From Paddies to Prosperity

One of the most inspiring stories to emerge from this initiative is that of 78-year-old pensioner Shipena Amunyela from Elombe Village in the Oshikoto Region.

Shipena’s passion for farming began at age 18 while working on a cotton farm in Angola’s Namibe Province. After returning to Namibia, he spent 37 years working at a mine near Swakopmund, but his love for agriculture never faded. Even in Arandis, where conditions are challenging, he successfully cultivated vegetables by transforming barren ground into productive gardens.

After retiring 16 years ago, Shipena dedicated himself fully to farming and eventually turned to rice production. Recognising his efforts, UNAM provided him with a rice farming manual translated into his language. By applying its lessons, he established a thriving two-hectare rice paddy that now provides both food and income.

His success inspired neighbours Festus Awene and Vaino Namushinga to start growing rice and he has since become a mentor to other aspiring farmers in the community.

Debmarine Namibia later sponsored a water pump and rice harvester for Shipena. In keeping with his communityminded approach, he shares the equipment with fellow farmers. “Festus and Namushinga are young and they are the future of rice farming in these villages,” he says. “Together, we can go further.”