Ohangwena Agriculture Investments Face Test of Economic Returns
Agricultural investments in the Ohangwena region have provided significant support to local farmers, but the economic returns remain difficult to quantify. While infrastructure like auction kraals has improved market access, broader wealth creation metrics are still lacking.
Why it matters
Evaluating the efficacy of public agricultural spending is critical for ensuring sustainable development and poverty reduction in rural economies.
Agricultural and rural water projects in the Ohangwena region are putting public money into land preparation, farming inputs, livestock markets and water infrastructure, but their economic value has yet to deliver returns for the regional masses.
This is according to the Ohangwena Regional Council Report for the 2025/2026 Financial Year, submitted for consideration by the National Council.
The regional report records 3,635.5 hectares of farmland ploughed and 1,817 crop farmers supported through mechanization initiatives.
Another 6,541 farmers received improved seed and fertiliser, while 83 vegetable gardens, 152 poultry farmers and 18 cereal farmers received support.
A further 377 people benefited from the FAO-JICA programme.
However, the economic and social value has not been stated in terms of variables such as employment and wealth creation.
For small-scale farmers, such support can reduce some of the upfront costs of production.
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