23/05/2026
Fruit Tree Subsidies in Namibia
New Fruit Value Chain Development Scheme aims to boost local fruit production
Staff Reporter
NAMIBIA is ramping up efforts to reduce its heavy reliance on imported fruit by supporting local farmers through a new value chain development scheme that offers subsidies, training, and market access, while addressing key barriers such as poor planting materials, limited skills, and high production costs.
Speaking at an information-sharing session at the Government Information Centre in Windhoek, the Namibian Agronomic Board (NAB) highlighted that a significant portion of fruit consumed in the country is imported, prompting the introduction of the Fruit Value Chain Development Scheme to boost local production and strengthen agricultural linkages.
NAB’s Manager for Horticulture Development, Emilie Abraham, said research revealed that many farmers struggle to access certified, high-quality planting materials, which directly affects yield and marketability.
“One of the major challenges is that farmers often plant unknown or poor-quality varieties sourced without proper guidance, making it difficult to link them to markets,” she explained.
Abraham added that this has particularly affected smallholder farmers, as the lack of identifiable cultivars complicates efforts to secure buyers who require specific fruit varieties.
To address these challenges, the scheme focuses on improving production through access to certified planting materials, farmer training, mentorship, and structured market linkages. It also aims to stimulate commercial fruit farming, targeting production on plots ranging from one to 10 hectares.
As part of the intervention, NAB is offering a 30% subsidy on planting materials, as well as fertilisers and pesticides, to improve affordability and encourage farmers to invest in quality inputs. The support on inputs will be provided over a three-year period, which aligns with the typical gestation period for many fruit trees.
Abraham added that beyond production, the scheme also places strong emphasis on skills development, offering practical training on planting, maintenance, and harvesting techniques to ensure farmers can achieve optimal yields and quality.
“We are not only targeting experienced farmers. Even those with no prior agricultural background are welcome, as long as they are willing to learn and invest,” she said.
Market access forms a key component of the programme, with NAB facilitating agreements between farmers and retailers to ensure produce is absorbed into both domestic and export markets. The board has already engaged retailers who have expressed willingness to source locally produced fruit.
According to Abraham, Namibia’s reliance on imports — estimated at around 95% to 97% for certain fruits — highlights a significant opportunity for local producers to enter the market.
The scheme is also expected to contribute to job creation and economic growth, with projections indicating that up to 100 hectares could be planted annually, potentially creating thousands of jobs across the agricultural value chain by 2030.
In addition, the initiative supports value addition by encouraging processing of lower-grade produce, opening opportunities for small businesses involved in food processing.
Abraham emphasised that the programme is open to all Namibian farmers, regardless of age or gender, provided they have access to land, water, and the financial capacity to cover the remaining 70% of production costs.
Applications for the scheme are available through NAB offices nationwide and on its official website, with applicants required to submit identification, proof of land access, and financial capacity documentation.
The initiative forms part of broader efforts to enhance food security, reduce import dependence, and build a more resilient and self-sufficient agricultural sector in Namibia.
PICTURED: Namibian Agronomic Board (NAB) Manager for Horticulture Development, Emilie Abraham. Photo: Ministry of Information and Communication Technology - Republic of Namibia
