Namibia’s agricultural sector is facing a growing crisis, one that threatens not only the livelihoods of our farmers, but also the integrity of our food safety standards.

At the heart of this issue is the unchecked influx of farm products from Angola, which is wreaking havoc on local markets and raising serious concerns about consumer health.

Namibian farmers, especially those in the northern regions, are being squeezed out of their markets. 

We are required to comply with the stringent good agricultural practices (Nam GAP), a set of standards designed to ensure that our produce is safe, traceable and of the highest quality. 

This process involves regular inspections, and a commitment to maintaining the highest levels of agricultural integrity. 

In contrast, the farm products entering Namibia from Angola do so without the same level of scrutiny, and the consequences are beginning to show.

The Namibian Agronomic Board (NAB) has been effective in managing the flow of agricultural goods at our southern borders, ensuring that imports and exports meet strict regulatory standards. But this diligence does not extend to our northern borders. 

The Oshikango and Omahenene border posts, in particular, have become gateways for unregulated Angolan produce that is flooding our markets, especially in towns like Oshakati, Ondangwa and Oshikango.

This is not just an economic issue, but a matter of fairness and safety. 

Namibian farmers are playing by the rules, investing time and resources to meet Nam GAP standards – only to be undercut by Angolan imports that are sold at prices we simply cannot compete with. 

Take tomatoes, for example. During July and August, Angolan tomatoes were being sold at an astonishingly low N$90 per crate, while our farmers struggled to move their stock at a sustainable price. 

This is not only driving local farmers out of business, but also flooding our markets with produce of questionable quality.

One has to ask, why is the  (NAB) not applying the same rigorous checks and controls at the northern borders as it does at the southern ones? 

The current disparity is glaring and unjustifiable. 

By allowing these unregulated products to enter the country unchecked, the NAB is not only undermining the efforts of local farmers, but also potentially compromising the health of Namibian consumers.

Let us not forget why Nam GAP was established in the first place: to protect consumers by ensuring that the food on their tables is safe and traceable. 

If we are serious about maintaining these standards, then all products must enter Namibia, regardless of their origin, and be held to the same stringent requirements.

NAB must act now to enforce uniform regulations across all borders. 

Failure to do so will only exacerbate the struggles of our farmers, and could lead to a food safety crisis. 

Namibians deserve better. 

We deserve a level playing field for our farmers, and the assurance that the food we consume meets the highest standards of safety and quality.

It is time for the NAB to prioritise the interests of local farmers, and the well-being of Namibian consumers. 

The unchecked importation of Angolan farm products must be addressed immediately. 

Our agricultural sector and the very health of our nation depend on it.

*Goodwill Domingues is an author, entrepreneur and marketing specialist.