Developing a framework for training resettled farmers in Oshikoto Region, Namibia

Abstract

In 1990, the government of Namibia initiated a resettlement program with the aim of rectifying historical land injustices and reducing rural poverty by transferring commercial farmland to disadvantaged Namibians. Despite the efforts made, the program has faced various challenges, including limited financial resources, inadequate infrastructure, and low productivity among resettled farmers. This study evaluates the efficacy of farm management training programs in enhancing the productivity of resettlement farmers in Namibia's Oshikoto region. A mixed-methods approach was adopted in this study, involving the collection of both quantitative and qualitative data. Quantitative data were obtained through structured questionnaires administered to 43 resettlement farmers who underwent farm management training. Qualitative data were collected using semi-structured interviews with agricultural extension officers. The study employed purposive and stratified sampling for the quantitative component and snowball sampling for the qualitative component. Data analysis involved the use of descriptive statistics with SPSS version 32 and thematic analysis for qualitative data. The results indicated that farm management training significantly improved the knowledge and skills of resettlement farmers, positively impacting their productivity. However, challenges such as insufficient follow-up support, market access, and infrastructural deficits persisted, limiting the overall effectiveness of the program. The findings emphasize the importance of providing comprehensive support mechanisms beyond training to address structural issues and enhance the sustainability of resettlement initiatives. The study incorporated lessons from other countries' land reform programs to provide a broader perspective on potential improvements. The study concludes with recommendations for policy adjustments and future research directions to better support resettlement farmers in Namibia.