Namibia - Assessment of Agricultural Information Needs

ASSESSMENT OF AGRICULTURAL INFORMATION NEEDS IN AFRICAN, CARIBBEAN & PACIFIC (ACP) STATES SOUTHERN AFRICA
Country Study: NAMIBIA
Final Report Prepared by:
Sylvia K. Katjepunda and Gift T. Kamupingene
on behalf of the Technical Centre for Agricultural and Rural Cooperation (CTA)
Project: 4-7-41-209-6/b
NOVEMBER 2007
Assessment of Agricultural Information Needs: NAMIBIA
Disclaimer
This report has been commissioned by the CTA to enhance its monitoring of information needs in ACP countries. CTA does not guarantee the accuracy of data included in this report, nor does it accept responsibility for any use made thereof. The views and opinions expressed in this report are those of the author alone and do not necessarily reflect the views of CTA. CTA reserves the right to select projects and recommendations that fall within its mandate.
(ACP-EU) Technical Centre for Agricultural and Rural Cooperation (CTA) Agro Business Park 2 6708 PW Wageningen The Netherlands Website: www.cta.int E-mail: cta@cta.int
Acknowledgements
The Technical Centre for Agricultural and Rural Cooperation (CTA) and staff are thanked for affording us the opportunity and availing resources to conduct the study, while the advice and inputs from the regional coordinator are highly appreciated. The various ministries, local institutions and their staff are thanked for their cooperation and, for providing a conducive environment and literature materials pertinent to this study.
ii
List of Acronyms
ACP ADC AEO AET AGRIBANK AGORA AIDS AIMS CCF CGIAR COMESA CBT CVL CTA DAPAP DEES DORA DRFN DPSIM EFTA EITRC EIU EFSTPP ETSIP FANR Library FANR FAO GDP HINARI ICART CGIAR ICRISAT ICM ICT ITU IFAD IFTT DIS LAN African Caribbean and Pacific Agricultural Development Centre Agricultural Extension Officer Agricultural Extension Technician Agricultural Bank of Namibia Access to Global Online Research in Agriculture Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome Agricultural Information Management Systems Cheetah Conservation Fund Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa Computer-Based Training Central Veterinary Laboratory Technical Centre for Agricultural and Rural Cooperation Draft Animal Power Acceleration Programme Directorate of Extension and Engineering Services Dissemination of Reference Books on Agriculture Desert Research Foundation of Namibia Department of Public Services Information Technology Management European Free Trade Association Erari Information Technology and Resource Centre Economist Intelligence Unit Extended Feasibility Study Tree Planting Project Education and Training Sector Improvement Programme Faculty of Agriculture and Natural Resources Food, Agriculture and Natural Resources Food and Agricultural Organization of the United Nations Gross Domestic Product Health Inter Network Access to Research Initiative Implementation and Coordination of Agricultural Research and Training Project Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research International Crops, Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics Information and Communication Management Information and Communication Technology International Telecommunication Union International Fund for Agricultural Development Indigenous Fruit Task Team Directorate of Information Systems (MAWF) Local Area Network
iii
M-ADC MADI MAWF MET MLR MFMR MoE MRLGHRD MS MTC NAB NACOP NAMIDEF NANGOF NAU NATMIRC NAWIC NBC NBRI NCC NCRN NDC NDP NDTF NEPAD NEPRU NGO NNFU NPC NPTH O-ADC OIA OPM PoN PRAIS QAS REMU RISE SACU SADC SDI TAC
Mariental Agricultural Development Centre Mashare Agricultural and Rural Development Institute Ministry of Agriculture, Water and Forestry Ministry of Environment and Tourism Ministry of Lands and Resettlement Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources Ministry of Education Ministry of Regional and Local Government and Housing and Rural Development Micro Soft (Word, Excel, etc.) Mobile Telecommunication Namibia Namibia Agronomic Board National Aids Co-ordination Programme Namibia Internet Development Foundation Namibia Non-Governmental Organization Forum Namibia Agricultural Union National Marine Information and Research Centres Namibia Agricultural Water and Information Centres Namibia Broadcasting Corporation National Botanical Research Institute Namibia Communication Commission Namibia Community Radio Network Namibia Development Corporation National Development Plan National Drought Task Force New Partnership for African Development National Economic Policy Research Unit Non Governmental Organizations Namibia National Farmers Union National Planning Commission Namibia Post and Telecom Holdings Ongwendiva Agricultural Development Centre Ontario Institute of Agrologists Office of the Prime Minister Polytechnic of Namibia Programme for Agricultural Information Services Question and Answer Service Rural Education Material Unit Rural People Institute for Social Empowerment in Namibia Southern African Custom Union Southern African Development Community Selective Dissemination of Information Total Allowance Catch iv
TAZAC TB TEEAL UNAM UNESCO UNDP UNU UNU-INRA WAD WHO VAN ZERI ZMT
Tsumis Arid Zone Agricultural Centre Tuberculosis The Essential Electronic Agricultural Library University of Namibia United Nation Educational Scientific an Cultural Organization United Nation Development Program United Nation University United Nations University Institute of Natural Resources in Africa Women Action for Development World Health Organization Veterinary Association of Namibia Zero Emissions Research Initiative Centre for Tropical Marine Ecology
Exchange rate on 12 July 2007: US$ = 6.9649 N$ Euro = 9.1403 N$ Source: Bank of Namibia
Contents
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS ........................................................................................................II LIST OF ACRONYMS.............................................................................................................III CONTENTS ........................................................................................................................... VI LIST OF TABLES................................................................................................................. VIII LIST OF FIGURES ................................................................................................................ IX EXECUTIVE SUMMARY ........................................................................................................ X 1. 2. INTRODUCTION ...........................................................................................................1 COUNTRY PROFILE.....................................................................................................3 2.1 AGRICULTURE, FISHERIES, FORESTRY AND LIVESTOCK ..................................................4 2.1.1 Agriculture (crop production)................................................................................4 2.1.2 Fisheries ..............................................................................................................6 2.1.3 Forestry ...............................................................................................................7 2.1.4 Livestock production ............................................................................................8 2.2 STATUS OF ICT INFRASTRUCTURE AND RECENT DEVELOPMENTS IN THE SECTOR ............9 3. STATUS OF INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION FOR AGRICULTURE AND RURAL DEVELOPMENT.............................................................................................11 3.1 INSTITUTIONAL, REGULATORY AND POLICY FRAMEWORK ..............................................11 3.2 OPERATIONAL ASPECTS ............................................................................................11 3.2.1 Description of agricultural information and services ...........................................11 3.2.2 Information sources ...........................................................................................12 3.2.2.1 Medium used to communicate agricultural Information .................................14 3.2.3 Information products and services provided.......................................................14 3.2.4 Information and communication management capacity .....................................16 3.3 INTERVENTIONS SUPPORTING INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION FOR AGRICULTURE AND RURAL DEVELOPMENT ......................................................................................19 4. 4.1 4.2 5. INSTITUTIONAL NEEDS ANALYSIS ..........................................................................21 INFORMATION NEEDS ................................................................................................21 CAPACITY-BUILDING ..................................................................................................24 CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS ............................................................28 5.1 CONCLUSIONS ..........................................................................................................28 5.1.1 Information needs ..............................................................................................28 5.1.2 Capacity-building needs.....................................................................................29 5.1.3 Potential partners and beneficiaries ...................................................................30 5.2 RECOMMENDATIONS..................................................................................................31 5.2.1 Information needs ..............................................................................................32 5.2.2 Capacity-building needs.....................................................................................33 5.2.3 Potential Strategic Partner Institutions ...............................................................34 6. PROPOSED CTA INTERVENTION STRATEGY AND ACTION PLAN........................36
ANNEXES..............................................................................................................................36 ANNEXURE I .........................................................................................................................37 TERMS OF REFERENCE .....................................................................................................37 ANNEXURE II ........................................................................................................................40 COUNTRY PROFILE: NAMIBIA ............................................................................................40
vi
2.1 GENERAL AGRICULTURAL PROFILE .............................................................................40 2.1.1 Size of agricultural population ............................................................................42 2.1.2 Farmed land, forests, fishing areas ....................................................................42 2.1.3 Agricultural systems...........................................................................................43 2.1.4 Agriculture in the economy.................................................................................43 2.1.5 Main agricultural and fisheries produce and, secondary products......................44 2.1.6 Main export markets ..........................................................................................46 2.1.7 Trade agreements that include agriculture.........................................................46 2.1.8 Sectoral policy related to agriculture, fisheries and forests ................................46 2.1.8.1 Agricultural policy ..........................................................................................47 2.1.8.2 Fisheries policy and legislative framework ....................................................48 2.1.8.3 Forest policy..................................................................................................48 2.1.9 Institutional, regulatory and policy framework for Information & communication 49 2.2 SOCIO-ECONOMIC PROFILE ........................................................................................50 2.2.1 Demographics....................................................................................................50 2.2.2 Literacy level and languages..............................................................................51 2.2.3 Access to services .............................................................................................52 2.2.4 Ruralurban drift ................................................................................................54 2.3 MEDIA AND TELECOMMUNICATIONS ............................................................................55 2.3.1 Newspapers, periodicals and broadcast media..................................................55 2.3.2 Telecommunication services..............................................................................62 2.3.3 Computers and the Internet ...............................................................................65 ANNEXURE III .......................................................................................................................67 PROFILE OF INSTITUTIONS ................................................................................................67 3.1 3.2 3.3 7. LIST OF ALL INSTITUTIONS IN AGRICULTURE AND RURAL DEVELOPMENT ........................67 SELECT LIST OF KEY INSTITUTIONS ............................................................................70 LIST OF PERSONS INTERVIEWED.................................................................................99 BIBLIOGRAPHY ........................................................................................................100
vii
List of Tables
TABLE 1: MEDIUM OF INFORMATION COMMUNICATION USED BY VARIOUS INSTITUTIONS .................15 TABLE 2: FREQUENTLY MENTIONED INFORMATION NEEDS...........................................................23 TABLE 3: POTENTIAL STRATEGIC PARTNER INSTITUTIONS ...........................................................35 TABLE 4: CTAS STRATEGIC INTERVENTION AND ACTION PLAN ..................................................35 TABLE 5: AGRO-ECOLOGICAL ZONES OF NAMIBIA ......................................................................41 TABLE 6: FARMING SYSTEMS IN NAMIBIA...................................................................................43 TABLE 7: CONTRIBUTION OF AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES SECTORS TO GDP .............................44 TABLE 8: MAIN AGRICULTURAL AND FISHERIES PRODUCE AND SECONDARY PRODUCTS ................44 TABLE 9: POPULATION DISTRIBUTION BY SEX AND AREA IN NAMIBIA.............................................50 TABLE 10: POPULATION DISTRIBUTION BY AGE AND REGION: NAMIBIA 2001 ..................................51 TABLE 11: LITERATE POPULATION AGED 15 YEARS AND ABOVE BY SEX AND LANGUAGE ..................52 TABLE 12: MEDIA ORGANIZATIONS IN NAMIBIA ............................................................................56 TABLE 13: MTC SUBSCRIPTION, CALL AND SHORT MESSAGE SERVICE CHARGES ............................64 TABLE 14: INTERNET SERVICE PROVIDERS IN NAMIBIA ................................................................65 TABLE 15: KEY RATIOS .............................................................................................................66 TABLE 16: LIST OF INSTITUTIONS IN THE AGRICULTURAL SECTOR AND RURAL DEVELOPMENT ..........67
viii
List of Figures
FIGURE 1: MAP OF NAMIBIA SHOWING INTERNATIONAL BORDERS, TOWNS AND PERENNIAL RIVERS.
XIII
FIGURE 2: ADMINISTRATIVE REGIONS AND LOCATION OF INSTITUTIONS CONTACTED. ........................2 FIGURE 3: NATURAL FORESTS IN NAMIBIA. ...................................................................................8 FIGURE 4: FRAGMENTATION OF AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTION......................................................45 FIGURE 5: CONNECTION TO THE ELECTRICITY GRID BY LOCATION. ................................................54 FIGURE 6: HOUSEHOLDS WITH ACCESS TO SELECTED FACILITIES..................................................56
ix
Executive Summary
Introduction The CTA had been systematically conducting needs assessments studies for its products and services in the African, Pacific and Caribbean (ACP) region since 2003 and the African region (post-conflict countries) since 2005. CTA realized the importance of similar studies in Southern Africa (Botswana, Lesotho, Malawi, Namibia, South Africa, Zimbabwe & Zambia) and Ghana. On the 5 - 7 February 2007, the study was launched in Gaborone (Botswana) in response to the CTAs call on assessment of agricultural information needs in Namibia, while taking the CTAs new Strategic Plan 2007 2010 into account. The Strategic Plan places emphasis on: (i) improving CTAs efficiency and increasing the Centres outreach by addressing the major bottleneck of difficult or insufficient access to information in ACP countries; (ii) honing CTAs profile and further defining the niche where the centre has a comparative advantage. Consequently, reaching more beneficiaries and further strengthening CTAs partnership networks is key as well as the thrust to make Information Communication Technologies (ICTs) and Information Communication Management (ICM) strategies more widely available. Objectives The overall objective of the study is to improve CTAs collaboration strategies with, and support to ACP agricultural organisations. The study focuses on the main agricultural services and actors existing in the country (information supply side) in terms of their strengths, weaknesses and opportunities for collaboration with CTA. Further, the study aimed at identifying agricultural information and ICM capacity building needs of key actors / key strategic partners for CTA products and services. Potential strategic partners for CTA activities and services (with special attention to e.g. print media, radio, TV and journalist networks) were identified with proposed CTA interventions and action plan. Methodology The consultants used a combination of qualitative and quantitative rapid appraisal methods. The consultants conducted a desk review of available literature and information sources in public libraries or information centres and from institutions like the National Planning Commission (NPC), National Economic Policy Research Unit (NEPRU), Namibia Agricultural Union (NAU), Namibia National Farmers Union (NNFU) and the Ministries of Agriculture and Fisheries. The desk review used institutional annual reports, country reports, national documents such as Vision 2030 and the Development Plans, national policy documents (e.g. the agricultural, fisheries, ICT policies, etc.), grey literature and other unpublished documents. Interviews with relevant informants were held or small meetings in a group of not more than three people. The interviews were guided by a structured questionnaire developed by the CTA. As per the resolutions of the meeting in Gaborone (Botswana) early this year and with due cognizance of the maximum (15) potential partners, 44 institutions were classified according to their roles in agriculture and rural development after which 13 were selected for further consultations. The selection criteria upheld representativeness across the country and used strategic positioning (see Figure 2), overall ICM and ICT skills/capacities, involvement in agricultural, agroforestry and/or fisheries-related activities and potential of becoming CTAs renowned partner. Expected Results The study is expected to: Highlight the status of infrastructure of agricultural information services in the country;
x
Identify the ICM capacity of institutions involved in agriculture and rural development; Identify key players in agriculture and rural development and, describe and analyse the information and capacity building needs of key institutions; Provide baseline data on the status of ICM and ICT in agriculture and rural development compiled for monitoring purpose and improve outreached. Findings Despite its current low ( 5%) contribution to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP), agriculture is one of Namibias most important sectors in Namibia. The contribution of agriculture to GDP has dropped from 10% during the early 90s to its current (2007) position of 5% due mainly to advancement in the mining sector and secondary (e.g. manufacturing sub-sector) and tertiary industries (e.g. financial sub-sector). The agricultural sector plays an enormous role in development and economy of the country and currently it support, directly or indirectly, about 70% of the population in the country. Most of these people reside in rural areas and are involved in subsistence farming. Generally, the sector can be categorized into subsistence, commercial and urban agriculture. Livestock and crops constitute the major sources of livelihoods. The sector faces many challenges in order to address the issue of hunger and poverty alleviation through productivity and food security. The Namibian Government through the Ministry of Agriculture, Water and Forestry (MAWF) is aware of the potential of information and ICT to the agricultural sector. The overall impression of the ICT situation in Namibia is very favourable due the advance in telecommunication infrastructure. However, Namibia has a long way to go in terms of provision of information to all. The Namibian Government has recognized the importance of information provision and the use of ICT for development and has embarked on several policies initiatives including the E-governance and National ICT Policy to transform Namibia from an agricultural society to an information society. At an institutional level, only a few institutions (FANR Library, SANUMARC) had some policies on ICM and use of ICTs even though these policies might be outdated and need to be reviewed. There are many institutions in Namibia that are playing an important role in agricultural and rural development information (e.g. DEES, FANR Library, MADI, NATMIRC, NAWIC, NAU, NNFU, TAZAC, etc.). Majority of these institutions are found in the urban areas and their target audiences have a relatively high level of education. In contrast, the few agricultural institutions found in rural areas serve the majority of the farming community and are ill equipped with limited information resources, limited or no access to internet, lacks infrastructure and are headed by semi-qualified personnel. The study reveals that the information needs of institutions are determined by various factors such as type of users, level of education and the usage of information. As a result, the information needs of institutions may differ from institution to institution. These needs varied from simplified ready-to-use (e.g. technical information) to synthesized (information for decision makers) and statistical or unprocessed information such as data. Some specific information needs included information on resistant and drought tolerant crop varieties, markets and commodity prices, bush encroachment, repackaging of available information and waste water utilization. Institutional capacity building needs ranged from resource centres/libraries; staff expansion; ICT/ICM training; policy development; information resources including books, journals and e-resources, photocopiers, scanners, databases, printers, DVDs, video tapes, desktop publishing equipment, digital cameras, multi media projectors to website development and maintenance.
xi
Conclusions The provision of agricultural information and rural development is negatively affected by factors such as: Absence of policy/strategy to govern agricultural information or ICM/ICT; Under-funded and understaffed information centres/libraries especially those in rural areas; Poor access to internet and related online resources because of high internet costs and subscription costs; A lack of formal networks for information sharing; A lack of qualified people to manage information centres; A lack of skills in, and resources for ICM and ICT; Lack of updated local contents in information resource centres/libraries. Recommendations The main recommendations are as follows: There is a need for CTA to assist with formulation of an agricultural information policy through organizing a training workshop; Development of national information databases and conducting information audit within the sector is needed; Sensitising leaders and decision makers about the importance of information and lobbying for increase in budget allocation towards information resource centres/libraries is long overdue; CTA may wish to provide training in various aspects of ICM and ICT and basic programmes such as Microsoft Word & Excel, website development and maintenance, managing resource centres, etc.; Use of Online Access Initiative (OAI) should be promoted amongst researchers to boost provision of local contents; The National Broadcasting Cooperation (NBC) may wish to increase airtime for agricultural information because of the better coverage (>80% of population); Exposure visits to advanced institutions like the CTA by librarians is highly recommended as this would impart the necessary skills unto them and ensure that they adapt to their working environment; Resources permitting, CTA may want to assist (in form of ICT resources e.g. computer hardware and software, scanners, printers, photocopiers, etc., CDs, videos, books, and training on library management) EITRC, MADI, NAU, NNFU, Ongwendiva ADC and SANUMARC to establish proper information units and/or libraries; Some of the available information resources has got limited or narrow readership (e.g. only for scientists) and need to be simplified through repackaging. Potential partners The following institutions (ranked in order of highest to lowest potential) are potential partners because they have direct links with farmers the ultimate target group of CTA, are (partially) equipped and ready to partner with other institutions and are strategically located to effectively disseminate agricultural and rural development information to majority of farming community. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. DEES; O-ADC; NAWIC; NNFU; TAZAC; MADI; 7. 8. 9. 10. 11/12. 13. NAU; M-ADC; FANR Library; NATMIRC; SANUMARC & IS; EITRC.
xii
Figure 1: Map of Namibia showing international borders, major towns and perennial rivers.
xiii
1.
1.
INTRODUCTION
The CTA was established in 1983 under the Lom Convention between the ACP (African, Caribbean and Pacific) Group of States and the European Union Member States. Since 2000, it has operated within the framework of the ACP-EC Cotonou Agreement and, working primarily through intermediary public and private partners such as research centres, extension services, libraries, NGOs, farmers organisations and regional organisations to promote agriculture and rural development. As per the agreement, CTA is tasked to develop and provide services that improve access to information for agricultural and rural development, and to strengthen the capacity of ACP countries to produce, acquire, exchange and utilise information in this area. CTAs programmes are organised around three principal activities: providing an increasing range and quantity of information products and services, enhancing awareness of relevant information sources; supporting the integrated use of appropriate communication channels and intensifying contacts and information exchange (particularly intra-ACP); and developing ACP capacity to generate and manage agricultural information and to formulate information and communication management (ICM) strategies, including those relevant to science and technology all of which take account of methodological developments in cross-cutting issues (e.g. gender, youth, information & communication technologies ICTs, and social capital), findings from impact assessments and evaluations of ongoing programmes as well as priority information themes for ACP agriculture. Since 2003, CTA has been systematically conducting needs assessment studies across the Pacific, Caribbean and African regions the regions it has been mandated to serve. These studies have been in direct response to calls for CTA, in various evaluations of its products, services and programmes, to be more strategic in its choice regarding the setting of its own agenda and reacting to demand. In putting together its Strategic Plan and Framework for Action 2001 2005, CTA took a pragmatic view and opted to develop a strategy combining the benefits of both approaches, whereby the need to address the expressed demands of its stakeholders and the potential longterm advantages of developing programmes that address future needs were combined. The Centres new strategic plan covering the 2007 2010 period places emphasis on: improving CTAs efficiency and increasing the Centres outreach by addressing the major bottleneck of difficult or insufficient access to information in ACP countries; (ii) honing CTAs profile and further defining the niche where the Centre has a comparative advantage. Consequently, reaching more beneficiaries and further strengthening CTAs partnership networks is key as well as the thrust to make ICTs and ICM strategies more widely available. Under the new strategic plan, the organisations targeted will be extended to include print media, editors, and radio, TV and journalist networks in order to further maximise outreach. Through these partnerships, CTA hopes to increase the number of ACP organisations capable of accessing and combining modern and conventional ICTs, generating and managing information and developing their own ICM strategies.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Therefore, identification of appropriate partners is of fundamental importance, whilst bearing in mind issues such as geographical coverage, decentralisation, regionalisation, thematic orientation and transparent and objective criteria and procedures for partner selection. In that regard, this study was conducted in order to give the country profile as well as to assess the agricultural information needs of potential partner institutions in Namibia. In this study, the consultants focused on policy makers and heads of sections of the institutions that are directly and/or indirectly involved in agricultural related activities. During desk review 44 institutions were classified according to their roles in agriculture and rural development after which 13 were selected for interviews on the basis of their strategic positioning (see Fig. 2), involvement in agricultural, agroforestry and/or fisheries-related activities and potential of becoming CTAs renowned partner. Data gathering approaches involved desk review, meetings and interviews guided by the structured questionnaire.
7.
Ongwendiva ADC
MADI
SANUMARC NATMIRC DEES FANR Library NAU NAWIC NNFU IS
EITRC
TAZAC Mariental ADC
KEY: ADMINISTRATIVE REGIONS 1. Caprivi 2. Erongo 8. Ohangwena 3. Hardap 9. Omaheke 4. Karas 10. Omusati 5. Kavango 11. Oshana 6. Khomas 12. Oshikoto 7. Kunene 13. Otjozondjupa
Figure 2: Administrative regions and location of institutions contacted for the study.
2.
8.
COUNTRY PROFILE
Namibia, which is approximately 824 418 sq km (ca. 82 429 000 ha) in extent, is situated in the south west of the continent of Africa (22 34 S, 17 06 E), and share borders with the rest of the world (i.e. Atlantic Ocean) on the west, Angola and Zambia to the north, Botswana to the east and South Africa to the south (see Fig. 1). The current population of about 2 million people and whose growth rate is estimated at 3% per annum live on approximately 659 534 sq km of land, because nearly 20% of total land area is uninhabitable Namib desert, national parks and game reserves. The National Population and Housing Census in 2001 revealed that about 73 and 27% of the population inhabit the rural and urban areas respectively. In addition, 51 % of the population comprise females who reside mainly in rural areas. Generally, the number of males and females differ markedly in many regions. For example, there are fewer men than women in the Northern region, because many men have moved away to work in major towns. It is believed that this resulted in men outnumbering women in many urban areas. Like other developing countries, young people dominate the Namibian population. About 40% of the whole population is under the age of 15 and, about 7% of the population is aged 60 years and above (NPC, 2001). Generally, the age structure of population varies from area to area. For example, the rural areas in Ohangwena and Omusati are dominated by children whereas towns in Khomas, Erongo and Oshana are dominated by older children and young adults. Because of the high rural-urban migration, urban areas have more people in the economic active age group of 15-59 years. However, the general high unemployment rate (35%) coupled with unemployability of the majority school drop-outs and the limited availability of jobs in cities forces the majority of the people in this age group to explore various livelihood mechanisms including begging, self-employment especially street vending (e.g. selling newspapers & recharge vouchers, watches, hats, Kapana, etc.) and, at times, opportunistic burglary. With a mean annual precipitation of 270 mm, Namibia has the driest climate in sub-Saharan Africa. The annual rainfall is generally very erratic, and range from as low as 20 mm in the south-western Namib Desert and coastal zones to more than 700 mm in the far north-east. In line with the increasing rainfall from south-west to north-east, growing periods for various plant species range from zero in the Namib Desert to 120 days in the north-east. Of Namibias limited and erratic rainfall, an estimated 83 97% is lost through evapo-transpiration, while only 2% runs off into rivers or dams, and 1% infiltrates and recharges groundwater (DWA, 1991; MET, 2001). Given the high evaporation from dams, high evapo-transpiration rates through invasive species, uncertain groundwater recharge rates and the countrys population growth and the concomitant increase in livestock numbers, water supply both for livestock and human consumption will continue to be a challenge. Namibias only perennial rivers (Kunene, Linyanti, Okavango, Orange & Zambezi) flow along parts of its northern and southern borders (see Fig. 1), and the country is almost entirely dependent upon ephemeral rivers and groundwater. Water tables have dropped significantly in some areas during the last two decades because of water extraction to supply towns and related industrial and mining activities, and majority of farmers are already experiencing reduction in borehole water levels. Unfortunately, the number of
3
9.
10.
11.
12.
good rainfall seasons required to restore the water tables is unknown. On the other hand, drilling more boreholes yields poor results in the large parts of Namibia because of poor underground aquifers. To evade the looming water crisis Namibia, in consultation with the neighbouring countries, may have to resort to her perennial rivers which are limitedly accessible and employ modern water harvesting and storage techniques while ensuring high water use efficiency. 13. The soils are mainly deep Kalahari sands of poor fertility characterized by deficiency in most of the mineral and micronutrients such as manganese, iron and zinc. In some parts of Namibia, soils have a compacted horizon with lower permeability and high sodium activity. Calcrete outcrops occur in the area bordering the Kunene Region while black clays are associated with the floors of the Oshanas and pans. The fertile soils and higher rainfall of the Grootfontein-Otavi-Tsumeb triangle support wheat, pasture and maize production. Worth noting is the fact that inhabitants of the different parts of the country have varied farming practices and cultural diversity as highlighted below. Agrarian systems in the northern most part of the country are characterized by a mixed crop system with limited livestock production; cattle ranching dominate the central part of the country, whereas small stock (goats and sheep) production are the dominant farm animals in the south. Across all of the country, pigs and chickens are reared mainly for household consumption and only a handful of commercialized pig and poultry production is practised. Intensive agriculture (cropping) characterized by high value crops such as dates, table grapes, maize, fruits and several vegetable are limited to high rainfall areas or areas close to perennial rivers the Orange in particular. Namibia is also endowed with other marine and terrestrial resources including fish, diamonds and other precious stones, wildlife as well as limited forests and forests products. The diamonds and mining sector in general as well as the manufacturing sectors contributed more than 10% each to the GDP in 2006, followed by the agriculture and fisheries sectors. The tertiary industries including wholesale and retail trade, hotels and restaurants, transportation and communications, real estate, financial services, etc. contributed more than 55% to the GDP in the same year. Despite most of the above, the country is a net importer of food relying particularly on South African food supplies. However, the government (through various policies and interventions) is developing sustainable ways of food production to enhance food security at both household and national levels.
14.
15.
16.
2.1
2.1.1 17.
Agriculture, Fisheries, Forestry and Livestock

