Since 2018, Bank Windhoek has hosted and broadcasted various agricultural talk series on social media platforms to inform interested parties on relevant agriculture trends and topics. The agri talk series has created a platform where experts in the sector get to share their knowledge and contribute to the sector`s commitment and drive. Hosted live online from the Windhoek country club resort, the agri talk serie was attended by various industry professionals and an online presence of viewers that were streaming along.
In his welcoming remarks ; Bank Windhoek, Executive Officer for Business Banking, Leon Koch highlighted that the Bank has made agriculture a big focus and as a relationship driven bank, they recognise that their customers are the cornerstone of success therefore platforms like the agri talk series reaffirms their commitment for building lasting relationships.
Leon also revealed that Bank Windhoek launched some sustainability loans and over the last few years, have disbursed over N$ 407 million towards projects of which a large proportion was also allocated to agriculture.
Dr. Johannes Shoopala; the acting Chief Veterinary Officer at the Ministry of Agriculture, Water and Land Reform ( MAWLR) delivered the keynote address of which he acknowledged the importance of the role of agriculture towards the Namibian economy as a contributor to the country`s GDP and employing close to 30% of the country`s labour force.
Despite the importance of agriculture to the Namibian economy, Namibia still remains highly reliant on import to meet local food demands. With up to 60% of food consumed in the country being imported.
Shoopala elaborated that reliance on imports poses remarkable risks especially amidst drought. Drought condition drives low local food productions leading to increase market price and reducing household purchasing power which leaves many Namibians on the edge of food insecurity. He further added that addressing the challenges posed by drought and climate change is beyond the capacity of any single institution therefore requiring collaboration between government, the private sector, non-governmental organisations and international partners.
Leon Koch: Bank Windhoek, Executive Officer for Business Banking, emphasised that as a relationship driven bank, they recognise that their customers are the cornerstone of success and platforms like the agri talk series reaffirms their commitment for building lasting relationships.
