Neudamm Agricultural College
Neudamm and Ogongo Agricultural Colleges
The Ministry of Agriculture, Water and Rural Development runs the above two agricultural colleges. The colleges aim at providing education and training to individuals in the fields of agriculture and farming. The graduates will be equipped in such a way as to provide extension services to the community regarding agriculture and natural resources in the country, and to conduct research in the field of natural resources, with the aim of increasing production and productivity.
A N. Dip.: Agriculture can be followed at both agricultural colleges. It includes the following courses: Animal Science and Pasture Science, Crop Science, Agricultural Engineering, and Agricultural Economics and Extension. Practical skills, like welding are also taught at the colleges. The N. Dip.: Forestry is further offered at Ogongo Agricultural College.
Every agricultural college has its own entry requirements and those interested in this course are urged to write to the college of their choice. The Neudamm Agricultural College, for example, requires an IGCSE/NSSCO Grade 12, or equivalent qualification, with passes in English (D-symbol or higher), Mathematics (E-symbol or higher) and one Science subject (D-symbol or higher). Students should also have obtained a D-symbol or higher in three other subjects.
The diploma courses can be done in three years of full-time studies. After successful completion of the diploma, candidates can seek employment as extension and research technicians, animal health inspectors, and farm managers, or can be self-employed.
OVERVIEW
Neudamm Campus and Farm is ± 30 kilometres east of Windhoek on the B1 road to Hosea Kutako International Airport and the town of Gobabis. The recorded history of Neudamm Farm dates back to 1897, when a grazing license holder returned this farm to the Land Council, as he was unable to find water. During the German-Herero War (1904 – 05) the farm was used by the German authorities for grazing for cattle and sheep seized during the war. During this time, Albert Voigts constructed the first large dam in Namibia, hence the name “Neudamm” (New Dam).
An Agricultural School was established in February 1928, with an enrolment of three students (today called Neudamm Experimental Farm or “Old” Neudamm). In 1938 a new school hostel and classroom were built and Gammams Agricultural School outside Windhoek was relocated to Neudamm. As a result of the Second World War the school was closed in 1941. However, in 1955 a new Neudamm Agriculture College was established close to the road and railway line which is the current Neudamm Campus.
After Namibia’s independence, agriculture was declared as a priority field of study by the first President of Namibia and Father of the Nation, Dr Sam Nujoma, in the mid-nineties. In 1996, the Neudamm Agriculture College was transformed into the new vibrant Neudamm Campus. The Campus is home to Neudamm Farming, the Faculty of Agriculture and Natural Resources (FANR) and the new School of Veterinary Medicine (SoVM). The FANR departments hosted on the Campus are: Department of Animal Science, Department of Agriculture Economics and Department of Food Science and Technology.
Neudamm farm is known for its production of top genetic breeding material of stud animals. Neudamm farming is sub divided into four sections. The large stock section includes farming with Sanga, Afrikaner and Simmentaler cattle breeds which are all registered as stud animals. The small stock section manages breeds such as the Boer goat and Kalahari red, sheep breeds such as Swakara, Dorper and Damara which are all registered as stud animals, as well as the ArabierxBoer horse breed. The intensive section includes the dairy (Friesian cows), piggery and poultry. The agronomy section focuses on production of vegetables. The handling facilities and the animals on the farm support teaching and research activities on the Campus.
Neudamm Campus and Farm is the leading agriculture training campus, with excellent facilities for training of students, communal and commercial farmers as well as agricultural communities. The facilities are further used to advance research in agriculture. The Campus is renowned for providing agriculture training to most leading farmers and well known Agriculturalists in the economy of Namibia.
Contact Address
Neudamm Agricultural College
Private Bag 13188
Windhoek
Tel.: (061) 206 3183 / 3815 / 3930