Agriculture (crop production) Despite its minimal contribution to both the agricultural (29%) and overall GDP (1.8%), crop production is one of the important sub-sectors which provide direct benefits to, particularly, those living in rural and peri-urban settings. In Namibia crop production can be categorized into (i) extensive/subsistence, (ii) commercial and (iii) urban/peri-urban agriculture.
18.
Extensive and/or subsistence agriculture: In the northern regions, farmers practice a mixed system of rainfed millet and sorghum production, forest products and limited livestock and vegetable production for household consumption. In the extensive floodplains of Caprivi, maize is the dominant crop, with cattle raising and fishing as important components. Pearl millet, also known as Mahangu, is also cultivated by the majority amongst a variety of vegetable crops and beans near homesteads. Rice, sunflower and cotton cultivation is being developed and preliminary findings indicate high potential for these crops. The Okavango Region has a similar agro-pastoral system, although there is limited cultivation of maize. In low population density areas of Caprivi and Kavango Regions, farming systems are based on cut-and-burn bush fallow cultivation and fields are increasingly being stumped for regular cultivation. Total farm yields of staple crops are usually very low, resulting in annual shortfalls during November to February with concomitant heavy reliance on emergency food subsidies. Irregular intercropping with legumes exists on nearly half of croplands in the North Central Region (NCR), while indigenous fruit trees contribute to the livelihoods of Namibians living in the northern communal areas (NCA). In fertile areas, the average size of fields cultivated per household is 2-3 hectares with millet, sorghum, and beans being the most important crops. In the NCR Mahangu is the dominant and staple crop, whose cultivation is dependant upon the sporadic rains between November and April. Generally, crop failures are common and it is believed that over 75% of the subsistence crop growers never use fertilizers. Commercial and intensive agriculture: Considering soil, rainfall and various water sources, Namibia is poorly adapted for commercial and intensive agriculture (crop production). However, there are areas where commercial and intensive agriculture can be a lucrative venture especially when considering high value crops like dates and table grapes or cash crops like maize, bananas, melons, figs, etc. Dates and grapes are produced along the Orange River by individual farmers and farmers cooperatives and, these are exported to overseas markets. Maize is produced on a large scale in the maize triangle i.e. Grootfontein-Otavi-Tsumeb area and on a few other commercial farms south of the Veterinary Cordon Fence (VCF). In order to meet the shortfall in maize production, additional volumes of maize are annually imported from Zambia and South Africa. Figs, melons and tobacco are produced on a small-scale by a few individuals on private commercial farms, whereas the known commercial Banana producer in Namibia has a plot at, and operates from the Etunda Irrigation Scheme in Omusati region. Some farmers around major towns use hydroponics system to grow vegetables which they sell to hotels. Small-scale urban and peri-urban agriculture: Over 23 types of vegetables and fruit trees are grown in urban and peri-urban agriculture systems of which maize, beans, tomatoes, pumpkin, watermelon, sweet potato and pepper are the main crops. Most vegetable production activities are carried out during the summer rains supplemented with portable water for household consumption. Agricultural mechanization: Depending on the affordability of technology, a combination of tractors and animal draught power (oxen and donkeys) are used in ploughing and weeding of crop fields. Similarly, limited mechanized post-harvest technologies are used in activities such as transport, threshing and winnowing. The introduction of mechanical land preparation by oxen or donkeys and more so by tractor, requires de-stumping (although real modern equipment could be flexible enough), and possibly decreases soil fertility.
5
19.
20.
21.
22.
23.
Institutional arrangements: The MAWF is the overarching organ and principal decision maker regulating policies and issues pertaining to crop production. However, the roles of other key stakeholders such as the Agronomic Board and farmers are highly recognized. The Namibian Agronomic Board (NAB) is responsible for promoting the crop production industries and to facilitate the production, processing and marketing of controlled crops/products in Namibia. Controlled grain crops under the Agronomic Boards jurisdiction are white maize and products thereof, and wheat and products thereof while plans to have Mahangu gazetted as a controlled crop under the Namibian Agronomic Board Act 20 of 1992 are at an advanced stage. The non-controlled crops produced in Namibia include, amongst others, yellow maize, sorghum, groundnuts, sunflower, beans, cotton and lucerne. The broad-based Indigenous Fruit Task Team (IFTT) and the Mahangu and Sorghum Task Team oversee much of the agronomic industry initiatives outsourced by MAWF. The Namibia Development Corporation (NDC) is technically initiating and developing capital agricultural projects, while the Agricultural Bank and Presidents Joint Commission comprising the NAU and NNFU helps emerging farmers pursuing commercialized agriculture in various ways including relevant market and production information, credits, input supplies, etc. Generally, farmers are the driving force behind most, if not all, of the crop production activities. In order to promote sustainable crop production, recent developments including the Green Scheme Initiative, Crop Diversification, Phyto-Sanitary and Quality Control, Soil fertility and Plant Genetic Resources Conservation, Appropriate Technology Promotion and On-farm research programmes are being implemented with capital injection from both international donors, local NGOs and the national government. Fisheries Namibia boasts a 1572 km coastal line and an exclusive economic/fishing zone stretching about 200 nautical miles into the Atlantic. Generally, Namibia has one of the most productive fishing grounds in the world, because of the Benguela current system an eastern boundary current upwelling system, which supports rich populations of demersal and pelagic fish. In addition, the perennial (e.g. Kavango, Zambezi and Orange) and other ephemeral rivers as well as open water bodies such as the Oshanas and dams are used for mariculture and terrestrial fisheries. Fisheries resources in Namibia are controlled by the central government through the line Ministry of Fisheries. Over 20 commercially important fish species (e.g. anchovy, guano, hake, monk, horse mackerel, pilchard, Orange Roughy, tuna, etc.), and red crabs, rock lobster, mussels, prawns, seals and seaweed are landed using trawl, nets and line methods. Various foreign-based and local companies (e.g. Tunacor, Pescanova, Cadilu, NovaNam (Spanish), NAMSOV (Soviet), Senhor du Mundo (Portugal), Gendev (Sweden), etc.) as well as organized groups are key players in the fishing industry employing about 14 000 people. To prevent overexploitation and to promote economic viability in the industry, the Ministry has policies (see section 2.1.8) that govern issuing of rights of exploitation, fishing vessel licenses, and in some fisheries, total allowable catch (TAC) and individual catch quotas. Records show that more than 600 000 and 2 metric tons of fish are landed annually through marine fishing and terrestrial fisheries respectively. On the other hand, individuals may catch up to 30 marine fish, whereas those found in open water bodies are controlled by village headmen.
6
24.
2.1.2 25.
26.
27.
Over 80% of these catches are processed and packed for export market while the rest is sold to local retailers. Through exports, the industry earns the country more than N$ 3 billion in foreign currencies and, overall, it contributes about 8% to the GDP (Ministry of Fisheries, 2007). In addition, both marine and terrestrial fisheries including aquaculture contribute significantly to food security at the household and national levels because fish is one of the cheapest sources of protein. Forestry On account of mainly climate, soil types and geology, Namibia can be classified as a purely semi-arid savanna/woodland and non-forest country. Indeed, the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations defines forests as land covered by trees with a canopy cover of more than 10% and growing higher than 5 metres. Usually a forest shall extend over more than half a hectare, and includes an understorey of young indigenous ferns & forbs and, trees that can develop into taller groves. Figure 3 shows areas with canopy cover of about 10% which, hence, may qualify as forests. Most of these areas are in north-eastern Namibia, especially in eastern Caprivi, western Kavango, eastern Ohangwena and in the hills/mountains around Grootfontein, Otavi, Tsumeb and Sesfontein. The productivity of these forests is constrained by harsh climatic conditions, a lack of knowledge about appropriate silvicultural techniques and poor inventory data. The major tree species planted or occurring in these areas include Eucalyptus and Pines. Production of non-wood forest products such as Marula (Sclerocarya birrea), Mangeti nuts (Schinzophyton rautanenii) and other indigenous fruits and nuts has gained momentum over the past few years. However, this require improvements in understanding about the propagation, storage, promotion and marketing of these forest products. On the other hand, processing of forest products is limited because of low product recovery rates, a lack of appropriately trained people, inefficient equipment and poor marketing. The forestry sector, albeit being small, is one of the critical one both to Namibia and the globe. This sector aims to control the utilization of the few forest resources (e.g. timber, firewood, thatch grass, bees, shade and fodder trees, indigenous fruit trees, etc.) as well as pricing, importation and/or exportation and propagation of forest-related genetic materials. However, useful statistics (data) on most of the above could not be obtained for inclusion in this report. The key players in the sector include various forestry resource users comprising 43 community forests and policy makers especially the central government through the MAWF. Forest products in Namibia are harvested almost exclusively from natural forests and the policies governing the use and price lists for using different forest resources and/or products as well as the agroforestry resources can be found at: http://www.mawf.gov.na/Directorates/Forestry.
2.1.3 28.
29.
Figure 3: Natural forests in Namibia. (Source: Mendelsohn & el Obeid, 2005).
2.1.4 30.
Livestock production Owing to her climate, soil types and evapo-transpiration rates, Namibia is better adapted to livestock-based as opposed to crop-based agriculture. And, at the present moment livestock contribute more than 70% to the agricultural GDP. However, the productivity of livestock in Namibia is low due, in part, to poor husbandry practices, limited farmer training, limited availability of credits to farmers, animal health issues, HIV/AIDS, rangeland degradation and reduced carrying capacities, and most importantly annual gross feed scarcity especially during the dry season (August/September November). The livestock sector in Namibia is divided into the communal (formerly: subsistence farming) and commercial sub-sectors, both of which vary markedly in terms of land tenure system, livestock husbandry, farming objectives, resources inputs and grazing management, etc. In the former, livestock are kept and grazed in non-title deed government land whereas in the latter sub-sector the freehold land tenure system allows for a more commercialized approach (i.e. high resource inputs and higher outputs) to farming. In general, there is better livestock husbandry and grazing management under the commercialized sub-sector compared to the communal sector.
31.
32.
In both sectors, the common livestock production systems are: shepherded (cattle and goats) grazing (north-west), extensive cattle ranching (northcentral and central Namibia) and, extensive small stock (sheep and goats) production (west, south and central Namibia). Intensive livestock production characterised by dairying (e.g. Gocheganas), pig farming (e.g. Mariental Pig Farm), poultry production (e.g. several commercial near Okahandja) and beef cattle feedlotting (e.g. Okapuka Feedlot) exist, but is limited. Within the livestock sector, statistics shows that in Namibia there are approximately 3.1, 2.7, 2.1 and 1 million cattle, sheep, goats and poultry respectively, in addition to smaller numbers of asses, horses, mules, pigs, farmed ostriches and camels. However, cattle and small stock numbers fluctuate considerably in response to high and low rainfall years. Beef production is the most important livestock related activity, followed by small stock (sheep and goat), smallholder poultry and dairy production and, more than 80% of the output from the livestock sector is exported to South Africa and the European Union. According to the agricultural statistics bulletins, more than 300 000 cattle and about 1.5 million sheep (mutton) and goats are marketed annually. In 2005, 228 962 kg of Karakul wool, 20 million litres of milk and 41 million chicken eggs were produced locally. Karakul pelts production stood at 118 806 in 2003, but dropped to 89 603 in 2005. Another important, though not so common, activity within the sector is stud breeding. This is practised by a few registered stud (seed) animal breeders and government breeding stations specializing in mainly cattle (e.g. Afrikaner, Bonsmara, Brahman, Nguni, Simmental, etc.), sheep (e.g. Damara, Dorper, Karakul, etc.) and goat breeds (especially Boer goat). With rive genetic erosion and potential loss of biodiversity of indigenous stock, activities aimed at animal genetic resources conservation may need to be speeded up. However, this does not mean total exclusion and use of high yielding and better adapted exotic breeds. The various specializations within the livestock sector include: Stud breeding; Pork production; Dairy production; Mutton production; Goat meat production; Pelt and fibre production; Weaner (cow-calf) production; and Limited mixed livestock and game ranching.
33.
34.
35.
36.
The key players in the sub-sector includes farmers, farmers associations and unions, livestock agents, service providers, butcheries and abattoirs and Meat Board all of whom are controlled by the government through the line Ministry of Agriculture, Water and Forestry.
2.2
Brief Description of the Status of ICT Infrastructure and Recent Developments in the Sector
The overall impression of the ICT situation in Namibia is very favourable due to advances in telecommunication infrastructure. Namibia boasts with an independent and sophisticated telecom infrastructure and growing adoption of ICT and Internet facilities in both private and public sector.
37.
38.
Internet services were established in Namibia in late 1995 with one ISP (Internet Service Provider) called Namibia Internet Development Foundation (NAMIDEF). Since then, there are four ISPs viz. Iway, Africa Online, Namibnet and UUnet. All ISPs operated on top of the telecom communication backbone established for the whole country by Telecom. According to available statistics, computer users were estimated at 150 000 with 75 000 connected to internet and 600 operating lease lines (see Table 14). Over the years, there has been a significant improvement in the use of ICT in the country both in the public and private sector. Services such as e-banking, elearning, e-commerce and e-booking were introduced and have created an immediate impact on the clients who used it. In contrast, Namibia is faced with many challenges in order to provide equal access to information. There is digital divide between rural and urban as well as the divide between income groups. The ISPs find it difficult to expand the total number of the Internet users owing to income barriers as well the small population of about 2 million. People from wealthy status have access to information in terms of computers, cell-phones and Internet if one compares to poor families in the country (Namhila, 2004). People in rural areas do not have the same advantages like those in urban areas when it comes to ICT. In addition, the Namibian ICT industry depends on South Africa (SA) and other international countries for import of hardware. Generally South African companies are reluctant to open offices in Namibia because of the small size of the local market. As a result, the ICT is not affordable to everyone in Namibia. Lack of skills is common problem in the country and is worse in the rural areas. The ISPs, ICT experts and technicians are mainly found in Windhoek and it takes quite sometime for technicians to travel from the city to rural areas to repair a problem that could have been solved through knowledge of basic computer skills. These breakdowns affect the provision of services in rural areas. Several policy initiatives have been undertaken over the last years to transform Namibia to information society. These include the ICT policy, Value Added Services, Telecommunication Bill and the Education and Training Sector Improvement Programme (ETSIP). The ETSIP programme aims to embed ICT at all levels of education system and to integrate its use as a tool in the delivery of curricula and learning. It is believed that this programme will lead to a marked improvement in the quality of the learning and teaching process from primary to tertiary institutions. Also, it is anticipated that this programme will improve the quality and range of skilled labour required to improve knowledge-driven productivity and economic growth as well as attainment of equitable social development (ETSIP, 2007). Other recent developments in the sector has seen the launching of a new cell phone company (Cell One) on March 19th, 2007. It is expected that the competition in mobile telecommunication will reduce the high prices of cell phone calls.
39.
40.
41.
42.
10
3.
STATUS OF INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION FOR AGRICULTURE AND RURAL DEVELOPMENT

Institutional, Regulatory and Policy Framework
Currently, there is no policy document on information and communication for agriculture. The two policies related to the above mentioned topic are the National Policy on ICT and the Namibia Agricultural Policy. These policies are broad and not specific to agricultural information and communication. However, they are addressing range of approaches to enhance capacity building in agricultural sector. At institutional level, the general perception on ICT/M policies is that there were no policies for the majority of institutions contacted. Where they exists, they tend to remain vague and make little reference to implementation (NAWIC, FANR Library). The principal characteristics of the Agricultural policy is human capacity building at all levels to be achieved through investment in formal education at schools, colleges, faculties of agriculture and natural resources, and on the job training and experiences. On the other hand, the ICT policy main strategic focus is on making ICT accessible to all by enhancing rural access to information. E-Governance, SchoolNet and ETSIP are some of the government programmes to make Namibia an information society by 2030. The Namibia political and economic environment is favourable, and macroeconomics policies and incentives encourage the private sector to invest in agriculture and to provide essential agricultural development. For example Telecom has invested in its network and the countrywide fibre-based digital backbone is of high quality.
3.1
43.
44.
45.
3.2
46.
Operational Aspects
Many sectors or institutions in Namibia play an important role in agricultural and rural development information. Description of agricultural information and services Government institutions these institutions role in generation and dissemination of agricultural information and, rural development is enormous. Namibias agricultural activities are largely coordinated by MAWF. It provides a pivotal role in facilitating the empowerment of communities to manage their agricultural resources in a sustainable way. Its role in research and training, veterinary services, extension and engineering services, rural water supply and resources management makes it a key stakeholder in the development of agricultural activities (e.g. DEES, MADI, NAWIC, TAZAC). Extension workers through the Directorate of Extension and Engineering Services (DEES) are an important source of information to farmers and community-based organizations. Extension workers act as a link between the researcher and the farmers as well as between the farmers and the policy makers. These linkages are important for the farming communities as sources of resources and technical information. The DEES and Agricultural Development Centres (ADC) contacted had staff trained in various subject matters (e.g. range management, animal nutrition, crop science, etc.) related to agriculture.
11
3.2.1 47.
48.
49.
Agricultural libraries or information Centres were identified as important sources of information by some institutions (MADI, NAU, NNFU). Very few Libraries provide specialized information that relate to agriculture and rural development. For example, NAWIC Library, FANR Library, NATMIRC and DRFN Library. Libraries such as the Polytechnic of Namibia (PoN) Library and Desert Research Foundation of Namibia (DRFN) Library, Bank of Namibia Library are consulted depending on the type of information needs. The Community and Ministerial Libraries in the regions are committed to serve as learning centres, promote literacy, information awareness and support of lifelong learning that can improve the living conditions of people in rural areas. The National Library of Namibia has the legal depository mandate of all the collections published in Namibia or about Namibia (Directorate of Libraries and Archives Services, 1997). Farmers Association the agricultural sector is divided into a commercial farming and communal farming sub-sectors. The main farmers associations are Namibia Agricultural Union (NAU) and Namibia National Farmers Union (NNFU). The NAU represents the interests of commercial farmers while the NNFU is the mouthpiece of communal farmers. Both unions play an important role in provision of agricultural information to farmers as well as to other stakeholders (FANR Library, NAWIC). Networking activities are taking place between institutions in terms of resources sharing such as information, expertise through training and workshops. NNFU has established networks with the following institutions in the country; MAWF, Ministry of Labour, Ministry of Trade and Industry, Agronomic Board, Meat Board of Namibia, Namibia Non-Governmental Organizations Forum (NANGOF), NAWIC, UNAM and FAO. The extent of collaboration includes information sharing, meetings, farming-related activities, joint advocacy and institutional capacity building. On an international level, the networks are between the following organizations: Programme for Agricultural Information Services (PRAIS), CTA, International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) and Southern African Customs Union (SACU). PRAIS, CTA, SACU, FAO, NAU, NANGOF and IFAD. Regulatory bodies such as Meat Board manage, promote and represents the meat industry of Namibia while the mission of Namibia Agronomic Board (NAB) is to develop and promote a sustainable and diverse agronomic industry through management, facilitation, advice and regulation. Educational institutions such as University of Namibia, Polytechnic of Namibia, Agricultural Colleges and DRFN are generating lot of information in form researches and they have the expertise that is used for agricultural development. Commercial agricultural suppliers e.g. Meatco, Agra, Namibia Dairies, Namibia Breweries generate information on their produce, markets, supply and range of products (NAWIC). Information sources MAWF scientists and researchers generate new information through research and their works are published in reports, newsletters and conference proceedings. In addition, MAWFs extension staff are involved in training farmers and field technicians. According to MAWF (2005) about 6000 farmers
12
50.
51.
52.
53.
54.
55.
3.2.2 56.
have been trained by extension workers in various agricultural and rural development topics throughout the country. The extent to which extension workers provide information depends on how well they are exposed to the type of information they are providing. Besides training farmers, extension workers play a vital role in linking farmers with researchers and policy makers. 57. Over the years the use of indigenous knowledge in agriculture and rural development has assumed a centre stage. Today, scientists are increasingly tapping into indigenous knowledge as this becomes useful in explaining phenomena related to, for example, anthropology. Internet, as part of ICT, is an easier way to share information widely, quickly and cheaply. Most of the institutions contacted have access to the Internet. In Namibia, except in remote areas, most of the towns have access to the Internet. However, FANR and DEES indicated that sourcing information from the Internet poses problems such as very slow connectivity, high subscription costs and lack of skills to maximize the use of Internet for agriculture and rural development. In addition, many agricultural institutions (FANR Library, MAWF, NAWIC, NATMIRC, NNFU, SANUMARC) have realized the benefits they can get from the use of web-based resources. These institutions use websites to inform their users about products and services, and in the same vein websites are used as a sources of information. The FANR Library is one of the Libraries with good collection of agricultural books. It started its collection ten years ago, making its collection very current compared to other Libraries. It built a good collection, especially in journals. In the last six years, however, the library experienced financial difficulties and started to cut on some journal subscriptions. The Library has annual budget of approximately N$ 64 000 ( 7 002.18) to purchase books. Acquisition of agricultural books has proven difficult because most of the agricultural books are very expensive and ordered from abroad. The Library has an acquisition policy that determine how many copies to buy, where to buy etc. However, this policy has not been reviewed in last five years. Journals and e-resources provide very current information if one compares to books. Researchers, students and scientists require these type of material. However, online resources are not easily accessible due to high subscription fees. Libraries such the FANR, NAWIC and NATMIRC experience problems subscribing to relevant journals due to a lack of funds. Accessing e-resources is also hampered by poor internet connectivity (MADI, NATMIRC). The FANR Library subscribed to the TEEAL collection. This is CD-ROM database with more than 50 major scientific agricultural journals. Collections in TEEAL are outdated and needs to be updated to LAN TEEAL which can be accessed by other branches in the country. Some institutions (e.g. FANR Library, MADI) mentioned the following international organizations as an important sources of information: CTA, FAO, FANR, Implementation and Coordination of Agricultural Research and Training Project (ICART). FAO is used by many institutions as source of information, as part of the country profile it has a Mapping Information System a tool used for information retrieval on its global activities in agriculture and development. FAO highlights information as one of the priority areas in fighting hunger and achieving food security (see: http://www.fao.org). Many organizations contacted were aware of CTA activities and some of their staff members were recipients of workshop or training offered by CTA (FANR, MAWF, NAWIC and NNFU).
13
58.
59.
60.
61.
62.
63.
About 80% of Namibia population has access to radio and because of the radio coverage, radio could be the most popular medium of communicating agricultural information for development (see Fig. 6). The NNFU, Meatco and NBC radio have signed a co-operation agreement on expanding the agriculture programme Farmers Voice to more radio services. DEES, Meatco and NNFU use the radio to disseminate agricultural information. This programme is broadcast in different local languages including Otjiherero, Oshiwambo and Rukwangali. With the assistance from the Rural Education Material Unit (REMU) office, 26 radio programmes ranging from five to ten minutes in length are aired in English and local languages in regions. DEES staff produce videos related to agricultural activities. NNFU raised that many farmers do not have access to TV and the radio, which is effective, gives a limited airtime to agricultural programmes. Newsletters, leaflets, and pamphlets are/were distributed to farmers and other recipients in English and local languages by DEES and NNFU. The format, content and style of publications differ depending on the end user. MAWF is the major player in producing agricultural information in masses. Access to agricultural information for farmers and other interested groups/individuals and institutions continued through Agri-Views, Veterinary newsletter, Agricola and Spotlight on Agriculture publications with more than 2615 copies of these publications being distributed to all regional offices, farmers and other stakeholders. The newspaper industry in Namibia has four daily and five bi-weekly papers (see Table 12). These papers are used as sources of information by some institutions (e.g. NATMIRC, TAZAC, MADI). These institutions indicated that they obtain information on agricultural shows, commodity prices, weather, grazing conditions, etc. Newspaper is an effective way of providing current and frequent information to the farming community, but the extent to which agricultural related topics are covered is limited except the governmentowned newspaper, the New Era which cover extensively on issues related to rural communities.
64.
65.
3.2.2.1 Medium used to communicate agricultural Information 66. Various methods (see Table 1) are used to disseminate and communicate agricultural information and rural development issues. It all depends on the type of information, the targeted audience and the purpose of information. For example, radio is the appropriate channel of communication for creating and/or enhancing awareness among farmers, but it might not be the right channel for advocating behavioural change.
3.2.3 67.
Information products and services provided Online database: The FANR Library through the Unam website made it possible to provide access to electronic databases using a software system called the Millennium through the Unam Library website. Internet services and discussion fora: Despite the fact that majority of institutions were connected to Internet, the FANR and NATMIRC Library are the only institutions that provide internet services to their users. The NAU has a web-based discussion forum where union members share information on various issues including agriculture, markets, land reform, labour law, etc.
68.
14
69.
Newsletters and other publications: These highlights the current developments relevant to existing and future agricultural information needs. Various simplified newsletters (e.g. Spotlight on Agriculture and Agri-Views) covering topics in range management, livestock husbandry are produced by agricultural institutions such as DEES, NAU and NNFU. Most of these publications are in English. Other publications (e.g. Agricola) covering topical issues, research findings and activities of the MAWF are published annually. Desktop publishing: At MAWF agricultural posters, fliers, newsletters etc.. are produced. Books and journals: The Libraries are lending agricultural books to their patrons for certain period of time, do literatures searches and referral services (FANR Library, NAWIC). Radio programmes: DEES, NAU and NNFU produce radio and video programmes for farmers that are aired for, usually, less than 30 minutes. Training: All the institutions contacted are providing different types of training to their clientele. The FANR Library is providing Information Literacy Training to teach users on how to find information in the Library. On the other hand, TAZACs main objective is to train farmers in short courses. Selective Dissemination of Information (SDI): NAWIC, NATMIRC and FANR Library provide short reviews of important material and websites on topical issues. Photocopying: Printing, binding, scanning of documents are some of the services provided by the institutions (e.g. NAWIC, NATMIRC and FANR Library) for a small fee ranging between N$ 0.50 to 1.50 ( 0.05 to 0.16). Agricultural shows, farmers day: DEES, Farmers unions (NAU, NNFU) and institutions like Feedmaster and Meatco coordinate and organize agricultural shows and farmers days annually in order to enhance the farmers capacities.
70.
71.
72.
73.
74.
75.
76.
Table 1: Medium of information communication used by various institutions Medium of information communication Printed Media Books, Newsletters, leaflets, Newspaper Radio Television Farmers / Field days, demonstrations, discussions Meetings Phone, Fax E-mails / Internet Personal Institution DEES; NAU; NNFU; SANUMARC DEES; FANR Library; NAU; NAWIC; SANUMARC DEES; EITRC; MADI; NAU; NNFU; (M/O-ADC); TAZAC NAU; NNFU; SANUMARC DEES; EITRC; MADI; NAU; NNFU; (M/O-ADC); TAZAC; SANUMARC DEES; EITRC; MADI; NAU; NNFU; TAZAC; SANUMARC DEES; FANR Lib.; NAU; NAWIC; NNFU; TAZAC; SANUMARC DEES; FANR Lib.; NAU; NAWIC; SANUMARC DEES; EITRC; FANR Lib.; NATMIRC; NAU; NAWIC; SANUMARC
15
3.2.4
Information and communication management capacity
Agricultural Libraries 77. The list of libraries that specialise in agricultural related subjects is as follows: FANR/Neudamm Agricultural Library situated in Khomas Region 40km outside the Capital Windhoek has a branch in the northern part of the country, namely, Ogongo Agricultural Library; NAWIC is the ministerial library of MAWF and is located in the capital Windhoek. It has the following branches; National Botanical Research Institute (NBRI), Central Veterinary Laboratory (CVL), MAWF Otjiwarongo Library and MAWF Grootfontein both in Otjozondjupa Region; NATMIRC National Marine Information and Research Centres is situated in Swakopmund, Erongo Region; Luderitz Research Information Centre which specialise in marine ecology and oceanography is situated in the Karas Region; Desert Research Foundation of Namibia Library focuses on desert-related literature. This is the most advanced and developed library on desert biology in Southern Africa. It has two reference libraries, one in Windhoek and in Gobabeb in Erongo Region. Human Resources 78. UNAM, PoN and other agricultural colleges play an important role in capacity building by offering degrees and diplomas courses in agriculture and other related disciplines. UNAMs Faculty of Humanities and Social Science through the Department of Communication is training librarians and media workers at diploma and degree level. The Government, together with development partners, has been upgrading technical skills of MAWF staff and increasing the capacity of farmers to adopt and improve crop and livestock production and animal health practices. The MAWF personnel composition during 2005 was 4034; 38 were at managerial positions, 197 professionals, 1003 technical and 1044 administrative and the rest being labourers. Currently, 676 personnel are employed in the DEES, 5 people are in managerial positions, 30 are employed as agricultural extension officers and 211 are agricultural training officers. According to these statistic 240 extension workers are expected to serve the farmers communities (communal, commercial and emerging farmers) which is estimated at 67 000. IS focuses on providing computers and adequate IT (information technology) infrastructure to over 3000 MAWF staff in the country. The unit has nine staff members, all of them with special or professional skills in IT. The expertises range from system administrator, programmers to computer technicians. The unit functions include; running the network of different department of MAWF 24/7, installation of new computers, plan and carry out necessary user training just to mentioned few. NAWIC This Library operated without a Librarian from 2002 until 2005. At the end of 2005 a Librarian was appointed and, presently, there are five staff members; two professionals and three clerical assistants. These are expected to provide information to over 3000 MAWF staff members scattered all over the country.
16
79.
80.
81.
82.
83.
FANR Library Since the creation of the Library around 1997, it started with one Librarian and two Library Assistants. Today there are a total number of six people of which 3 are professionals (including the two staff members from Ogongo Library an extension of FANR Library in the northern part of the country). The Library is headed by qualified Librarian with postgraduate qualifications and more than five years experience in academic Libraries management. A new Library was build at Ogongo and as result two vacancies, one at professional and the other at para-professional level, have been added to the establishment. NATMIRC It started its collection in 1992 and was run by a qualified Librarian until 2002 but since then the Library has been without a Librarian until 2005. In 2005 a Librarian was recruited, and worked only for a year and then resigned. Since then the Library has operated without a Librarian, but the position was recently advertised. Librarians in all Ministerial Libraries are appointed and paid by the Ministry of Education, sometimes this delay the recruitment process of Librarians. For example, if there is a need for a Librarian at the Ministry of Agriculture, the Ministry of Education has to do the recruitment and pay the person. Currently there are two staff members at junior level who are in charge of the Library. NNFU The union has 6 members of staff in its establishment; five of whom operate from the Windhoek office and the other from Oshakati office (northern part of the country). In terms of skills, there are three professionals specialized in agronomy, agricultural economics and social sciences. NAU, which is based only in Windhoek, has four managers, five assistant managers and two clerical assistants. Their skills range from general office administration to policy development issues related crops and livestock production and marketing, value addition on, and/or processing of agricultural produce, and land reform. TAZAC has a workforce of 48 people, seven of whom are professionals specialized in livestock production, agronomy and horticulture, computer training and farm mechanization. MADI has two professionals viz. Research Officer and a Training Officer, four Technical staff and four clerical assistants. Ongwendiva ADC has about ten professionals comprising Extension Officers and Technicians specialized in agricultural extension and economics, animal production and crop production.
84.
85.
86.
Resources available for Information Management 87. Many institutions including NAU, NATMIRC, NNFU and NAWIC have resources such as hardware, software, LAN / Internet and budget for information and communication management. Although majority of institutions mentioned above have got budget allocations to manage IC, their budgets are limited. The FANR Library as part of UNAM has a Computer Centre unit that is responsible for all ICT-related activities such as troubleshooting, the provision of LAN, hardware and software and computer technicians. This Centre is 30 km away from the library. The FANR has an acquisition policy or collection development policy that gives guidelines and criteria for acquiring resources for the Library. DPSIM sets established standards, guidelines and procedures that assist in hardware and software acquisition, IT training, running the government wide
17
88.
89.
network (GRNet), as well as in web development. Different ministries have their own information technology unit which assist at ministerial levels, acts as contact, manage and maintain computer system for day-to-day operations of the ministries (Office of the Prime Minister, 2005). Data Collection Management 90. The status of agricultural information is that different institutions have their own ways of managing their information system. Some systems are more comprehensive while others are not. Different institutions use different software systems for their databases, data sets, spreadsheets or information sheets to manage their information. It is also widely recognized by some institutions within the country that there is inadequate knowledge about sources of information (FANR Library, NNFU, Ongwendiva ADC, SANUMARC) and acquisition procedures are major constraints to access information. MAWF has many databases under various directorates while data collection methods and the sources of data differ from one directorate to another. Most of the data collected by various directorates is not for public consumption but for internal use, while some of it is used to generate reports, newsletters and articles. The methods of distribution of information vary. The FANR Library as part the University of Namibia Library has benefited from a generous donation by the Andrew E. Mellon Foundation and has acquired the Millennium System. The system gives more search options, improved circulation, cataloguing and security. The Millennium is used to store, manage and present staff and users with online electronic information resources. The CDS-ISIS database is used in NAWIC Library to manage the collection. The librarian mentioned that the system was not effective, because it is a very old version, semi-manual and lacks the circulation module. Some staff members of MAWF feel that much needs to be done to put more library information resources on-line. The NATMIRC Library is using CDS-ISIS but is in process moving to a new system called IMAGIC DBT Text through the Nansen programme. The Nansen Programme is managed by the Centre for Development Co-operation in Fisheries (CDCF), representing the Institute of Marine Research (IMR) and the Directorate of Fisheries (DoF) in Norway, on behalf of the Norwegian Agency for Development Cooperation (NORAD). The Nansen Programme would contribute significantly to sustainable management of the marine environment in the coastal areas off Angola, Namibia, South Africa and off North West Africa. NATMIRC carries out research in order to provide population and maturity status of fish and other living marine resources for sustainable fishing and exploitation. Data on autonomic weather stations is collected and managed through ASCII and Excel Metadata Standard Version. The data is collected and sampled on hourly basis and is used for coastal and atmospheric monitoring purposes. NATMIRC has a collection of such data representing several of years of research (Mabhiza, 2007). This data is also linked to UN convention on the law of sea. Available and analyzed data is usually in form of tables, graphs and maps and only processed or analyzed reports are made known to the public. The data is used to make recommendations for commercial fisheries along the Namibian coast.
91.
92.
93.
94.
18
95.
The National Planning Commission (NPC) has a Census Database using MS Access and Instant Messaging and Presence Service (IMPS) software based on the IMPS Programs. It contains, amongst others, information on agriculture census, social and demography, consumer prices indices and economic statistics. Agricultural census is held every ten years. Hired enumerators gather primary data. The NPC and other institutions use questionnaires and interviews as the principal methods of data collection, while the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) software is used for data analysis. In the MAWF, various directorates are responsible for managing their own databases. Different software systems are being used and different methods for data collection. The Directorate of Veterinary Services has a database called Static File which contains geo-referenced data of all farm units and crash pens in communal areas. All events of an animal health nature recorded are referenced to this point. A State Veterinarian and the Animal Health Technician collect the data. This information is only for internal use by the organization.
96.
3.3
Interventions Supporting Information and Communication For Agriculture and Rural Development
The draft Telecommunication bill provides a comprehensive framework for the regulation of the communication industry. The main aspects of the draft bill are: The creation of an independent regulatory authority for the communications industry; The establishment of the authority as a legal entity that will be financed through the collection of license fees and levies; The implementation of government telecommunications, broadcasting and radio policy; Broad policy guidelines that can be issued to the authority by the Ministry responsible for the relevant aspects (telecommunication, broadcasting, postal services) (Stork & Aochamub, 2003).
97.
98.
An ICT policy is in place for the Republic of Namibia. Its recommendations address issues that can improve and support information and communication for agriculture and rural development. This is because Namibia recognizes the importance of ICT as a tool in the development of the country. The Namibian Government has clearly and positively identified in Vision 2030 that ICT skills and competencies are regarded as core elements of living and participating in the 21st century. In order to reach the Vision 2030, various initiatives are taking place, such as e-Governance Policy, ETSIP programme, Schoolnet, Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). The E-Governance policy outlines the intention of the Government and the strategies to ensure ICT becomes an effective tool that will allow the government to provide its service to all the citizens. Special emphasis is on ensuring that people who reside in the rural areas are not left marginalized. SchoolNet is an assignment started in 1999/2000 to introduce affordable computer technology and Internet access to all schools in Namibia. The main objective of SchoolNet is to explore and implement creative ways to ensure sustainable school network activities, low cost and appropriate solutions that extend ICT to rural areas.
99.
19
100.
The Namibia QAS was officially launched on the 10th November 2005 during a two-day CTA sensitization workshop held in Windhoek. Neudamm/UNAM FANR Library was unanimously chosen as the national node (coordinating centre) for QAS. Other collaborating partners are the MAWF, Polytechnic of Namibia, Namibia Broadcasting Corporation, MET, Meteorological Office, Ministry of Information and Broadcasting and NNFU. Namibia is in the process of taking part in the proposed Integrated Agricultural Information Management System (AIMS) for the SADC Food, Agriculture and Natural Resources (FANR) Directorate. AIMS was established as the knowledge-bank of the SADC Secretariat and Member States on Food, Agriculture and Natural Resources to which programmes and projects contribute through their information systems. A database within AIMS will constitute both quantitative and qualitative data on all FANR activities (AIMS, 2007).
101.
20
4.
102.
INSTITUTIONAL NEEDS ANALYSIS

