30 April 2003
Government has recognised the economic potential of the marula tree fruit and their by-products.
As a result it has funded the establishment of community projects such as the Eudafano Women's Co-operative in the North.
President Sam Nujoma said this when he addressed the Omagongo Cultural Festival 2003, which took place at the homestead of the Senior Headman of Uukwambi, Herman Iipumbu, at Onamega village in the Omusati Region on Sunday.
Addressing a crowd of people from all over the country, including King Shikongo Taapopi of Uukwaluudhi, Nujoma said marula trees, or omugongo as they are known by indigenous people, play a critical role in the lives of many Namibian communities especially in the North.
He said the Eudafano Women's Co-operative is involved in the commercial production and marketing of several kinds of products derived from marula fruit.
These products, Nujoma said, include various types of cosmetic products, refreshments, wine and cooking oil.
"Many of these products are available locally while others are being marketed on the international market," said Nujoma.
In addition to marula fruit, the economic potential and viability of other indigenous fruit and plants can be investigated with a view to exporting them on a commercial basis, the President suggested.
He said it is important for traditional communities to utilise their knowledge of local natural resources as a way of maximising benefits from Namibia's wealth of biodiversity for all the people.
Omugongo fruit is traditionally used as a source of wine (omagongo), juice (oshinwa) and cooking oil (odjove).
, The by-products that remain after the extraction of cooking oil and manufacturing of cosmetics are used to make different types of soap.
"I would like to emphasise the fact that our people can only derive benefits from our flora and fauna if we continue to promote the conservation of our environment and the utilisation of our natural resources in a sustainable manner," he said.
The President called on communities to plant many indigenous trees so that they can provide the country with fruit, shade and timber as well as prevent further desertification which threatens many areas countrywide.
At the same occasion, the Empire Fishing Company donated N$20 000 towards the construction of the Tsumeb-Ondangwa railway line to Nujoma. - Nampa
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