DRIVEN by the need to prevent a repeat of the Zimbabwean scenario, white commercial farmers in Namibia recently pledged to assist less experienced black farmers in an effort to boost food production.
White farmers own about 30 million hectares of arable land in Namibia, while just 2,2 million hectares are in the hands of the black farmers.
A land distribution policy based on a willing seller/ a willing buyer basis started in 1990 has not managed to correct the historical land imbalance that currently exists in Namibia.
President Nujoma warned in August that the landless majority were growing impatient by the day as at one time they threatened to take over hundred of farms owned by absentee white landlords.
An independent daily newspaper, The Namibian, recently reported that Jan de Wet, the president of the National Agricultural Union, (Nau) as saying the white farmers were not just willing to offer land for redistribution but to render their experience, skills and knowledge in farm management, production and marketing in an effort to ensure food security in the country.
De Wet made the comments when he presented a check from Nau of N$785 000 to Prime Minister Theo-Ben Guirab last week to assist drought relief efforts.
More than 300 000 Namibians have so far applied for drought relief with predications of less rain this season. The food aid was delayed due to bureautic hold-ups. De Wet said that with better planning Namibia could produce surplus food enough to feed the nation even during times of drought and famine.
He, however, said there was a perception among Namibians that white farmers seem to be solely interested in securing their interests and future.
"We do have one problem in Namibia, that is the perception or belief that the white farmers are a small, exclusive group of people protecting their own interests and we would like to have that image changed. We want to share in the good or the worst," said De Wet.
