In the Kavango East region of Namibia, the Namibia Berries project, initiated by Loxworth Capital, is making strides in providing employment and skill development in the rural settlement of Divundu. Regina Muyenga, a graduate in early childhood development, now employed at the berry farm, has found stable work through the project, enabling her to support her family. She emphasizes the importance of seizing any employment opportunity for young people in the area facing high unemployment rates.
Elizabeth Nakare, another employee who hails from the Ohangwena region, expresses hope for the project's expansion and its potential to create more job opportunities. The project offers its employees benefits including overtime pay, social security, and annual leave, along with occasional berry packs, as noted by assistant production manager Reabetsu Tjiane. The farm employs advanced drip irrigation technology to sustain its crops, requiring about 4.3 liters of water per plant per day.
Launched in 2021, the N$1.5 billion Namibia Berries initiative aims to diversify exports and cater to the global demand for blueberries, covering 250 hectares with plans to expand to 500 hectares. The project, which has made its initial exports to markets in Hong Kong, Germany, and the UAE, emphasizes skill development and training for its workforce of approximately 350-400 individuals. CEO Michael Rondeburg highlights the project's focus on skill transfer to local communities.
The farm has initiated a training program for students and plans to install 500 solar lights and solar-powered boreholes for nearby communities over the next decade. With a current plantation span of 50 hectares and an additional 25 hectares to be planted, the project aims to introduce 150,000 South African plants, with expansions planned through 2026. Sustainable water usage is ensured by a hydraulic system managing Kavango River water.
Technology and quality control measures have enabled early harvesting, with the first 190 tons of berries harvested in July. The project aligns its harvest with peak demand months to remain competitive globally. Production manager Sehloolho Phori mentions that berries not fit for export are either sold locally or donated to the community, underscoring the project's commitment to supporting Divundu and its surroundings.
Source: Windhoek Observer