The study findings reveals that the information and capacity building needs of institutions are determined by various factors such as type of users and their level of education and the usage of information, staff complement and training, budgets and other resources. As a result, the information needs of institutions may differ from institution to institution.
4.1
103.
Information Needs
Information needs differ from one organization to the other based on their objectives and targeted audiences. The information need vary from simplified ready-to-use (e.g. technical information) to synthesized (information for decision making) and statistical or unprocessed information such as data. For example information needs of FANR Library have been aimed at addressing the needs of scientists, researchers, academics and students. Recently, with the introduction of the QAS the FANR Library realized the need to address the information needs of farmers. Farmers need information on, amongst others, crop varieties, pest management, livestock diseases, agricultural technologies, market information for farm produce and legal information (e.g. DEES, M-ADC, MADI, NAU, NNFU). In order to address the farmers information needs, repackaging of available information and the literacy level of farmers must be taken into account. The study reveals that current statistical information related to social development issues i.e. population size, rural-urban drift and economic information including markets, import and export data is not easily available. Majority of agricultural stakeholder institutions rely heavily on NPC for statistical data. However, most of this information is not current. On the other hand, many international (e.g. UNDP, World Health Organization (WHO), United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO)) and local (e.g. NEPRU, Multi-disciplinary Research Centre (MRC)) agencies produce statistical data/information which is highly demanded by researchers and academics (e.g. FANR Library, NAWIC). Yet, this information is not availed to the relevant stakeholder institutions. Various institutions (e.g. FANR Library, MADI, NAWIC, Ongwendiva ADC) have difficulties in acquiring e-resources including subscription to on-line databases and e-journal. For example, FANR Library has a dire need to subscribe to e-resources such as AGORA, ScienceDirect and LANTEEAL, but this is not possible because of budgetary constraints. NAWIC shares the same sentiment even though they were not specific. Ongwendiva ADC and MADI indicated that the Dial-Up system used is very expensive and hence limit the use of e-resources. The NAWIC Library collection is not accessible online to the MAWF staff and other agricultural stakeholders. Thus, there is a need to upgrade the Library database and make it accessible online. TAZAC raised a concern that there is limited information on local contents online. Therefore, local researchers in the field of agriculture should be encouraged to partake in the Open Access Initiative (OAI).
104.
105.
106.
107.
21
108.
The OAI aims to bypass the aforesaid financial barrier associated with subscription fees (see paragraph 123), and to make scholarly research results available free of charge, and full-text, to interested academics/researchers. It is a powerful, and exciting way of increasing the visibility, access and impact of previous and current research. The OAI also opens up new avenues of publishing, especially for academics/researchers in developing countries. Some academics and researchers are reluctant to contribute towards OAI because of uncertainties in the policy governing the intellectual capital. Therefore, there is need to inform academics/researchers on the intellectual property rights issues. Use of audio-visual materials is reckoned to be of significance to farmers especially in developing countries where high illiteracy levels limits knowledge acquisition from printed media. In Namibia, DEES and NBC are the main institutions that produce audio-visual materials. However, DEESs role in video production is limited by such factors as skills, equipments and finance. On the other hand, the NBC might have the trained personnel and equipments to produce videos, but agriculture is not their main specialization. As a result, there is lack of audio-visual materials on various agricultural and rural development topics in Namibia (e.g. MADI, Ongwendiva ADC). The NBC through radio and TV produce a few programmes related to agriculture covering, amongst others, local markets and commodity prices, auctions, government policies, land reform and agricultural shows. Most of these programmes are aired in 9 local languages (see Table 11) and not in more than 30 minutes. However, one would expect the radio to play a major role in dissemination of agricultural information because the radio is more popular (see Fig. 6) and covers the larger proportion of the Namibian population and it is cheaper than most of the other information sources. According to NNFU, use of TV is limited to about 38% of the population, most of whom resides in urban areas where limited agriculture is practised. The four daily and five bi-weekly newspapers even though focusing principally on sensational news, they also report on agricultural related issues including commodity prices, weather, grazing conditions, etc. Newspaper could be one effective way of providing current and frequent information to the farming community, but the extent to which agricultural related topics are covered is limited except the government-owned newspaper, the New Era which cover extensively on issues related to rural communities. Indeed, some institutions (e.g. NATMIRC, TAZAC) use newspapers as a source of information. However, NNFU caution the use of print media in communicating agricultural information because of the relatively high illiteracy level in the English language. All institutions contacted had some kind of collaboration with CTA except NATMIRC and NAU. Collaborations with CTA vary from DORA, seminar and workshop attendance by institutions staff, training and, recently, the QAS. The institutions also collaborate with other regional (e.g. FANR, ICRISAT, PRAIS) and international (e.g. CTA, FAO, IFAD) organizations in terms of information exchange. In Namibia most of the institutions in the agricultural sector have been operating solo while addressing, many-a-times, the same target audience. Until recently, many institutions (e.g. DEES, NAU, NNFU, SANUMARC) have seen the need to collaborate and hence reduce duplication of programmes and activities. However, majority of collaborations within Namibia operate informally as they are not governed by Memoranda of Agreement or
22
109.
110.
111.
112.
113.
Understanding. Such collaborations, most of which operate on the principles of who knows who and where, are believed to do away with unnecessary bureaucracy. There is a need to establish a system which will monitor the flow of information. 114. It was noted by FANR Library and NAU that there is a need to do an information needs assessment to ensure that the information provided meet the demands and needs of users. Different users have different information needs and therefore there is a need to identify all the users as well as their specific information needs. This will help to identify the appropriate media to communicate information and to ensure that information is repackaged in appropriate format and language for the intended users. Despite the aforesaid, there is need for creating awareness amongst agricultural stakeholders of available information from various institutions (FANR Library, NAWIC, NNFU). The importance of journals to researchers, academics and the Libraries in developing countries cannot be overemphasized. However, there are gaps in journal collection because of different factors including budgets and staffing. In the last six years FANR Library experienced severe budget cuts which affected journal subscription whereas NAWIC and NATMIRC have been operating without Librarians for the past three years. Agricultural books are generally expensive and not easily available within Namibia. Thus, sometimes it takes up to four weeks to get information from books, while cost involved are too high. This is despite the fact that there is no import duties on educational materials. Information needs of fisheries institutions are specialized and range from mariculture, seaweed production and harvesting, aquaculture, coastal agriculture, deep sea research, fisheries policies and fishing quotas, etc. To address some of these needs, SANUMARC is in the process of establishing a Library and resources such as books, computer hardware and software are needed. The information needs of different institutions interviewed are summarized in the Table 2 below.
115.
116.
117.
Table 2: Frequently mentioned information needs Type of information needs for various programmes Technical type of information Adaptive research & agroforestry practices Repackaging of available agriculture-related information Environmental issues; Bush encroachment & Land degradation Market information within the country Rainfall/weather data acquisition; Rain water harvesting Multi-research work done on agriculture in semi-arid tropics; General scientific information on agriculture Sustainable use (agriculture) of information Available agricultural networks
Institution DEES; IS; NAU; NNFU M-ADC; MADI; NAU NAWIC; NNFU; TAZAC EITRC; M-ADC; MADI; NAU; NNFU; O-ADC FANR Lib.; NAWIC; NNFU EITRC; MADI; NAU; NNFU; SANUMARC FANR Lib.; MADI; NAWIC; NNFU NNFU; O-ADC MADI; NAU; NAWIC;
23
Table 2: Frequently mentioned information needs Type of information needs for various programmes Waste water utilization; Using water for energy Farm/Financial management New research findings in the country Translation of scientific information into local languages General use, and application of ICT in extension services Usefulness of E-governance Income generating activities and alternative livelihoods Information communication strategies Collaboration and joint planning, policies Local content (country-specific information) Information to conduct training, improving library collection & information management Information on type of seabirds and fishes Institution NNFU NAWIC; SANUMARC FANR Lib.; M-ADC; MADI; NAWIC; NNFU FANR Lib.; NAWIC EITRC; FANR Lib. DEES; EITRC; FANR Lib. IS DEES; NNFU DEES; NAU DEES; FANR Lib.; NAWIC DEES; FANR Lib.; TAZAC MADI; NAWIC; NNFU; SANUMARC NATMIRC
4.2
118.
Capacity-building
As is the case with other institutions in developing countries, agricultural institutions in Namibia are challenged by the lack of trained personnel in the areas of ICT and ICM. All the institutions contacted stressed capacity building as the most critical aspect that needs to be addressed so they could effectively serve their clients. Generally, the Windhoek-based institutions are better off in terms of ICT and ICM. This can be attributed to proximity to resources including ICT distributors and skilled staff most of whom do not want to work in remote areas because of better living standards in towns. The E-Governance and the Namibia ICT policies (see p.49 Section 2.1.9) creates an enabling environment that encourage the different stakeholders to provide ICT, especially to rural areas. Government via the Office of the Prime Minister operates as an ISP meaning that all ICT is linked to Office of the Prime Minister (e.g. NATMIRC and NAWIC). However, the small (512 Kbps) bandwidth connectivity [in/out bound] at the Office of the Prime Minister sometimes cause slow access speeds and unsatisfactory service. Most of the institutions (e.g. DEES, Mariental ADC, MADI, NAU, NNFU, Ongwendiva ADC) interviewed did not mention specific strategies or policies governing the use of ICT and ICM within their institutions. For example, NAWIC indicated that there is no policy governing agricultural information within Namibia. Therefore, there is a need to draft such a policy. The monopoly of Telecom Namibia as the sole provider of telecommunications services impacts negatively on the use of ICT in some
24
119.
120.
121.
122.
institutions because of high communication cost, congested and slow internet connectivity. Therefore, there is a need for government to intervene by encouraging other potential competitors to venture in telecommunications services. 123. FANR Library as part of the University of Namibia, its ICT needs and policies are addressed by the Computer Centre. The centre has instituted a campuswide network capable of transferring video, voice, images and data between computers. As part of its strategy, the Centre is planning to set up an adequate Information Technologies (IT) infrastructure which will further enhance the image of University as a national knowledge provider. The plan includes the installation of Intranet and the provision of in-house training on IT for the University community. The few IT technicians operate from the Universitys main campus and this causes delay in attending to ICT problems at the campuses and university centres outside Windhoek. With the exception of FANR Library and NAWIC that had collection development policies, majority of the institutions contacted lacked policies to govern ICT and they also highlighted the need for training in ICTs. The skills vary from Microsoft Word, Excel, Web page design and maintenance, digitization of local content, database creation, video production, editing and writing skills to Internet searches amongst others. This support the notion that there is overall lack of skills in ICT in the country (Namhila, 2004). There is high labour turn over among librarians and other ICT workers in Government institutions. Many are leaving the Government for better employment opportunities in the private sectors. As a result, people with no Library or Information qualifications are in charge of many libraries or information centres in Namibia particularly those outside towns. For example, between 2003 and 2005, NAWIC library was headed by a Library Assistant. Currently NATMIRC is run by a library assistant. Sometimes this leads to poor management of libraries/information centres collections. In addition, information resource centres are understaffed. For example, the NAWIC Library with only five staff members are expected to serve more than 4000 MAWF personnel. Of the five, two are professionals; one has a degree in Library and Information Sciences with 16 years of experience in Library Services and the other has a diploma in Library Sciences. The rest are clerical staff.
124.
125.
126.
127.
The FANR Library, headed by a Librarian with a Masters Degree in Information Sciences and Advanced Certificate in Management, has a total workforce of three professionals. However, these professionals are not trained as agriculturalists, but only as information officers. This is a common problem in Namibia, the information professionals have limited background in subjects related to agriculture or science. Mariental ADC, MADI, NAU, NNFU and SANUMARC produce agricultural and/or rural development information, yet they do not have a unit and human resources responsible for ICM. In that regard, there are capacity building needs in terms of expansion of current staff complement and upgrading the skills of existing staff in ICT. In order to deploy ICT development in agricultural institutions, there is a need to develop knowledge workers to adapt to new technologies in addition to developing and maintaining their skills so as to improve their working conditions. Besides, there is a need to equip trainer of
128.
25
trainees with the skills on how to transfer information/knowledge to farmers (e.g. DEES, NNFU). 130. There is digital divide between institutions regarding their ability to use ICT effectively. The Windhoek-based institutions are better off in terms of ICT and ICM. The digital divide runs more sharply between the private sectors and tertiary institutions comparing to public sectors. The private sectors and tertiary institutions have better access to ICT enablers such as computers (hardware and software), LAN, access to Internet, databases, and skills while the public institutions are lagging behind. Access to the Internet was mentioned as general problem. The Government is still in process to provide a full-fledge Internet access to all staff members (IS, NATMIRC). Those government institutions that have access to Internet mentioned the slow connectivity, lack of skills, limited number of personal computers, lack of ICT policies as some of the problems that impact the use of ICT (MADI, DEES, NATMIRC). Affordability of ICT equipments was indicated as problem by all institutions interviewed. Internet connectivity, software, hardware and technological items needed in ICT are costly and can hardly be afforded by all institutions. This is due to the fact that the ICT industry depends on South Africa and other international countries for import of ICT equipments. There is a need to make ICT equipments affordable especially to those institutions involved in development issues such schools, tertiary institutions, governments, NGOs, etc. To-date, ICT are regarded as luxury and highly taxed. This can be discussed at National level by relaxing taxes and import levies on ICT equipments. In relation to other sectors, the ICT industry is developing rapidly in Namibia. In order to keep abreast with new developments, new ICT equipments are needed and, sometimes this is not possible due to various factors such as lack of funds and skills to identify new information resources. As a result, the institutions are faced with unmet demands from users (NAU, NAWIC). Photocopying, scanner, databases, printers, CDs, DVDs, video tapes, desktop publishing equipment, digital cameras, multi media projectors are some of the equipments needed by the institutions (e.g. DEES, FANR Library, MADI) to run their programmes. Websites are effective for delivering and communicating information, but must be appropriately designed and adequate resources must be allocated for their maintenance. Even though all but one (MADI) institutions contacted had websites, it was observed that most of the websites are not updated frequently, while others carry outdated information dating more than two years back. This is because most of the institutions (FANR Library, NNFU, Ongwendiva ADC, SANUMARC) do not have Webmasters and lacks capacity to maintain their websites as well as to upload recent publications. The study also reveals that majority of the websites, except for NAU, only delivers information and do not accommodate discussion forums. In terms of information delivery, most of the websites carry relatively good content ranging from newsletters, annual reports, online database and provide links to useful resources. However, the online information is limited as most of the available local contents are in print format. Thus, there is need for institutions to digitize available local contents for uploading on their respective websites.
131.
132.
133.
134.
135.
26
136.
A well organized collection is easily accessible. The institutions that are collecting information have identified the need to improve on management of information resources. For example, NAWIC indicated that there is need to improve their circulation module or introduce a new system that will manage their collection and that is accessible online. Similarly, NNFU anticipates to improve information provision through computerizing its collection as well as to have someone who will be responsible for the ICT issues in its establishment. Institutions contacted are networking with various local, regional and international organizations. The extent of networking within the country is informal comparing to the collaborations with regional and international organizations where there are memorandums of understanding signed between institutions (CTA and FANR Library, IFAD and NNFU). There is a need for agricultural information stakeholders at national level to formalize the networks and share information and knowledge. National consortium agreements between institutions may lower the costs of information (NATMIRC). A librarian at NAWIC shares the same sentiment that currently there is no policy or a system in place that monitor the flow of agricultural information in the country. In order for Namibia to take part in AIMS which is established as the knowledge-bank of the SADC Secretariat, there is need for agricultural stakeholders to organize themselves locally. Funding is the main problem when it comes to capacity building of these institutions. All institutions operate with limited budgets. Shortages of funding were indicated in various areas such as purchasing of information products/services and human resources. Many funding needs are related to staff development issues. In order to use ICT as a war weapon against poverty, there is a need to sensitise those in power to support ICT related activities and increase the budget allocations. According to IS there is a lack of support when it comes to management of ICT. In a worse case scenario, the EITRC is yet to launch their resource centre because currently they do not have the requisite literature materials (books, journals, etc.) and/or resources (e.g. computers hardware and software, scanners, printers, etc.) to operate the centre.
137.
138.
139.
27
5.
5.1
140.
CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

