Status of urban and peri-urban agriculture in Windhoek and Oshakati
7.1 Status of urban and peri-urban agriculture in Windhoek and Oshakati
From the mass of data collected from 244 respondents the major finding is that urban and peri- urban agriculture is practiced by 79 % of the respondents in Windhoek and 70% in Oshakati.
The main crops enterprises produced include vegetables, fruits and poultry. There are at least 23 different types of vegetables grown but the most common ones are maize, beans, tomatoes, pumpkin, watermelon, sweet potato and pepper. Production takes place on tiny pieces of land around the dwellings.
Most of the crops produced are for eating and this contributes a lot to improving the nutritional status of the households. About 22% of farmers, sell their, surplus produce mainly maize and tomato. Many producers are willing to expand their plots of vegetables if they are assisted with some inputs, while those who presently have no gardens are ready to start vegetable gardens if they can be provided with space and the starting capital. Currently , the existing market outlets for surplus vegetables and fruits are limited to the localities where the products are produced. In most cases this means selling in front of the house when customers come or on the roadside when people are attracted by what is displayed when they are passing by. This kind of market however, is not reliable and does not lend itself to substantial sector of urban and peri-urban agriculture to benefit the producers as well as the consumers.
Most production of vegetables in particular takes place during the rainy season with rainwater supplemented with water from iishana and municipal water taps. Water was given by the majority of respondents as the most serious constraints to vegetable and fruits production especially during the dry season. Water as a resource is expensive and the Municipal Authorities tariffs are expensive for the informal settlers. The installation of meters for tap water and the system of pre-paid cards has resulted in restricting the amount of water that can be fetched for watering the gardens and hence acts as a serious constraint to vegetable production during the Most production of vegetables in particular takes place during the rainy season with rainwater supplemented with water from iishana and municipal water taps. Water was given by the majority of respondents as the most serious constraints to vegetable and fruits production especially during the dry season. Water as a resource is expensive and the Municipal Authorities tariffs are expensive for the informal settlers. The installation of meters for tap water and the system of pre-paid cards has resulted in restricting the amount of water that can be fetched for watering the gardens and hence acts as a serious constraint to vegetable production during the
Animal production was limited mainly to small stock and poultry in both towns. Fishing is a seasonal activity practiced by a few of the respondents in Oshakati. This is largely limited to collecting fish in the Oshana during the rainy season. Very few respondents reported having sold some of the fish, most of which is consumed by the household members.
In conclusion, urban agriculture is evident and thriving in the two cities. What apparently is lacking is the absence of legislation that recognizes the existence of urban and peri-urban agriculture by the central and municipal authorities