foot-and-mouth disease threatens N$2.4 billion livestock value
Namibia Agricultural Union estimates daily losses of N$13 million due to ongoing marketing disruptions.
Namibia's livestock industry faces potential losses of N$2.4 billion over six months due to foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) disrupting marketing, according to the Namibia Agricultural Union (NAU). The projected losses include N$1.382 billion in primary production expenses and debt repayments, N$378 million in abattoir fixed costs, and N$331 million from reduced export slaughtering.
Leigh-Ann Nehoya, an Agricultural Economist with the NAU, stated that the disruption could lead to daily losses of N$13 million across the livestock value chain. This situation highlights the economic significance of livestock farming, which supports farmers, workers, suppliers, transport operators, auctioneers, and abattoirs, putting pressure on businesses and household incomes.
The NAU estimates that livestock producers south of the Veterinary Cordon Fence require approximately N$230 million monthly for operating expenses and debt repayments. These ongoing financial obligations continue despite the inability to market animals, with projected six-month losses including N$81 million in foregone auction commission revenue and N$114 million in lost transport revenue.
Why it mattersNamibian farmers and businesses face significant financial losses due to foot-and-mouth disease disrupting livestock marketing.