Conclusions
Government institutions, especially the MAWF, and the farmers union (NAU and NNFU) are the major players in the provision of information for agriculture and rural development. MAWF, through the DEES, plays an enormous role in empowering communities to manage their agricultural resources sustainably. The farmers unions are some of the few institutions with a direct link to farmers. Resourceful institutions such as the media institutions (e.g. broadcasting, Newspaper industry) that have the advantage to disseminate information assumes a minor role in disseminating agricultural-related information as it is beyond their mandate. The study observed that there is a disparity between institutions regarding ICT and ICM. The Windhoek-based institutions are better off when compared to those outside Windhoek. Such disparities could also be observed between the private and public institutions irrespective of whether they are Windhoek or non-Windhoek based. Generally, Namibia has a good ICT infrastructure. However, the ICT industry is marked by slow progress in the use of ICT due to high costs, lack of ICT/ICM skills and poor implementation of ICT in the rural areas, where approximately 70% of the population live. From this study, one may conclude that at national level there is no specific policy document on information and communication for agriculture. The two policies that were drafted to address key issues in ICT, ICM and agriculture in general are too broad. As a result, these policies do not address challenges and constraints facing the agricultural sector. At institutional level, institutions like NAU, NNFU and MADI did not have guiding policies on ICT and ICM. FANR and NAWIC Libraries had policies on ICT and ICM, but their policies are not reviewed regularly and this resulted in the policies being less effective. There is no formal networking or system in place to monitor the sector. Each institution has its own system and in some cases, they are not aware of each product and services. There is need to establish central integrated system that monitor the flow of information. Information needs The study revealed that the needs of institutions are diverse because of different activities within the sector as well as the institutions objectives and target audience. As such, the information need vary from simplified ready-touse (e.g. technical information) to synthesized (information for decision making) and statistical or unprocessed such data. Factors such as educational level, cultural background and farming activities determine the information needs of users and need to be taken into account by information providers when providing information to people. For example, the few libraries and information centres in Namibia cater for people with high level of education i.e. academicians, researchers and students (FANR Library, NATMIRC, NAWIC).
141.
142.
143.
144.
5.1.1 145.
28
146.
The demand for agricultural information is very high in Namibia. For example, different stakeholders (farmers, researchers, decision makers students etc.) within the sector are seeking different types of information in different formats, while the information providers face many challenges to satisfy the information needs of the users within the country. Some of the challenges facing the sector are the following: A lack of qualified librarians or information workers; Limited budget and other resources for libraries and information centres; Limited networking within the sector; Accessibility of information centres or libraries; The format or presentation of information.
147.
The study reveals that there is an increasing demand for more current, relevant, reliable and accurate information to different stakeholders, although the institutions needs differ. The respondents have information demands in the following four broad categories, rural development, technical, economic and training information. The decision makers need ready to use information in form of statistics; sometimes this information is not easily available or is not in the right format. Local content or indigenous knowledge and information in the various local languages are in high demand and there is a need make local content available and accessible. The researchers and scholars need electronic information, but due to high subscription fees, they have limited access to e-journals. In terms of information needs, the FANR due to lack of skills, has problem in accessing or searching different subject area getaways related to agriculture in order to provide information to the users. The ICT industry has many opportunities which the various institutions and information seekers could exploit. For example, discussion forums or blocks, uploading information on websites and emailing information to users are some of the ways of sharing information effectively. NATMIRC, Sam Nujoma Research Centres and Luderitz Research Centre are the only three institutions that specialize in providing information on marine and fresh water resources. All three are situated in coastal areas. The NATMIRC has good infrastructure in terms of ICM, collection and data management. The main problems faced in terms of ICM, is the lack of a qualified librarian. From this study, it can be concluded that various agricultural and nonagricultural institutions produce relevant information to the stakeholders. At times, there is heavy reliance on only some of the information (e.g. NPC) whilst other possible sources (e.g. NGOs) are either ignored or underutilized. Capacity-building needs Institutions contacted had diverse capacity building needs ranging from training to encapacitating institutions and their personnel as outlined below. There are lack of policies governing the use and provision of ICT and ICM within the institutions. Training in Microsoft Word, Excel, Web page design and maintenance, digitization of local content, database creation, video production, editing and writing skills, Internet searches and desktop publishing were highlighted by
29
148.
149.
150.
151.
5.1.2 152.
153.
154.
DEES, EITRC, FANR Library, M-ADC, MADI, NAWIC, NNFU and TAZAC as some of their major capacity building needs. 155. FANR Library, DEES, M-ADC, MADI, NNFU and TAZAC mentioned the need for equipping the trainer of trainees in various subject areas with the qualities that will enable them to transfer knowledge efficiently. All institutions contacted were grossly understaffed, while agricultural libraries (FANR, NAWIC, NATMIRC) in particular lacked staff with an agricultural background as the majority of their staff are trained purely as librarians. Institutions comprising EITRC, MADI, NAU, NNFU and SANUMARC lacked units that manage their information resources and were planning to develop such in their short term plans. Organising and managing agricultural information resources are some of the challenges faced by FANR Library, NAWIC and NATMIRC. Some of the institutions (DEES, FANR Library, NAU, NNFU, SANUMARC) have realized the importance of networking and established networks with various local, regional and international organizations. However, one wonders as to whether these networks are efficient and useful to all partners. MADI, NNFU and SANUMARC lack adequate physical resources and infrastructures including library unit or resource centre, modern equipment, such as computers, printers, scanners, etc. to manage information. Although only one institution mentioned poor recognition of the value of information by the management, this could be the main reason why many institutions are under funded. Often, those in management positions do not understand the importance of information or ICT and regard information or the use of ICT as a luxury. Limited acquisition of necessary hardware / software because of budgetary constraints and lack of skills and resources to repackage information and design and upload information on institutional websites. Potential partners and beneficiaries The following institutions are potential partners because they have direct links with farmers the ultimate target group of CTA, are (partially) equipped and ready to partner with other institutions and are strategically located to effectively disseminate agricultural information to majority of farming community. The Directorate of Engineering and Extension Services within the MAWF is aimed at changing farmers perceptions and attitudes as well as to facilitate sustainable improvement in living conditions of rural communities so as to realise various national targets as enshrined in Vision 2030 and the Third National Development Plan (NDP 3). This directorate intent to achieve the national targets by promoting the adoption of improved agricultural technologies and practices to increase agricultural production and empower farmers through affording them expert advice and skill transfer. To that effect, DEES deployed over 600 staff and has satellite offices in all the 13 administrative regions of the country and their ultimate aim is to assist the target beneficiary the farmer.
156.
157.
158.
159.
160.
161.
162.
5.1.3 163.
164.
30
165.
The NNFU and NAU are unions that represent the interest of farmers whereby the NNFU is an umbrella body for communal farmers and NAU represents commercial farmers. Both unions play an important role as a mouthpiece to influence national policies, ensure capacity building of farmers and facilitate the launching of grassroots projects. Through various forums, the unions bring farmers, policy makers, development workers, donors and other support structure together. NNFU has an information centre, it produce and disseminate valuable information to farmers. Recently, the Namibia Broadcasting Corporation (NBC), Meatco and NNFU signed an agreement to air information on topical issues in local languages e.g. Otjiherero, Oshiwambo, Rukwangali, etc. over the radio. The potential beneficiaries are communal and commercial farmers. Based on their role and the relatively good representation via regional representatives and offices, these unions could be potential partners. Mariental ADC, MADI whose roles are to enhance sustainable livelihoods of rural communities through demand based agricultural and related technology development and dissemination are other potential partners. NAWIC is one of the few libraries that provide specialised information in agriculture and rural development. Its objective is to serve the researchers, extensionists and other staff of MAWF most of whom assume the role of acquiring and transferring information to the farming community. Besides, NAWIC has four branches two of which are in Grootfontein and Otjiwarongo and the remainder in Windhoek respectively. NATMIRC, which is based at the coast, is one of the two national libraries that specializes in fisheries and marine resources and, as such, is important to the fishing communities. In the NCR, there is Ongwendiva ADC with its three branches (i.e. Eenhana, Onankali and Outapi) serving more than 700 000 people majority of whom rely on agriculture for their survival. Based on the number of people it serves and its location, the centre is a potential partner. SANUMARC whose mandates revolve around mushroom production, seaweed harvesting and processing, renewable energy and water resources and coastal agriculture could be a potential partner because of their special role in the farming community, unique area of operation and location. TAZAC is recommended as a potential partner in that it plays an important role within the farming communities in the southern part of the country and its staff members work closely with farmers. The institution provides training to communal as well as commercial farmers whose farming systems and information needs differ from those in the parts of the country.
166.
167.
168.
169.
170.
171.
5.2
172.
Recommendations
Based on the study findings, the consultants recommend that the stakeholder institutions within the agricultural sector propose, draft and implement a policy document that addresses/enhances the use of agricultural information technologies and ICM. Thus, CTA could use their expertise in assisting with the drafting and possible implementation as well as monitoring of agricultural information policies at both the national and institutional levels (i.e. partner institutions).
31
173.
Given the fact that networking between institutions was reported by many as informal and relatively ineffective, the study recommends that efficient likeminded networks be established to enhance information sharing between the various key stakeholder institutions. Besides, a platform through which stakeholders could exchange their mandates and roles within the agricultural sector and information products they produce need to be established. It is also tempting to recommend that institutions driving agricultural and rural development programmes conduct a thorough agricultural information needs assessment through user surveys and questionnaires. This would facilitate updating of collections and information products and, efficient delivery of agricultural information. In recognising the fact that MAWF (through DEES), NNFU, NAU are the key players in providing agricultural information to a majority of the farming community, it is justified to recommend these partners to CTA for further and/or future collaborations. One avenue through which such a collaboration could prosper is through the use of Radio and TV programmes because the farmers unions and their partners have limited time slots for broadcasting with the NBC. Use of ICT and ICM capabilities were reported to vary markedly between institutions; being better and worse for those institutions based in Windhoek and in the rural areas respectively. Such a scenario could be improved if the CTA could, through the Strategic Plan (2007 2010), assist the rural-based institutions with ICT and ICM infrastructure and skills. Information needs Agricultural information needs for the various institutions are diverse. However, we recommend the following information products/sources (in the form of books, monographs, journals, videos, computer hardware, etc.) because they are deemed as the most critical. Besides, the following would serve as entry points for CTAs possible intervention. Pest resistant and drought tolerant crop varieties; Integrated pest management techniques; Livestock diseases in semi-arid environments; Modern agricultural technologies (i.e. cultivation, rainwater harvesting, irrigation, oversowing, range rehabilitation, etc.); Up to date market information including present and predicted commodity prices, price trends (past), available markets as well as import and export quotas for different farm produce; Repackaging of most of the above information products into simpler, comprehensive and effective formats; Subscription to online journals and e-resources such as AGORA, ScienceDirect and LANTEEAL. Computer hardware and their necessary software. Digitization and uploading of local contents online.
174.
175.
176.
5.2.1 177.
178.
In an effort to avail locally produced information materials, Ongwendiva ADC is trying hard but they lack skills and necessary resources to produce videos in particular. Therefore, it might be beneficial if they cooperate with the NBC whose mandate in producing agricultural videos is very limited.
32
179.
The OAI has got immense potential in availing the needed local content and/or research findings. Thus, those behind this initiative should promote it amongst researchers and academicians. It is also worth recommending that, because of its greater coverage (> 80% of population), the NBC radio in collaboration with other partners in the agricultural sector should allocate more and/or double the duration of the broadcasting slots for agricultural issues. In the same vein, CTA may want to cooperate with the potential partners e.g. NNFU, DEES and NBC to propose and/or agree on cost effective ways and techniques to reach rural people. The daily newspapers may have a multiplier effect in terms of promoting agriculture because of the volumes produced annually. For example, publishing one agricultural article every day would translate into more than 300 pieces of information communicated to readers annually, some of whom are farmers. The fact that remote institutions like NATMIRC and TAZAC use newspaper, though to a lesser extent, as sources of information, the mass media and daily newspaper in particular may wish to increase their coverage of agricultural and fisheries related information. There is a need for an agricultural information audit in the country. There is a lack of knowledge about agricultural expertise, available information, how to find information and who is doing what in the country. CTA may provide assistance and in information audit or how to assess agricultural information and establish a national database in agricultural information and rural development. It is recommended that with the operation of QAS in the country, a site should be created to provide detailed information and link about different stakeholders in agriculture and rural development. Capacity-building needs In terms of capacity building, it is recommended that CTA provide assistance in the form of a tailor-made training focusing on policy formulation strategies because of the need for an Agricultural Information Policy in Namibia. The consultants are of the opinion that such a policy will improve the traditional communication or information flow within the country. Advise and training in the use of ICT for agricultural development to increase efficiency in the sector is needed. Institutions like DEES, M-ADC, MADI, NAU, NNFU and Ongwendiva ADC lacked policies or strategies on ICM and general use of ICT. Therefore, we recommend that CTA provide training in policy formulation and monitoring these policies. Basic training in Microsoft Word, Excel, editing and writing skills might be pivotal to MADI, NAWIC, NNFU, Ongwendiva ADC staff. CTA as an internationally recognized organization with its EU mandate can help with sensitising the leaders and decision makers in the country about the importance of information for agricultural development and increase funding to information centres and libraries. This intervention could be extended to lobbying for more funding to information resource centres and libraries (FANR Library, EITRC, MADI, NAWIC, NNFU, SANUMARC) so they can recruit more people to have the requisite staff complement. Exposure visits to various advanced centres/institutions like the CTA by information professionals from FANR Library, NATMIRC, NAWIC and IS
33
180.
181.
182.
183.
5.2.2 184.
185.
186.
187.
would impart on them the qualities and skills they need to effectively deal with the ever challenging discipline of agricultural and fisheries information provision, archiving and management of collections within their institutions. 188. It was highlighted by majority of potential partners (FANR Library, DEES, NAWIC, NNFU, Ongwendiva ADC) that the type and format of available information needs to be repackaged in order to address the information needs of the ultimate target group. Therefore, assistance in terms of training for information repackaging is recommended. Provide training to DEES, FANR Library, NAWIC, MADI and Ongwendiva ADC in website development and management, packaging of information and acquisition of various methods used by farmers in other region to communicate and acquire information for their farming activities. We further recommend that CTA provide training to FANR Library, IS, MADC, MADI, NATMIRC, NAWIC, NAU, NNFU, and SANUMARC in management of information systems, hardware and software use, project management and how to develop information products and services for farmers. DEES, in particular, needed training on video production and CTA may wish to provide training to that effect. The OPM, being the sole point of connection to the internet for most governmental ministries/institutions/directorates/departments, may wish to increase its bandwidth to accommodate the fast growing internet traffic and reduce internet congestion. Resources permitting, CTA may want to assist (in form of ICT resources e.g. computer hardware and software, scanners, printers, photocopiers, etc., CDs, videos, books, and training on library management) EITRC, MADI, NAU, NNFU, Ongwendiva ADC and SANUMARC to establish proper information units and/or libraries. CTA may also want to assist FANR Library, NATMIRC, NAWIC, NAU and NNFU with resources, techniques and training necessary for digitizing local contents. Potential Strategic Partner Institutions Based on the study findings (see paragraphs 163 171), the authors recommend the following institutions to be the potential strategic partners. For an objective assessment of the institutions capacities, institutions were ranked based on weighted scores the latter of which used (a) extent of interaction with farmers/clients, (b) estimated number of clients served and (c) location and/or branches as the key inputs.
189.
190.
191.
192.
5.2.3 193.
34
Table 3: Potential strategic partner institutions (ranked) Institution DEES Ongwendiva ADC (O-ADC) NAWIC NNFU TAZAC MADI NAU Mariental ADC (M-ADC) FANR Library NATMIRC SANUMARC IS EITRC 194. Weighted Score 13.0 10.5 8.00 7.50 7.00 7.00 5.50 5.50 5.50 5.00 4.00 3.00 2.50 Rank Order 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13
Table 3 above clearly indicates that DEES, Ongwendiva ADC and NAWIC ranked highest (in that order) in terms potential of becoming renowned CTA partners. Even though the FANR Library ranked ninth (9), they already have good working relations with CTA as they are the national node for the QAS programme in Namibia. In that regard, their partnership should continue to reach farther heights. Although NATMIRC and SANUMARC ranked tenth and eleventh respectively, they could be potential partners because of their peculiar roles in coastal agriculture and fisheries related issues. All-in-all, it is worth mentioning that the 13 institutions contacted were selected out of 44 potential partners because of their strategic locations and active involvement in agricultural and rural development issues. Thus, all the 13 are, candidly speaking, potential partners and the rankings in Table 3 are there to guide CTA as to which of the 13 assumes more roles/responsibilities than the others.
35
6.
PROPOSED CTA ACTION PLAN
INTERVENTION
STRATEGY
AND
195.
The proposed CTA interventions and strategies covering key issues on information and capacity building needs for the potential strategic partners (cf. Table 3) are outlined in Table 4 using a logical framework approach. The authors could not be exhaustive of all the key issues and Table 4 presents some of the key issues only. The proposed Time Schedules (Table 4) are only indicative and flexible as they may be influenced by CTAs lined-up programmes and budgets. The proposed interventions take cognizance of CTAs current activity programmes and the new Strategic Plan 2007 2010. Interventions such as lobbying for better funding to resource centres and supporting the creation of local networks are only feasible once CTA programmes/activities in Namibia are clearly defined.
36
Table 4: CTAs Strategic Intervention and Action Plan

Institution FANR Lib.; MADI; NAWIC; O-ADC DEES; FANR Lib.; TAZAC DEES; FANR Lib.; NAWIC; NNFU M-ADC; MADI; NAU; NNFU; O-ADC EITRC; M-ADC; MADI; NAU; NNFU FANR Lib.; M-ADC; MADI; NAU; NAWIC; NNFU MADI; NAU; NNFU; SANUMARC NATMIRC DEES; M-ADC; NNFU DEES; FANR Lib.; M-ADC; O-ADC DEES; M-ADC; NNFU; TAZAC FANR Lib.; NATMIRC; NAWIC DEES; MADI; NAU; NNFU; O-ADC FANR Lib.; NAWIC Capacity Building IS; MADI; NATMIRC DEES; EITRC; MADI; O-ADC; SANUMARC EITRC; MADI; O-ADC; SANUMARC EITRC; M-ADC; MADI; O-ADC DEES; FANR Lib.; NAWIC; NNFU FANR Lib.; NAWIC; NAU; NNFU; NATMIRC All institutions. Key Issues Limited access to e-resources because of high subscription costs. Poor availability of recent local statistical data & contents. Very few repackaged scientific agricultural contents. Pest & drought resistant crops and adapted livestock breeds. Limited contents covering land degradation & environmental issues. Publications on multi-research on semi-arid areas, adaptive research & agroforestry practices are limited. Poor rainfall data & rain water harvesting. Limited information on marine & freshwater resources. Alternative livelihoods (AL) information. Use of ICT in extension and agricultural development is poorly understood. Farmer trainers lacks skills on conducting training. Lack of ICT/M skills. Lack of ICT/M policies & strategies. Information workers have limited agricultural background. Limited skills to manage collections/projects. Lack of Library resources & know-how to produce information products. Lack of computer hard & software. Poor ICT/M capabilities; Limited access to Internet. Repackaging scientific content. Digitization of local contents. Website development/management. CTAs Intervention Aid in eliminating the subscription barrier. Aid in availing local data & other contents. Support repackaging of complex scientific agricultural content into simple newsletters. Assist with, & provide guidance on acquisition of these contents. Assist with, & provide guidance on acquisition of these contents. Assist with, & provide guidance on acquisition of these contents. Provide information resources on the topic; Offer exposure visits. Assist with, & provide guidance on acquisition of these contents. Provide sources of, or information on AL. Provide training on the issue. Provide training on the issue. Offer ICT/M training. Offer training; Propose suitable policies & strategies jointly with local partners. Arrange exposure visits. Offer requisite training on the issue. Provide information products & train O-ADC staff on video production. Offer support in form of computer hard & software. Encapacitate rural institutions with skills & infrastructure to boosts ICT/M capacities. Provide training in production of simplified newsletters; Provide requisite resources. Provide training & requisite resources. Provide training on the issue. Proposed Strategy Institutions may access or obtain e-resources through (from) CTA e.g. Anancy & DORA. Define sources of this information & design efficient ways of acquiring this information. Train staff on newsletter production as well as extracting information from scientific contents. Assist with, & provide guidance on acquisition of these contents. Assist with, & provide guidance on acquisition of these contents. Assist with, & provide guidance on acquisition of these contents. Provide information resources (e.g. CDs, videos) on the topic & offer exposure visits. Assist with, & provide guidance on acquisition of these contents. Search, acquire & provide this information. Advise & train in the use of ICT for agricultural development. Equip, through training, trainers with skills they need to conduct trainings. Organize training workshops on ICT/M, MS Word, Excel, Desktop Publishing, etc. Train partners in drafting, implementation, reviewing & monitoring of policies. Organize exposure visits to CTA & other agricultural libraries in the region. Organize training workshops on the issue. Provide information products i.e. books, CDs, DVDs, journals & videos. Offer support in form of computer hard (610) & software, printers, scanners, photocopiers. Provide computer hard & software and database & necessary training. Train staff on ways of extracting useful (to farmers) content from scientific publications. Train interested parties & provide resources to digitize & upload local contents online. Organize tailor-made training on the issue. Time Schedule 2nd Quarter, 2008; Continuous 3rd & 4th Quarter, 2008 1st Quarter, 2009 2nd & 3rd Quarter, 2008 2nd & 3rd Quarter, 2008 2nd & 3rd Quarter, 2008 2nd & 3rd Quarter, 2008 3rd Quarter, 2008 1st Quarter, 2009 1st Quarter, 2009 1st Quarter, 2009 4th Quarter, 2008 2nd Quarter, 2009 4th Quarter, 2008 3rd Quarter, 2008 4th Quarter, 2008 2nd & 3rd Quarter, 2008 2nd & 3rd Quarter, 2009 4th Quarter, 2008 2nd Quarter, 2009 1st & 2nd Quarter, 2009 4th Quarter, 2008 2nd Quarter, 2009 4th Quarter, 2009 Responsible Party CTA Local Partners & CTA CTA CTA CTA CTA Local Networks & CTA CTA CTA CTA CTA CTA Local Partners & CTA Local Networks & CTA CTA CTA CTA CTA CTA Local Partners & CTA CTA 35
Need
Information
ANNEXES
36
ANNEXURE I TERMS OF REFERENCE

Introduction The Technical Centre for Agricultural and Rural Cooperation (CTA) was established in 1983 under the Lom Convention between the ACP (African, Caribbean and Pacific) Group of States and the European Union Member States. Since 2000, it has operated within the framework of the ACP-EC Cotonou Agreement. CTAs tasks are to develop and provide services that improve access to information for agricultural and rural development, and to strengthen the capacity of ACP countries to produce, acquire, exchange and utilise information in this area. CTAs programmes are organised around three principal activities: providing an increasing range and quantity of information products and services and enhancing awareness of relevant information sources; supporting the integrated use of appropriate communication channels and intensifying contacts and information exchange (particularly intra-ACP); and developing ACP capacity to generate and manage agricultural information and to formulate information and communication management (ICM) strategies, including those relevant to science and technology. These activities take account of methodological developments in cross-cutting issues (e.g. gender, youth, information & communication technologies ICTs, and social capital), findings from impact assessments and evaluations of ongoing programmes as well as priority information themes for ACP agriculture. CTAs activities are currently distributed among three operational programme areas/departments: Information Products and Services; Communication Channels and Services; Information and Communication Management Skills and Systems. These operational departments are supported by Planning Corporate services (P&CS) which is charged with the methodological underpinning of their work and monitoring the ACP environment in order to identify emerging issues and trends and make proposals for translation into programmes and activities. This current exercise, therefore, falls within the mandate of P&CS. Background Since 2003, CTA has been systematically conducting needs assessment studies across the Pacific, Caribbean and African regions the regions it has been mandated to serve. These studies have been in direct response to calls for CTA, in various evaluations of its products, services and programmes, to be more strategic in its choice regarding the setting of its own agenda and reacting to demand. In putting together its Strategic Plan and Framework for Action 2001 2005, CTA took a pragmatic view and opted to develop a strategy combining the benefits of both approaches, whereby the need to address the expressed demands of its stakeholders and the potential long-term advantages of developing programmes that address future needs were combined. The Centres new strategic plan covering the 2007 2010 period places emphasis on: improving CTAs efficiency and increasing the Centres outreach by addressing the major bottleneck of difficult or insufficient access to information in ACP countries; (ii) honing CTAs profile and further defining the niche where the Centre has a comparative advantage. Consequently, reaching more beneficiaries and further strengthening CTAs partnership networks is key as well as the thrust to make ICTs and ICM strategies more widely available.
37
Main issues CTA works primarily through intermediary public and private partners (research centres, extension services, libraries, NGOs, farmers organisations and regional organisations and networks,) to promote agriculture and rural development. Under the new strategic plan, the organisations targeted will be extended to include print media, editors, radio, TV and journalist networks in order to further maximise outreach. Through these partnerships, CTA hopes to increase the number of ACP organisations capable of accessing and combining modern and conventional ICTs, generating and managing information and developing their own ICM strategies. The identification of appropriate partners is therefore of primordial importance, whilst bearing in mind issues such as geographical coverage, decentralization, regionalization, thematic orientation and transparent and objective criteria and procedures for partner selection. Overall objective Collaboration strategies with ACP agricultural organisations and relevance of CTAs support to African ACP countries improved. Scope of the study The study will focus on: providing an overview of main agricultural services and actors existing in the country (information supply side) in terms of their strengths, weaknesses and opportunities for collaboration with CTA; identifying agricultural information and ICM capacity building needs of key actors / key strategic partners for CTA products and services; identifying potential strategic partners for CTA activities and services (paying special attention to e.g. print media, editors, radio, TV and journalist networks); developing some baseline data on the status of ICM and ICTs in the country to facilitate subsequent monitoring and updating activities. The study should assist CTA to improve and better target interventions and activities aimed at potential partners and beneficiaries (including women, youth, private sector and civil society organisations) to have a more informed picture of their needs and aid in the elaboration of a strategy and framework of action. The study should also highlight where there are specific needs for CTAs products and services thereby enabling improvement in the delivery of the same. Expected results The expected results of the study are as follow: status of infrastructure, information services and ICM capacity of institutions involved in agriculture and rural development described and analysed; information and capacity building needs in the area of ICM identified for key institutions and potential CTA partners involved in agriculture and rural development; baseline data on the status of ICM and ICT in agriculture and rural development compiled for monitoring purposes and improved outreach. The study should therefore also provide updated country profiles on the status of agricultural information services, the status of ICM/T in the country, which will allow CTA to make informed decisions re type and mode of intervention as well as partner selection. This will be summarised in one (1) main report per country not exceeding 30 pages excluding annexes (cf. section 8 (reporting) below).
38
Methodology The consultant will use a combination of qualitative and quantitative rapid appraisal methods including: the desk review of available literature and information sources including the findings of programme evaluations; the conduct of face-to-face interviews with relevant stakeholders / concerned parties; the limited use of questionnaires. The rapid appraisal approach will allow a general overview of the key issues and company / organizational profiles on a per country basis and may give rise to more in-depth studies as and when needed in the future. Study implementation The consultant will conduct the study in two phases as follows: Phase 1: Desk Study 1. Execute a desk study: collect background information and data, prepare country profile, list of institutions involved in agriculture & a preliminary list of select institutions against the criteria supplied in the briefing session. 2. Submit proposed list of institutions to be interviewed along with justification by 15 February 2007. 3. Prepare and submit a draft report on the completion of the desk study by 9 March 2007, the results of which would become Annexes II and III of the final report. Phase 2: Field Study 4. Conduct face-to-face interviews with relevant stakeholders / concerned parties, using the data capture form and guidelines provided by CTA. 5. Use rapid appraisal methods such as group sessions or focus groups if necessary to supplement information obtained during face-to-face interviews and information garnered during the preparation of the desk study 6. Supplement the report of phase 1 (mainly Annex III) with information obtained during field visits and interviews 7. Prepare and submit a complete draft final report incorporating the results of phases 1 & 2 to the Regional Coordinator by 20 April 2007. This report will include all findings, analysis of interviews and annexes. The body of the report should not exceed 30 pages. The headings and format of the report are provided in the document Report writing guidelines. 8. Revise the final draft based on feedback from the Regional Coordinator. 9. Submit final revised draft to CTA for comments. 10. Submit the final report two weeks after receipt of comments from CTA. An electronic version (by email) of the final report and a hard copy should be sent to the CTA coordinator and to the regional coordinator. 11. Hold all interview forms for ready reference until the completion of this study. Interactions between the consultants and the Regional Coordinator will be maintained for the duration of the study. Reporting The country reports will not exceed 30 pages (excluding annexes).
39
ANNEXURE II COUNTRY PROFILE: NAMIBIA

2.1 General Agricultural Profile
In Namibia agricultural production is characterized by livestock production, mixed crop-livestock production, crop production, and several integrated forms in which fish, forestry products and limited beekeeping and wildlife farming adds a significant dimension to crop and livestock production. The agricultural sector has, broadly, a dual system comprising a well developed, capital intensive and export oriented commercial sub-sector and a subsistence-based communal farming sub-sector, low in technology and external inputs and highly dependent on labour. However, due to effects of HIV/AIDS, family planning and advancement in, and adoption of various agricultural technologies, dependency on manpower/labour has reduced drastically. The advent of resettlement and the north-south scheme both of which assist communal farmers to move to free-hold area, adds a third transitional farming system practised by the so-called emerging farmers the majority of whom adopts husbandry or farming practices common to communal farming, but under a commercial-oriented environment. The main activity in the commercial sub-sector is cattle ranching, with limited areas of cropping, carried out in free-hold farms covering about 52% of the countrys landmass or about 36.2 million ha. There are an estimated 4 200 commercial farmers each owning, on average, nearly 8 000 ha south of the VCF. The sub-sector employs more than 30 000 farm workers equivalent to supporting about 150 000 people assuming a family size of 5 persons per farm worker. On the other hand, the communal farming sub-sector occupies about 43% of the country ( 34 million ha) mainly in the north, northeast, east-central, west and the farm-locked Ovitoto Communal Area. Majority of the southern communal areas has a subsistence-based farming system in so-called Reserves that hails, in part, from the Odendaal Commision and long-term attachment formed by specific groups to specific places and pieces of land e.g. Berseba, Bethanie, Gibeon, Tses, etc. Owing to climate, soil types and evapo-transpiration rates, Namibia is better adapted to livestock-based as opposed to crop-based agriculture. At the present moment livestock contribute more than 70% to the agricultural GDP and serve various roles to communities including cash, wealth, sustenance & food security (through milk, meat & by-products), draught power, manure, employment, skins, dowry, ecosystem health and exchange for other farm produce. While livestock production is generally acknowledged as the most important activity in Namibia, the importance of staple cereal crops like Mahangu and maize both in the commercial and communal areas is underscored. For example, Mahangu production averaged 53 000 tonnes in 2005. White and yellow maize production averaged 37 412 tonnes (range: 24810 to 63434) between 2000 and 2006, whereas during the same period wheat production ranged between 6 000 and 12 000 tonnes. Horticultural crop production yielded over 33 000 tonnes in 2005. However, low and sometimes poorly distributed rainfall have limited rain fed crop production to only those areas receiving 400 mm and above annually or about 34% of the country. Such production is associated with a high risk of crop failure due to the erratic nature of the rainfall. Of the cereals, a large amount of the rain-fed maize is produced in the commercial sector while pearl millet or Mahangu and to a small extent sorghum is almost exclusively grown by an estimated 150 000 subsistence communal farmers mainly for own consumption. Very limited irrigation (about 9 000 ha) is practiced in the maize triangle and in Namibia Development Cooperation (NDC) schemes in Kavango Region (i.e. Mashare, Musese, Sarasungu, Shadi Kongoro, Shitemo, and Vungu Vungu Irrigation Projects) and along the Kunene River in the far northwest to produce maize.
40
In the south, the Hardap Irrigation Scheme produces a winter wheat crop and some table grapes and dates, which have boosted the volume growth of high value commercial crops. Along the Orange River, individual farmers and companies and farmers cooperatives produce table grapes and dates for export. In that regard, the few perennial rivers (see Fig. 1) are pivotal to crop agriculture in Namibia. Indeed, considering soils, rainfall and/or water supply, only less than 5% of the land surface is considered to have medium to high potential for rainfed and irrigated crop production. Henceforth, irrigation development is seen by some as the best means of mitigating the effects of drought. In spite of concerns expressed by economists and agriculturalists, there is currently a strong push towards further development of large scale irrigation schemes aimed at utilizing the perennial rivers while others are to be located in the high rainfall areas. Inland, there is a push towards rain water harvesting so as to increase water availability for domestic use and small scale irrigation. Ecologically, 22% of the country is desert and receives a mean annual rainfall of less than 100 mm; 33% is arid with a mean annual rainfall of between 100 and 200 mm; 37% is semi arid and receives between 300 and 500 mm of rain annually; and 8% is semihumid to subtropical with a mean annual rainfall of between 500 and 700 mm. More recently, the agrarian structure of the country has been divided into 11 agro ecological zones defined by Average Growth Period (AGP), physiographic features and ecotypes (see Table 5). Several phases of uplifting, erosion and deposition have created complex landforms as determined through geomorphology and structural geology.
Table 5: Agro-ecological Zones of Namibia Agro-ecological Zone Central & Northern Kunene (former Kaokoland) Central Plateau
Escarpment Ekuma Plains & Etosha Pan Kalahari Sands Plateau
AGP (days) 8-63

