The COVID-19 pandemic has turned life upside down for many, and urban farmers in Namibia’s informal settlements have felt the pinch more than most. A recent study led by J. Muzanima from the University of Namibia dives deep into the struggles faced by these households during such unprecedented times. The findings shed light on the resilience and adaptability of urban agriculture (UA) in Windhoek, particularly in the Samora Machel and Tobias Hainyeko constituencies.
With a sample of 59 households, the research reveals that a significant chunk of these farmers—around 60.4%—are male-headed. They primarily engage in horticultural crop production, with a notable 67.2% focusing on growing vegetables. But the challenges they face are daunting. High input costs, inadequate land, and water shortages are major roadblocks, with 74.6% of participants citing the steep prices of farming supplies as a critical issue. “It’s tough out there. We’re trying to grow food, but the costs keep climbing,” one farmer lamented, highlighting the financial strain that has become all too common.
Despite these hardships, many households have shown remarkable ingenuity in coping strategies. The study found that 43% of respondents intensified or started new production efforts, while 22% turned to alternative, locally available resources to sustain their farming activities. “When the going gets tough, we’ve got to get creative,” another participant noted, emphasizing the community’s resilience in the face of adversity.
However, the research also indicates that the pandemic has weakened community resilience overall. This raises critical questions about the future of urban agriculture in Namibia. As the study suggests, a more holistic approach to urban planning and policy is essential. It calls for integrating urban agriculture within the broader food system, ensuring that both formal and informal sectors are recognized and supported.
Muzanima’s work stresses the importance of strengthening policies around land use and infrastructure planning. The insights gleaned from this study could serve as a catalyst for future developments in the agricultural sector, potentially influencing how urban farming is viewed and supported by policymakers.
Published in “Urban Agriculture & Regional Food Systems,” this research underscores the vital role that urban agriculture can play in building resilient food systems, especially during crises. As Namibia navigates the post-pandemic landscape, the lessons learned here could pave the way for more sustainable and secure food practices in urban environments.