Also known as: MAFWLR · The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Land Reform
Government ministry overseeing agriculture, fisheries, water and land reform, managing green schemes, livestock disease control, and international ocean policy negotiations.
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The Namibian
The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Land Reform urged the public and farmers not to panic over foot-and-mouth disease risk
“The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Land Reform has urged the public and farmers not to panic over the risk of foot-and-mouth disease spreading into Namibia from neighbouring countries.”
Agriculture ministry urges calm amid foot-and-mouth disease outbreakInformanté
Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Land Reform launched new Japan-funded project in Otjiwarongo to strengthen drought resilience
“The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Land Reform (MAFWLR), the Japanese Embassy and the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) on Saturday launched a new Japan-funded project in Otjiwarongo aimed at strengthening drought resilience and food security among vulnerable farming communities in the Erongo, Kunene, Omaheke, Otjozondjupa and Hardap regions.”
Japan-funded project launched to boost drought resilience among farmersThe Namibian
Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Land Reform set up green scheme projects to promote food security and employment
“The green scheme projects were set up by the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Land Reform to promote food security and employment in areas suitable for irrigation.”
Green schemes ruined by structural problemsInformanté
Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Land Reform dismissed as false and misleading social media post about 'Agricultural Grants Programme 2026'
“THE Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Land Reform has dismissed as false and misleading a social media post circulating about an "Agricultural Grants Programme 2026", warning the public that the information did not originate from the Ministry and should be disregarded.”
Agriculture Ministry warns public of fake grants scamInformanté
Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Land Reform warned the public against engaging with fake grant programme links or providing personal information
“Members of the public were cautioned against engaging with the links or providing any personal information.”
Agriculture Ministry warns public of fake grants scamNew Era
Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Land Reform refused to allow commencement of Phase 2 of South Africa-Lesotho Highlands Water Project
“Namibia has refused to allow the commencement of Phase 2 of the South Africa-Lesotho Highlands Water Project due to irrefutable scientific data and realities of climate change. This is the position of the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Land Reform.”
Nam-SA Orange River conflict spills overNew Era
Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Land Reform allocated towards water intervention projects N$1.2 million
“During the 2025/2026 financial year, the council allocated over N$2.5 million, while the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Land Reform allocated N$1.2 million towards water intervention projects.”
Khomas prioritises health, sanitationNew Era
Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Land Reform confirmed reports of suspected locusts' infestation in Nehale Lya Mpingana constituency
“The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Land Reform has confirmed reports of suspected locusts' infestation in Nehale Lya Mpingana constituency in the Oshikoto region.”
Grass locusts infest Nehale Lya MpinganaNew Era
The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Land Reform has intensified control operations in the Zambezi region following renewed outbreaks of African migratory locusts
“The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Land Reform has intensified control operations in the Zambezi region following renewed outbreaks of African migratory locusts and the spread of fall armyworm, threatening staple crops and grazing land.”
Govt beefs up locust control measures in ZambeziInformanté
Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Land Reform allocated N$1.2 million towards water intervention projects and N$1.4 million for sanitation
“During the 2025/2026 Financial Year, the Council allocated over N$2.5 million, while the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Land Reform allocated N$1.2 million towards water intervention projects.”
Water provision and sanitation take priority at Khomas Regional Council openingThe Environmental Investment Fund has allocated N$6.4 million for water infrastructure projects in Oshikoto Region, including boreholes, pipeline rehabilitation, and a desalination plant, with construction expected to commence before the end of July 2026.
25 June 2026 · Informanté →
The Environmental Investment Fund has allocated N$6.4 million for water infrastructure projects in Oshikoto Region, including boreholes, pipeline rehabilitation, and a desalination plant, with construction expected to commence before the end of July 2026.
25 June 2026 · Informanté →
Merlus Cormorant Fishing has threatened legal action against a union over allegations of unpaid wages and fishing quota misuse affecting 111 former Walu Fishing workers. The company denies the claims, saying no employment contracts existed with those workers, while the union maintains its statements are based on government records and official communication.
24 June 2026 · The Namibian →
Zambia has lifted its export ban on maize grain and maize meal, allowing Namibian businesses to resume imports through the Zambian Commodities Exchange (ZAMACE) platform. The move, notified to Namibia's agricultural sector through official channels, is expected to improve access to maize supplies for Namibia.
