Namibia Urged to Scale Up Livestock Production for Export Markets

Strategic Insights -

Agriculture Minister Inge Zaamwani has emphasized the importance of consistent supply to match Namibia's new market access in China for goat and sheep meat exports. The country has secured market access through a recent Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with China, granting producers access to a market of over 1.4 billion consumers. The ministry has distributed 15,580 ewes and 779 rams to 779 farmers across Namibia and plans to procure an additional 840 goats to benefit 40 farmers in the Otjozondjupa and Omaheke regions.

Key Takeaways:

  • Namibia has secured market access in China for goat and sheep meat exports through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed in May this year.
  • The MoU grants Namibian producers access to a market of over 1.4 billion consumers.
  • Agriculture Minister Inge Zaamwani urged farmers to scale up their livestock production to meet export demands, particularly from China.
  • MAWFLR has distributed 15,580 ewes and 779 rams to 779 farmers across Namibia under its production stock improvement programme.
  • The ministry plans to procure an additional 840 goats to benefit 40 farmers in the Otjozondjupa and Omaheke regions.
  • The prolonged impact of drought conditions and growing demand among communal and emerging farmers for sustainable livestock production emphasize the need for continued partnerships to support the government's efforts.
  • Zaamwani encouraged farmers to build sustainable livelihoods through the animals provided and to sell excess animals in the market to contribute to food security.

Statistics:

  • 1.4 billion: number of consumers in the Chinese market accessible to Namibian producers through the MoU.
  • 15,580: number of ewes distributed by MAWFLR to farmers across Namibia.
  • 779: number of rams distributed by MAWFLR to farmers across Namibia.
  • 779: number of farmers benefited by the distribution of ewes and rams.
  • 840: number of additional goats planned to be procured by the ministry to benefit 40 farmers.
  • 40: number of farmers to benefit from the additional goats in the Otjozondjupa and Omaheke regions.

Sources:

  • NAMPA
  • MAWFLR (Ministry of Agriculture, Water, Fisheries and Land Reform)