8-83 8-15 63 25-135
Suitability for agriculture Large & small stock production

Small stock (goat & sheep) production Large & small stock (sheep) production Large stock production Large & small stock production and mixed cropping in floodplains of river systems Large stock production and early maturing or short cycle crops in certain places Not applicable agriculturally Not applicable to extensive agriculture Not applicable agriculturally Small stock production Not applicable agriculturally
Kalkveld
48-105
Namib coastal (sand) plains Namib desert plains River Canyons Southern Kunene (former Damaraland) Undifferentiated rocky hills & inselberg mountains
0 0-35 0-15 8-25 0
41
2.1.1
Size of agricultural population
The paucity of precise data on the number of people involved in agriculture made estimation of the agricultural population rather challenging. Thus, the data provided in this sub-section was generated through simple extrapolations from the 2001 Population and Housing Census. In 2001, available statistics shows that about 70% of total population (or 1.28 million people) resided in the rural areas and had an agriculture-based livelihood. Within that sub-group, about 57% (or 730 301) were females including female youth, 43% were males, while the youth and minors (age group: < 30) accounted for about 64% (or 820 051) of the population residing in rural areas. Approximately 500 000 of the youth and minor sub-group was made up of the actual active subset aged between 14 and 30. In terms of households, about 152 000, 20 300 and 16 000 households are directly involved in crop, cattle and small stock production respectively (Mendelsohn, 2006).
2.1.2
Farmed land, forests, fishing areas
About 80% of the 824 418 sq km is designated as crop and livestock (including wildlife) farming area taking various forms such as freehold farming and tourism (356 533 sq km), communal open access (263 832 sq km), communal exclusive (35 602 sq km) and resettlement areas (7 731 sq km). There is no private ownership of land in communal areas and all land used for agricultural purposes belongs to the state. Customary rules governing tenure rights over grazing land are vested in traditional authorities that also allocate land for cropping at present estimated at 2 ha per household. The freehold area, which stretches from southern end of the country to just below the veterinary cordon fence, is divided into more than 6500 farms (ranches) averaging about 8 000 ha each. With the exception of Ovitoto, Okakarara, Otjituuo and southern communal areas (e.g. Betanie, Berseba, Gibeon & Tses), all the communal area surrounds the inner-situated freehold area. State protected areas accounts for about 137 212 sq km of land whereas town lands accounts for 7 275 sq km of land (Sweet, 1998; Mendelsohn, 2006). Rangeland degradation as exemplified by various indicators including deforestation, desertification, bush encroachment, reduced forage quality, reduced carrying capacities, lowering of groundwater tables, nutrient mining and/or depletion, soil erosion and soil compaction, barrenness, etc. are believed to have reduced farmed land significantly. For example, 26 million ha of land has been encroached by various invasive species resulting in more than 100% reduction in the carrying capacities of rangeland. Major forest zones which by the Namibian definition are areas with tree canopy cover of more than 10% occur predominantly in high rainfall areas. In Namibia, this area stretches from the north-west (Kunene region) to eastern Kavango and most of the Caprivi region. Forests (including community and strategic forests), whose major products are timber/timber products, thatch grass, poles, droppers, dry wood used in crafting, and fuel wood accounts for about 20 000 sq km of land. Namibia has a large fishing area stretching over 1572 km from the mouth of the Orange River in the south to Kunene River in the north, and covering more than 200 nautical miles into the Atlantic.
42
2.1.3
Agricultural systems
Five major farming systems exist in Namibia and these are: small-scale cereals and livestock, small stock production, mixed cattle ranching, intensive agriculture and natural resource production. Table 6 below describes the major farming systems in Namibia. Other integrated forms in which fish (integrated aquaculture), bees (apiculture), forest products (silviculture) contribute significantly to household livelihoods exist, but these are poorly documented in literature. Intensive crop and livestock production systems are practised as highlighted in sections 2.1.1 and 2.1.4 of the main document.
Table 6: Farming systems in Namibia Farming system Small scale cereals and livestock Main commodities Mahangu, sorghum, maize, goats and cattle Land area Small exclusive farms and open grazing in communal land in the northern region Large freehold farms, exclusive farms in communal land and in open grazing in northern Kunene Large freehold farms and open grazing in communal land in the southern and western regions. Small farms, mostly irrigated throughout the country Mainly in conservancies, game farms, community forests, parks and reserves Use of production Domestic consumption supplementing income from nonfarming activities Beef, mainly for commercial sales to South Africa, Europe and Namibian consumers
Cattle ranching
Cattle
Small stock
Sheep and goats
Mutton and goats for commercial sales to South Africa and Namibian consumers
Intensive agriculture
Natural resources products
Maize, wheat, grapes, ostriches, olives, dates, pigs, dairy products, vegetable and fruits Indigenous fauna and flora and landscapes
Commercial sales to export markets and Namibian consumers
Commercial sales to Namibian consumers and for export through tourism
Source: Mendelsohn, 2006
2.1.4
Agriculture in the economy
Table 7 shows the contribution of agriculture and related sectors to GDP. As can be seen from the table, the freehold (commercial) sub-sector contributed between 60 and 74% to the agricultural GDP. Despite being the primary source of livelihood to the majority of the countrys inhabitants, the freehold sub-sectors contribution to GDP was ranked sixth in 2004 and was surpassed by such sectors as fisheries and mining. Overall, the share of the agricultural sector to GDP has dropped from 11.7% during the period 1990 to 1997 to 6.9% in 1999 and 5.4 in 2003. Correspondingly,
43
the share of agriculture in the labour force dropped from 49.0% in 1990 to 29.3% in 2000. The sectors performance has been sluggish, registering declining and negative growth rates sometimes. As a result, the government, through the MAWF, has put forward policy measures aimed at improving performs of the sector.
Table 7: Contribution of agriculture and fisheries sectors to GDP Sector/sub-sector Agriculture and Forestry Commercial Subsistence Meat processing Fishing Fish processing Mining and Quarrying Diamond mining
Source: MAWF, 2007.
2001 4.5 2.8 1.7 <1.0 5.7 1.9 14.7 11.5
2003 5.8 4.3 1.5 <1.0 5.6 2.8 9.5 8.4
2005 7.0 5.0 2.0 <1.0 4.9 1.6 10.2 7.7
2.1.5
Main agricultural and fisheries produce and, secondary products
The main agricultural and fisheries produce and, their secondary products are shown in Table 8, while Fig. 4 shows a pictorial representation of agricultural production per sector and a sub-section of selected horticultural produce. A large proportion of the agricultural produce (Fig. 4) labelled others refers to livestock exported live to South Africa. On average, more than 20 million litters of milk, 600 000 tonnes of fish, more than 100 000 tonnes of meat, 200 tonnes of Karakul wool, 41 million chicken eggs, 100 000 pelts, 70 000 tonnes of cereals (maize and millet), 30 000 tonnes of horticultural crops and more than 4000 tonnes of wheat are produced annually.
Table 8: Main agricultural and fisheries produce and secondary products Agricultural and fisheries produce Live animals (cattle, goat, sheep & pig) Fish, prawns, crabs, seals, guano Pearl millet Sorghum Maize Dates & Table grapes Fruits & Vegetables Milk Cotton Tobacco Secondary product(s) Meat and meat products, skins & hides Canned fish, fish fillets, etc. Mahangu meal (Meme Mahangu) Brewers grain Maize meal Not processed locally Consumed as harvested Milk, Cheese, Yoghurts & used in juices Not processed locally Not processed locally
44
Others 19%
Dairy 3%
All meat & meat products 59%
Crop production 19%
Tomatoes 3% Sweet melons 3% Pumpkins 2% Potatoes 9%
Watermelons 5% Other 5%
Butternuts 2%
Cabbage 6% Carrots 2%
Grapes 42% Onions 14%
Oranges 7%
Figure 4: Fragmentation of Agricultural Production. (Source: NAB, 2007)
45
2.1.6
Main export markets
Namibia is a net importer of most of the agricultural, forest and fisheries related products. Meat and fish are the exception as they are produced in abundance within the country. Regarding meat and fish and their related products, Namibia export mainly to the Angolan, European Union and South African and, to a limited extent, the United States of Americas markets. Namibia exports more than 540 000 tonnes of fish, about 100 000 tonnes of beef and about 15 000 tonnes of goat meat & mutton annually. About 65% of the beef is exported to the EU, while the rest is exported to South Africa and Angola (Meat Board, 2007). Almost all the exported goat meat and mutton goes to South Africa. More than 85% of fish is exported to the EU especially to Spain, Norway and Denmark (Ministry of Fisheries, 2007). These exports operate within several trade agreements (see section 2.1.7). 2.1.7 Trade agreements that include agriculture
Trade agreements serve to provide and enhance acquisition of agricultural and related products that the country cannot produce, while exports would earn the country revenue and foreign currencies through sales. In Namibia as in most other countries, cross-border sales are organised by private traders, but all governments exercise controls and enter into agreements to protect or enhance the value of farm produce in three principal ways: By promoting exports, and therefore local production. Through restrictions on imports to protect and support local production against foreign competition. By limiting the export of raw products to encourage local processing. Exports are mainly promoted through trade agreements that aim to give exporters free, cheaper or preferential access to markets in countries with which Namibia has links. Namibia is party to many southern African and international trade agreements and communities including: The SADC Free Trade Agreement; The Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA); The EU African, Caribbean and Pacific countries (or Cotonou) agreement; The EUs Economic Partnership Agreements (EPA); African Growth Opportunity Act (AGOA); The Common Monetary Area and; The World Trade Organisation. As a member of the Southern Customs Union (SACU), Namibia also benefits from participation in the SACU/Mercosur agreement with Argentina, Paraguay, Uruguay and Brazil, the SACU/European Free Trade Association (EFTA) agreements, and negotiations to establish free or preferential trade agreements with China, the USA and India. Namibia has a free trade agreement with Zimbabwe and is negotiating a preferential trade agreement with Angola (Ministry of Trade and Industry, 2007). 2.1.8 Sectoral policy related to agriculture, fisheries and forests
Poverty reduction has been the overarching policy goal across many economic sectors of Namibia. In the wake of concerns that commercial sectors would be nationalized, Namibia has instead implemented pragmatic policies to maintain private sector leadership in the economy, to encourage foreign investment and to avoid over-reliance on international loans. The various policies and guidelines governing the various economic sectors include:
46
A] Namibias Vision 2030 visualizes the National Development Plans as the main vehicles for achieving its objectives and realizing the long-term Vision. The Third National Development Plan (NDP3) for the period 2007/08 to 2011/12, themed Accelerated Economic Growth through Deepening Rural Development, is currently under development. The broad thrusts and goals of the NDP3 are derived from the Vision 2030, the 2004 SWAPO Party Manifesto, the directions from the November 2005 Cabinet Retreat, the Millennium Development Goals, and the lessons learned from implementing the NDP2. B] The overall goal outlined in the National Agricultural Policy is to increase and sustain levels of agricultural productivity, real farm incomes and national and household food security within the context of the countrys fragile ecosystem. C] Specific key instruments: Other key national instruments governing the crop production and soil fertility components with the integration of sustainable development and natural resource use principles are the Drought Policy, Namibias Green Plan, Water policy and the National Land Policy. D] The Poverty Reduction Strategy is chiefly directed towards agricultural expansion and strengthening food security, equitable and efficient delivery of public service and strengthening non-agricultural and informal sectors. The NPRAP outlines poverty reduction programmes and projects in accordance with the NDP2 and the Public Investment Programme.
2.1.8.1 Agricultural policy The broad objective of the Agricultural Policy as highlighted in the 2nd National Development Plan is to enhance and contribute to sustainable and equitable economic growth by: i) ii) iii) iv) Enhancing agricultural production at the household and national level; Promoting on- and off-farm livelihood opportunities; Reducing the volume and value of agricultural imports; Increasing the volume and value of agricultural exports.
The above broad objective(s) were translated into four broad programme policies viz: a) To support improved farm-household productivity and livelihood opportunities in the communal sector; b) To provide an economic and legal environment enabling the commercial sector to thrive; c) d) e) To expand production through intensification, innovation and marketing and; To ensure sustainability of the natural resource base. To promote human resource development and skills transfer and, provision of the necessary to all sectors involved in agricultural and related activities. (Source: National Agricultural Policy, 2006)
47
2.1.8.2 Fisheries policy and legislative framework The policies that regulate the fisheries sector cover three main areas as follows: A] Marine capture fisheries:
The Policy: Marine Resources Policy: Towards Responsibility Development and Management of the Marine Resources Sector can be found at <www.mfmr.gov.na> Legislation: The Legislation governing the marine capture sector includes (a) the Territorial Sea and Exclusive Economic Zone of Namibia Act (1990); and (b) the Marine Resources Act (Act no. 27 of 2000) and Regulations (2001). B] Inland capture fisheries:
The policy: Inland fisheries policy is outlined in the White Paper of 1995 on the Responsible Management of the Inland Fisheries of Namibia. This aims to allow the exploitation of inland fish resources sustainably and at optimum levels. <www.mfmr.gov.na> Legislation: The Inland Fisheries Resources Act (No. 1 of 2003) governs inland fisheries. C] Aquaculture:
The policy: The current policy for this sub-sector is laid out in the policy paper: Towards the Responsible Development of Aquaculture (2001). Legislation: The Aquaculture Act (No. 18 of 2002) and Aquaculture Regulations are in place to govern the aquaculture sector while work continued on finalization of the Aquaculture (Import and Export) regulations.
2.1.8.3 Forest policy The forest policy aims to: i) Reconcile rural development with biodiversity conservation by empowering farmers and local communities to manage forest resources on a sustainable basis. Increase the yield of benefits of the national woodlands growing stock through research and development, application of silvicultural practices, protection and promotion of requisite economic support projects. Create favourable conditions to attract investment in small and medium industry based on wood and non-wood forest raw materials. Implement innovative land-use strategies including multiple use conservation areas, protected areas, agroforestry and a variety of other approaches designed to yield forestry global benefits. Source: Namibia Forest Development Policy (2001).
ii)
iii) iv)
48
2.1.9
Institutional, regulatory and policy framework for Information and communication
An Act of Parliament established the Namibia Communication Commission (NCC) in 1992 as a regulatory authority with the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting as line ministry. The NCC provides the following services: Division telecommunication regulation For example private radio and television broadcasting licensing; assisting with the drafting of regulations for broadcasting, planning and allocating all broadcast frequencies. Standardisation and equipment type approval For instance co-ordinating technical standards of radio and telecommunications equipment with national, regional and international bodies. Telecommunication regulatory aspects Ensuring that all market participants adhere to the rules and principles stipulated in the Acts. Two-way radio communication Developing, planning and managing the radio-frequency spectrum plan in accordance with the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) The mission of NCC is to ensure a regulatory balance that will enable companies to provide customers with safe, adequate and reliable services (Namibia Trade Directory, 2007). There are several policy initiatives undertaken to shape the ICT sector in Namibia. These policies include the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Policy for the Republic of Namibia, a draft Telecommunication Bill, and E-government policy. ICT Policy for Republic of Namibia
The policy document was compiled during 2000 and updated and passed through parliament in November 2002. The policy addresses the following issues: Enhancing rural access to information (multi-purpose telecentres, universal service fund); developing and stabilizing the ICT professional community (establishing a body that sets national ICT standard, ICT association, immigration of ICT workers); Facilitating excellent ICT public education, especially in schools (improve schools connectivity, revise 1995 IT in Education Policy); Fostering e-commerce, e-business and e-government; (amend relevant laws, establish statutory bodies, government e-procurement pilot); Strengthening the existing ICT infrastructure through liberalising the telecommunication sector and; Developing the ICT industry (ICT cluster in Windhoek). (Stork & Aochamub, 2003).
49
2.2
2.2.1 a)
Socio-economic Profile
Demographics Population by gender and region
The total population of Namibia is estimated at 2 million. The population has increased more than eightfold since 1921, which was about 229 000 reaching 1.8 million people in 2001. Namibia is divided into 13 political regions and the population is very unevenly spread across the country. On average the population is growing at rate of about 3% per annum. Projection suggests that the population will increase to 2.25 million by 2010 and 2.6 million by the year 2020. There are important factors that need to be taken into consideration that may influence the growing rate. For example, the population growth rate is expected to drop due the effects of AIDS and higher levels of education among women, which may lead to better family planning and lower birth rates (Mendelson et al., 2002). According to 2001 Population and Housing Census, 51% of population in Namibia are females and majority are found in rural areas. The number of males and females differ greatly in many regions (see Table 9). There are fewer men than women in the Northern region, because many men have moved away to work in towns. As a result, men outnumbered women in many urban areas. Khomas region is the most populous with close to 14% of the total country population. However, when one considers Namibia as a whole, more than 50% of the population lives in the Northern part of the country (NPC, 2001).
Table 9: Population distribution by sex and area in Namibia 1991 Region Namibia Urban Rural Caprivi Erongo Hardap Karas Kavango Khomas Kunene Ohangwena Omaheke Omusati Oshana Oshikoto Otjozondjupa Total 100 27.1 72.9 6.4 3.9 4.7 4.3 8.3 11.8 4.5 12.7 3.7 13.5 9.6 9.1 7.3 Female 51.3 49.2 52.1 51.3 47.8 49.3 44.5 52.3 47.5 49.5 55.4 48.2 56.0 54.4 51.9 46.1 Male 48.7 50.8 47.9 48.7 52.2 50.7 55.5 47.7 52.5 50.5 44.6 51.8 44.0 45.6 48.1 53.9 Total 100 33.0 67.0 4.4 5.9 3.7 3.8 11.1 13.7 3.8 12.5 3.7 12.5 8.8 8.8 7.4 2001 Female 51.5 50.2 52.1 51.0 46.5 49.3 46.7 52.4 49.4 49.8 54.7 47.7 55.2 54.3 52.6 48.4 Male 48.5 49.8 47.9 49.0 53.5 50.7 53.3 47.6 50.6 50.2 45.3 52.3 44.8 45.7 47.4 51.6
50
b)
Population by age group and region
Like many other developing countries, young people dominate Namibian population. Close to 40% of the whole population is under the age of 15 years of age and 7% of the population is aged 60 years and above. Senior citizens are relatively low compared to other age groups. Urban areas have more people in the economic active age groups 15-59. The age structure of population varies from area to area; some areas are more dominated by children, for example the rural areas in Ohangwena and Omusati, while others are dominated by juveniles and young adults, such as towns in Khomas, Erongo and Oshana. Table 10 below shows more details.
Table 10: Population distribution by age and region: Namibia 2001 Percent Age Groups Region Namibia Urban Rural Caprivi Erongo Hardap Karas Kavango Khomas Kunene Ohangwena Omaheke Omusati Oshana Oshikoto Otjozondjupa
Source: NPC, 2001
0-4 13.2 11.2 14.2 13.5 10.7 12.6 11.1 15.0 10.7 15.1 15.2 14.6 12.9 11.9 14.0 14.2
5-14 26.1 18.9 29.6 25.4 17.6 23.1 19.5 28.9 17.7 25.9 33.0 25.9 31.0 27.5 29.4 23.6
15 -59 52.3 64.4 46.3 55.0 63.9 55.3 62.6 48.2 66.7 48.2 41.0 50.5 44.5 52.5 47.0 55.4
60+ 6.7 3.9 8.0 6.0 5.8 7.5 5.7 5.9 3.5 7.3 9.1 6.2 9.2 6.7 7.5 5.4
Not stated 1.8 1.6 1.9 0.1 2.0 1.5 1.2 1.9 1.3 3.4 1.6 2.7 2.4 1.4 2.1 1.5
2.2.2
Literacy level and languages
Literacy is defined as the ability to write, read and comprehend a certain language (NPC, 2001). According to this definition, Namibia literacy level is estimated at 81%. There is no difference between females and males as far as literacy level is concerned in the country, but urban females have the highest literacy rate of 92% comparing to rural females who lacks the ability to read and write and only 75% are said to be literate. Despite having relatively small population, Namibia has diversity of languages. More than 10 different languages or major dialects are spoken in Namibia. Table 11 shows that about 70% of those aged 15 year and above, can read and write in either Oshiwambo or English comprehensively. About 37% are literate in Afrikaans, making it the most common language in which people are literate.
51
Table 11: Literate population aged 15 years and above by sex and language* Language Afrikaans Caprivi (Silozi) English German Kavango Nama/Damara Oshiwambo Other Other African Other European Otjiherero San Tswana Not stated
*
Total 37.5 6.9 69.4 1.4 13.0 7.0 69.8 0.1 0.5 1.8 8.6 0.7 0.4 1.7
Female 35.4 6.6 68.7 1.4 12.3 7.4 70.6 0.1 0.4 1.4 8.2 0.7 0.4 1.3
Male 39.8 7.3 70.1 1.4 13.8 6.7 69.0 0.1 0.6 2.2 8.9 0.7 0.4 2.0
Adapted from the 2001 Census in Namibia
2.2.3 a)
Access to services Health
The main three providers of health services in Namibia are Government (70-75%), missions (15-2%) and the private sector (5%). Provision of health services embraces medical treatment at clinics and hospitals, medicines, medical equipment, counseling by trained health workers, etc. In the whole country, there are 34 public hospitals, 37 health centres, 244 public clinics, 12 private hospitals and 5 private clinics. Treatment (for most of the diseases) at government clinics and hospitals is heavily subsidized and range between N$ 5.0025.00 ( 0.542.73), including basic medicines and/or pain killers. In spite of positive achievements in the development of programmes and use of health resources, improvements in the health sector has been sluggish since Independence and, in some places, infrastructures has deteriorated (NDP2, 2002). Life expectancy (43 years) and infant mortality rates (38%) for mothers and children have deteriorated as a result of AIDS and AIDS-related conditions. Generally, AIDS (26%), TB (10%), Pneumonia (11%), Gastro-intestinal (8%), Malaria (6%), Carcinom (5%), Prematurity (4%), Malnutrition (3%), Accidents (3%) and other causes 20% are the leading causes of death in Namibia. About 80% of people in Namibia live within 10 km of a public health facility. This means that about 320 000 people do not have ready access to health services. In some regions access is not as good as in others, especially in areas where there is low density of people scattered over large areas, such as Kunene and Omaheke regions. On average, there is one hospital bed and one public doctor for every 271 and 7545 people respectively. Ohangwena, Omusati, Caprivi and Omaheke have the lowest provision of beds with more than 350 people per bed, while Khomas, Karas and Oshana have ratios of less than 200 people.
52
The National Public Health Programmes provides the following services to public: b) Immunization to children under the age of 5 years as well as women of childbearing age (tetanus); Control of diarrhoel diseases and acute respiratory infections; Reproductive health and National nutrition programmes; National malaria control programmes; National AIDS Co-ordination and TB programmes (NACOP); Plague control. Education
Namibias constitution states that all children must attend school from the age of 7 until they complete primary school or reach the age of 16. Also, Namibia is signatory to the World Declaration on Education for All and despite legislation making primary education compulsory, the enrolment rate in Namibian schools is only 82%, with some regional and gender differences. An estimated of 94% of all 7-13 years-olds attended school in 2000. In addition, there is the problem of drop-out at all level in all regions. On each grade the drop-out rate varies between 10% and 1 %. There is an especially high drop-out rate in grades 1, 5 and 10. Thus, even though Namibia manages to keep up a high level of children starting in school, they have the problem with school leavers. In 2001, 1541 registered schools offered formal education (i.e. Grades 1-12) of which 1491 were government schools run the Ministry of Education. A total of about 540 000 children were at schools in 2000, representing almost 1 in 3 of all people in Namibia. There are 17 700 teachers employed in the education system. Over half of all the pupils are at schools in the central northern region. Across the country, education is offered in several forms; pre-primary school, adult education, vocational training and tertiary level of education. There are over 3000 pre-primary schools and the majority are privately-owned with few being subsidized by the government. Academic results for most grades are not impressive. For example, it was found that at the overall national level only 25.9% of learners reached the minimum level of mastery in reading literacy and a meagre 7.6 % reached the desirable level (Makuwa, 2004). Only 20% of the learners who took the Grade 12 exams in 2005 qualified for admission to the University of Namibia and the PoN. In 2001, approximately 49 000 adults attended literacy-training programmes which are aimed at improving the literacy level of adults (Mendelsohn et al., 2002). c) Electricity
Currently, Namibia imports over 60% of her electrical power from South Africa. The three power stations; Ruacana (Hydro), Van Eck (Coal) and Paratus (Diesel) operated by Nampower delivers 240, 120 and 20 Megawatts respectively and, only meets less than 40% of the demand. In 1992, the Namibian government started with a rural electrification programme. More than N$ 203 million ( 22.2 million) was invested in the programme and more than 15000 rural centres (schools, churches, clinics, businesses, etc.) were connected to the national power grid. The most immediate, quantifiable impact of the programme was the increase in rural electricity consumption from 166 million kWh in 1994 to 185 million kWh in 1999 (NDP2, 2002). The national electricity grid covering 15500 km of transmission lines serve to distribute power from several primary sources of electricity. Many rural homesteads, schools, clinics, tourist resorts and small settlements use so-called off-grid sources of power. According to Stork (2005) about 34% of Namibian households are connected to the electricity grid.
53
Electrification varies considerably throughout Namibia. In major urban areas 95% of households are connected to electricity grid while in other urban areas it was less with 72.3% and in rural areas only 6.1% (see Fig. 5). Recently the Electricity Control Board introduced the Regional Electricity Distributors (REDs) and the main aim of the REDs (ERED, CENORED, Central RED, NORED and SORED) is to buy electricity from Nampower and distribute to local authorities and municipalities thereby aiding in the regulation of electricity generation and distribution chain. However, the nation feels that the REDs has concomitant surcharges to be born by consumers and this may raise electricity bills (monthly) from approximately N$ 300 to N$ 400 ( 32.80 43.76); N$ 600 to N$ N$ 800 ( 65.6487.52) and N$ 1300 to N$ 1600 ( 142.23 175.05) for light, medium and heavy consumers respectively. Recent developments in the electricity sub-sector have seen the mushrooming of solar power providers and the governments push towards local electricity generation through investing in the projects such as the Kudu Gas, Epupa and/or Popa Falls Hydro Power.
Rural
Other urban
Major towns
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
80
90
100
PER CENT
Figure 5: Connection to the electricity grid by location. (Adapted from NPC, 2001)
2.2.4
Ruralurban drift
After Independence, economic development in Namibia was centred on the capital city and other major towns and, many populous and rural areas of the country are economically underdeveloped and lack infrastructure. As a result, people started migrating to urban areas for better economic conditions and living standards. The phenomenon of migration plays a significant role in the settlement pattern of the population in Namibia. Even though Table 9 shows that Namibia is still a rural society, majority of the population is drifting toward the urban settings. Unfortunately, data on precise migration patterns and the influx into major towns is scant. Migration has changed the household structure. There are more females in rural areas because males migrate in greater numbers to look for jobs in the urban areas. As a result, households in rural areas are headed by women whereas in some instances the de facto heads are men. Besides, labour division in rural areas was affected negatively.
54
2.3
2.3.1
Media and Telecommunications

Newspapers, periodicals and broadcast media
The Namibian media industry is concentrated in Windhoek and run mostly by private individuals or institutions. Currently, four daily and five weekly newspapers are published. The news predominantly deals with local, national and international topics and published in English. In addition to newspapers there are different kinds of newsletters and magazines (e.g. Economist) published in the country. Namibias television and radio broadcaster NBC (Namibian Broadcasting Corporation) belongs to the government. There are several private radio stations as well as international TV channels available via cable and satellite. The NBC plays an important role in disseminating information. The national broadcasting system through the radio and TV is intended to inform, educate and entertain the nation. The NBC radio runs 9 radio services in local languages (see Table 11), which reach about 80% of Namibias population. These services are broadcast from six oclock in the morning until midnight. The national radio in English (the official language) is broadcasted throughout the day (24hours). Both the TV and radio run a weekly programme on agricultural related issues and these are aired for 30 minutes. On various occasion experts are invited to discuss pertinent issues on agriculture and, these types of discussions are aired for not more than an hour. Over the past few years, Namibia has seen the mushrooming of commercial radio stations owned by private individuals. Like in the rest of Africa, the aim of the commercial broadcasting is to make profit mainly through advertisements, despite the small population of the country. Namibia is still far from providing equal access to information to all Namibians. According to the Census of 2001, there are significant differences between rural and urban areas in terms of access to information. The urban households are better off than rural households in terms of access to facilities and services that provide information. For example, the television is accessible to 66% of the households in urban areas as compared to only 17% in the rural areas. In rural areas more than 80% of the households use radio as a main source of information (see Fig. 6). The radio coverage increased by 14% from 80 to 94%, while television coverage currently (2006) stands at 64% compared to 45% in 2001 (MISA, 2007). Radio is a very cheap means of access to information in terms of purchasing and operating and offers wider national coverage. Telephones cited in Fig. 6 refers to fixed phones.
55
TV Telephone Radio Occasional Newspaper Daily Newspaper Computer 0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90
PER CENT
Figure 6: Households with access to selected facilities. (Adapted from NPC, 2001)
Table 12: Media organizations in Namibia

