Who Really Feeds Namibia? A Reflection onVandana Shiva’s Critique of Global Agriculture

The issue of food security extends beyond Namibia’s desert landscape.

Climate change, poor soil quality and reliance on rain-fed agriculture all play significant roles.

Limited access to sustainable water sources also contributes to persistent droughts, making the problem a complex mix of environmental and agricultural challenges.

However, food security in Namibia cannot be solely attributed to these reasons.

There is more to it than meets the eye.

According to data from the Namibian Agronomic Board (NAB), Namibia is a net importer of agronomic products: About 96% of wheat and 50% of maize is imported.

Moreover, the country imports 95% of its fruit and produces only 4% locally each year.

Inspired by a provocative and insightful book by Vandana Shiva, ‘Who Really Feeds the World?’, I examined Namibia’s agricultural practices through the lens of Shiva’s reflections.

Shiva explores the deep inequalities in global agriculture, critiquing industrial farming and advocating for small-scale, local farming practices.

She argues that global agribusiness, often disguised as a solution to world hunger, is a significant driver of environmental destruction, social injustice and food insecurity.

Shiva’s insights resonate with the agricultural realities of Namibia, which face similar challenges.

By juxtaposing her arguments with Namibian farming, we can identify potential solutions to help enhance the country’s food sovereignty, resilience and equity.

INDUSTRIAL FARMING

Namibia’s agricultural sector is characterised by a stark duality: Large-scale commercial farms on one hand and subsistence farming on the other.

While commercial farms, primarily controlled by a small elite, dominate fertile land and resources, most rural Namibians depend on subsistence agriculture in communal areas.

This divide mirrors the global North-South gap Shiva highlights – where corporate interests control vast swathes of arable land, with the most vulnerable populations struggling to survive.

Her central hypothesis is that the industrial farming model dominated by corporate agribusinesses, monocultures and reliance on chemical input, does more harm than good.

She argues that this model depletes soil, increases greenhouse gas emissions and marginalises small farmers while reducing biodiversity and food security.

Shiva champions small-scale farmers as the true feeders of the world, whose localised practices promote environmental health and economic stability.

Namibia’s commercial farms primarily produce for export markets, often focusing on livestock and large-scale crops like maize.
These farms rely heavily on irrigation systems, chemical fertilisers and pesticides – practices that degrade land and drain water resources.

In contrast, communal farmers, who rely on small plots, traditional knowledge and rain-fed agriculture, struggle with unpredictable rainfall and limited access to technology or credit.

THE IMPACT ON FOOD SECURITY

One of Shiva’s arguments is that industrial farming does not necessarily lead to food security.

Instead, it can exacerbate the vulnerability of local food systems.

In Namibia, the emphasis on commercial agriculture for export has not alleviated hunger; rather, it has increased dependence on food imports, making the country vulnerable to global price fluctuations and supply chain disruptions.

For instance, despite Namibia being a beef-exporting powerhouse, many rural communities struggle with access to affordable, nutritious food.

Local food production, which Shiva argues is more sustainable and equitable, is sidelined in favour of cash crops and livestock for international markets.

As a result, Namibia imports a significant portion of its staple food, such as wheat, from South Africa, leaving the country exposed to external economic and environmental shocks.

This mirrors Shiva’s concern that industrial farming creates a system where food production is no longer in the hands of local communities.

Instead, global markets dictate the availability and affordability of food, leading to situations where countries cannot feed their populations.

REVIVING LOCAL
KNOWLEDGE

Shiva’s advocacy for agro-ecology – the use of traditional farming knowledge combined with sustainable practices – provides valuable lessons for Namibia.

It emphasises crop diversity, soil regeneration, water conservation and community-driven solutions.

In Namibia, such approaches are not new; they are rooted in the indigenous practices of many rural communities, who have long adapted to the country’s arid conditions.

The communities of the OvaWambo (Aawambo), vaKavango and Zambezian have traditionally practised intercropping – growing different crops together, which improves soil fertility and reduces pest infestations without relying on chemical input.

Similarly, rainwater harvesting techniques have been employed to maximise the use of scarce water resources.

These practices align with Shiva’s vision of farming systems that work in harmony with nature rather than against it.

However, small-scale farmers often lack access to the resources and support they need to thrive.

Shiva notes that industrial agribusiness tend to monopolise government subsidies, research funding and technological innovation, leaving little room for developing agro-ecological systems.

In Namibia, redirecting support towards smallholder farmers, through access to credit, appropriate technology and knowledge-sharing platforms could be a game changer.

WE NEED A POLICY SHIFT

To address the challenges Namibian agriculture faces, a shift in policy focus is necessary.

The government should prioritise investments in smallholder farmers by providing affordable credit, extension services, and sustainable technologies to boost productivity and food security.

Promoting agro-ecological practices, such as crop diversification and soil conservation, through training, subsidies and research will help reduce chemical dependence and enhance climate resilience.

Further, strengthening local food systems by encouraging staple crop production, like millet and sorghum, can decrease reliance on imports and stabilise the food supply.

Lastly, land reform is essential to address unequal land distribution, expanding access to fertile land for communal farmers and smallholders while supporting sustainable practices to counter large-scale commercial dominance.

Shiva’s critique of the industrial farming model resonates deeply with Namibia’s agricultural challenges.

While the country’s commercial farms may feed export markets, they do little to address the food security of rural communities.

By embracing agro-ecology and empowering smallholder farmers, Namibia has the potential to create a more resilient, just and sustainable food system – one that truly feeds the nation.

• • Steven Kashekele, master’s student, Macquarie University, Sydney, Australia.