Success through farmer mentorship
Agribank supports full-time communal farmers
A communal livestock farmer has increased his livestock numbers and gained crucial skills through Agribank's emerging retail financing scheme, which includes mentorship opportunities as part of the loan package.
A full-time communal livestock farmer from the Omaheke Region has managed to increase his livestock numbers and expand to different markets with the help of Agribank’s mentorship programme.Edwin Jazema Ngarizemo started his farming journey in 2010 and currently farms in Otjovakombe, in the Aminuis area. He leases a resettlement farm unit in the Omaheke Region for his livestock.
According to Agribank, Ngarizemo was motivated by its inclusive loan production portfolio and applied for a loan through the bank's emerging retail financing scheme.
The scheme caters to full-time communal farmers without a salary income or collateral.
Sharing expertise
Through this scheme, Ngarizemo purchased 30 cattle, 70 goats and 70 sheep to expand his livestock enterprise.
He also joined Agribank’s mentorship programme as part of the loan package.
Ngarizemo expressed gratitude for the knowledge and skills he has acquired from his mentor, John Venter, who is an Agribank mentor for the Omaheke Region.
He said specific skills included knowing how and when to vaccinate, lick and feed supplementation, breeding and reproduction practices, as well as the marketing of livestock.
Ngarizemo said Venter also assisted him with advice on managing finances and loan repayments.
"With this advice he currently maintains records to document his livestock movements, sales, income and expenditure, and generally manage his finances," according to Agribank.
Guidance pays off
Ngarizemo said he now has 98 cattle, 139 sheep and 80 goats.
He currently markets his livestock in Rehoboth, Aranos, Leonardville and local kapana markets and employs three permanent and two casual workers.
However, Ngarizemo said he currently faces challenges with stock theft and difficulties with leasing farmland.
He, however, added that he appreciates the mentorship programme and the mentors' willingness to impart skills and be available to provide advice at any time.