22 June 2026 · Windhoek Observer →
A 4,703-hectare farm belonging to accountant Michael Bronkhorst, who faces four counts of fraud amounting to N$82 million, is being auctioned today after creditor Petrichor Capital secured a High Court sequestration order. The government waived its right to purchase the agricultural land in February, citing cost and resettlement criteria, but has restricted foreign investment without ministerial consent.
18 June 2026 · The Namibian →
Agriculture Minister Inge Zaamwani has expressed support for deepening cooperation between her ministry and the Global Water Partnership Organisation following the GWPO's relocation of its Secretariat to Windhoek, which she described as recognition of Namibia's commitment to water cooperation and sustainable development.
13 June 2026 · Informanté →
The Directorate of Veterinary Services has lifted restrictions on the movement of cloven-hoofed animals in parts of Ohangwena and Kavango West regions after a buffalo spotted in June tested negative for foot and mouth disease and was euthanised.
13 June 2026 · The Namibian →
The Small Stock Revolving Scheme redistributed 253 sheep (13 rams and 240 ewes) to farmers in Hardap Region during 2025/26, with a further 168 animals planned for 2026/27. The Ministry of Agriculture and Environmental Investment Fund initiative aims to provide vulnerable communal farmers with breeding flocks for sustainable income and food security.
13 June 2026 · Informanté →
Movement restrictions on cloven-hoofed animals and animal products in Oshikunde, Okongo, and Mpungu constituencies have been lifted following a buffalo sighting in May that tested negative for Foot-and-Mouth Disease.
13 June 2026 · Informanté →
George Haufiku of Harambee Communal Auctioneers has called for Meatco to participate as a buyer in animal auctions in northern communal areas, arguing that the state-owned entity's absence limits competition and keeps farmers' prices non-competitive. Haufiku notes that Meatco currently buys directly from individual farmers rather than at auctions, and that it operates abattoirs in Rundu, Eenhana, Katima Mulilo and Outapi.
12 June 2026 · The Namibian →
The Ministry of Agriculture has announced that an Environmental and Social Impact Assessment will be undertaken to advance the Neckartal Dam project into Phase Two, which aims to develop the irrigation component. The project covers approximately 19,000 hectares of government farms in the //Kharas Region.
12 June 2026 · Informanté →
Namibia will not accede to the United Nations High Seas Treaty until it has the capacity to implement its provisions and fully benefit from marine biodiversity protections beyond national jurisdiction. The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Land Reform says the country recognises the importance of ocean sustainability but wants to ensure it can meet treaty obligations before joining.
10 June 2026 · The Namibian →
The agriculture ministry is transforming the 140-hectare Ekoka brownfield in Ohangwena into an irrigated green scheme to boost food security. Currently at an initial stage with trial crops planted and four boreholes drilled, the project is transitioning from rain-fed to irrigation-based farming while feasibility studies on water and soil quality are underway.
8 June 2026 · The Namibian →
Namibia's fisheries ministry says quota holders may enter private commercial agreements with third parties to use allocated quotas, a practice it characterizes as private business arrangements. The statement follows a disputed agreement between a DRC-linked entity and Namibian fishing companies over horse mackerel quota.
4 June 2026 · The Namibian →
President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah completed her follow-up visits to Government-supported Green Schemes with an inspection of the Ndonga Linena scheme in Kavango East, where she was briefed on projected maize output of about 4,754 tonnes from 574 hectares, ongoing winter crop production, and operational challenges including high transportation costs and market access issues.
3 June 2026 · Informanté →
Osino Gold Exploration and Mining is applying for an Environmental Clearance Certificate to build a sand storage dam with a capacity of approximately 125,000 cubic metres on the Khan River's Spes Bona Compartment in the Erongo Region, in collaboration with Namibia Water Corporation, to supply water for its Twin Hills Gold Project near Karibib.
3 June 2026 · Informanté →
President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah visited the Shadikongoro and Ndonga Linena green schemes in Kavango East and noted improved agricultural production, increased crop yields, and strengthened operational performance. Farm managers reported successful sunflower harvests and strong maize production expectations, though aging farming equipment remains a constraint.
