At the heart of Debmarine Namibia’s social investment framework lies a commitment to livelihood support. This vision came to life in 2022 at the University of Namibia’s (UNAM) Ogongo Campus, where Debmarine Namibia invested over N$750,000 in agricultural equipment and research. The goal was to expand the existing rice paddies from 4.1 to 8.65 hectares.
The results have been transformative. The cultivated area has more than doubled, with 6.7 hectares now fully planted, while rice yields are forecast to increase from 15 to 19 tonnes by 2026.
Origins of the rice project
The rice initiative began with the Embassy of Japan, which provided training opportunities for Namibian students in Japan. These students returned with vital knowledge of rice cultivation, laying the foundation for UNAM’s wetland agriculture programme.
UNAM Ogongo Campus has since offered free training to aspiring rice farmers from the Omusati, Oshana, Oshikoto and Ohangwena regions. Through its own trained graduates, the university has equipped communities with practical skills, creating a ripple effect of agricultural knowledge and opportunity.
Shipena Amunyela’s story
One of the most inspiring livelihood stories to emerge from this sponsorship is that of Shipena Amunyela, a 78-year-old pensioner from Elombe Village. His journey into rice farming is a testament to resilience, ingenuity and the power of partnerships.
Shipena’s passion for agriculture began when he was just 18 years old and travelled to Angola’s Namibe Province in search of work. There, on a cotton farm, he planted the seeds of what would become a lifelong commitment to farming.
After a few years, he returned to Namibia and secured employment at a mine near Swakopmund, where he worked diligently for 37 years. Yet, even during his time in mining, his heart and true calling remained rooted in the soil.
In Arandis, a town better known for its harsh and rocky terrain, Shipena defied the odds. He transformed his home into a thriving source of fresh produce, growing tomatoes and cabbages where few believed it was possible.
Through sheer determination, he removed stubborn sand and transported fertile soil from riverbeds, creating pockets of productivity in an unforgiving environment.
Recognising his efforts, the University of Namibia’s Ogongo Campus reached out to him and provided a rice-farming manual translated into his language. This support became a turning point.
Shipena studied the handbook carefully and applied its lessons to his fields. Soon, his two-hectare rice paddy was thriving, producing not only food for his household but also an income.
His impact quickly extended beyond his own fields. Inspired by his success, neighbours such as Festus Awene and Vaino Namushinga from Oniiye Village began cultivating rice after learning from him.
Shipena has since taken on the role of mentor and community champion, sharing his knowledge and guiding others on their farming journeys. He is currently guiding a local woman who has begun her own rice trials and is confident that she will reap her first harvest in the coming year.
Shipena’s story is a powerful reminder that, with the right support, determination and knowledge transfer, one individual can ignite change across an entire community, turning small fields into engines of opportunity and lasting impact.
“Festus and Namushinga are young, and they are the future of rice farming in these villages. Sharing these machines with them is a noble thing to do. Together, we can go further.”
— Shipena Amunyela
Rice has now become a staple food in Shipena’s household, while demand from his village and neighbouring communities continues to rise.
His story is a living testament to how knowledge, perseverance and support from institutions such as UNAM and Debmarine Namibia can transform livelihoods, inspire communities and plant the seeds of resilience for generations to come.
Broader impact
The collaboration between Debmarine Namibia, the University of Namibia and the Embassy of Japan is a powerful example of how purposeful partnerships can transform livelihoods.
At Ogongo Campus, the impact of this alliance is visible in every corner. Each year, more than 5,000 chicks hatch at the poultry facility, strengthening food security and providing opportunities for local farmers.
In the surrounding communities, farmers are not only milling rice but are also embracing wetland farming techniques, diversifying their production and sources of income.
The initiative has also attracted the attention and support of government ministries, United Nations agencies and non-governmental organisations, elevating the project into a national drive for food self-sufficiency.
During last year’s rice harvest, UNAM Vice-Chancellor Prof. Dr Kenneth Matengu captured the spirit of this transformation:
“Thanks to enduring support from Debmarine Namibia and JICA, Ogongo Campus has become a centre of excellence in wetland agriculture. We’re not just harvesting rice; we’re harvesting possibility and progress.”
— Prof. Dr Kenneth Matengu, UNAM Vice-Chancellor
His words reflect the essence of this partnership: a shared vision of resilience, innovation and sustainable livelihoods for Namibia.
Diamonds beyond the ocean
Debmarine Namibia’s work may begin beneath the Atlantic Ocean, recovering natural diamonds, but its purpose is rooted in people. By investing in agriculture, education and resilient livelihoods, the company is helping Namibia move boldly towards climate-smart farming and greater food resilience.
The rice paddies of Ogongo stand as living proof that transformation grows best when nurtured by collective action. Natural diamonds are not only symbols of wealth; they are also catalysts for empowerment, unity and sustainable livelihoods.
Contributed by Debmarine Namibia
