Water scarcity threatens Arandis agricultural venture
• Women-run project faces headwinds
The Day Dream
Agricultural Institute was founded in 2006 as a family-owned agricultural institute.
Elizabeth Manika, chairperson of the Arandis Garden Project, has expressed concerns over water scarcity challenges faced by the Day Dream Agricultural Institute, located in Arandis.
The project was founded in 2006 as a family-owned agricultural institute.
Day Dream expanded after receiving sponsorship from the Rossing Foundation and the Social Security Commission in 2013. It is run by 10 women and specialises in the cultivation of vegetables such as pumpkins, green peppers, red peppers, tomatoes and spinach, among others. The institute has been lauded for bringing hope to the community by tackling unemployment.
Manika highlighted the challenges they face. “The scarcity of water is a challenge to us because it disturbs the growing of crops, causing the business to shut down.” She added that the negative impact of high water bills on the institute’s operations has led to employees leaving their jobs in search of other opportunities, undermining the institute’s ability to sustain itself and contribute to the community’s economic well-being.
Additionally, Manika pointed out that despite these challenges, onions remain their best-sellers due to their resilience, attributed to their robust root functions.
She called upon the government and the Arandis town council to alleviate the institute’s challenges. “The little money we make from the project is not enough to settle our bills because we have kids who are in university to take care of.”
Manika encouraged unemployed Namibian women to join the project, emphasising its potential to provide livelihood opportunities amid economic challenges.
The project was founded in 2006 as a family-owned agricultural institute.
Day Dream expanded after receiving sponsorship from the Rossing Foundation and the Social Security Commission in 2013. It is run by 10 women and specialises in the cultivation of vegetables such as pumpkins, green peppers, red peppers, tomatoes and spinach, among others. The institute has been lauded for bringing hope to the community by tackling unemployment.
Manika highlighted the challenges they face. “The scarcity of water is a challenge to us because it disturbs the growing of crops, causing the business to shut down.” She added that the negative impact of high water bills on the institute’s operations has led to employees leaving their jobs in search of other opportunities, undermining the institute’s ability to sustain itself and contribute to the community’s economic well-being.
Additionally, Manika pointed out that despite these challenges, onions remain their best-sellers due to their resilience, attributed to their robust root functions.
She called upon the government and the Arandis town council to alleviate the institute’s challenges. “The little money we make from the project is not enough to settle our bills because we have kids who are in university to take care of.”
Manika encouraged unemployed Namibian women to join the project, emphasising its potential to provide livelihood opportunities amid economic challenges.
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