Namibian beef industry requires substantial investment to boost production

NAMIBIA – Research done by economic analysts, High Economic Intelligence, has unfolded the need for the Namibian beef industry to invest in new infrastructure such as feedlots, equipment and drought-restocking schemes to boost productivity in the sector.

According to the study, since beef production is the backbone of Namibia’s agricultural sector contributing to about 70% of the country’s agricultural GDP, it is important to provide incentives to small-scale beef processors to support their operations.

“Modernizing farming practices and encouraging the adoption of modern agricultural techniques to increase productivity and produce higher-quality beef, investment in research and development to promote advancements in cattle genetics, nutrition, and health, are also highly recommended,” the analysts noted in a report.

The analysts also found that effective national and transboundary vaccination programmes and disease control measures are needed to safeguard the health of the cattle population.

In addition, Economist Turimuye Uandara said the application of the practices would help develop more productive and disease-resistant cattle breeds and better feeding strategies and foster collaboration among industry stakeholders.

“This will also encourage knowledge sharing, technology transfer, and the exchange of best practices for continuous improvement and innovation within the beef industry,” she added.

According to HEI researchers, the agriculture sector contributes significantly to the country’s gross domestic product (GDP).

Over the past nine years, the sector contributed an average of 4.8% to the GDP, with the livestock farming subsector contributing about 2.9% on average.

During the third quarter of 2022, Namibia exported meat and meat products valued at N$420.7 million, of which beef accounted for 40.5% of these exports, said HEI.

Namibia bans poultry imports from Denmark, Netherlands

Meanwhile, Namibia has suspended imports of live poultry, birds, and poultry products from Denmark and the Netherlands following the outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza in the two European countries.

According to Namibia’s veterinary services directorate, the suspension will affect poultry products packaged in Denmark on or after June 28 and poultry products from the Netherlands packaged on or after July 11.

He added that consignments of affected poultry products will be sent back to their country of origin or destroyed at the importer’s cost, noting that cooked poultry meat products for commercial purposes may still be imported under a veterinary permit.

The southern African nation consumes an estimated 2,500 tons of chicken every month, relying on imports mainly from neighboring South Africa, to meet demand.

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