The Namibian government has highlighted the country's significant dependence on imported food products, particularly fruit. According to Deputy Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Land Reform Ruthy Masake, approximately 96% of fruit consumed domestically is imported. This was stated during the National Agronomy and Horticulture Awards 2026. The high import rate underscores weaknesses in Namibia's ability to produce sufficient food locally.
The reliance on imports extends beyond fruit to other essential food items. About 46% of vegetables consumed locally are also imported. Furthermore, during the 2025/26 season, Namibia imported around 87% of its wheat and 64% of its maize and pearl millet. Potatoes, a staple in many households, remain heavily dependent on imports. These statistics demonstrate the extent to which the country's food supply relies on external production.
The Namibian government aims to reduce this dependence by boosting domestic agricultural production under the sixth National Development Plan. The plan focuses on increasing horticultural production, expanding commercial crop farming, and bringing more productive land into large-scale agricultural production. By doing so, the government hopes to create opportunities for farmers, processors, and other businesses along the agricultural value chain.
Increasing local production could have a positive impact on the Namibian economy. According to Masake, every product that can be competitively produced locally represents an opportunity for investment, employment, value addition, and income retention within the economy. This would enable the country to keep more money within its borders, rather than it being spent on imports.
However, enhancing food production in Namibia is fraught with challenges. Farmers face unreliable rainfall, drought, water shortages, rising production costs, pests, and the effects of climate change. To overcome these obstacles, the government acknowledges that investment is required not only in farming but also in irrigation, agricultural research, technology, logistics, processing, and market access.
Masake emphasized that Namibia needs to transition from predominantly subsistence and primary production to a more productive, commercial, and technology-driven agricultural sector. This transformation would enable the country to increase its food production and reduce its reliance on imports. The government's goal is to create a more sustainable and self-sufficient food system.
The sixth National Development Plan is a step towards achieving this goal. By focusing on horticultural production, commercial crop farming, and large-scale agricultural production, the government aims to reduce Namibia's dependence on imported food products. The success of this plan will depend on various factors, including investment, technology, and the ability of farmers to adapt to changing conditions.
Key points
- About 96% of fruit consumed in Namibia is imported.
- The government aims to reduce dependence on imports by increasing domestic agricultural production under the sixth National Development Plan.
- Challenges to increasing food production in Namibia include unreliable rainfall, drought, water shortages, and rising production costs.
