Unam, Tsumeb Correctional Facility collaborate on potato-seed programme

Under the University of Namibia's (Unam) guidance, the Evaristus Shikongo Correctional Facility prepared land and provided labour from offenders willing to learn agronomic management. The planting phase for the potato seed multiplication programme took place from 5 to 7 April, with approximately 30 offenders and four officers actively participating.

Distinguished professors Simon Angombe and Rhoda Birech from the faculty of agriculture, engineering and natural sciences, along with Bruce Tities, provided their expertise and support to the project.

The joint effort successfully planted potatoes on a one-hectare area, which was meticulously irrigated using a movable sprinkler system. Angombe, the associate dean of the school of agriculture and fisheries sciences, expressed his enthusiasm for the collaboration, stating: “This partnership between Unam and the correctional facility demonstrates how academia and other institutions can work together for mutual benefits. We are proud of the progress we have made so far”.

Looking ahead, the team has ambitious plans for the coming months.

Angombe explained: “We are currently focused on nurturing the crop through weeding and applying fertilisers. The potatoes will take approximately 4.5 months to mature, and we anticipate harvesting in mid-August”.



Perfect for making chips

The potato variant being cultivated has unique characteristics suitable for various culinary purposes. Birech, the project lead, highlighted that: “The plants produce mostly large tubers, perfect for making chips and suitable for different potato dishes. Cooked potatoes from this variety are delicious. Harvested potato tubers keep well in the store for up to three months, hence extending the period of food availability for households who will adopt this potato variety”.

Birech emphasised the significance of the project, particularly the novelty of the potato species being planted. “Potatoes are typically considered a cool weather crop, but this particular variety can thrive in warmer conditions.

“We have already observed its success at our Neudamm Campus, where it yielded well under irrigation from mid-September 2022 to mid-January 2023. This opens up the possibility of effectively growing this potato variety in Namibia for two seasons each year, contributing to both the market economy and household food security.”

The launching of the potato multiplication programme, scheduled for mid-August, is poised to be a momentous occasion for both Unam and the Evaristus Shikongo Correctional Facility. The university's vice-chancellor, along with prominent leaders from the Namibian Correctional Service, will attend the event.

This programme serves as a testament to Unam's research competence and commitment to fostering collaborative partnerships for sustainable agricultural development.

As the potato plants continue to thrive under the watchful eyes of the researchers and the dedicated staff at the correctional facility, anticipation builds for the bountiful yield that will soon grace Namibia’s agricultural landscape. The success of this seed multiplication programme not only showcases Unam's expertise but also reinforces its role as a leading institution driving innovation and progress in the country’s agricultural sector.