Home / Business and Economy / Namibia Faces N$1.5 Billion FMD Funding Gap
Namibia Faces N$1.5 Billion FMD Funding Gap
11 Feb
Summary
- Namibia needs N$1.5 billion for FMD protection, far exceeding allocated funds.
- Foot-and-mouth disease in South Africa threatens Namibia's economy.
- Eight South African provinces battle FMD, causing meat price hikes.
Namibia faces a substantial funding shortfall in its efforts to protect its livestock industry from a foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) outbreak in South Africa. The nation estimates it needs N$1.5 billion for adequate protection, significantly more than the N$57 million already allocated. This financial gap presents a serious challenge to securing the country's crucial agricultural sector.
The Ministry of Agriculture stated the allocated funds will bolster border patrols, enhance surveillance, and establish disease-control zones. Preserving FMD-free status is paramount for Namibia's economy, where livestock farming contributes approximately two-thirds of its agricultural output. Beef exports are a significant component of the country's outbound shipments.
Meanwhile, South Africa, the continent's largest beef producer, is contending with FMD in eight of its nine provinces. This has led to vaccine shortages and the uncontrolled movement of animals. The resulting supply squeeze from canceled auctions and livestock transport restrictions has pushed meat-price growth to an eight-year high. The proximity of these outbreaks, with one case reported in Kuruman, approximately 400 kilometers from Namibia's southern border, elevates the threat.
Furthermore, Botswana, bordering Namibia to the east, has also reported an FMD outbreak in a previously FMD-free zone. The escalating situation in neighboring countries highlights a persistent and escalating threat to Namibia due to shared borders, cross-border livestock movements, and regional trade dynamics.
