In an innovative achievement for Namibian science, Prof. Lydia Ndinelao Horn, a leading researcher at the University of Namibia (UNAM), has been awarded the prestigious 3rd German-African Innovation Promotion Prize (GAIIA).
Photo: Contributed
Her work, in collaboration with Prof. Dr. Barbara Reinhold-Hurek from the University of Bremen, is set to revolutionise small-scale farming in Namibia.
Their award-winning project, “Advancement of the Namibian Agricultural Production Systems through Inoculants for Nutritious Food Practices Using Bambara Groundnut,” is not just about research – it’s about changing lives, improving food security and empowering communities through science.
The GAIIA, established by the Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF), celebrates exceptional African-German research collaborations that drive sustainable progress across the African continent.
Prof. Horn and Prof. Reinhold-Hurek’s project has been granted up to €150,000 (approximately N$2,895,000) to further their innovative work.
Their research focuses on enhancing the cultivation of the Bambara groundnut (BGN), a protein-rich legume indigenous to Africa, known for its resilience in arid conditions and nutrient-poor soils. Despite its potential, BGN remains underutilised in Namibia.
Project aims? Introducing regionally adapted biofertilizers
The project aims to develop sustainable agricultural practices by introducing regionally adapted biofertilizers (inoculants) to improve yields and nutritional value.
This initiative not only seeks to bolster food security and elevate living standards in rural communities but also aspires to establish robust market chains for both domestic consumption and export.
Prof. Horn emphasised the significance of this endeavour, stating, “Our goal is to transform the Bambara groundnut into a staple crop that addresses nutritional deficiencies while providing economic opportunities for our local farmers.”
The partnership between UNAM and the University of Bremen illustrates the power of global collaboration in addressing local challenges. By combining Namibian expertise with German technological advancements, the project embodies a strategic alliance in research, practical application, and capacity development.
Prof. Davis Mumbengegwi, Head of Multidisciplinary Research Services at UNAM, lauded the achievement: “This award give emphasis to the fundamental role of research in driving sustainable development. It highlights how international partnerships can yield innovative solutions tailored to our unique environmental and socio-economic contexts.”
The successful implementation of this project promises a multifaceted impact: improving nutritional outcomes, creating employment opportunities, and fostering sustainable agricultural practices. It stands as a demonstration to UNAM’s pledge to leveraging research and international cooperation to address pressing challenges and enhance the well-being of Namibian communities. The prize was awarded in December 2024.
Two Master’s students are benefiting from the project, one to be based at Mashare Research Station and the other at Omahenene Research Station, in collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture, Water and Forestry.
