Empowering Inmates through Agriculture: Evaristus Shikongo Correctional Facility's Initiative

Strategic Insights -

In the heart of the Oshikoto Region, the Evaristus Shikongo Correctional Facility is changing the lives of its inmates through a pioneering agricultural program. With a vibrant farm-to-table approach, the facility is not only boosting food security but also providing valuable rehabilitation opportunities for its 641 inmates. The program, which includes crop cultivation, horticulture, cattle farming, and poultry, has seen the facility distribute over 867 kilograms of beef, 2,000 kilograms of carrots, 3,420 eggs, and 1,941 tonnes of lucerne from January to July. As the Deputy Commissioner, Nestor Nghifenua, highlighted, "Producing our own food is cheaper, especially when it comes to meat. It is better to produce our own food and feed our inmates."

Key Takeaways:

  • The Evaristus Shikongo Correctional Facility has a total of 641 inmates, consisting of 556 Namibians, 42 Angolans, 42 Zambians, and 1 Zimbabwean national.
  • The agricultural program has seen significant success in supplying products to training colleges and other facilities, with a output of 867.2 kilograms of beef, 2,000 kilograms of carrots, 3,420 eggs, and 1,941 tonnes of lucerne from January to July.
  • Challenges faced by the program include a lack of slaughtering equipment, worn-out machinery, and a shortage of human capital.
  • Deputy Commissioner of Farm Operations, Wallis Kanguatjivi, emphasized that the large-scale food production initiative aids the government in cost-cutting measures and allows the facility to supply other facilities.
  • Plans are underway for a high-tech piggery capable of housing 2,500 pigs, set to be operational by April 2026.
  • The program offers valuable rehabilitation opportunities, as seen in the enthusiasm of inmate Richard !Goaseb, who has been incarcerated for 14 of his 32-year sentence and is passionate about agriculture.
  • In addition to agricultural training, the facility provides comprehensive rehabilitation services, including psychological programs, religious care, and healthcare services to offenders.

Statistics:

  • Total inmates: 641
  • Namibian inmates: 556
  • Angolan inmates: 42
  • Zambian inmates: 42
  • Zimbabwean inmate: 1
  • Total beef produced: 867.2 kilograms
  • Total carrots produced: 2,000 kilograms
  • Total eggs produced: 3,420
  • Total lucerne produced: 1,941 tonnes

Sources:

  • NAMPA, "Evaristus Shikongo Correctional Facility empowering inmates through agricultural programme" (25 Jul 2025)