3 June 2026 · Windhoek Observer →
The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Land Reform has confirmed desert locust swarms at Homeb in Walvis Bay Rural and at Daweb in Hardap region, destroying grazing and natural vegetation in affected areas. The locusts are in the flying stage, making control efforts difficult.
28 May 2026 · The Namibian →
Namibia produces approximately 371,800 metric tonnes of mahangu annually, meeting only 52% of national demand and requiring imports for the rest, according to the FAO Interim Representative. The country launched a project to improve mahangu productivity and value chain development.
26 May 2026 · Informanté →
A desert locust outbreak has been detected in parts of Erongo and Hardap, with swarms destroying grazing and vegetation across at least 15 farms covering 300–400 square kilometres. The Ministry of Agriculture says the locusts are in the flying stage, making control difficult, and has deployed vehicle-mounted sprayers to contain the outbreak.
26 May 2026 · The Namibian →
The governor of Kavango East is reviving the government's idle Uvhungu-Vhungu dairy farm, which has been non-operational for 16 years. About 70% of the resuscitation work is complete, with plans for joint ventures and approximately N$160 million needed to make the farm operational.
26 May 2026 · The Namibian →
Progress Farming Co. faces possible charges for advertising the auctioning of Farm Neu Progress No. 506 in Khomas without the Ministry of Agriculture's approval. The ministry says the advertisement falsely claimed the farm is open to international buyers without government approval, contradicting Namibian agricultural land transaction laws.
25 May 2026 · The Namibian →
The Ministry of Agriculture has clarified that farm Neu Progress in the Khomas region lies within expanded Windhoek local authority boundaries established in 2011, meaning the Agricultural (Commercial) Land Reform Act of 1995 does not apply to it, and provisions including the government's right of first refusal and ministerial consent for foreign ownership are not applicable.
22 May 2026 · The Namibian →
The FAO says Namibia produces about 371,800 metric tonnes of mahangu annually, meeting only 52% of national demand, while the rest is imported. The country has launched the One Country One Priority Product initiative to improve mahangu production and strengthen its value chain, given that mahangu is the primary cereal for more than 60% of Namibians.
22 May 2026 · Windhoek Observer →
Stakeholders warn that existing penalties are failing to deter illegal fishing in Namibian waters, following the interception of a vessel with 22 crew members and amid concerns over losses from bycatch, which increased sharply since 2020 despite monitoring systems in place.
21 May 2026 · The Namibian →
The Namibian Navy apprehended the foreign vessel Fu Yuan Yu 9878 near the Angolan border for illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing, with the vessel fully loaded with fish and its Automatic Identification System disabled. The 22-member crew, comprising four Chinese and 18 Angolan nationals, was detained, and a Ministry spokesperson stated the government is committed to protecting Namibia's fisheries resources and enforcing its regulations.
21 May 2026 · The Namibian →
The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Land Reform has appointed a new Land Reform Advisory Commission to address historical land inequalities and redistribute commercial agricultural land. The new commission began its term on 1 May 2026 and will serve until 30 April 2029.
21 May 2026 · Windhoek Observer →
Namibia faces widespread "land reform fatigue" as repeated government announcements, commissions, and consultations over three decades have failed to produce meaningful change, leaving inequality in land ownership one of the country's most visible post-independence failures.
21 May 2026 · Windhoek Observer →
An animal auction at Oshaambelo Production Development Centre in Omusati sold 65 of 118 animals for N$373,150, with an auctioneer attributing low buyer participation to preference for informal trade. The ministry and livestock board support monthly auctions in the Northern Communal Areas to help farmers obtain fair prices through competition.
19 May 2026 · The Namibian →
Hodago Fishing, a joint venture partly linked to Swapo, faces a US$3 million legal dispute after allegedly breaching a horse mackerel quota agreement with a Democratic Republic of Congo entity. The DRC-linked party claims the company failed to meet agreed delivery volumes and has demanded either the release of 500 tonnes of fish or repayment of US$1.4 million.
17 May 2026 · The Namibian →
National Council members have criticised the government's N$1.27-billion water and marine resources budget, saying many rural communities continue to face severe shortages despite repeated promises. Parliamentarians called for urgent implementation of stalled projects and warned that bureaucracy continues to delay access to clean water across the country.
14 May 2026 · The Namibian →