Yan Jun (M), political counselor of Chinese embassy in Namibia, talks with the head of local agriculture project in Okahandja, central Namibia on June 6, 2020. (Xinhua/Ding Xueyong)
An initiative by the Youth in Agriculture Namibia is propelled by funding and assistance from the Chinese community in Namibia.
WINDHOEK, June 13 (Xinhua) -- The Youth in Agriculture Namibia has successfully erected a garden at the Samaritan Network Centre, a community empowerment project situated in Okahandja in central Namibia, following a donation by the Chinese community.
Youth in Agriculture Namibia embarked upon an initiative to establish agri-projects for youth and vulnerable citizens around the country. Haikali Ndatulumukwa, executive chairman of Youth in Agriculture Namibia said the aim is to promote food production and sufficiency amid climate variability and impact of COVID-19.
"It is good to witness that the young generation is having an interest in food production and farming, a confident feeling toward the future of food security," Ndatulumukwa said Friday.
According to Ndatulumukwa, the project was propelled by funding and assistance from the Chinese community in Namibia. The Chinese embassy political counselor Yang Jun donated 21,000 Namibian dollars (1,300 U.S. dollars) and 300 seeds packs. The project also got a cash boost of 10,000 Namibian dollars from Hou Xizhong, who represented the Chinese business community.
"The donation from China enabled us to buy extra seeds and other equipment. It further grants us the chance to buy other items and erect more gardens for communities," Ndatulumukwa lauded.
Locals pose for a group photo with Chinese community members in Okahandja, central Namibia on June 6, 2020. (Xinhua/Ding Xueyong)
The project also accorded the children a chance to become producers, which is instrumental for the centre's soup kitchen, which benefits more than 300 children, said Steve Biko, regional councillor of Okahandja constituency.
Furthermore, young people were also trained and would be mentored on agribusiness, entrepreneurship and zero hunger, one of the sustainable development goals.
Meanwhile, according to Ndatulumukwa, the seed funding from the Chinese community would further ensure continuity. It is subsequently enabling the project to fulfil its goal of setting up 20 projects across the country's 14 regions.
In the interim, Ndatulumukwa said that the project hopes to tap onto Chinese agricultural approaches, innovation and cooperation to catapult the project into a success.
"We wish to learn more from China on aspects such as technology in agriculture and modern ways of farming as well as food production," Ndatulumukwa added.
Yang Jun said that the donation is a demonstration of China's dedication and support towards Namibia in achieving national development as well as to strengthen cooperation by standing side-by-side with the people of Namibia.
