Food crops or cash crops in the northern communal areas of Namibia: setting a framework for a research agenda

Namibia is characterised by a dualistic agriculture sector with a strong commercial cash crop sector existing alongside a communal food crop sector, so which should be encouraged? This paper attempts to draw up a research agenda for possible issues to address in answering this question.Distinction is made between small, medium and large farmers and the advantages and disadvantages that farmers encounter in switching from food crops to cash crops are presented. Cash crops generate greater incomes than food crops since they are grown mainly for sale and not for consumption, generate employment where the cash crops can be processed and promote economic diversification. The disadvantages associated with cash crop production is that vulnerable groups may experience food shortages, and the income and employment benefits of producing cash crops are not spread equally within households.The paper finds that given the disadvantages, cash crop production could be beneficial for farming households, but there is the tendency for small farmers to stick to food crops until their food security is guaranteed. The medium and large farmers own or have access to draught power, therefore can cultivate a greater proportion of land and devote it to cash crops. However, small farmers are likely to face constraints in making the transition, such as competition for labour and the lack of access to some inputs. The paper suggests that for the small farmers, it is not a matter of cash crops or food crops production but rather what should be encouraged is the production of both crops, however further research is needed substantiate this view.The paper concludes thatthe production of millet in the northern regions will continue to play a very important role in the livelihoods of the populationlarger farmers or those who have their food grain needs secured from non-farm income can switch to the production of cash crops and realise higher incomesone of the most serious threats to household food production is the impact of HIV/AIDS, which can severely hinder the transition to cash crop productionIn light of these conclusions, the paper concludes with a number of issues that require further research to determine whether cash crop or food crop production or both should be encouraged in the Northern Communal Areas. Labour issues, the negative impacts derived from cash crop production, the full potential of millet production and the impact of HIV/AIDS on the communal farmers need to be further explored.