The impact of the affirmative action loan scheme of Agricultural Bank, in Otjozondjupa Region

Abstract

The Independent Namibia inherited a highly skewed distribution of resources especially land as the result of the previous colonial era. The government faced a situation where a proper solution had to be found to the land issue. After consultations and a National conference, the government adopted the Commercial Land Bill and the Affirmative Action Loan Scheme (AALS) and approved certain Schemes for the advancement of Namibians as contemplated in Article 23 (2) of the Namibian Constitution. The study reveals the benefits of the AALS from Agricultural bank to the communal farmers as well as the entire Namibian nation

The Affirmative Action Loan Scheme from Agric-Bank has made a positive impact in the Otjozondjupa region in terms of increasing access of commercial lands for the advancement of the previously disadvantaged. These previously disadvantage farmer's experience some problems on commercial lands as regard to marketing of products and can not farm on a commercial basis like the already established counterparts, due to lack of training and extension services

It is apparent that land reform in Namibia should not only be concerned with the redistribution of commercial, privately owned land but also with safeguarding peoples access to communal land resources and protecting the legitimate rights of farm workers. Rural development should be an indispensable part of any land reform policy