Rural development plays a critical role in mitigating rural – urban migration as the creation of sustainable livelihoods in rural areas encourages individuals to remain within their communities rather than seeking opportunities elsewhere . This was said by || Kharas Region Governor , Aletha Frederick at the start of the five – day 2024 annual rural development progress review and planning workshop here on Monday . ‘ This will help preserve our cultural heritage while also contributing to balanced national growth in the context of our ongoing commitment to enhancing rural development . It is imperative that we recognise the transformative potential of a robust collaboration among all stakeholders involved in this sector ,’ said Frederick . She said development in rural areas is not merely a goal but a necessity , as the rural economy is not just a peripheral aspect of national development but a cornerstone that supports the livelihoods of thousands and contributes significantly to the overall economic growth
. ‘ We must acknowledge that the challenges faced by our rural communities are enormous , especially in light of persistent drought conditions that have plagued many regions . These environmental factors exacerbate existing vulnerabilities and hinder our progress toward achieving sustainable development goals ,’ said Frederick . The governor further said rural infrastructure development is essential for tackling key challenges related to water supply , sanitation and electricity access . Introducing rural empowerment programmes to strengthen rural economies is important , she noted , saying such improvements go beyond mere infrastructure upgrades , as they significantly enhance the overall quality of life for rural communities . The governor went on to say that for Government to achieve meaningful progress in rural development , collaboration must extend beyond mere communication , adding that it requires establishing formal partnerships where resources , knowledge and best practices are shared . ‘ This will
help us to standardise processes and bringing about uniformity in the provision of services , ensuring that all rural communities receive equitable support . This consistency is crucial for building trust and ensuring that interventions are both effective and sustainable . It is imperative that we prioritise the integration of efforts across various line ministries , agencies and non – governmental organisations present here today , to ensure that our initiatives are well – coordinated ,’ urged Frederick .

Source: The Namibia News Agency