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OUR STORY
Small beginnings: Where Ndjupaa started by Gerd Wölbling, also known as Kejata, Kangeama vio zombata
I was born and raised on the family Farm Hellabron, close to Okakarara and bordering the communal area of Omupanda. Growing up and learning my mother tongue and Otjiherero simultaneously were one of the biggest gifts brought to my life. Learning to love and handle livestock, especially cattle, was part of growing up as a little boy on the farm, tapping into the endless knowledge of my Uncle Josaphat Mureko, who worked for my father for many years.
The school took me to Otjiwarongo, Windhoek, and eventually, I ended up with an MSc in Agricultural Economics and Livestock production at TU München in Germany.
Coming back in 1998 with many ideas, I took over the reins from my mother and started managing the family farm. Soon after that, I began trading cattle with the neighboring communal farmers, and only three years later, the idea of a small animal feed dealership started to take off. The company Otjozondjupa Feed CC (referring to the Otjozondjupa Region in general and to the vicinity of Otjozondjupa, the place of the kalabash next to the strong fountains of the Waterberg, in particular) was registered with a former partner. In May 2002 (okuza ko ’02), the doors were opened at Okakarara as a Feedmaster dealership. By then, the only company vehicle was a second-hand Isuzu KB 250 pickup. It had to carry bags and grass between the farm, the shop, and different customers. After five years, we managed to move to our current location next to Pep stores to better serve the increasing customer needs.
Still growing over the years, we strongly believe that local value-adding is one key factor in development, which led to the development of our own product range under our previous brand, Otjozondjupa Feed. All products were developed according to the needs of our strong Okakarara customer base. Taapu Afrond, Kejata no ma Paha, and Ondjupa P6 are successfully used in our farming operation, and therefore, we have deep experience of what we offer to our customers.
We are guided by our principle to produce locally before we source from outside, meaning Okakarara and the surrounding areas come first. Being in a community with high unemployment, we see it as critical to empower farmers and employees alike by continuously sharing knowledge to help fellow Namibians tap into their potential and uplift themselves.
Deriving the name NDJUPAA and the company colors:
In 2020, as we expanded a branch into Otjinene, we revamped our company name to NDJUPAA while retaining the well-known Ondjupa as the company logo, along with our company colors: green, red, and white.
GREEN is derived from the leaf color of the shepherd’s tree (Omutendereti), whose roots are used to coagulate milk into Omaere.
RED is derived from the color of the rocks of the Waterberg Mountain at the place Otjozondjupa, around the current NWR Restcamp.
WHITE is derived from the milk, which is essential to produce Omaere. This serves as a message to take our strong Otjiherero customer base and their production and cultural animal needs seriously.
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MORE ABOUT OUR PRODUCTS:
NDJUPAA offers various products and services to help farmers optimize the health and productivity of their animals. Some of the products and services provided by US include:
Animal feed: We provide different types of animal feeds that are formulated to meet the specific nutritional needs of different types of livestock. These feeds are designed to provide the animals with a balanced diet that promotes their health and productivity.
Feed supplements: In addition to animal feed, We also offer feed supplements that are designed to boost the nutritional content of the animals' diets. These supplements can include protein concentrates, vitamin and mineral supplements, and other additives that can improve the animals' health and productivity.
Technical support: WE also offer technical support services to farmers. This can include advice on feeding practices, animal health, and other issues related to livestock farming. These services can help farmers make informed decisions about their livestock feeding practices and improve the overall health and productivity of their animals.
Farmer’s Day / Training: We offer training / Informations Day for farmers and farmworkers. These can cover topics such as animal nutrition, feeding practices, and livestock management, helping farmers to improve their knowledge and skills in these areas.
Overall, We play an important role in the Namibian livestock industry by providing farmers with the products and services they need to optimize the health and productivity of their animals. By mentoring closely our farmers, We can ensure that their animals receive the best possible care and nutrition, helping to ensure the long-term sustainability of their farms and the wider livestock industry in Namibia.
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Our products:
1. Otjikuryoma Mix: This product is specifically adapted to meet the needs of our eastern farmers who face the challenges posed by the poisonous plant known as Otjikuryoma or gifblaar. It contains several ingredients that neutralize the plant's toxins, reducing the risk of mortality after ingestion. However, the best approach is to avoid consuming the poisonous leaves altogether. We also offer chemical treatment options as an additional solution for every farmer.
2. Calf Mix: Developed during the severe drought of 2019, this feed has proven its effectiveness during dry months. Many of our farmers keep their calves near their homesteads or in the kraal, and this complete feed is safe for use with calves, small stocks, and bulls. It encourages rumen activity in calves due to an adequate supply of roughage.
3. Ozonuine Tjependa: This pelleted feed is safe for ruminant animals such as goats, sheep, and cattle at the homestead. The name "Ozonyune" refers to the pellet format and pays tribute to the popular game among our male customers. It is named after the minds who have mastered this true African game.
4. Easy Ecolek: This product is named after our brand ambassador and long-standing supporter, Ismael Tjikurame, who is widely known as Easy. It is the safest and most economical option for the dry season, suitable for both small and large stock.
5. Otjozondjupa Mix: Designed specifically for cattle in the Otjozondjupa and Omaheke Regions, where sandy soils require additional phosphorus supplementation during the dry season.
6. Kejata no ma Paha: This is my personal favourite during the dry season, as it promotes growth and production for both small and large stock in our area. It is particularly beneficial for raising twins (Omapaha) as they require extra milk from their mothers. The name is inspired by my beautiful twin daughters, Vaike and Franka, who gave me the idea for the name.
7. Taapu Afrondmix: A highly reliable veld finisher suitable for all animals at the homestead. While not registered for horses or pigs, they often outcompete cattle, sheep, and goats to reach the feeding troughs. The name is associated with Taapu Muniazu, who led a grass-cutting team during the severe drought of 2019, saving hundreds, if not thousands, of cattle, sheep, and goats from starvation by continuously delivering grass bales to our customers when grass was scarce throughout the country.