An evaluation of the green scheme programme : a case of the Kalimbeza rice project

[摘要] ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Approximately three out of four people in developing countries such as Namibia live in ruralareas. The majority of these rural poor's livelihoods depend directly or indirectly on agriculture.Therefore, there is an urgent need to design agricultural programmes that focus on ruralcommunities in order to reduce incidences of poverty. Although the Namibian Governmentinvests in the agricultural sector, hunger for both humans and animals were evident in 2012. Thestarvation situation was worsened by high food prices, compounded with a high unemploymentrate that meant the majority of the population could not afford to pay for food. Evidence showsthat Namibia is a net food importer; meaning that less local food production is taking place.Therefore, the government is trying to reverse the situation of relying on imported food, byenhancing local production, and one of the ways of achieving this goal is through the GreenScheme Programme.The research problem of this study is defined as follows: 'An evaluation of the Green SchemeProgramme: A case of the Kalimbeza Rice Project. The study commences by exploring the literature on the role of the state in improving the socioeconomicstatus of its citizens. Many developing countries have weak private sectors; therefore,governments remain with the responsibility to spearhead development. With unrestrainedunemployment, poverty and inequality, state-led development is the solution in uplifting thesocio-economic status of people, especially the rural poor. Since the rural poor depend onagriculture for their livelihoods, it is necessary for Government to devise Sustainable Livelihoodprogrammes in the sector, which many people rely upon for survival. Reducing incidences ofrural poverty calls for Sustainable Livelihood programmes that the Namibian Government cameup with, such as the approximately N$ 1.2 billion per annum Green Scheme Programme. This isan irrigation programme that aims at increasing agricultural production, contribute to the GrossDomestic Product, promote food security, create jobs and promote skills development. The studysought to establish whether the Green Scheme Programme is effective in achieving its intended,and at times, unintended goals. The Kalimbeza Rice Project, under the Green SchemeProgramme was chosen as a case study.Evidence from the study shows that employment creation took place, because many locals havesecured temporary jobs at the farm, and the salaries earned have had a positive impacts on theirlives. Food security has not been fully achieved, as only about 25 per cent of the total farm areais cultivated yearly. Finally, the study suggests that there is an urgent need for the Green SchemeProgramme and all its projects to speed operations in order to achieve the country's Vision 2030.

[发布机构] Stellenbosch University