Namibia is one of the most sparsely populated countries in Africa, but it is blessed with abundant natural resources. The country has ample arable land and water resources, including several rivers that flow into the Atlantic Ocean. Namibia has a climate that is suited to agriculture production; however, its success depends on sound management practices.

Namibia is in the enviable position of producing enough food to feed itself, with exports to neighbouring countries. However, food production is under threat as water resources and arable land are declining. More concerning is the increasing over-use of groundwater and the depletion of high-yield aquifers.

Namibia also has a poor record of managing waste. The government estimates that households generate more than 120 000 tons per year, which accounts for 57% of total waste generated in the country. At present only 10% of this waste is recycled or composted while 50% goes into landfill sites and 40% remains uncollected from informal settlements.

Namibian households waste

According to a report by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), Namibian households waste N$1.6 billion worth of produce per year. This amount is equivalent to 20% of the total food produced in Namibia, making it one of the highest levels in Africa.

The main causes of food waste are contamination during harvesting and storage by pests, birds and rodents. In fact, more than a quarter of all agricultural production is lost before reaching the market due to this ongoing problem.

The majority of all fruits and vegetables produced in Namibia are consumed locally, with only 26% exported to other countries via Walvis Bay, mainly in sub-Saharan Africa. Fruit and vegetables are mainly grown in the central highlands and watermelons on commercial farms, with limited activity on communal farms in regions such as Ohangwena, Oshikoto and Omusati.