Name The Namibian Contacts Details Newspapers/Newsletters Private Daily English Newspaper editor@namibian.com.na news@namibian.com.na Other language: Oshiwambo www.namibian.com.na gwen@namibian.com.na Circulation 36000 jean@namibian.com.na tabby@namibian.com.na Managing Editor: Gwen Lister christof@namibian.com.na News Editor: Jean Sutherland madelaine@namibian.com.na Deputy News Editor: Tabby Moyo Assistant News Editor: Christof Tel: +264 61 2796000 / Maletsky 279606 / 279613; Fax: +264 61 279602 No. of journalists: 42 John Meinert Street, 12 Permanent Journalists Windhoek-West, 7 Freelance Journalists PO Box 20783, Windhoek Private Daily Afrikaans Newspaper chrisjan@republikein.com.na advert@republikein.com.na Managing Director: Chiisna Greeff www.republikein.com.na Editor: Chris Jacobie luzane@republikein.com.na New Editor: Jan Poolman Group executive Editor: Chris Jacobie Tel: +264 61 297 2000 Fax: +264 61 223721 No. of journalists: 24 Omuramba Road, PO Box 3436, Eros, Windhoek
Republikein
56
Name Allgemeine Zeitung
Contacts azinfo@az.com.na www.az.com.na ehofmann@az.com.na Tel: +264 61 225 822 Fax: +264 61 220 225 11 Omuramba road, PO Box 86695, Eros, Windhoek whkob@africaonline.com.na Tel: +264 61 221737 Fax: +264 61 226098 PO Box 2255, Windhoek, Namibia editor@namibiatoday.com.na Tel: +264 61 276370 Fax: +264 61 276381 21 Johan Albrecht St., Windhoek-West daniel@economist.com.na www.economist.com.na Tel: +264 61 221925 Fax: +264 61 220615 Schuster Street, P O Box 49, Windhoek editor@newera.com.na www.newera.com.na Tel: +264 61 273300 Fax: +264 61 220583 Private Bag 13364 Maerua Mall, Windhoek
Details Private Daily German Newspaper Managing Director: Chiisna Greeff Editor: Eberhardt Hofmann No. of journalists: 24 Permanent Journalists 3 Freelance Journalists
Windhoek Observer
Private Weekly English Newspaper Editor: Hannes Smith (H. Smith is only journalist)
The Namibia Today
Private English Newspaper Editor: Asser Ntinda (081 124 2749) Publisher: Mr. Nehale No. of journalist: 7 Private Weekly Business Newspaper Circulation: 7000 Editor: Daan Steinman No. of journalist: 4
The Namibia Economist
New Era
Daily State-owned Newspaper. Report on community related issues. Relate to Rural development in the country. Written in different local languages. Assist. News Editor: Chrispin Inambao CEO: Sylvester Black No. of journalist: 5 Permanent Journalists 1 Freelance Journalist (Rajah Munamava: Cell: 081 127 0616) Private Weekly Newspaper Free Community Newspaper 260 000 copies distributed monthly Editor: Max Hamata
Informante
editor@tgi.na www.informante.web.na Tel: +264 61 275 4000 Fax: +264 61 275 4090 Trustco Building 140 Robert Mugabe Avenue Box 11363, Windhoek
57
Name The Southern Times
Contacts mhamata@gmx.net www.southerntimes.com Tel: +264 61 301094 Fax: +264 61 220583 Private Bag 13364, Maerua Mall, Windhoek feplus@mweb.com.na Tel: +264 61 233635 Fax: +264 61 230478 PO Box 21506, Windhoek namibtimes@namibnet.com ntimes@iway.na Tel: +264 64 205854 Fax: +264 64 204813 Sam Nujoma Avenue, P.O. Box 706, Walvisbay, Namibia tk@nampa.org news@nampa.org www.nampa.org Tel: +264 61 374 000 Fax: +264 61 221713 PO Box 61354, Windhoek Cell: 081 2938 373 Fax: +264 62 523447 sister@iafrica.com.na
Details Regional Sunday Newspaper Editor: Mr. Max Hamata CEO: Mr. Protuis Ndauendapo No. of journalist: 12 Weekly in English/German/Afrikaans Editor: Brigitte Weidlich
Plus Weekly
Namib Times
Bi-Weekly Newspaper Editor: Floris Steenkamp No. of journalist: 3 Permanet Journalists 3 Freelance Journalists
Namibia Press Agency
Editor: Tommy Katamila CEO: Mr. Hamunime No. of journalist: 15
Volkster Sister Namibia
Feminist Monthly Magazine Contact person: H. Diergaardt Feminist Monthly Magazine
Agricola
Editor: (Tel: +264 61 227 828) Director/Editor: Liz Frank Tel: +264 61 230618 Fax: +264 61 236371 PO Box 40092, Windhoek MAWF Publications resgroot@iafrica.com.na Tel: 2087071 pickering@mawrd.gov.na Tel: + 264 61 208 7049 Private Bag 13184, Windhoek Private Bag 13184, Windhoek bishia@maerd.gov.na Tel: +264 61 208 7504 Fax: +264 61 208 7779 Quarterly Production Directorate: Agricultural Research & Training Monthly publication Content editor: Paul van der Merwe Quarterly Newsletter of the Directorate of Veterinary Services
AgrInfo
Spotlight on Agriculture VetNews
58
Name AgriViews
Contacts masheshe@mawrd.gov.na Tel: +264 61 208 7059 Fax : + 264 61 208 7786 Private Bag 13184, Windhoek elizabeth-mule@yahoo.com bupe@webmail.co.za bupemule@gmail.com Tel: +264 61 22 2246 Fax: +264 61 224937 Private Bag 13344, Windhoek buchter@africaonline.com.na Tel/Fax: +264 63 204 171 Troost Street, Luderitz ksililo@yahoo.com Tel: +264 66 253 407 Fax: +264 66 568 087 P O Box 2280, Ngweze, Katima Mulilo, Namibia info@ncci.com.org charity@ncci.org.na Tel: +264 61 228 809 Fax: +264 61 228 009 NCCI House, 2 Jenner Street, PO Box 9355, Windhoek tangeni@insight.com.na editorial@insight.com.na www.insight.com.na advertising@insight.com.na Tel: +264 61 259 106 Fax: +264 61 240 385 PO Box 40738, Windhoek space@mweb.com.na Tel: +264 61 225 155
Details Quarterly Newsletter Editor: Likoro Masheshe
Namibia Review
Monthly Policy Analysis Elizabeth Kalambwo-Mule No. of journalist: 4 Media Officers
Buchter News
Community Newsletter
Zenith Publishing Company
Kamwi Roberts Sililo
NCCI Business Journal
Quarterly Business magazine Chief Executive officer: Tarah Shaanika Editor: Charity Mwiya No. of journalist: 2 Freelance Journalists Monthly Political Analysis Editors: Tangeni Amupahdi & Robin Sherbourne (Cell: 081 128 2539) Manager: Mr. I. Shovaleka No. of journalists: 15 Freelance Journalists Monthly Lifestyle Magazine Editor: Yanna Smith Publisher: Ester Smith No. of journalist: 2 Media Publishers Editor: Gert Jacobie
Insight Namibia
Space Magazine
Democratic Media Holdings
gert@republikein.com.na www.republikein.com.na Tel: +264 61 297 2004 Fax: +264 61 223 721 / 235 674 11 Omuramba Rd, PO Box 3436, Eros, Windhoek
59
Name NBC TV
Contacts Details TV BROADCASTERS MD: Bob Vezera Kandetu hnaomas@nbc.com.na Broadcasting hours 06:00:23:00 tv@nbc.com.na www.nbc.com.na Tel: +264 61 291 3111 Fax: +264 61 216 579 Cullinan Street, PO Box 321, Northern Industrial Area, Windhoek comments@tbnnamibia.tv Tel: +264 64 401100 Fax: +264 64 403752 P O Box: 1587, Swakopmund, Windhoek paul@mac.com.na Tel: +264 61 253 190 / 225 665 Fax: +264 61 220 410 Storch Street & House, Windhoek multichoice@mweb.com.na www.dstvafrica.co.za No. of journalist: 30 Television Journalists
Trinity Broadcasting Network (TBN)
Free Private Religious Television
One Africa TV
Free Private TV Station Manager: Paul van Schalkwyk
Multichoice Namibia
Private Digital Satellite TV Provider
NBC Radio
Radio Kudu
Radio 99
Publisher: Wil-heifen Merie Greeling Tel: +264 61 270 5261 Manager: Cobus Bezuidenhout Fax: +264 61 270 5247 Robert Mugabe Avenue, Director General: Coennie Botha P O Box 2662 Kenya House, No. of journalist: 1 Windhoek RADIO STATIONS mthomas@nbc.com.na State-run Radio Broadcaster radio@nbc.com.na www.nbc.com.na General Manager: Mrs U. Karuaihe Upi Tel: +264 61 291 3111 Pettenkoffer Street, Cover limited programmes on PO Box 321, agriculture and rural issues Windhoek-West Windhoek Broadcast hours: 06H00 24H00 No. of journalist: 50 News Journalists Private music-based radio network radiokudu@radiokudu.com.na www.radiokudu.com.na Manager: Norman Kotze Tel: +264 61 247 262 No. of journalists: 1 (permanent Fax: +264 61 247 259 employee) 8 Diehl street, PO Box 5369, Windhoek Private music radio network radio99@iway.na Tel: +264 61 223 634 Fax: +264 61 230 964 6 Teinert street, PO Box 11849, Windhoek Manager: Mr. Mario Aita No. of journalist: 7
60
Name Radio Omulunga
Contacts omulunga@omulunga.com.na www.omulunga.com.na Tel: +264 61 239 706 Fax: +264 61 247 259 PO Box 40789, Windhoek sales@radiowave.com.na Tel: +264 61 242 350 Fax: +264 61 242 322 19 Rev. Michael Scott Street, P O Box 9953, Ausspannplatz Windhoek rtyson@unam.na Tel: +264 61 206 3111 Fax: +264 61 206 3908 Cell: 081 262 8321 Private bag 13301, University of Namibia, Windhoek fm100@mweb.com.na www.energy100fm.com Tel: +264 61 256 378 Fax: +264 61 256 379 17 Bismarck street, PO Box 676, Windhoek ren@mweb.com.na Tel: +264 61 259 639 Fax: +264 61 257 543 17 Jan Jonker Road, PO Box 11525, Klein Windhoek Windhoek nuus@kosmos.com.na kolie@kosmos.com.na Tel: +264 61 237401 / 255985 Fax: +264 61 237405 PO Box 9639, Eros, Wernhill Shopping Centre, Windhoek Not Provided.
Details Private music radio network Station Manager: Norman Kotze No. of journalist: 1
RadioWave
Private music radio network Manager: Rob Thompson No. of presenters: 7
UNAM Radio
Station Manager: Bongani Diko Run by Department of Media Studies (University of Namibia) UNAM. No. of presenters: 11
Radio Energy
Private Radio Station Editor: Mr Martin Ukarerani Manager: Mr. J. Johr No. of presenters: 12 Private Radio Staion Station Manager: Carol-Ann van der Walt
Radio Ecclesia
Cosmos Digital Namibia Ltd
Private Radio Station Station Manager: Colie van Coller No. of presenters: 8 No. of journalists: 2 journalists Contact Person: Joshua (081 278 5877) Managing Director: Neil van den Berg Station Manager: Mr. Andre Henning No. of announcers: 7
Omaheke Community Radio Channel 7
channel7@k7.com.na neal@k7.com.na www.k7.com.na k7news@k7.com.na Tel: +264 61 235 815 Fax: +264 61 240 190 Ara Street, PO Box 20500, Windhoek
61
Name Katutura Community Radio
Contacts kcr@iway.na Tel: +264 61 263726 Fax: +264 61 236371 Clemence Kapuuo Street, PO Box 70448, Khomasdal, Windhoek ncrn@misanamibia.org Tel: +264 61 236069 Fax: +264 61 236054 Box 97475, Maerua Mall, Windhoek livefm@iway.na Tel/Fax: +264 62 523 821 253 Bahnhof Street, PO Box 3363, Rehoboth sxoagus@hotmail.com matts@iway.na Parliament Building Tel: +264 61 288 9111
Details (Acting Station Manager): Natasha Tibinyane No. of Announcers: 15 Grassroots outlet Reach rural community Broadcasting 24 hours a day Coordinator: M. Haikali
Namibia Community Radio Network (NCRN)
RadioLive
Community radio Station Rehoboth Station manager: Pieter Olivier
Constituency Channel
Contact persons: Sarry Xoagus-Eises Mathew Haikali
Ohangwena Community Radio
leonardjona@hotmail.com P O Box 13185, Eenhana Tel: +264 65 264 309 / 264 300 Fax: +264 65 263 033
Contact Person: Leonard Jona
Source: MISA, 2007
2.3.2
Telecommunication services
Namibia has a relatively well developed telecommunications network as well as a Global System for Mobile communication (GSM) cellular telephone and a X.25 packet switched service. X.25 is an International Telecommunication Union (ITU-T) standard protocol suite for connection to packet-switched wide area networks using leased lines, the phone or ISDN system as the networking hardware. Telecom Namibia is the only company that provides local, long distance, international and leased lines services in Namibia. Telecom Namibia is owned by Namibia Post and Telecom Holdings (NPTH), which is in turn owned by the state (Telecom, 2004/5). Telecom Namibia invests extensively in modern technology and expanded capacity, as well as expanding fixed network and public access to through pay phones in rural areas. The telecommunication infrastructure in Namibia has been improved in the seventeen years after independence; the number of fixed lines has doubled, and the mobile network covers most of the country. The number of fixed lines has doubled from 57 000 in 1991 to about 117 000 in 2002. With the introduction of new product CallMaker in July 2004, the fixed lines has increased to 138,997 (Telecom, 2004/5). The teledensity for fixed lines has increased from 4 to 6 lines per 100 inhabitants and total teledensity from 4 to 14. Payphones have been installed across the country and a wide network of well-maintained pay phones has been established. There are
62
about 5 000 payphones, 2.8 public phones per 1000 people (Hesselmark and Miller, 2003). Mobile Tele-Communications (MTC) Namibia is the first cellular service provider in Namibia. MTC, which started operating in April 1995, is a joint venture between Namibia Posts and Telecommunications Holdings (NPHT), with 51% shareholding, Swedfund International AB (23%) and Telia International AB (26%) (Motinga, 2003). MTC introduced two differentiated products professional contract service and a pay-as-you-go Tango card product to cater for communication needs. The professional product involves a monthly fee and usage is cheaper comparing to the Tango but has more stringent qualification requirements. The introduction of the Tango product has doubled mobile phone subscription in Namibia. Mobile phone teledensity increased from 0.96% to 6.97% in 2002. The number of mobile phone users is higher than the number of fixed lines. Available statistics shows that by October 2003, MTC had more than 200 000 subscribers, whereas Telecom Namibia had only 138 997 in 2004. The higher growth of mobile phone subscribers compared to fixed lines users can be attributed to high cost of installation of fixed lines and ease of use of, and/or mobile phone flexibility (Stork & Aochamub, 2003). MTC has checked the coverage against census data, and estimates that about 65% of Namibia population live within reach of a mobile signal. The tariffs are difficult to compare because of the infinite variation. As shown in Table 13, MTC per minute charges vary from 0.01 to 0.60. Cell One, the second cellular service provider in Namibia started operating in early this year (2007). Cell One use Per-Second-Billing system and one can call whoever, whenever and, irrespective of whether mobile-mobile or mobile-fixed line. Thus, whether you make a call at 7 oclock in the morning or 11 oclock at night, the cost of your call remains the same i.e. 4 cents per second. A conversation lasting 1 minute would, therefore, cost 240 cents or N$ 2.40 ( 0.26). Short messages cost 40 cents ( 0.04) each. International voice calls are charged (per second) at 9.6 cents (South Africa), 8.3 cents (Botswana, Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, Swaziland, Zambia & Zimbabwe) and 20 cents (rest of the world) per second.
63
Table 13: International and national MTC subscription, call (per minute) and short message service (per message) charges (in NAD)
Type of service Tango Standard Night & Day Contract (Connect Packages) 50 Leisure Private Business 50 Freedom Private Business 100 Leisure Private Business 100 Active Private Business 250 Achiever Private Business 500 Leadership Private Business 1000 Pioneer Private Business MTC Professional Private Business Mobile Fax & Mail Private Business International calls Private Business Roaming Priv./Busi. Monthly Subscrip -tion fee No No 69.00 79.00 110.00 136.85 139.00 159.85 179.00 205.85 375.00 431.25 700.00 805.00 1200.00 1380.00 95.00 109.25 22.00 25.00 No No No Free Minutes No No 50 50 50 50 100 100 100 100 250 250 500 500 1000 1000 0 0 No No No No No Free Phone Y/N No No Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes No No No No No No No Mobile Mobile Peak Offpeak Off-off peak 0.96 1.00 Peak 3.35 Mobile Fixed Offpeak Off-off peak Short Message Service & Data Sending (Note: Receiving is free) Peak OffOff-off Data MMS peak peak 0.40 0.40 0.46 0.40 0.40 2.00 Same as above. 0.40 0.46 0.40 0.46 2.00 2.30 0.69 0.60 0.69
2.50 1.16 1.70* & 1.80
2.35 1.95 Same as above.
1.50 0.85 0.75 2.30 1.40 1.20 1.73 0.98 0.87 2.65 1.61 1.38 1.50 0.85 0.75 2.30 1.40 1.20 1.73 0.98 0.87 2.65 1.61 1.38 1.50 0.85 0.75 2.30 1.40 1.20 1.73 0.98 0.87 2.65 1.61 1.38 1.20 0.75 0.69 1.95 1.20 1.05 1.38 0.86 0.79 2.24 1.38 1.21 1.20 0.75 0.69 1.95 1.20 1.05 1.38 0.86 0.79 2.24 1.38 1.21 1.10 0.69 0.64 1.79 1.11 0.97 1.27 0.74 0.74 2.06 1.28 1.12 1.00 0.63 0.58 1.63 1.01 0.89 1.15 0.78 0.72 1.87 1.16 1.02 1.25 0.78 0.72 1.95 1.20 1.05 1.44 0.90 0.83 2.24 1.38 1.21 Use of this service is free, provided the client has paid the monthly subscription. 12.00 12.00 12.00 12.00 12.00 12.00 12.00 12.00 12.00 12.00 12.00 12.00 Foreign Network Charge + 15% Administration Fee
Charges for these packages are similar to that of Connect 50 Leisure (see above) both for private or business use.
Not applicable. Not applicable. Foreign Network Charge
NOTES: * Lowest rate applies when calling family & friends; MMS = Multi-media Messaging Service; 2 Tango refers to Pay-As-You-Go option; 3 The contract period range between 6 and 24 months; 4 Peak = 07H00 17H00; Off-peak = 19H00 22H00 & Off-off peak = 22H00 07H00.
64
2.3.3
Computers and the Internet
The overall impression of the ICT situation in Namibia is very favourable. Namibia boasts an independent and sophisticated telecom infrastructure and growing adoption of ICT and Internet facilities in both and private and public sector. Internet Commercial Services were established in Namibia late 1995. There are several ISPs into the market (see Table 14). All ISPs operate on top of the telecom communication backbone established for the whole country.
Table 14: Internet Service Providers (ISPs) in Namibia Internet Service Providers Iway Contact Details info@iway.na www.iway.na Tel: +264 61 202 0000 Fax: +264 61 202 0111 Private bag 12039, Ausspannplatz, Windhoek, NamPost / Telecom Building, Independence Avenue, Windhoek, Namibia Africa Online info@africaonline.com.na www.africaonline.com.na Tel: +264 61 205 8111 Fax: +264 61 2058244 P.O. Box 22740, Windhoek NAU Building, John Meinert str., Windhoek, Namibia Namibnet info@namibnet.com Tel: +264 61 230997 Fax: +264 61 240728/227182 P.O. Box 3661, Windhoek 452 Independence Avenue, Windhoek, Namibia Manager/Owner: Mr. Brian Roos General manager: Mr. Cobus Bezuidenhout Contact Person Manager: Mr. Piet Beukes
There is insufficient competition in the areas of Internet bandwidth. A 64 kbps leased line cost about US$400 ( 306.00) per month and many customers complain about poor performance of their leased lines. There are approximately 600 leased lines in the country (see Table 15). These lines share about 6 Mbps of international bandwidth with 18000 dial-up customers.
65
Namibia E-access and usage index survey of 2004 reported that from 4 163 household members interviewed, only 3.9% had an email address and 72.5% use the Internet and live in major urban areas, 27.5% in other urban areas and none in rural areas. Those respondents that use the Internet had access to Internet at school or work (Stork, 2005). The low usage of Internet in Namibia is attributed to unevenly distributed population throughout the country, while access to facilities such as media and technology is as unevenly distributed as the population. Developments in the telecommunication and utilities have focused on the economically active sector of the community; i.e. industry, commerce and the upper and middle classes of the population and left the rural population. As a result, majority of the population living in rural areas do not have access to Internet and computers (Stork & Aochamub, 2003). There are number of problems with Internet use in Namibia. The low population density and small population of 2 million as well as low income barriers are serious challenges hindering the telecommunication sector from expanding the total of Internet users. Internet access is slow because of local, regional and international congestion caused by too many users sharing the available capacity, while the cost of access is high. On the positive side, Namibia has taken bold steps to address the issue of the digital divide that exists between Namibias rural and urban population. The Namibia 2004 Millennium Development Goals and Vision 2030 are some of the important initiatives undertaken to make Namibia an information society. The SchoolNet project has been introduced to bridge the digital divide. This project is aimed at introducing computer technology and Internet access and sustainable low cost technology solutions to schools and community-based educational organizations in Namibia. The model is based on providing schools with refurbished computers that run open source software and use wireless Internet solutions.
Table 15: Key Ratios Description Number of fixed line telecom operators Number of mobile line telecom operators Number of ISP International bandwidth Population Internet users Number of leased lines Number of Internet subscriptions Computers user Internet subscriptions per 1000 inhabitants Number of Internet host Number of Internet hosts per 1000 inhabitants Number of Internet cafes Number of multipurpose community centres
Source: Stork (2005)
Value/Operators 1 1 4 2Mbps outbound, 6Mbps inbound 1.8 million 75 000 600 12 000 15 000 150 000 8 4000 2 5 in Windhoek None
66
ANNEXURE III PROFILE OF INSTITUTIONS

