Windhoek: The Ministry of Agriculture, Water and Land Reform held a validation workshop on Monday to discuss the revised national resettlement criteria. Minister Calle Schlettwein addressed participants, emphasizing the importance of incorporating regional consultation inputs into the revised criteria as the consultation process nears completion. This finalization is crucial for the development of the comprehensive National Resettlement Policy.
According to Namibia Press Agency, the revised criteria are aligned with the resettlement policy approved by the National Assembly and reviewed by the Land Reform Advisory Commission. The policy underwent further regional stakeholder consultations for additional input. The Ministry aims to implement the updated National Resettlement Policy for 2023-2033, replacing the earlier version from 1991-2001. Minister Schlettwein highlighted that this review is vital for the policy’s successful implementation.
The new policy introduces three distinct land resettlement models:
high-value, medium-value, and low-value economic models. These models will guide land allocation to Namibian citizens based on their specific land needs. The revised policy also prioritizes dispossessed communities, stipulating that 70 percent of resettlement beneficiaries should be from the region where the land is located, while the remaining 30 percent is for disadvantaged Namibians from other areas.
Furthermore, the policy aims to address previous shortcomings, such as the unintentional displacement of farmworkers on acquired farms. The updated criteria intend to accommodate these individuals, as well as focus on assisting those living in corridors and unemployed youth.