OPM, NAU strengthen disaster preparedness for agricultural sector
Staff Reporter THE Office of the Prime Minister (OPM) and the Namibia Agricultural Union (NAU) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen disaster preparedness and resilience in Namibia’s agricultural sector. The agreement establishes a framework for closer collaboration in preparing for and responding to disasters affecting farmers and agricultural livelihoods, including veld fires, ... The post OPM, NAU strengthen disaster preparedness for agricultural sector appeared first
THE Office of the Prime Minister (OPM) and the Namibia Agricultural Union (NAU) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen disaster preparedness and resilience in Namibia’s agricultural sector.
The agreement establishes a framework for closer collaboration in preparing for and responding to disasters affecting farmers and agricultural livelihoods, including veld fires, drought and animal disease outbreaks.
Director of Disaster Risk Management at the OPM, Hellen Likando, said the partnership is aimed at ensuring stakeholders are better prepared to respond to future disasters.
“Our role is coordination. We bring stakeholders together and mobilise the resources required when a disaster overwhelms capacity,” Likando said.
Photo: Office of the Prime Minister (OPM Namibia)
NAU Executive Manager Rudy Fenter welcomed the MoU, emphasising the importance of collaboration in protecting the country from disasters.
“Collaboration and working together is the only way forward,” Fenter said.
OPM Executive Director Shivute Indongo said Namibia’s experience in managing animal disease outbreaks had demonstrated what could be achieved when government and stakeholders work together.
“Namibia survived many disasters because of our efforts in working together,” Indongo said, stressing that continued cooperation would be critical in preparing for future risks, including drought and other climate-related hazards.
The MoU will support improved information sharing, coordination and early-warning mechanisms, while ensuring that the experiences and needs of farmers are considered in disaster risk management planning and response.
The OPM also expressed appreciation to the NAU for its commitment to the partnership, noting that preventing and reducing the impact of disasters requires collective action.
The agreement marks a step towards strengthening Namibia’s ability to anticipate risks, protect agricultural livelihoods and improve resilience before disasters occur.