3.1 List of all Institutions in Agriculture and Rural Development
Table 16: List of institutions in the agricultural sector and rural development
Name and Contacts Name: (MAWF) Ministry of Agriculture, Water & Forestry Postal address: Private Bag 13184, Windhoek Tel: +264 61 208 7648; Fax: +264 61 221 733 Name: (MRLGHRD) Ministry of Regional and Local Government, Housing and Rural Development Postal address: Private Bag 13289, Windhoek Tel: +264 61 297 5111; Fax: +264 61 258131 Name: (MLR) Ministry of Lands and Resettlement Postal address: Private Bag 13343, Windhoek Tel: +264 61 285 2111; Fax: +264 61 22 8240 Name: (MFMR) Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources Postal address: Private Bag 13355, Windhoek Tel: +264 61 2053911; Fax: +264 61 224566 Name: (MET) Ministry of Environment and Tourism Postal address: Private Bag 13391, Windhoek Tel: +264 61 270 6111; Fax: +264 61 229936 Name: (MoE) Ministry of Education Postal address: Private Bag 13391, Windhoek Tel: +264 61 270 6111; Fax: +264 61 253 671 / 253 672 Name: (NPC) National Planning Commission Postal address: Private Bag 13356, Windhoek Tel: +264 61 283 4111; Fax: +264 61 220 165 Website: www.npc.gov.na Name: (UNAM) University of Namibia (FANR) Postal address: Private Bag 13301, Windhoek Tel: +264 61 206 3111; Fax: +264 61 206 3929 Email: fanr@unam.na Web site : http://www.unam.na Name: (PoN) Polytechnic of Namibia Postal address: Private Bag 13388, Windhoek Tel: +264 61 207 2056; Fax: +264 61 207 2401 Email : registrar@polytechnic.edu.na Web site : http://www.polytechnic.edu.na EDU TR EDU RD TR GOV PP GOV PP GOV PP GOV PP GOV PP GOV PP Type GOV Role PP EX
67
Name and Contacts Name: Neudamm Agricultural College Postal address: Private Bag 13188, Windhoek Tel: +264 61 206 4111; Fax: +264 61 206 4027 Email: fanr@unam.na Web site: www.unam.na Name: Ogongo Agricultural College Postal address: Private Bag 5520, Oshakati Tel: +264 65 223 5000; Fax: +264 65 223 5294 Email: fanr@unam.na Web site: www.unam.na Name: Braunfels Agricultural School Postal address: P.O. Box 1, Khorixas Tel: +264 67 331 268; Fax: +264 67 331 832 Name: (NAWIC) Namibia Agricultural Water Information Centre Postal address: Private Bag 13184, Windhoek Tel: +264 61 208 7763; Fax: +264 61 208 7776 Email: Mabhizac@mawrd.gov.na Name: MET Resources Centre Postal address: Private Bag 13346, Windhoek Tel: +264 61 284 2111; Fax: +264 61 229 936 Name: Community Libraries Postal address: Private Bag 13183, Windhoek Tel: +264 61 224899; Fax: Name: National Archives Postal address: Private Bag 13250, Windhoek Tel: +264 61 293 5211; Fax: +264 61 293 5217 Name: Neudamm Library (College + FANR) Postal address: Private Bag 13188, Windhoek Tel: +264 61 206 4222; Fax: +264 61 206 4023 Email: mmarenga@unam.na Web site http://www.unam.na Name: (DRFN) Desert Research Foundation of Namibia Postal address: Tel: +264 61 204 6111; Fax: +264 61 225 726 Email: drfn@drfn.org.na Web site: www.drfn.org.na Name: (NDC) Namibia Development Cooperation Postal address: Private Bag 13252, Windhoek Tel: +264 61 206 2111; Fax: +264 61 233 943 Name: (WAD) Women Action for Development Postal address: P.O. Box 370, Windhoek Tel: +264 61 227 630; Fax: +264 61 236 372 Email: wad@mweb.com.na
Type EDU
Role TR
EDU
TR
EDU
TR
GOV
IN
GOV
IN
GOV
IN
GOV
IN
EDU
IN
NGO
RD
NGO
FI IN
NGO
RU
68
Name and Contacts Name: (NAU) Namibia Agricultural Union Postal address: Private Bag 13255, Windhoek Tel: +264 61 237838; Fax: +264 61 220 193 Email: nau@agrinamibia.com.na Web site: http://www.agrinamibia.com.na Name: (NNFU) Namibia National Farmers Union Postal address: P.O. Box 3117, Windhoek Tel: +264 61 271 117; Fax: +264 61 271 155 Web site: http://www.nnfu.org.na Name: (AgriBank) Agricultural Bank of Namibia Postal address: Private Bag 13208, Windhoek Tel: +264 61 207 411; Fax: +264 61 207 4289 Email: agribank@iway.na Name: Agra Cooperative Postal address: Private Bag 12011, Windhoek Tel: +264 61 290 9111; Fax: +264 61 290 9277 Email: info@agra.com.na Web site: www.agra.com.na Name: AgriFutura Postal address: P.O. Box 31487, Windhoek Tel: +264 61 227 630; Fax: +264 61 236 372 Email: agrifutu@mweb.com.na Name: Animal FedCo Postal address: P.O. Box 4186, Windhoek Tel: +264 61 247 959; Fax: +264 61 247 961 Name: (MADI) Mashare Agricultural & Rural Development Institute Postal address: Private Bag 2090, Rundu Tel: +264 66 255 500; Fax: +264 61 256 709 Name: (VAN) Veterinary Association of Namibia Postal address: P O Box 296, Windhoek Tel: +264 61 228 909; Fax: +264 61 230 619 Name: Namibia Agronomic Board Postal address: Box 5096, Windhoek Tel: +264 61 379 500 ; Fax : +264 61 225 371 Email: nabdesk@nammic.com.na Web site: http://www.nab.com.na Name: The Meat Board Postal address: P.O. Box 38, Windhoek Tel: +264 61 275 830; Fax : +264 61 228 310 Email: info@nammic.com.na Web site: http://www.ncci.org.na
Type AS-F
Role EX
AS-F
EX
BNK
FS
BNK AS-F
PS-S
NGO
RD TR
OTH
OT
GOV
TR
OTH
OT
STA
RG
STA
RG
69
3.2
Select List of Key Institutions
Institution No. 1: Namibia National Farmers Union (NNFU) Objective / mission statement: The NNFU is a farmer association that aims to: Increase food production for household food security; Enhance marketing of farming products; Increase participation and recognition of woman in farming and; Contribute to environment protection and sustainable utilization of natural resources. NNFU is lobby institution that represents communal and emerging farmers. Field of specialisation: The NNFU activities are divided in three categories: 1. Policy education and advocacy: Promotes active participation of the small-scale farmers. 2. Business advisory services: Organise small-scale farmers for collective marketing. 3. Institutional capacity building: Assist members in efforts related to annual action plan and leadership training. Number of staff professional, clerical, technical, etc; permanent / temporary): In total there are 6 staff members of which 1 take cares of the Oshakati branch. Branches, other sites: NNFU has two branches one is situated in Windhoek and the other one in the Northern part of the country. Annual budget: (in local currency with Euro equivalent): The operating budget is estimated at N$ 3-4 million ( 328 227 437 636) per year, 40%-50% comes from levy charges and the remaining through donors and fund raising. Source of funding, incl. main donors / sponsors: Agricultural levies and international as well as local donor funding. Programme / projects undertaken: NNFU was involved in various projects for the last five years but highlighted the following: Mahangu Marketing Campaigns by Regional Farmers Organisations since 2002; Took part on collective agreement on minimum wages for the Agricultural Sector with Ministry of Labour 2003; Auction Kraal program; Grain marketing and; Agristat is comprehensive system to enable local farmers association to capture livestock marketing data. Target audience (plus number, actual or estimated): NNFU is a national federation of regional farmers union. It serves as a mouthpiece for communal and emerging commercial farmers in Namibia. Twelve regional farmers unions are currently affiliated to NNFU. Extent of interaction with CTA e.g.; Spore Magazine, SDI, QAS, DORA, seminars, consultants, publications, training: Extent of collaboration / interaction with other institutions (name, nature)
70
Institution No. 1: Namibia National Farmers Union (NNFU) It collaborates with key body institutions, which represent the interest of farmers in the country such as Namibia Agronomic Board, The Agricultural Bank of Namibia, MeatBoard, MeatCo, Namibia Agricultural Union, and Government Ministries. They collaborate in terms of policy formulation, information sharing through meetings and conferences. Other institutions with whom they collaborate are the following: Local NGOs such as NANGOF (information sharing, meetings, joint advocacy, documentation and publication. Institutional capacity programme). IFAD (funding, information sharing through meetings and conferences). NAWIC, UNAM, FAO, PRAIS, CTA, IFAD, SACU (sharing information, networking farming related activities. National / sectoral policies impacting ICT use / information and communication within the institution: Not familiar with any policy as the Institution is not very much active in the use of the ICT. How information needs are currently met, and from where or by whom: NNFU has small information resources centres, which collects information related to agriculture and farming activities, annual reports, grey literature, policy documents on agriculture, periodicals, newspapers and books related to agriculture and other related disciplines, when the information needs arise staff members consult the collection. Libraries such as the NAWIC, Polytechnic of Namibia Library and Desert Research Foundation of Namibia Library, Bank of Namibia Library are consulted depending on the type of information needs. Searching Internet and visiting Websites of various organizations that are dealing with farmers and agriculture issues meet information needs of the institution. Personal contacts in form of meetings, workshop, and conference with agricultural stakeholders are methods used to address information needs. The following international and national institutions are important sources of information; PRAIS, CTA, SACU, FAO, NAU, NANGOF and IFAD. Emails, telephone, postal mail, fax machines are used to communicate information.
71
Institution No. 1: Namibia National Farmers Union (NNFU) Main information needs not satisfied (including types and format of information): Main information needs for programme: Technical type of information pest management, crop varieties, agricultural technology. Training is needed to train those who are involved in training the farmers. Repackaging of information from scientific language to simple spoken language or from English to local languages (Oshiwambo, Otjiherero, Afrikaans and other national languages). Agricultural production related information; livestock & crop, vegetation. Capacity building of farmers organizations. Environmental problems. Sustainable land use. Market information within the country. Rainfall data. Bush encroachment in Namibia. Underground water pollution in Namibia there is a lack of information in Namibia relates to rivers and ground water systems. Recently Namibia started experiencing forms underground water contamination because of heavy use agricultural chemical and factories. Scientific information related to agriculture. Major unmet needs NNFU needs information for training - training of farmers is an important aspect of the NNFU. There is need to have training unit which will determine the training needs of farmers, how to conduct it and determine who should be trained. More information is needed in organizing farmers associations, capacity building of farmers organization, marketing system of agricultural products within the country, environmental problems i.e. grazing management and sustainable land use and rainfall data. Repackaging of information is mentioned as unmet needs because information sometimes does not reach the target audience because of the way it is packaged or wrong medium is used to communicate information. Plans for the future NNFU anticipates the improvement of information provision; the plan in pipelines is to computerize its collection and has someone who will be responsible for the ICT in the Institution. Resources needs The resources needed are funds, training and human capital. There is a need to appoint a person who will be responsible for the ICT in the institution. Main problems faced in terms of information and communication management: There is no specific unit dealing with information dissemination, there is a lack of expertise in information management in the institution. There are no guidelines for handling the flow of information within the institution; the three Units are involved in handling of information. Lack financial resource to employ professionals to manage the ICM. NNFU produce materials in form of leaflets and newsletter in English, due to literacy level of farmers not every farmer can read and understand English, therefore, there is a need to translate or repackage the information into local languages (Oshiwambo, Otjiherero, Afrikaans, Rukwangali) that the farmer can understand. The selection of medium of communication is an important factor that needs to be taken with caution. TV - many farmers do not have access to it and the radio, which is effective, gives a limited airtime. Print the literacy level of farmers must be taken into consideration. As a result, sometimes the information produced does not reach the purpose it meant for.
72
Institution No. 1: Namibia National Farmers Union (NNFU) Why institution selected as a key: NNFU is an umbrella body that present the majority of communal farmers, with more than 40,000 members. It plays an important role as a mouthpiece to influence national policies, ensure capacity building of farmers and facilitates the launching of grassroots projects. NNFU brings farmers, policy makers, donors and other support structures together. Other observations: NNFU is not an information centre or a library, but it produces and disseminates valuable information for farmers in a simplified format. This is very important institution because it works directly with farmers. Although that it has a resource centre, it is not run like a library. Therefore, there is a need to preserve, manage, store and computerized the information produced by NNFU.
Institution No. 2: FANR Library Neudamm Objective / mission statement: As part of the main University Library Information Learning Resources Centre (ILRC), the FANR Library has a national mandate to provide agricultural information in different format. Fields of specialisation: Animal science; Food science; Crop science; Agricultural Economics and Extension and; Fisheries and Natural Resources. Number of staff professional, clerical, technical, etc; permanent / temporary): Four (4); 3 professionals and clerical staff. Branches, other sites: Ogongo Agricultural College Annual budget: (in local currency with Euro equivalent): Approximately N$ 150 000 ( 16 411.37) Source of funding, incl. main donors / sponsors: University of Namibia (main source) Programme / projects undertaken: Introduced TEAAL (2003); Introduced of the new Millennium system (2005); QAS (in process); The completion of Ogongo Library in 2006. Target audience (plus number, actual or estimated): Students (150); Academic staff (40); Researchers (20); Extensions, Farmers (no statistics available) and; The nation at large. Extent of interaction with CTA e.g.; Spore Magazine, SDI, QAS, DORA, seminars, consultants, publications, training: Spore Magazine, SDI, DORA, QAS, seminars, training, and publications. In 2003, two staff members attended a workshop on Management of QAS in Zambia. All staff were involved in organizing the sensitization Workshop on QAS in Windhoek in 2005 and one attended a workshop in The Netherlands in 2006. The Library received 300 book titles from CTA when it was selected as a national node for QAS. Extent of collaboration / interaction with other institutions (name, nature)
73
Institution No. 2: FANR Library Neudamm The collaboration is in terms of networking and resources sharing, especially information in agriculture with various Government Institutions, Polytechnic of Namibia, Farmers Unions, CTA, FAO, PRAIS, CGIAR National / sectoral policies impacting ICT use / information and communication within the institution: National policy - because of the monopoly in the area of Internet bandwidth the Internet connectivity is very slow. Policy on Intellectual capital. There seems to different interpretations on this policy it has an influence how people like lecturers contribute to the content on the websites. The FANR Library as part of Neudamm College depends on the Main Campus in Windhoek (which is 30 km away) for computer technicians. The technicians are centralised and they are operating from the Main campus, meaning that if you experience a computer problem, you have to book a call and wait for someone from Windhoek to come and fix the problem. How information needs are currently met, and from where or by whom: Internet sources or on line resources can do Google search on the Internet. Websites of various organizations dealing with agricultural information and rural development can be visited or consulted depending on the information needs. Government Institutions: The Library collects materials referred to as Special Collection these include all information published in Namibia or about Namibia in agriculture and other related disciplines, to keep up abreast of new development the Librarian consults these institutions and other Commercial, research/consultancy and Trade institutions for information. These include Namibia Economic Policy Research Unit (NEPRU), National Planning Commission (NPC), and Bank of Namibia (BON). In many cases this information is about agricultural statistics, policy documents, new research findings etc. Other Libraries through Interlibrary loans, the Library is member of Southern African Interlending System (SABINET) and can request information on behave of its members from SABINET. Other Libraries include PRAIS, NAWIC; Bookshops for buying new books and information products and attend launching of new books related to the discipline; Attend workshop, meetings, conferences or seminars on issues related to Libraries, ICT in Libraries or other topics on agriculture. Personal contacts with experts such as researchers, lecturers and technicians.
74
Institution No. 2: FANR Library Neudamm Main information needs not satisfied (including types and format of information): Major unmet needs Search of different subject getaways related to agriculture. Staffs in the Library do not have the range of skills to explore various subject getaways agriculture; Economic information current information produce, markets, imports and export; The indigenous knowledge or information on food, health, fishing management and medical plants is on demand but is not adequate and difficult to capture. Plans for the future Run the QAS in Namibia. Introduce a forum to discuss topics in agricultural information. To stock or purchase information products and services for the new Library at Ogongo (in the Northern part of the country.). Digitised the local collection. Upgrade or empower the staff skills in ICT database creation, power point presentation, Microsoft Excel, web page design and maintenance and desktop publishing. Conduct information needs assessment on users needs. Resources needs Funding to subscript to e-resources for example AGORA, ScienceDirect, appoint more staff; buy ICT equipment such as computers and software. Identification of information resources what resources do we need, why and when. Digitization of local collection. Subject expertise in agriculture there is a need to appoint an additional member of staff to run the QAS with expertise in agriculture. Training needs Webpage design; Management of QAS; Writing skills; Continuous learning in rapid development of ICT to keep abreast. Main problems faced in terms of information and communication management: TEEAL database important agricultural database that the Library has, but is outdated and LAN TEEAL is preferred and acquisition of other relevant database such HINARI, ScienceDirect and AGORA is problem due to lack of funds. Book and periodical budget has been cut drastically in last 6 years and has created gaps in the periodical collection. Preserve knowledge in human capital or human expertise come up with the strategy to capture knowledge of the individual or expert in the Library, because when those with expertise leave, they leave with knowledge. Face problem to acquire necessary equipment such as hardware and software because the institution of is not capable of buying them due to high cost. Lack of Technician on campus is problem. Why institution selected as a key: The FANR Library is one of the two libraries that specialize in agricultural information in the country. In November 2005, it was chosen as a Namibian focal point for QAS. Other observations: Although the library specializes in agricultural information and has qualified staff, the library staffs do not have the subject expertise in agriculture. Many of the library computers are out of order and old.
75
Institution No. 3: Namibia Agriculture and Water Information Centre NAWIC Directorate of General Services, Subdivision Auxiliary Services Objective / mission statement: The NAWICs mission is to enable access to information and knowledge with particular emphasis on agriculture and water needs of Namibia. NAWIC seeks to achieve this through the following aims: Improving access to scientific and scholarly information. Supporting local publication and information exchange. Fostering local and international cooperation and networking. Advising researchers and scientist on ways to utilize electronic information resources. Field of specialisation: Planning; Research and training; Veterinary Services; Extension and engineering; Rural water supply and; Forestry Number of staff professional, clerical, technical, etc; permanent / temporary): 2 professional staff members and 3 clerical assistants. Branches, other sites: National Botanical Research Institute (NBRI); Central Veterinary Laboratory (CVL); Namwater Library; MAWF Library Otjiwarongo and; MAWF Library Grootfontein. Annual budget: N$ 900 000.00 or Euro 98 468.27 Source of funding, incl. main donors / sponsors: Ministry of Agriculture, Water and Forestry Programme / projects undertaken: Subscribed to the following: Agora, South African Journals On Line; Currently participating in Agricultural Information Management System (AIMS) Target audience (plus number, actual or estimated): NAWIC works with partners and networks inside and outside Namibia to support the creation, production, and use of information and knowledge. NAWIC seeks to support the work of the following end-user stakeholder in providing agricultural information: MAWF scientist and researchers assist them effectively access, create and use information and knowledge; UNAM, other training Centres and Schools; Other line ministries researchers and scientists; NGOs, individual scientists and researchers; Other Agricultural libraries and collaborating partners, e.g. Neudamm, Ogongo, and Polytechnic of Namibia Library, Desert Research Foundation of Namibia, FAO; Subsidiary libraries. Extent of interaction with CTA Spore Magazine, SDI, QAS, DORA, seminars, consultants, publications, training, .:
76
Institution No. 3: Namibia Agriculture and Water Information Centre NAWIC Directorate of General Services, Subdivision Auxiliary Services Depository library for CTA publications and other resources including: Spore CTA publications DORA SDI CD-ROM / Database subscriptions QAS is a partner of NAMQAS, one staff member attended a workshop in Windhoek and Netherlands. Extent of collaboration / interaction with other institutions (name, nature) National UNAM, Schools, other Agricultural libraries, Neudamm and Ogongo Libraries, Polytechnic Library, Desert Research Foundation (DRFN). International FAO, CTA, OIA, FANR, PRAIS, The Royal Tropical Institutes of Netherlands, ILAAIS The Nature of collaborations Acts as depository library for agricultural information and rural development. Sharing information and networking National / sectoral policies impacting ICT use / information and communication within the institution: Government via the Office of the Prime Minister operates as an ISP meaning that all IICT is linked to Office of the Prime Minister. This sometimes cause slow access speeds and unsatisfactory service. Lack of national information communication management policy which will monitor the flow of agricultural information in the country. How information needs are currently met, and from where or by whom Different types of sources are used to meet the information needs of NAWIC. The type of need determines how and who should be contacted. Books text books and journals cover many topics in depth on agricultural information. If there is gab within the collection books outside the Library are requested through Interlibrary loan from other Libraries such as FANR Library, Polytechnic Library or other Ministerial Libraries. Commercial Agricultural Supplier for example Meatco, Namibia Dairies, Namibia Breweries generate information on their produces, markets, supply and range of products. Interest organizations- Meat Board, Namibia Agronomic Board, NNFU, NAU, these are resourceful organizations that present, manage and promote the interest of agricultural community. Government Institutions policy documents, procedural documents, Government reports, Intranet and Ministerial websites are consulted. Personal contact through emails, phone, and mails with researchers, technicians, information workers, state veterinarians, extensions and farmers. News media- for local and international agricultural information. There are various newsletter published in the country as well as outside country. For example NNFU, NAU, NAB, newsletters. Communicating with partner organizations such as FANR and FAO. Main information needs for programme:
77
Institution No. 3: Namibia Agriculture and Water Information Centre NAWIC Directorate of General Services, Subdivision Auxiliary Services Information on broad rural development; Animal health and livestock management, information on rural development and sustainable development, vegetation, animal health and livestock management, statistical information, information on rural development and sustainable development, vegetation, food security, etc. Published Technical and Market Information: Pest control, crops seed, water resources, natural resources management, weather, etc. Markets data, reports on agricultural surveys, finance, produce, export and imports; Publications covering agricultural research and training as well as Annual Reports. Major information needs not satisfied (including types and format of information): Electronic type of information to subscribe to e-journal is very expensive. Access and the location of the Library ( the Library is situated in Windhoek and open from eight oclock in the morning till five). Many farmers are outside the City and the operating hours are not user friendly. The Library collection is not accessible online to the MAWF staffs and other agricultural stakeholders. Plans for future To take part in AIMS; Subscribe to AGORA; Upgrade the Library database current one is not effective; Embark on e-governance; Create awareness about the available information resources in MAWF Resources needs Technical expertise at very high level to manage and maintain the Library system. Training in ICT skills; Funding to buy computer hardware and software and upgrade the library collection through acquiring information products and services to have a balanced collection of books, videos, CD-ROMs and e-resources. Training needs To send library staff on short courses on ICT related activities such as managing digital information. Training on management of agricultural information within organization and how compile a national database. Main problems faced in terms of information and communication management: The CD-ISIS database that is used in the library does not meet the demand and needs of the Library collection, is an old, semi- manual version, without a circulation module that need to be upgraded. No central integrated database system within MAWF, every directorate produce its information. This create confusion of what is happening in the Ministry. The Library experiences a problem with the Ministerial server; this is related to the sectoral policy (as mentioned in previous section) of the Office Primer Minister to run all ICT related activities.
78
Institution No. 3: Namibia Agriculture and Water Information Centre NAWIC Directorate of General Services, Subdivision Auxiliary Services Why institution selected as a key: NAWIC is a key institution because of the following reasons; Renders specialized information service to MAWF by facilitating access to and promoting the use of agriculture and water related information resource. It has national mandate to develop and maintain a specialist information network as national resources for present and future reference and research. Offers a variety of user services to fulfil the information needs of users including: national and international database searches, internet facilities, lending facilities and document delivery. Besides, NAWIC is a partner in NAMQAS. Other observations: More needs to be done to computerize information in NAWIC Library. The collection look disorganised.
Institution No. 4: Information System Directorate of General Services, Division of Information System Objective / mission statement: This Division is responsible for Computer-Based Training (CBT) for users of Microsoft applications, hardware, and software and network maintenance. The focus is on providing computers and adequate IT infrastructure to the Ministry. Field of specialisation: System administration Analyst/Programming Computer technicians Number of staff professional, clerical, technical, etc; permanent / temporary) 9 professional staff. Branches, other sites: The Directorate is responsible for all MAWF branches in the 13 regions of Namibia. Annual budget: (in local currency with Euro equivalent) N$5 million ( 547 045.95) Source of funding, incl. main donors / sponsors: MAWF Programme / projects undertaken: Intranet extension to the regions in the last five years; Network infrastructure has been extended to the regional offices; Implemented The Integrated Financial Management System; Trained personnel in the use of, and application of ICTs. Target audience (plus number, actual or estimated): MAWF staff including the regional offices. Extent of interaction with CTA Spore Magazine, SDI, QAS, DORA, seminars, consultants, publications, training, .: Yes, through the Library. But none of the Directorate members had participated in a training courses or seminars with CTA.
79
Institution No. 4: Information System Directorate of General Services, Division of Information System Extent of collaboration / interaction with other institutions (name, nature) FAO - MAWF is in discussion with FAO to develop Nets or websites to provide information to farmers. CTA The Deputy Director was aware that MAWF is recipient of CTA publications through the library. OPM (Office of the Prime Minister) Support system for all ICT activities and request equipment specification. UNAM Providing the databases system for the Library and training of CD-ISIS. Local vendors or suppliers Business Connection and Microsoft. National / sectoral policies impacting ICT use / information and communication within the institution: The E-Governance and the Namibian ICT policies are enabling environments that encourage the Ministry to provide ICT, especially to rural areas. Collaborates with MITU in defining IT standards and policies. How information needs are currently met, and from where or by whom: Business Connection this cover diverse needs in ICT such as technology infrastructure, network design and implementation, server, hardware and storage and Microsoft operating systems and applications. Office of the Prime Minister provides information on Government policy on ICT. Consults various directories within the Ministry that develop different information databases; Intranet; Ministerial websites . Main information needs not satisfied (including types and format of information):
80
Institution No. 4: Information System Directorate of General Services, Division of Information System Main information needs for programme Technical Information: Information on Project Management for example information on other countries egovernance, it will help with establishment of e-governance. Technical support information is needed for hardware, and software installation, maintenance and training. Major unmet needs: Some Government offices do not have full-fledge access to the Internet. Very limited information is available on the website comparing to number of activities and research that are generating information and knowledge. Provision to online database inadequate. Plans for the future: Connecting to all regional offices or sub-offices to increase information and communication capacity in rural areas. To make Intranet a two-way tool of communication by creating bogs and discussion forum; Create emails accounts to all staff members; Develop agricultural information portals in Namibia. Resources needs Need consultants to do an ICT needs assessment and define the ICT needs. Financial assistants to support ICT activities. Additional staff are needed for hardware and software installation and maintenance. Training needs Providing training in website design and development, programming, intranet maintenance, editing and electronic records management. There is an overall a need for various skills in ICT for most of the Technicians. Main problems faced in terms of information and communication management: Recruitment of trained personnel is problem it is not easy to appoint staffs in range of skills needed for the Ministry. In some cases there might be a demand for certain ICT product or service but needs are not well defines because of lack skills. Lack of management to support ICT or poor understanding of the importance of ICT. ICT is not regarded as priority and rather as a luxury . Why institution selected as a key: The Directorate is responsible for the managing of ICT of the MAWF. Other observations: The problems mentioned by other Directorates within the Ministry were not mentioned here. For example, the slow Internet connectivity and the problem of all Ministerial ICT to be linked to the OPM.
81
Institution No. 5: Directorate of Extension Engineering Services DEES Objective / mission statement: To promote the adoption of improved agricultural technologies and practices in order to increase agricultural production, empower farmers; Facilitate sustainable improvement in living conditions of rural communities. Fields of Specialization: Provide agricultural extension in the form of communication, advisory and training. Contribute to the implementation of effective drought preparedness planning and responsive drought management system. Establish a mechanism to regulate and manage irrigation on a national basis. Improve the legal environment in order to improve farming production. Number of staff professional, clerical, technical, etc; permanent / temporary): Establishment and vacancies at DEES: Position Establishment Managerial 5 Agricultural Extension Officers: Chief/Controller/Senior 65 Agricultural Extension Technicians: 223 Chief/Controller/Senior Media and Liaison Officer: 3 Chief/Senior Agra Inspector (S/C/C) 5 Administrative staffs 118 Labour/Handyman/Farm Foreman 314 Operator Driver 77 Total 810
Filled 5 30 211 1 3 90 266 69 676
Vacancies 35 12 2 2 28 48 8 134
Branches, other sites: There are 117 Agricultural Development Centres in the different agro-ecological zones and serving farmers with different backgrounds and diverse farming activities. Annual budget: (in local currency with Euro equivalent) Recurrent operational budget = N$ 62 760 000.00 ( 6 859 956.00) Development budget = N$ 47 825 000.00 ( 5 231 947.00) Source of funding, including main donors / sponsors: MAWF Programme / projects undertaken: Green scheme project focuses on developing irrigation based on agronomic production, processing and marketing; Climate Change Project; Small Stock Project for goat the project supports livestock marketing in the Eastern and Western Communal areas aimed at improving the physical conditions of the auctionskraal facilities in the communal areas and some operational arrangements to privatize the auction-kraal facilities through leasing; The Draft Animal Power Acceleration Programme (DAPAP) conducted demonstration in all the crop-growing regions to promote draft power technologies; Extended Feasibility Study Tree Planting Project (EFSTPP) was conducted in the southern parts of the Oshikoto, Oshana, and Omusati Regions. Target audience (plus number, actual or estimated): Commercial and communal farmers; Private sector
82
Institution No. 5: Directorate of Extension Engineering Services DEES Extent of interaction with CTA Spore Magazine, SDI, QAS, DORA, seminars, consultants, publications, training,: Spore Magazine, QAS, training, DORA. The Directorate is aware of CTA activities including the recent communication with CTA. Extent of collaboration / interaction with other institutions (name, nature): The Directorate has linkages with other national and regional organizations these include non-governmental organizations, prostates, and other Ministries. The extent of the collaboration is in terms of information sharing through documents and meetings, joint planning and co-ordination and collaboration. These include: NAU; NNFU; Agra Cooperation is an agricultural co-operative and one of the main business organizations in agricultural sector; Feed Master; Desert Research Foundation National / sectoral policies impacting ICT use / information and communication within the institution: Accessibility of library materials the library materials are not available online. How information needs are currently met, and from where or by whom:
83
Institution No. 5: Directorate of Extension Engineering Services DEES The information sources for the Directorate are: NAWIC Library; Research Division and DRFN; Internet; Ministry of Agriculture in South Africa and; Implementation and Coordination of Agricultural Research Training (ICART). For new developments in the Agriculture in the country as well as in the region, the following MAWF publications are consulted: Government Information Bulletin; Agriviews Newsletter; Spotlight on Agriculture; Quarterly and monthly reports; Regional Newsletters. Regional information sources are; AIMS SADC Secretariat online resources FAO AGORA SABINET CTA Various online journals Other sources; Extension Officers and Technicians, State Veterinarians, Scientists / Professionals, Researchers and Farmers. The information comes or are obtained in different formats such as: Photo copying of articles; Emails; Phone calls, fax; Reports; Books; Personal contacts, meetings; E-resources for example on line journals
84
Institution No. 5: Directorate of Extension Engineering Services DEES Main information needs not satisfied (including types and format of information): Main information needs for programme Broad rural development information policies, rural development, HIV/AIDS impact, animal health, deworming, etc.; Technical information covering such topics as disease control, crops, cost of feeds, feeds supplements, pasture management; Economic information livestock markets, produces, cotton production, financial and farm management, management of agricultural extension, farm planning; Legal information laws, deeds transfer, farmers labour disputes, taxation, etc. Major unmet needs Information on the management of income-generating activities; Farmers lack the resources to implement the technical know-how that extension service disseminates- agricultural machineries, seeds, etc.; Lack of communication strategies; Lack of collaboration and joint planning with other agricultural information stakeholders at national as well as regional level. Plans for the future Develop information on relevant agricultural technologies; Disseminate information on relevant agricultural technologies to create awareness and interest; Create a communication strategy; Inform farmers on agriculture related policy issues, input and product markets; Information sharing (documents and meetings), joint planning and co-ordination, joint planning and collaboration on national as well as regional level. Resources needs Skilled staff to manage information and provide training to farmers; Relevant information on the needs demand of the farmers such current, the right format and at the right time. Training needs Depends on projects and subject matter level for example the following training needs are in demand, ICT web page design, cotton production, media or video production, writing and editing skills. Main problems faced in terms of information and communication management: Weak electronic communication with beneficiaries due to the limited number of units connected to the Internet; Lack of national information and communication system or network for agriculture; Publishing of material in local languages e.g. Oshiwambo, Otjiherero, Afrikaans, etc. Why institution selected as a key: DEES as part of the MAWF is one of the Directorate that has direct access to the farmers through extension services. The Unit uses the Farming Systems Research and Extension approach, which requires teamwork and effective collaboration between agricultural stakeholders. Other observations: None
85
Institution No. 6: Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources NATMIRC Objective / mission statement: To provide environment conducive to information and research that support the mission of the Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources which are: To promote and regulate the responsible and sustainable utilization of living marine and freshwater resources and aquaculture within the context of environmental sustainability; To establish a conducive environment in which the fishing and fish processing industries can prosper and drive optimal income from marine resources; To further Namibias interests with the international fishing sector. Field of specialisation: Fisheries and marine resources Aquaculture Number of staff professional, clerical, technical, etc; permanent / temporary): There are 3 positions in the Library viz. Librarian (vacant); Clerk and Library Assistant. Branches, other at other sites: None Annual budget: (in local currency with Euro equivalent): Not provided. Source of funding, incl. main donors / sponsors: Mainly the Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources Programme / projects undertaken: Nansen Programme, whose aim is to support developing countries in fisheries research and management in order to promote a sustainable utilization of the marine living resources and an improved protection of the marine environment through the Centre for Development Co-operation in Fisheries (CDCF) in Norway. It started in 2001 2003 to support the development of modern and competent fishery and marine resources research centre; As part of Hansen programmes an intranet site was created in Bergen and was brought to Swakopmund on memory stick and loaded on the local file server. One staff member attended training in Brussels on the new database to be used in the Library called IMAGIC DBT Text. Target audience (plus number, actual or estimated): Staff members within the Ministry, Researchers, students and the wider community. Extent of interaction with CTA Spore Magazine, SDI, QAS, DORA, seminars, consultants, publications, training, .: None Extent of collaboration / interaction with other institutions (name, nature) Has collaborations with Gilchrist Library in South Africa (Cape Town). It provides the NATMIRC Library with articles and capacity building (staff members are sent there for training. NATMIRC has an agreement with the Polytechnic of Namibia and share information resources through Interlending. NATMIRC received assistances in terms capacity building from the CDCF. National / sectoral policies impacting ICT use / information and communication within the institution: The Internet access to NATMIRC depends on one 128 Kb line, since this is a shared line available the whole NATMIRC staff, access is unreliable and slow. This means that it is impossible to make use of the many resources available on the Internet. According to the Namibia Library and Service Act all governmental libraries staffs are employed and paid by the Ministry of Education. It has an impact on capacity building and operation of services (for example poor supervision, too much bureaucracy). How information needs are currently met, and from where or by whom:
86
Institution No. 6: Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources NATMIRC The Library created platforms for access electronic resources and put links to web pages with journal articles that are free of charge including Google Advanced Scholar Search; AGRIS, PubMed, BioMed Central and HighWire Press. Access to them is made through possible links on NATMIRC library site Purchasing of articles from SUBITO is a option with its guarantee delivery of 72 hours at the cost of 5 Euro, if it is scanned and sent as attachment to emails (somewhat more expensive sent by post or fax). Network with Librarians from other marine institutions by attending conferences, meetings and workshops. NATMIRC has one combined subscription agreement with the Journal of Coastal Research and, access requires username and password. Main information needs not satisfied (including types and format of information): Lack of a qualified librarian; Internet connectivity; Access to paid e-journals. Why institution selected as a key: Is national library specializes in fisheries and marine resources. NATMIRC is important to the fishing communities because it enhance capacity to manage fisheries and marine resources. Other observations: Is a modern Library in a good condition, currently, run by a Library Assistant. The two staffs members in the Library were comfortable with current state of affairs, maybe could have been good idea to hear from the user perspective. The position of a Librarian has been advertised. The collection need to be arranged properly and there is need for qualified librarian to look after the information resources.
Institution No. 7: Tsumis Arid Zone Agricultural Centre TAZAC Objective / mission statement: Contributes to increase productivity and sustainable utilization of natural resources under arid, semi-arid and semi-arid and sub-humid conditions by improving the living standard of the Namibian population. Provide training in short courses to farmers and staff of the MAWF. Field of specialisation: Livestock; Gardening and; Plant Science. Number of staff professional, clerical, technical, etc; permanent / temporary): Forty eight (48); 7 professionals and labourers. Branches, other sites: None Annual budget: (in local currency with Euro equivalent) Not provided. Source of funding, incl. main donors / sponsors: Directorate of Training and Research through the MAWF Programme / projects undertaken: Installation of CD-ISIS in the Library 2006; Hoodia Propagation Project; In 2006, the Centre trained farmers in following topics: Vegetable and fodder production; Water efficiency (for crop production); Land use stabilisation.
87
Institution No. 7: Tsumis Arid Zone Agricultural Centre TAZAC Target audience (plus number, actual or estimated): Ministerial staff members, researchers, farmers and the community at large. Extent of interaction with CTA Spore Magazine, SDI, QAS, DORA, seminars, consultants, publications, training, .: The interviewee did know any. Extent of collaboration / interaction with other institutions (name, nature) Libraries like FANR Lib. (Neudamm) by sharing information expertise (a librarian from Neudamm assisted in installing CD-ISIS at the Centre. National / sectoral policies impacting ICT use / information and communication within the institution: None. How information needs are currently met, and from where or by whom: TAZAC makes use of NAWIC Library and partners like FANR Library when sourcing information. Main information needs not satisfied (including types and format of information): Information in digital format is not easily accessible form of Videos and CD-Rom on subject related to agriculture; Agricultural information dealing with issues related to Namibia is very limited; Information written is simple language on agricultural issues is problem to find, available information is in a scientific format. Main problems faced in terms of information and communication management: No permanent staff in charge of information management; Very limited computers although they have access to Internet; Need training in conducting Internet searches. Why institution selected as a key: The institution is providing training to communal as well as commercial farmers and hence selected to have different views on information needs of institutions in remote areas (southern part of the country) comparing to those in towns. It has direct contact with farmers in the neighbouring areas. Other observations: The use of ICT is limited to phone, fax, Internet search. Very isolated need to integrate more with other agricultural institutions within the country.
Institution No. 8: Mashare Agricultural Development Institute MADI Objective / mission statement: MADI exists to enhance sustainable livelihoods of rural communities on the Northern Kalahari Sands Plateau of Namibia through demand based agricultural and related technology development and dissemination. Field of specialisation: Research (applied) on crop and livestock; Training of technical staff and farmers; Access to farming practices for communal farmers; Avail facilities to other organisations for training, etc.
88
Institution No. 8: Mashare Agricultural Development Institute MADI Number of staff professional, clerical, technical, etc; permanent / temporary): Staff complement: 2 x Professionals (Research Officer and Training Officer) 4 x Technical staff 4 x Clerical assistants Specialised skills: Staff are not very specialized and currently involved in crop and livestock research and training Branches, other sites: Units: Irrigation Training Centre; Vegetable and crop production; Commercial Farm Unit; Poultry and Pig Production. Annual budget: (in local currency with Euro equivalent): Not provided. Source of funding, incl. main donors / sponsors: Government MAWF From 2002 to 2006, the institute received limited funds from the Luxembourg Government through Lux Development for development of infrastructure. Programme / projects undertaken: Training farmers and disseminating information on Draft Animal Power; Training farmers on poultry and pig production; vegetable and general crop production. Target audience (plus number, actual or estimated): 1. Rural communities through: Visiting farmers; Information (farmers) days; Limited use of radio programmes 2. Technical staff Refresher courses when the need arises Extent of interaction with CTA e.g. ; Spore Magazine, SDI, QAS, DORA, seminars, consultants, publications, training: Members of the institution participated in the CTA-sponsored Agroforestry Tour to Malawi and Zambia in 2002. In addition, the institution uses several CTA publications extensively for their different programs.
89
Institution No. 8: Mashare Agricultural Development Institute MADI Extent of collaboration / interaction with other institutions (name, nature) MADI collaborate with the following national, regional and international organizations / institutions: Government Departments: Forestry Extension services Rural water supply Directorates of Research Non-Governmental, Regional and International Organizations: CTA RISE Namibia Lux Development International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT) The type of collaboration with the above institutions has been limited to information exchange (through publications), joint projects as in infrastructure development and conducting training. National / sectoral policies impacting ICT use / information and communication within the institution: If the government introduces (or introduced already) a policy on the use of ICT/ICM, then Mashare will be in a position to serve its clients efficiently and professionally. MADI is well situated to improve the standards of the rural communities towards Vision 2030. How information needs are currently met, and from where or by whom: FAO; ICRISAT (only in early 1990s to establish Research Programs); MAWF Publications e.g. Agricola, Agriviews, etc. On farming systems: Subscription with Farmers Weekly a South African publication focusing on general agriculture; Some CTA publications (e.g. Spore Magazine); Main information needs not satisfied (including types and format of information): Main information needs for programme: Multi-research work done on Semi-Arid Tropics like Namibia with regard to crops as well as livestock. More information on Agroforestry Practices applicable to our climatic conditions. ICT - programmes. Financial Management for upcoming farmers and community project members: Rural Credit Schemes. Information on different farming systems on SADC Region. Major unmet needs Internet connection and; Information resource materials including books, periodicals. Plans for the future MADI is in the process of being transformed into fully-fledged training institution. Resources needs Expanding staff complement and capacity building of existing staff; Library and Power Point Projector. Main problems faced in terms of information and communication management:
90
Institution No. 8: Mashare Agricultural Development Institute MADI Poor internet connection; Lack of information resource materials including books, periodicals. Why institution selected as a key: MADI was selected because it is currently the only institution with diverse programmes and training facilities aimed at improving agricultural production and rural development and, with direct links to more than 10 000 farmers in north-eastern Namibia. Other observations: None.
Institution No. 9: National Agricultural Union NAU Objective / mission statement: To promote / enhance a conducive environment for sustainable agriculture. Field of specialisation: Agricultural sector development; Agricultural and market research; Facilitation of agricultural commodities trade and; Coordinate farmers training and outreach-related activities. Number of staff professional, clerical, technical, etc; permanent / temporary): Staff complement: 4 x Managers 5 x Assistant Managers 2 x Clerical assistants Specialised skills: General office administration and policy development. Branches, other sites: None. Annual budget: (in local currency with Euro equivalent): Not provided. Source of funding, incl. main donors / sponsors: Farmers affiliation; Investments and; Donations. Programme / projects undertaken: Training farmers on basic livestock husbandry, range management, etc.; Farmer advise on markets and commodity prices; Target audience (plus number, actual or estimated): Affiliated commercial farmers and; Affiliated commodity organizations. Extent of interaction with CTA e.g.; Spore Magazine, SDI, QAS, DORA, seminars, consultants, publications, training: NAU and CTA interaction is limited to spore magazine and, NAU cited the lack of platform(s) through which better interaction with CTA could be harnessed. Extent of collaboration / interaction with other institutions (name, nature) NAU collaborate with such institutions as NNFU, Cheetah Conservation Fund (CCF), various government divisions and directorates, DRFN, Agra, Agronomic Board, Meat Board, Feedmaster and Universities, etc. The main type of collaboration includes various agricultural research projects, joint proposal writing, information dissemination and conducting trainings.
91
Institution No. 9: National Agricultural Union NAU National / sectoral policies impacting ICT use / information and communication within the institution: Monopolistic ban on the use of Skype and other Voice-Over-Internet software/programs. How information needs are currently met, and from where or by whom: Internet and various sources including Farmers Weekly and Landblou Weekblad (these are South African publications related to livestock and crop production and value addition to agricultural commodities). Invite local and international consultants or experts in agriculture to conduct training to farmers. Main information needs not satisfied (including types and format of information): Main information needs for programme: Market information and commodity prices; Advanced farming technologies; Land valuations; Animal health issues; Livestock Auctions; Land reform and labour laws. Major unmet needs There seems to be a gap in information provision from NAU to its end users because of advancement in terms of ICT use by certain affiliated farmers. Plans for the future Integrate commercial and subsistence farming; Promotion of modern agriculture while enhancing organic farming and; Market the union to emerging commercial farmers. Resources needs The imminent integration of commercial and subsistence farming would necessitate more staffing; Information on modern agricultural equipments. Main problems faced in terms of information and communication management: Some of the commercial farmers use advanced ICT and ICM and sometimes the union is unable to address their needs due to lack of skills amongst Unions staff. Why institution selected as a key: The agricultural sector in Namibia is divided into the commercial and communal (subsistence) sub-sectors. Majority of the farmers in the commercial sub-sector are affiliated to the NAU. In order to understand the needs of commercial farmers, it is necessary to consult the parent union. Other observations: None.
92
Institution No. 10: Sam Nujoma Marine and Coastal Resources Research Centre SANUMARC Objective / mission statement: To promote sustainable development and responsible utilization of marine and coastal resources based on environmental sound management for the benefit of Namibia and the people of SADC region. Field of specialisation: Mari culture and Seaweeds Agriculture and mushrooms Renewable energy and alternative water sources Community training and outreach. Number of staff professional, clerical, technical, etc; permanent / temporary): Staff complement: 4 x Professionals 2 x Technical 2 x Clerical assistant Specialised skills: Coastal agriculture; Aquaculture; Chemistry and Biology; Environmental Sciences. Branches, other sites: None. Annual budget: (in local currency with Euro equivalent): N$ 3.2 million equivalent to 350 000 Euro. Source of funding, incl. main donors / sponsors: Government of Namibia Programme / projects undertaken: Coastal agriculture and mushroom production; Seaweed harvesting and processing; Renewable energy and water resources and; Community outreach including vegetable gardening. Target audience (plus number, actual or estimated): Researchers The centre offers opportunities for researchers from the SADC region to participate in research programmes. Community The centre provides training to community members on vegetable cultivation and on mushroom technology. Extent of interaction with CTA e.g. ; Spore Magazine, SDI, QAS, DORA, seminars, consultants, publications, training: None. Extent of collaboration / interaction with other institutions (name, nature) The centre collaborates with such institutions like United Nations University (UNU), FAO, New Partnership for Africas Development (NEPAD), United Nations Development Program (UNDP) and Zero Emission Research Initiative (ZERI) on consultancies, construction of a community mushroom house as well as providing training to community members on mushroom production. Besides, SANUMARC has been identified as an operating unit of the United Nations University Institute of Natural Resources in Africa (UNU-INRA). Centre staff has informal links with a number of institutions overseas, including Bremen University in Germany, Stirling University and St Andrew's Universities in UK, and Rhodes University in South Africa. A more formal relationship with the Centre for Tropical Marine Ecology (ZMT) in Bremen is planned. National / sectoral policies impacting ICT use / information and communication within the institution: No idea. How information needs are currently met, and from where or by whom:
93
Institution No. 10: Sam Nujoma Marine and Coastal Resources Research Centre SANUMARC The centre obtain its information needs from national (e.g. FANR-Library, NATMIRC, ZERI, etc.) and regional research institutions and publications relevant to their programmes including books, periodicals and internet. Main information needs not satisfied (including types and format of information): Main information needs for programme: Abalone farming; Seaweed farming; Agricultural fertilizer; Desert climate; Halophitic fodder crops; Oyster mushroom production; Adaptability of Hoodia in a desert climate; Feasibility of the use of sea wave for energy; Use of filter feeders (oysters) for pre-treatment of water for desalination. Major unmet needs Could not specify major unmet needs. Plans for the future Establish a Library and create databases for their different programmes such as mushroom production, seaweed harvesting, renewable resources, etc. Resources needs Expand staff complement and / or training of existing staff on data creation; Information resources such as books, computer hardware and software for the library; Main problems faced in terms of information and communication management: Computer hard and software; Library resources; Website maintenance: The unit that is responsible for ICT management is located more than 300km away and, at times, this has a negative impact on ICT-related activities. Why institution selected as a key: The unique programmes/projects and training (e.g. coastal agriculture, seaweed harvesting, mushroom production) which SANUMARC affords the communities in western Namibia warrants further development of this centre. Therefore, this could be one such avenue to assist the centre with its capacity building and information needs. Other observations: None.
94
Institution No. 11: Ongwendiva ADC (O-ADC) Objective / mission statement: The centre exists to promote the adoption of improved agricultural technologies and practices in order to increase agricultural production, empower farmers and facilitate sustainable improvement in living conditions of rural communities. Field of specialisation: Generation and dissemination of agricultural information; Farming systems research; Harnessing the link between farmers, researchers and other service providers. Number of staff professional, clerical, technical, etc; permanent / temporary): Staff complement: 75 fulltime staff members (Extension Officers and Technicians, Clerical Assistants and Labourers) Specialised skills: Agricultural Extension and Economics, Animal Production, Crop Production. Branches, other sites: Eenhana Onankali Ongwediva Outapi Annual budget: (in local currency with Euro equivalent): N$ 3 915 417.50 equals to 428 336.98 Source of funding, incl. main donors / sponsors: Government of Namibia. Programme / projects undertaken: Supply of agricultural information to farmers, schools and other institutions. Target audience (plus number, actual or estimated): Greater attention is given to the communal sector. Efforts were made to reach farmers by working with farmers groups and through the mass media, and through various methods designed to impact on numbers of farmers, such as demonstrations, shows, and training courses. To reach out to and deliver prompt services to its clientele the Ongwendiva ADC uses a variety of strategies. For example, it seeks to work with FED (Farmer and Extension Development) groups and Farmer Associations as well as individuals, it conducts visits and discussions, it provides short course and informal training, and works with farmers to establish on-farm demonstrations of innovations. The Farming System Research & Extension (FSR&E) approach steer our strategies to development. Extent of interaction with CTA e.g.; Spore Magazine, SDI, QAS, DORA, seminars, consultants, publications, training: None. Extent of collaboration / interaction with other institutions (name, nature) Ongwendiva ADC collaborates with the Directorate of Agricultural Research and Training and the DRFN in the area of information exchange. National / sectoral policies impacting ICT use / information and communication within the institution: No idea. How information needs are currently met, and from where or by whom: Agricultural Publications, Books and Internet.
95
Institution No. 11: Ongwendiva ADC (O-ADC) Main information needs not satisfied (including types and format of information): Main information needs for programme: Agricultural extension information; Farmer training techniques; Publishing; Information Management; Environment monitoring methods; Animal production; Crop production and protection; Fertilizers and Soil Fertility; Rural Credits, Banking and Finance. Major unmet needs Information resources in form of books, videos andCD-ROMs. Plans for the future Establishing a proper information resource centre; Improvements are needed on geographic information systems. Resources needs Charts, CDs, DVDs and Video Tapes related to agriculture and range management. Main problems faced in terms of information and communication management: The centre uses the dial-up system for Internet connection and the system is very expensive. Why institution selected as a key: Ongwendiva ADC, which is located in the most populous NCR, is mandated to serve at least 400 000 farmers all of whom have diverse backgrounds. Besides, farmer training and dissemination of agricultural information to farmers in the NCR is the responsibility of O-ADC. Other observations: Budgetary constraints affects the centres functions especially video production.
Institution No. 12: Erari Information Technology Resource Centre EITRC Objective / mission statement: The objectives of EITRC are to, amongst others: Equip the technology deprived rural people with ICT skills through facilitation of basic computer training; Provide and ensure Internet access for more than 40 000 inhabitants of the Okakarara Constituency and; Ensure and avail relevant reference and textbooks, journals, print media, etc. to the community especially youth and farmers. Field of specialisation: Rural and/or community development; Farmer training in livestock and vegetable production; Facilitate youth programmes including computer training. Number of staff (professional, clerical, technical, etc; permanent / temporary): Ten (10), 6 semi-professionals and labourers. Branches, other sites: None. Annual budget: (in local currency with Euro equivalent) Not provided. Source of funding, incl. main donors / sponsors:
96
Institution No. 12: Erari Information Technology Resource Centre EITRC Ministry of Youth, National Service, Sport and Culture; Directorate of Youth. Programme / projects undertaken: Community sensitization on ICT; Computer training; Secretarial service; Farmer training on basic livestock and vegetable production. Target audience (plus number, actual or estimated): Youth and farmers estimated at 40 000. Extent of interaction with CTA Spore Magazine, SDI, QAS, DORA, seminars, consultants, publications, training, .: None. Extent of collaboration / interaction with other institutions (name, nature) Jointly with Otjozondjupa Farmers Association, NNFU and DRFN facilitate farmer trainings; The centre is exploring interactions with National Libraries for information sharing. National / sectoral policies impacting ICT use / information and communication within the institution: National ICT policy. How information needs are currently met, and from where or by whom: The centre had difficulties in sourcing information for their programmes and rely on partners e.g. DRFN, NNFU. This is exacerbated by the lack of a proper resource centre with all requisite facilities such as ample computer hard and software and internet connection. Main information needs not satisfied (including types and format of information): Agricultural information in both digital and hardcopy format; Computer hardware and software including recent versions of Microsoft Word, Excel, Publisher, Power Point, Photoshop, etc.; Main problems faced in terms of information and communication management: Lack of trained personnel in information management; Very limited computers and operating on Windows 95; Lack of resources/collection such as books, dictionary, scanners, printers, photocopiers. Why institution selected as a key: The institution is providing training and other services to the community/farmers and is the only institution in the whole constituency teeming in previously marginalized people including the san. Other observations: None.
Institution No. 13: Mariental ADC (MADC) Objective / mission statement: The objective of the centre is to promote the adoption of improved agricultural technologies and practices in order to empower farmers for increased sustainable agricultural production through training, community mobilization, formation of farmer groups and promotion of farmerfarmer visits. Field of specialisation: Facilitate formation of farmer groups; Training livestock and crop farmers within the domain of subject matter specialists including vegetable production, animal nutrition, range management, etc. Number of staff (professional, clerical, technical, etc; permanent / temporary): Ten (18); 1 Chief, 12 (Officers and Technicians) and labourers; 3 vacancies (officers).
97
Institution No. 13: Mariental ADC (MADC) Branches, other sites: Aranos; Gibeon; Maltahohe; Rehoboth. Annual budget: (in local currency with Euro equivalent) Varies average: N$ 2.8 million ( 306 345.73). Source of funding, incl. main donors / sponsors: Government of Namibia through MAWF. Programme / projects undertaken: Community mobilization and formation of farmer groups; Farmer training on basic livestock and vegetable production. Target audience (plus number, actual or estimated): Farmers estimated at 15 000. Extent of interaction with CTA Spore Magazine, SDI, QAS, DORA, seminars, consultants, publications, training, .: Spore Magazine. Extent of collaboration / interaction with other institutions (name, nature) Jointly with farmers unions (NAU, NNFU), DRFN facilitate farmer trainings. National / sectoral policies impacting ICT use / information and communication within the institution: National ICT policy. How information needs are currently met, and from where or by whom: Farmers in form indigenous knowledge; Individual scientists and researchers; Internet and visits to NAWIC libraries; Government publications/newsletters e.g. Agricola, Agriviews, Farmers weekly, etc. Main information needs not satisfied (including types and format of information): The centres agricultural information collection lacks recent publications and books; Computer hardware and software and intranet to enable sharing information between the four branches. Main problems faced in terms of information and communication management: Very few subject matter specialists; Poor Internet connection especially intranet; Very expensive Internet dial-up system; Lack of resources/collection such as agricultural books and technologies for farmers in a hyper-arid environment. Why institution selected as a key: The institution is providing training and other services to the farming community in a hyper-arid production environment (southern Namibia). Besides, it is the ministerial (MAWF) hub for information dissemination to the majority of the farmers (communal and commercial) in the south of Namibia. Other observations: None.
98
3.3
Surname Akweenda Amufufu Beukes Hager Kandjii Lombard Mabhiza Marenga Munjanu Mvula Ndilula Sihova Steenkamp Voordewind
List of Persons Interviewed

