Young Farmer Viarinao Evra Usurua Making Waves in Namibia's Agricultural Industry

Viarinao Evra Usurua, a 25-year-old Namibian farmer, is defying convention by proving that farming is a viable and modern career path for the youth. As the manager of Orusuuo Farming, a family-owned farm in the Omaheke region, Usurua is pioneering a diverse range of agricultural practices, including wood and charcoal production, Brahman stud farming, Meatmaster sheep farming, game hunting, and horticulture. With his passion for farming deeply rooted in his DNA, Usurua is determined to make agriculture a respected, profitable, and sustainable career choice for young Namibians.

Key Takeaways:

Usurua is the manager and face behind Orusuuo Farming, a family farm that engages in multiple agricultural practices, including wood and charcoal production, Brahman stud farming, and horticulture.
He is pursuing his professional hunting license under the Namibian Professional Hunting Association (NAPHA) and developed a passion for hunting at a young age.
Usurua's father, Colin Usurua, who runs Agrifutura, has been a mentor and guide throughout his farming career.
His mother, Theofilia Usurua, contributes significantly to the family's horticulture operations, ensuring that their crops meet quality standards and reach reliable markets.
Usurua completed his secondary education at Delta High School and is currently studying Agricultural Sciences at the Namibia University of Science and Technology (NUST).
He is the chairperson of the NUST Agricultural Society, which aims to enhance agricultural practices, foster innovation, and support farmers and rural communities.
Usurua faces unique challenges in Namibia, including unpredictable weather patterns, market dependency, conflict with wildlife, and bush encroachment, but remains optimistic and believes challenges can be managed with experience and the right strategies.

Statistics:

Namibia's national unemployment rate stands at 37%, with 45% being youth (source: Namibia Statistics Agency).
Orusuuo Farming engages in a diverse range of agricultural practices, including wood and charcoal production, Brahman stud farming, Meatmaster sheep farming, game hunting, and horticulture.
The drought relief programme has been a lifeline for Usurua and his workers (source: Namibian government statement).
Subsidies from the Namibian Agronomic Board have helped recover from the drought through the supply of seeds, fertilizers, and tractors.
The NUST Agricultural Society has 85 active members and is working to enhance agricultural practices, foster innovation, and support farmers and rural communities.

Sources:

Namibia Statistics Agency
Namibian government statement
Orusuuo Farming (family farm in the Omaheke region)
Namibia University of Science and Technology (NUST)
Namibian Professional Hunting Association (NAPHA)