Livestock, as a source of sustainable livelihood and alternative source of food, have remained an integral part of Namibia’s socio-economic fabric for decades. 

The sustained rise in per capita income and emerging new middle and high-income groups, particularly here in Namibia, are causing significant changes in food consumption patterns and creating heightened demand for livestock products. 

Looking at all indicators within the country’s agricultural sector, demand for animal food products will double in the next few years.

That demand will come with immense opportunities for local producers.  While the projected opportunities that will come with the demand for livestock products and by-products look promising for our local farmers, there are challenges that need to be addressed for farmers to enjoy the long-term benefits. 

One such challenge is the persistent scarcity of animal feed within Namibia’s production value chains, particularly the shortage of fodder in crucial times for farmers.

In Namibia, which is heavily- dependent on South Africa for much of its feed and fodder supply, the scarcity of fodder remains one of the biggest hindrances for sustainable livestock development. It continues to have a direct bearing on the income and livelihood of the country’s livestock farmers.  For most Namibian farmers who are already ravaged by the protracted drought, the scarcity of fodder and related concentrates seriously affects the potential of livestock production.

It causes enormous losses in terms of depletion of livestock.

While South Africa has for decades remained one of Namibia’s most reliable partners in terms of quality fodder supply, there is a growing and pressing need for Namibia to create its own fodder production systems and reliable market which is sustainable, secure and accessible to all farmers. 

This is not just a fodder scarcity and production question, but it deals with the country’s food security situation and long-term self-sufficiency. 

South Africa’s agricultural sector, just like in any other country, has its own internal politics.

The sector has in recent times faced challenges of foot-and-mouth disease outbreaks in most of that country’s provinces.  The rampant outbreaks, particularly in commercial and communal farming areas in South Africa’s Free State, KwaZulu-Natal, Limpopo, North West and Gauteng provinces, have made it very difficult for Namibia to import much-needed fodder from its southern neighbour. 

The recurring crisis in South Africa should serve as a wake-up call and opportunity for our local producers to explore the opportunities of fodder production.  Government must be ready and willing to assist farmers who want to venture into fodder production.

The State must equally be ready to craft policies that will help create a secure and sustainable fodder market.

If it is an issue of expertise, let’s connect and rope in the needed expertise and technical know-how from our various partners.

Namibia is a drought-prone country.  The need for affordable and accessible fodder will always exist for as long as Namibians are farming with livestock. That means there is an existing market opportunity for local fodder production. 

Although the ministry of agriculture has over the years invested in hydroponic fodder production plants at various green schemes countrywide, they remain dormant.

 No viable production has taken place there yet. Generally, State-owned green schemes in Namibia were set up with the primary objective of increasing agricultural production, as well as to promote and diversify agricultural production for domestic and export markets. Until then…