A history of the National Agricultural Marketing Board(NAMBOARD)

This study reconstructs the history of the National Agricultural Marketing Board (Namboard)
in promoting food security during its operation years from 1969 to 1989. It does this by
analysing why it was important and necessary to have a good marketing system in attaining
food security. The study further brings out the contributions and impact that Namboard had
on the farming community and the nation at large in promoting food security as well as the
challenges that this organisation encountered in its quest of promoting food security.
The study showed that the state had always intervened and played an active role in the
provision of markets for certain crops especially maize, it being the staple food of the
country. The state intervened for the purpose of promoting food security and that a good
agricultural marketing system enhanced food security. A good marketing system ensured
greater participation in the market economy especially by the small scale farmers. The study
also revealed that Namboard enhanced food security through its nationwide marketing
functions and that the guaranteed market encouraged farmers to take part in market
agriculture. The study further revealed that Namboard extended its duties beyond providing a
guaranteed market and ensured that the country was adequately supplied from internal
production and through importation when necessary. However, Namboard encountered
numerous challenges in the efficient execution of its duties, these being internal and external.
The increasing interference of government constrained management of the ability to work
efficiently. Further, the limited resource allocation as well as transport problems made
efficient operations very difficult. Namboard also lacked the stimulus to efficiency. This was
because monopoly pushed inefficiency, laziness, carelessness and too often nepotism and
corruption. These led to the Board being ineffective and being labelled as a failure.