Day: March 20, 2024

WINDHOEK: The Ministry of Agriculture, Water and Land Reform is planning on implementing a project which is aimed at strengthening Namibian food systems to recover from emergencies and disease-related shocks. The project is being implemented in collaboration with the Japanese Embassy and United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) from this month until September 2024 through the Build Back Better Programme. Speaking at a demonstration event for the project on Monday, the Head of Economic and Development at the Embassy of Japan in Namibia, Takehiro Yamada, said if any positive effects are to be realised in slowing down the current rural-to-urban migration, efforts to ensure that agriculture positively impacts rural communities, should be increased. 'Increasing productivity and the use of innovative, efficient and climate-smart technologies and practices, rural areas can attain resistance to climate shocks and gain food security,' Yamada said. He said the Japan-funded project supports the piloting of modern and innovative solutions to addressing climate change and shocks. The solutions include solar power pumping and irrigation solutions as well as solar-powered storage to reduce post-harvest loss, as well as the potential practice of geological agriculture in Namibia. 'Innovation goes hand in hand with capacity building and therefore, all projects funded by the government of Japan are committed to directly impacting beneficiaries through training,' Yamada stated. Also speaking at the event was the Director of the Department of Agricultural Engineering and Extension Services in the agriculture ministry, Ben Haraseb, who said the project has the potential to strengthen the resilience of Namibian Peri-Urban economic resistance to climate change through climate-smart agricultural production access to solar technologies, climate information, early warning systems and through adopting food systems. The project is titled: 'Strengthening and Building Resilience of Namibia's Peri-Urban Communities to Climate Change t hrough Climate-Smart Agricultural Production, Access to Solar Technologies, Climate Information and Early-Warning System.' It will target 200 households (60 per cent of which should be female-headed) in peri-urban communities, increasing their adaptive capacities and resilience to climate shocks through income-generating activities from the sale of agro-produce and small stock. Source: The Namibia Press Agency

OMARURU: In the vast expanse of Namibia's Erongo Region lies a unique haven where history breathes and culture thrives. Nestled amongst the Erongo Mountains, the Living Museum of the Ju/'Hoansi-San has since 2008 been inviting visitors to embark on a journey through time and tradition. It offers an immersive experience and welcomes tourists, including local tourists, into a world where the echoes of the past resonate in the present. Guided by the knowledgeable Xao Klaus, visitors are taken on a tour of the rich tapestry of the San people's heritage. Klaus during a recent familiarisation trip by the Namibia Tourism Board (NTB) for members of the local media and influencers explained that the museum stands as testament to the resilience and ingenuity of the Ju/'Hoansi-San, who have inhabited these lands for millennia. Through interactive demonstrations and engaging storytelling, Klaus and his fellow guides offered a glimpse into the daily lives, customs, and traditions of their forefathers. From hunting te chniques to intricate crafts, every aspect of San culture is brought to life with authenticity. What sets the museum apart is not just its historical significance, but also its approach to preservation. Unlike static exhibits behind glass, the living museum gives visitors the opportunity to witness traditions in practice and engage directly with the community, allowing them to experience the past firsthand. The museum is open 365 days a year and has steadily gained popularity among tourists seeking authentic cultural experiences. It's favourable location, coupled with the warm hospitality of the San people, has made it a must-visit destination for travellers from around the world. Its popularity has not gone unnoticed by the NTB, which is spearheading initiatives to promote domestic tourism. As part of a broader tourism revival effort, the NTB organised the familiarisation trip focusing on central and western Namibia for the local media and social media influencers to explore and showcase the hidden gems o f the region, with the Living Museum of the Ju/'Hoansi-San featured on the itinerary as well. By championing local establishments like the living museum, the NTB aims to foster sustainable tourism practices that benefit both visitors and host communities alike. For Klaus and his fellow guides, the increased attention is a validation of their efforts to preserve and promote San culture. Beyond the economic benefits, they see tourism as a means of cultural exchange and mutual understanding. Each visitor who walks through the museum's gates not only contributes to its sustainability, but also becomes a custodian of its legacy, carrying the stories and traditions of the Ju/'Hoansi-San to the rest of the world. Source: The Namibia Press Agency

Rabat - Morocco's Ministry of Health and Social Protection on Wednesday launched an extensive national campaign to strengthen vaccination against measles, part of its proactive policy aimed at limiting the spread of epidemics and strengthening response. This initiative aims to restore child vaccination to levels observed before the Covid-19 pandemic, which led to a drop in vaccination coverage rates in most regions and provinces of the Kingdom, the ministry pointed out in a press release. The ministry strongly encourages all families to promptly review their children's medical records in health centers and private practices to ensure the administration of the required doses for measles (at the ages of nine and eighteen months), the same source noted, stressing the need to administer two doses of vaccine to children not yet vaccinated while supplementing the doses for those who have received only one dose. As part of its communication strategy aimed at monitoring the epidemiological evolution of measles and its continued efforts to contain the spread of epidemiological diseases and protect public health, the ministry announces that it has monitored the emergence of new cases of measles in Morocco suggesting a more widespread expansion of the virus, the same source said. Emphasizing the importance of this campaign as a preventive measure aimed at protecting citizens and society from the risk of measles, the ministry encourages all parties concerned to actively participate in this operation and visit health centers to receive the vaccine free of charge, the same source noted. Source: Agence Marocaine De Presse OMUTHIYA: The Namibian Police Force (NamPol) from the Oshikoto Region are conducting two operational orders in support of the 34th independence celebration on 21 March 2024 and the midterm school break. The first operational order is called operation 'Tukuluho' and started at Omuthiya on 19 March till 24 March 2024 while 'Tsela Tshweu' started on 19 March till 02 April 2024. NamPol Deputy Commissioner of Crime Prevention in Oshikoto, Wynand Neels said that the objective of Tukuluho, which means independence in Silozi, is to protect life and property by maximum security before, during and after the commemoration of the 34th Independence Commemoration. 'We want to mount massive checkpoints through crime intelligence-led, intensified operations and visible policing focusing on crime hotspot areas,' said Neels. He added that they want to enhance road safety and reduce fatalities on public roads by focusing on moving traffic violations, driving under the influence of alcohol, inconsiderate driving, overloading , and unroadworthy vehicles. 'We want to provide a safe and secure environment for our citizens and visitors during the period,' said Neels. Furthermore, Neels said operation Tsela Tshweu which means travel safe in Setswana, aims to preserve road safety along national roads aimed at bringing normalcy to the current situation and to save lives and property of all people in Oshikoto. He said that the joint crime prevention and road safety operation will be conducted in all policing areas in the Oshikoto Region concentrating on crime-prone areas. 'Sporadic and surprise stop-and-search roadblocks should be conducted along all roads covering the accident-prone zones and introducing crime awareness campaigns and sharing it with the public through media networks,' he said. Neels also pointed out that the government has been receiving threats from a group led by the Namibia Economic Freedom Fighters and one of its members, activist Michael Amushelelo by boycotting the envisaged independence celebrations. 'They threaten to stage a demonstration against unemployment countrywide on 21 March 2024 aiming to instigate the nation,' said Neels. Source: The Namibia Press Agency