Namibia
Following the Government’s expression of renewed interest in June 2008, IFAD is currently exploring the possibility of reactivating its operations in Namibia. Given Namibia’s status as a middle-income country, IFAD’s approach to rural poverty reduction in the country would reflect the organization’s recently elaborated mandate for engagement with middle-income countries, recognizing that many rural pockets within these countries remain untouched by sustained high growth in urban areas. IFAD’s future assistance in Namibia, if there is to be any assistance based on shared understanding between the Government and the Fund, would likely be directed towards the northern communal area, with its high density of poor rural people and good potential for rural development. Namibia is a participant in the regional IFAD grant-supported Phytotrade Africa programme.
