Lahja Nashuuta
The much-anticipated cattle exhibition, regarded as the main attraction of the annual Omaludi Agricultural Festival in Okongo, did not take place this year following the reported sighting of a roaming buffalo in parts of northern Namibia.
President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah on Wednesday confirmed that the cancellation of livestock activities was a precautionary measure aimed at preventing the possible spread of foot-and-mouth disease.
Addressing festival-goers during the official opening of the event, Nandi-Ndaitwah said although it was disappointing that the festival could not be celebrated in its full form, public safety and animal health had to come first.
“It is unfortunate that this year the Omaludi Agricultural Festival could not be celebrated in full due to the fact that a buffalo sighted in the area has not yet been found to determine its health status,” she said.
She added that “Therefore, animals are not allowed to move within this area of Okongo because it may pose a danger and increase the risk of spreading foot-and-mouth disease”.
Last week, the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Land Reform announced livestock movement restrictions following the reported sighting of an African buffalo in parts of the Ohangwena and Kavango West regions.
The restrictions affected the transportation and exhibition of cattle, forcing organisers to cancel the livestock and cattle show section of the festival, which is traditionally considered the highlight of the annual event.
Before the cancellation, the Okongo Village Council had assured residents and visitors that the Omaludi Festival would proceed under the guidance of the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Land Reform and in compliance with veterinary, animal health, and public safety regulations.
However, despite the preparations, organisers were ultimately forced to suspend all cattle-related activities as the ministry could not manage to hunt down the wild animals.
President Nandi-Ndaitwah encouraged the community not to lose hope, promising that next year’s festival would return stronger and bigger.
“The fact that this year we have not seen the cattle show, which is the highlight of this festival, should not discourage us,” she said.
“Next year, it will be a show of a lifetime that you must not miss.”
She extended an open invitation to Namibians and visitors from outside the region to attend the 2027 Omaludi Agricultural Festival in Okongo.
The President also revealed that land has already been secured for the development of a new Omaludi Agricultural Festival Centre, a project expected to transform the festival into a major national and international attraction. “I am informed that land has been secured for the development of a new Omaludi Agricultural Festival Centre,” she said.
“Once completed, the facility has the potential to elevate the festival into a world-class event capable of attracting increased investment, tourism, and international participation.”
Nandi-Ndaitwah further called on sponsors, investors, development partners, and the business community to continue supporting the initiative, saying agriculture remains one of the key sectors capable of driving economic growth and rural development in Namibia.
She also encouraged young people to actively participate in agricultural festivals and youth empowerment programmes.
“Your energy, creativity, and aspirations remain critical to Namibia’s future,” she told the youth. “Take advantage of the opportunities presented here to learn, network, innovate, and prepare yourselves to become active participants in the economy of tomorrow.”
While celebrating Namibia’s rich agricultural traditions and communal farming systems, she stressed the need to modernise the agricultural sector by improving access to infrastructure, technology, financing, veterinary services, and markets.
“We must empower our farmers with the tools, infrastructure, technology, financing, veterinary support, and market access necessary to transition from subsistence farming towards commercially sustainable agriculture,” she said.
Nandi-Ndaitwah noted that agriculture has historically played a major role in the development of many successful economies around the world and said Namibia should not be an exception.
“That is why I have decided to become a regular visitor to our green schemes while continuing to encourage our people to invest in agriculture, including agro-processing,” she added.
Despite the disappointment caused by the cancellation of the cattle exhibition, the festival continued with cultural performances, exhibitions, entertainment, and business showcases.
lnashuuta@nepc.com.com