Staff Reporter
NAMIBIA is strengthening its fight against climate change and food insecurity by investing in improved seeds that are drought-tolerant, high-yielding, and resilient. Through research stations in Mannheim and Kashana, farmers are gaining access to crops that can thrive even under harsh climatic conditions—a critical step for a dry country where every harvest counts.
At the Mannheim Research Station, scientists are developing seeds that are not only drought and pest resistant but also capable of higher productivity. This work is supported by the Namibia Agricultural Mechanisation and Seed Improvement Project, a partnership between the government and the African Development Bank, which provides farmers with the technology, training, and tools to succeed.
“Our objective is to conduct on-station and on-farm research for crop production and management practices, and also to conduct soil improvement and management practices,” said Loide Aaron, Farm Manager at Mannheim. “We also focus on technology development to ensure high-quality, high-yielding, and drought-tolerant crops for our farming communities.”
Photos: Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Water & Land Reform
Innovation extends beyond improving existing crops. Through mutation breeding, indigenous seeds and conventional vegetable varieties are transformed into high-performing ones, while new crops such as soybean and cassava, rarely grown in Namibia, are being introduced to diversify the food basket and enhance nutritional value.
Martha Shigwedha, Senior Agriculture Scientific Officer at Mannheim, explained: “Crop diversification is key. We are introducing crops that have never been grown widely in Namibia to help mitigate climate change.”
At Kashana Research Station, the focus is on maintaining seed purity. Foundation fields are carefully isolated to prevent contamination, ensuring crops like kangara millet and shindimba cowpea remain reliable and high-quality.
“Kangara, the pure millet, is drought resistant and matures in a minimum of 90 days,” said Alfeus Nghishekwa, Farm Manager at Kashana. “Even if rainfall is low, farmers can still achieve good yields. And when it rains well, the yield is even higher.”
Established in 1981, Mannheim also produces and multiplies foundation seeds of staples such as maize, cowpea, and sorghum. These improved seeds are distributed to farmers at subsidised prices through the Ministry’s Extension Services, ensuring access, affordability, and real impact on the ground. Together with Kashana, these research stations are laying the foundation for seed security.
