Youth fund throws young farmer lifeline

Steven Klukowski

ITSAWISIS – Capitalising on the N$500 million Namibia National Youth Development Fund (NYDF) from the government, Russel Vries (25) today runs a commercial piggery some 40 km outside Keetmanshoop.

When New Era sat down with the growing entrepreneur, he said it was pure determination and perseverance that made him rise from the ashes of poverty and now try to make a self-sustainable life. “When I read about this golden opportunity the government is granting the youth, I immediately, without any hesitation, grabbed it with both hands and was consequently fortunate enough to get a N$200 000 loan in the form of all the quotations I submitted to set up the piggery being paid,” he said.

Vries continued: “I further attended a three-day training session in Grootfontein on agriculture production, whereafter I procured 10 pigs (nine gilts and one boar), materials to set up pens for my animals, and fodder as well as the needed veterinary medicines.”

All indications are to have the first piglets as from 19 October 2026, for which he has already established a market in Keetmanshoop.

“I was further informed that gilts can, if fertile, produce 4-5 piglets every three months, which I believe can make my registered business, Wakkies Trading Enterprises, highly profitable at the end if all goes well,” he optimistically emphasised.

Beyond slaughtering and selling the expected piglets, he also plans to collect their waste and sell it to the community as fertiliser. “I am currently running the project alone, but young people interested in joining me, helping build it and learning how to run a piggery are welcome,” he said. Given a 12-month grace period before he begins repaying the loan in instalments, he vowed to manage his finances carefully so he can settle it as soon as possible. His message for his peers in the area and the //Kharas region at large, is to not give up hope in life and always access self-empowerment opportunities becoming available for the youth. “Just remember only you can become the dream in life you want, so get proactive and keep on trying; success does not come on a silver platter for us,” he said.

-sklukowski@nepc.com.na

The post Youth fund throws young farmer lifeline appeared first on New Era.