Equipment shortage slows rice farming
Rice farmers say a lack of machinery, irrigation equipment, fencing and market access is slowing the growth of rice production in Namibia. They say these challenges are limiting production and making it harder to expand their businesses. Omusati farmer Johannes Muzanima says access to equipment and reliable markets would allow more farmers to produce rice […] The post Equipment shortage slows rice farming appeared first on The Namibian .
Rice farmers say a lack of machinery, irrigation equipment, fencing and market access is slowing the growth of rice production in Namibia.
They say these challenges are limiting production and making it harder to expand their businesses.
Omusati farmer Johannes Muzanima says access to equipment and reliable markets would allow more farmers to produce rice on a larger scale.
“Our journey into rice production started with a simple vision. We wanted to grow something unique rather than cultivating the same crops most farmers in our area produce,” he said during the University of Namibia (Unam) Ogongo campus’ annual Rice Harvest Festival on Monday.
Muzanima said Harvest Investment CC harvested 2.5 tonnes of rice in 2024 and five tonnes in 2025, and expects seven tonnes this year.
He said planting, harvesting and threshing are still done by hand.
