NAMWI ISLAND – Armed with an agricultural qualification and a passion for farming, Martin Siyamana has transformed adversity into opportunity by turning a piece of land in the Namwi Island area into a thriving small-scale farming enterprise.
Despite his knowledge and experience, he faces ongoing financial challenges that hinder the full realisation of his farm’s potential.
Siyamana, who completed his studies at the Namibia University of Science and Technology (NUST) in 2009, initially aspired to build a career in agriculture.
However, like many graduates, he struggled to find employment and eventually returned to his family’s land to put his education into practice.
Since 2018, Siyamana has been cultivating approximately five hectares of land, producing watermelons, tomatoes, maize, mahangu, pumpkins, squash, onions, sweet potatoes, spinach and green peppers.
His farm benefits from its strategic location near a seasonal floodplain adjacent to the Zambezi River, which provides access to fertile soil and water resources for much of the year.
Watermelon cultivation has become Siyamana’s speciality.
“There is a market for our produce. During some seasons, all my watermelons are sold within three weeks of harvesting. Buyers from Katima Mulilo and neighbouring regions frequently place advance orders during harvest seasons,” he said.
A cry for help
Despite this promising market, Siyamana faces significant hurdles. Access to affordable ploughing services, irrigation infrastructure, farming inputs and pest control chemicals remains limited.
Currently, he relies on a small water pump that is inadequate during the dry season, when water must be pumped from the river over distances of up to 400 meters.
“We need a stronger water pump, proper irrigation pipes, and ideally a solar-powered system to reduce operating costs,” he pleaded.
In addition, pest infestations, particularly the destructive Tuta absoluta pest, threaten crop yields. The high cost of pesticides has made effective pest control difficult, impacting both productivity and profitability.
Siyamana has also sought support through government grants and agricultural support programmes but has yet to receive assistance. To keep his operations afloat, he recently borrowed N$6 000 to cover land preparation and ploughing services.
“I am willing to work and repay any assistance I receive. What we need is an opportunity and the right support.”
Beyond financial constraints, Siyamana must also contend with wildlife, including hippos and elephants that occasionally enter his fields near the river. While fencing and lighting have mitigated some crop damage, these measures require additional investment.
Despite these challenges, Siyamana remains optimistic. He believes that his agricultural training, combined with practical experience, positions him well to expand production if given proper support. He is appealing to government agencies, development organisations, investors, and potential partners to consider either a capital injection or a joint venture arrangement.
With nearly eight hectares under his control and five hectares ready for immediate cultivation, he sees significant growth potential.
“Agriculture is the backbone of every nation. If we invest in agriculture, we create food security, jobs, and opportunities for people to support themselves,” Siyamana emphasised.
As he continues preparing his fields for the upcoming planting season, Siyamana remains hopeful that the support he needs will arrive soon.
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