Related ResourcesASTI Agricultural Research and Development investments and capacity in Namibia: http://www.asti.cgiar.org/namibiaMAWF, Department of Agriculture and Rural Development:
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