International Journal of Agriculture Extension and Social Development

author(s)
Martin Angula, Cecilie N Jona and Rinomambo Maombokere

abstract
The Namibian table grape industry, a burgeoning sector within the agricultural economy, is recognized for its rapid growth and substantial contribution to employment and foreign exchange earnings. Despite its upward trajectory, the industry's global competitive landscape has remained underexplored, marking a significant research gap. This paper aims to dissect the competitive dynamics of the Namibian grape industry, offering insights into its global standing and potential for growth. Employing a mixed-method approach, the study employed the normalized revealed comparative advantage (NRCA) methodology to analyse trade data from the International Trade Centre database from 2003 to 2022, coupled with insights from a comprehensive survey of industry executives based on Porter's Diamond Model. Research reveals that while Namibia holds a competitive position in the global grape market, it trails behind leading producers such as Chile, Peru, and South Africa, largely due to the nascent stage of its industry. A key finding is the industry's competitive advantage stemming from favorable climatic conditions that facilitate early grape ripening, access to top-tier infrastructure, and entry into lucrative markets. However, the high costs of establishing and maintaining essential vineyard infrastructure are significant barriers. The study's pivotal takeaway is the industry's untapped potential, contingent upon strategic interventions in local capacity building, market diversification, and enhanced industry collaboration. These findings underscore the imperative for targeted strategies to bolster the global competitiveness of Namibia's table grape industry, thereby fostering economic growth and sustainable development.