WINDHOEK – Namibia has proved itself as one of the torch-bearers for animal health in Africa.
Once again, it is now a leader of the pack going into the new year in the reinforcing of veterinary governance to improve animal health strategies and legislation, as well as institutional capacity for livestock policy formulation.Last year, Namibia’s Directorate of Veterinary services (DVS), proved its worth by negotiating fiercely with South Africa for unique and relaxed veterinary requirements regarding livestock exports to South Africa. In October, the DVS also announced it has halted the latest outbreak of Foot and Mouth Disease in the Zambezi region. Reinforcing veterinary governance is part of a wider project by the African Union (AU) to reinforce veterinary governance in Africa, at both national and regional levels to provide effective and efficient animal health services across the continent. In Namibia the project is being spearheaded by the Directorate of Veterinary Services (DVS) under the auspices of the Ministry of Agriculture, Water and Forestry (MAWF). Namibia’s DVS received high praise from the International Animal Health Organisation in its annual report last year.
Selma Shipanga, Corporate Communications Officer of Meatco, says it is not only our country that faces challenges when it comes to the control of veterinary services, but the continent as a whole. To improve control, the AU has sourced funding to make both financial and human resources available. Vehaka Tjimune, Meatco’s Executive for Policy Innovation, Stakeholder Relations and Corporate Affairs, says the project has come at a time where policy debates and dialogue are becoming critical. He adds that the Namibian agricultural industry has always hoped that a platform would be created where issues relating to the industry could be addressed, be it at policy or governance level.
“At least now, through this programme, a platform will be created where we can discuss issues, be it at a service, governance or policy-making level within the DVS and that is of interest to the industry,” he says.
Improving the governance of veterinary services in Namibia means that the agricultural industry will be able to point out to the DVS any possible implications of potential decisions it will take in future, thanks to constant interaction. “This does not mean the DVS won’t go ahead and take policy decisions they think are best for the country. Essentially it means that such decisions will be explained to the industry first, so that businesses like Meatco that operate in the industry, can align their commercial interests with such a decision,” he says.
Meatco operations are entirely dependent on the services rendered by the DVS since it is the authority that ensures that what we produce is in accordance with export requirements and conforms to all standards.
According to Vehaka, the DVS’s capacity to render services to food business operators has a direct impact on Meatco’s business, and that is why it is of interest to them that veterinary services are delivered as efficiently and as cost effectively as possible. “The question is, how effectively are veterinary services governed to provide those services to the industry and its operators? It is in this context that we value this programme. We appreciate that our own DVS saw the need to participate in the programme and that is why a senior staff member, Dr Baby Kaurivi, has been assigned to it,” says Vehaka.
The programme will focus on institutional capacity for the implementation of policies and better enforcement of regulations. It will also improve decision-making by fostering debate and interaction amongst stakeholders. It will further support evidence-based advocacy for increased investment in livestock. In addition to that, it will improve access to global understanding with regards to animal agriculture and the environment.
By Deon Schlechter