Organization NATMIRC Ongwendiva ADC TAZAC NAU EITRC NATMIRC NAWIC FANR Library NNFU SANUMARC Information System MADI DEES Mariental ADC Tel Fax 064 410 1142 065 233 820 / 5 065 230 447 062 682 009/10 061 237 838 061 220 193 067 317 256 067 317 266 064 410 1142 061 208 776 061 208 773 061 206 4080 061 206 4022 061 271 117 064 502 610 064 502 608 061 208 7613 061 208 7742 066 258 710 066 258 730 061 208 7477 061 208 7778 063 242 197 063 242 034 E-mail address N/A amufufuk@mawrd.gov.na N/A hager@agrinamibia.com.na uandje@yahoo.co.uk N/A mabhiza@mawrd.gov.na mmarenga@unam.na munjanu@nnfu.org.na emvula@unam.na ndilula@mawrd.gov.na dartmadi@iway.na c/o: kasheetas@mawrd.gov.na exthardap@iway.na
Initial (Title) S. (Ms) A. (Mr.) L. (Ms) C. (Mr) E. (Mr.) J. (Ms) C. (Mr.) M. (Ms) O. (Mr.) E. (Dr.) N. (Ms) B. (Mr.) J.G.S. (Mr.) P. (Mr.)
Designation Library Assistant Agricultural Extension Officer Clerical Assistant Manager Director Chief Clerk Librarian Head Programme Coordinator Director Deputy Director Administration Head Director Chief Agricultural Extension Officer
Late
99
7.
Bibliography
AIMS (Agricultural Information Management Systems). 2007. For more information, visit: http://www.sadc.int/fanr/aims/index.php (accessed on 12 October 2007) Directorate of Libraries and Archives Services. 1997. Information for self-reliance and Development. Ministry of Education, Windhoek. DWA (Department of Water Affairs). 1991. Perspective on water affairs. Ministry of Agriculture, Water and Rural Development, Windhoek. ESTSIP (Education and Training Sector Improvement Programmes) 2006-2011. Planning for a Learning Nation. Programme Document Phase I (2006-2011). Hesselmark O. and Miller J. 2003. A country ICT survey for Namibia. Published by SIDA, Sweden. p. 48. Mabhiza, C. 2007. Country Status Report on the Namibia Agricultural Information Systems. Paper presented at the Meeting on the Development of the SADC FANR Regional Agricultural Information Management System held at the Duneden Hotel, Johannesburg, South Africa, 26 27 February, 2007. Makuwa D.K. 2004. A study of the conditions of Schooling and the Qualilty of Primary Education in Namibia. Southern Africa Consortium for Monitoring Educational Quality (SACMEQ), Windhoek. MAWF (Ministry of Agriculture, Water and Forestry). 2005. Annual Report: April 2004 March 2005, MAWF, Windhoek. MAWF (Ministry of Agriculture, Water and Forestry). 2007. Agricultural Statistics Bulletin. Directorate of Planning, Windhoek. p. 41. Meat Board (Meat Board of Namibia). 2007. www.nammic.com.na (accessed on 14 October 2007). Mendelsohn, J. 2006. Farming systems in Namibia. p. 80. Mendelsohn J. & el Obeid S. 2005. Forests and Woodlands of Namibia, 152pp. Mendelsohn J.M., Jarvis A., Roberts C., Robertson A. 2002. Atlas of Namibia: a portrait of the land and its people. Ministry of Environment & Tourism, Windhoek. MET (Ministry of Environment and Tourism). 2001. Environmental Assessment Guidelines: Water Infrastructure, 125pp. Ministry of Fisheries. 2007. The Fishing Industry: Statistics. www.mfmr.gov.na (accessed on 12 October 2007) Ministry of Trade and Industry. 2007. Trade Agreements. www.mti.gov.na (accessed on 14 October 2007) MISA Namibia. 2007. Media Institutions & Updates in Namibia. www.misanamibia.org (accessed on 12 October 2007).
100
Motinga, D. 2003. Liberalising the telecommunications sector in Namibia - Better regulation is the key. Institute for Public Policy Research. Briefing paper No.25, p. 11. NAB (Namibia Agronomic Board). 2007. Annual Report No. 19: April 2005 to March 2006. Namhila, E. 2004. Namibias transmission to an information society: Challenges and Prospects. Paper presented at the 70th IFLA General Conference and Council 22-27 August 2004, Buenos Aires, Argentina. Namibia Forest Development Policy. 2001. Ministry of Environment and Tourism. Directorate of Forestry. p. 14. Namibia Trade Directory. 2007: A review of Namibian Trade and Industry, Ministry of Trade and Industry, Windhoek. National Agricultural Policy White Paper. 2006. Ministry of Agriculture Water and Forestry. p. 29. National Planning Commission. 2001. Republic of Namibia 2001 Population and Housing Census: National report basic analysis with highlights. Central Bureau of Statistics, Windhoek. NDP 2 (Second National Development Plan). 2002. Volume One. National Planning Commission, Windhoek. Office of the Prime Minister. 2005. The E-Governance policy for the public service of Namibia. OPM, Windhoek. Stork, C. 2005. Namibia e-access and usage index survey 2004. NEPRU Research Report No. 35. p. 45. Stork, C. and Aocahmub, A. 2003. Namibia in the information age. Konrad Adenauer Foundation. NEPRU Research Report No. 25. p. 123. Sweet, R. J. 1998. Livestock coping with drought: Namibia - a case study. This paper was prepared for the Grassland Group of the Crop and Grassland Service (AGPC) of FAO for the FAO/AGAP electronic conference on Livestock Coping with Drought. p. 33. Telecom. 2004/5. Annual Report 2004/5. Telecom Namibia, Windhoek.
101

Namibia - Assessment of Agricultural Information Needs

Uploaded by

Document Information

Copyright

Available Formats

Share this document

Share or Embed Document

Sharing Options

Did you find this document useful?

Is this content inappropriate?

Copyright:

Available Formats

Namibia - Assessment of Agricultural Information Needs

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

ASSESSMENT OF AGRICULTURAL INFORMATION NEEDS IN AFRICAN, CARIBBEAN & PACIFIC (ACP) STATES SOUTHERN AFRICA

Country Study: NAMIBIA

Final Report Prepared by:

Sylvia K. Katjepunda and Gift T. Kamupingene

Assessment of Agricultural Information Needs: NAMIBIA

Assessment of Agricultural Information Needs: NAMIBIA

Assessment of Agricultural Information Needs: NAMIBIA

Assessment of Agricultural Information Needs: NAMIBIA

Assessment of Agricultural Information Needs: NAMIBIA

Assessment of Agricultural Information Needs: NAMIBIA

Assessment of Agricultural Information Needs: NAMIBIA

Assessment of Agricultural Information Needs: NAMIBIA

Assessment of Agricultural Information Needs: NAMIBIA

Assessment of Agricultural Information Needs: NAMIBIA

Assessment of Agricultural Information Needs: NAMIBIA

Assessment of Agricultural Information Needs: NAMIBIA

Assessment of Agricultural Information Needs: NAMIBIA

Assessment of Agricultural Information Needs: NAMIBIA

SANUMARC NATMIRC DEES FANR Library NAU NAWIC NNFU IS

TAZAC Mariental ADC

Assessment of Agricultural Information Needs: NAMIBIA

Assessment of Agricultural Information Needs: NAMIBIA

Agriculture, Fisheries, Forestry and Livestock

Assessment of Agricultural Information Needs: NAMIBIA

Assessment of Agricultural Information Needs: NAMIBIA

Assessment of Agricultural Information Needs: NAMIBIA

Assessment of Agricultural Information Needs: NAMIBIA

Figure 3: Natural forests in Namibia. (Source: Mendelsohn & el Obeid, 2005).

Assessment of Agricultural Information Needs: NAMIBIA

Assessment of Agricultural Information Needs: NAMIBIA

Assessment of Agricultural Information Needs: NAMIBIA

STATUS OF INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION FOR AGRICULTURE AND RURAL DEVELOPMENT

Assessment of Agricultural Information Needs: NAMIBIA

Assessment of Agricultural Information Needs: NAMIBIA

Assessment of Agricultural Information Needs: NAMIBIA

Assessment of Agricultural Information Needs: NAMIBIA

Assessment of Agricultural Information Needs: NAMIBIA

Information and communication management capacity

Assessment of Agricultural Information Needs: NAMIBIA

Assessment of Agricultural Information Needs: NAMIBIA

Assessment of Agricultural Information Needs: NAMIBIA

Assessment of Agricultural Information Needs: NAMIBIA

Assessment of Agricultural Information Needs: NAMIBIA

INSTITUTIONAL NEEDS ANALYSIS

Assessment of Agricultural Information Needs: NAMIBIA

Assessment of Agricultural Information Needs: NAMIBIA

Assessment of Agricultural Information Needs: NAMIBIA

Assessment of Agricultural Information Needs: NAMIBIA

Assessment of Agricultural Information Needs: NAMIBIA

Assessment of Agricultural Information Needs: NAMIBIA

CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

Assessment of Agricultural Information Needs: NAMIBIA

Assessment of Agricultural Information Needs: NAMIBIA

Assessment of Agricultural Information Needs: NAMIBIA

Assessment of Agricultural Information Needs: NAMIBIA

Assessment of Agricultural Information Needs: NAMIBIA

Assessment of Agricultural Information Needs: NAMIBIA

Assessment of Agricultural Information Needs: NAMIBIA

Assessment of Agricultural Information Needs: NAMIBIA

PROPOSED CTA ACTION PLAN

Assessment of Agricultural Information Needs: NAMIBIA

Table 4: CTAs Strategic Intervention and Action Plan

Assessment of Agricultural Information Needs: NAMIBIA

ANNEXURE I TERMS OF REFERENCE