Maria David
THE Oshana Regional Council and University of Namibia (UNAM) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the purpose of joint research and capacity building with special emphasis on extension services in agriculture and natural resources management.
Oshana Regional Governor Elia Irimari said the region leadership recognises the role of UNAM in promoting sustainable agricultural and natural resource development and management in Namibia.
According to him, the MoU calls on them to collaborate on various aspects and optimizing the resource skills of UNAM experts in advancing their regional agenda for development.
Irimari stated through this signed partnership, his of the view that their production capacity and the quality of their products in the region can be enhanced, which has the potential to reduce the dependency on food importation.
“This is where we need to leverage the capacity of Inceptus Holding, the commercial arm for UNAM to add value to local products through manufacturing and agro-processing,” he said.
UNAM Assistant Pro-Vice-Chancellor (APVC) Ogongo Campus Dr. Christopher Mberema, said the engagements with the Oshana Regional Council have preceded the signing of this MoU today and possibly spans a history of at least three governors and three vice-chancellors.
Mberema applauded the leadership of the council for taking the time to visit UNAM campuses and to craft a formal agreement that will govern all future engagements.
He noted that the UNAM mandate is to provide higher education, undertake research, advance and disseminate knowledge to provide extension services, and encourage the growth and nurturing of cultural expression.
Further, Mberema stated that his hope is that the signed MoU makes an everlasting impact on people’s lives as envisioned, through the actions and through their spirit of cooperation which guides them all.
