Agriculture

The Namibian pig farming industry has since May last year remained on tenterhooks, with the sector having recently recorded a slight decrease of 0.34% in May this year, after local abattoirs slaughtered a combined 4 383 pigs.  The 0.34% decline in slaughtering capacity observed in May this year marks a year-on-year decrease when compared to...

Despite Namibia having recorded high rainfall, farmers in areas susceptible to prolonged dry spells, particularly in the Kunene region, are being prepared to implement water and grazing strategies in anticipation of drought. This season, Namibia received beneficial rain which led to increased dam levels, improved vegetation, bringing relief to farmers.  However, in regions like Kunene,...

Auleria Wakudumo  Farmers are advised to take proactive measures to safeguard the health and productivity of their livestock and crops during winter.  Chief veterinarian of the Ohangwena region Dr Magano Kefas said this period coincides with the lambing and kidding season, making it a critical time for small stock farmers.  “Farmers can ensure that their...

The transition from the warm summer months to the cold winter months poses challenges for many poultry farmers in Namibia.  Between May and September, farmers often encounter various health issues among their flocks. To reduce the risk of poultry deaths, farmers need to be aware that the change in weather conditions has a direct impact...

GROOTFONTEIN- A communal farmer from the Otjituuo settlement recently suffered a huge setback when his well-fattened cow died from stress at the Grootfontein auction pens, leaving gutted and utterly devastated  Farmer Cufas Tjipurua woke up at 04h00 and made the long winding journey to the Grootfontein auction with his beefed cow and two calves in...

With the commencement of the winter season, small stock (goats and sheep) farmers have a big task at hand of ensuring that this lambing (sheep birth) and kidding (goat birth) season progresses well in order to potentially achieve their production targets.  Generally, animals’ breeding activities take place during seasons or times most favourable to their...

The annual training session for members of the Omkhaisenra Taradi Group, a group of progressive and well-organised female farmers, was recently held at Farm /Aoxas in the Hardap region, where knowledge, skills and modern farming techniques were exchanged.  Established three years ago, the women farmers’ group caters for female farmers from all over Namibia.  The...

The Namibian Poultry Producers’ Association (PPA) revealed that the Namibian poultry industry’s production value reached N$1.74 billion in 2024. This represents an approximate 13% increase from the N$1.5 billion recorded in 2023. The sector now stands as the second-largest contributor to Namibia’s agricultural production, trailing only the cattle industry, which recorded an estimated N$3.2 billion...

Namibia is exploring strategic ways how to create stable, sustainable and self-reliant rice production value chains, which will help curb the country’s high import bill and bolster food security in the long run.  The country heavily relies on rice imports, as domestic production remains extremely low to negligible. Currently, rice cultivation takes place at Kalimbeza...

Rangeland is defined as an area of land with natural forage materials used by livestock and wild animals.  Its productivity depends on rainfall and utilisation.  Rangeland plants require favourable environmental conditions and protection for their establishment, distribution and resilience in agro-ecosystems or on livestock farming lands.  In particular, the most important attributes to consider about...