Namibia beef industry faces N$2.4 billion FMD loss
The foot-and-mouth disease outbreak threatens export access and processing investments, impacting jobs and households.
Namibia's foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) outbreak could cost the livestock industry an estimated N$2.4 billion over six months. The Namibia Agricultural Union (NAU) estimates the outbreak is costing the agricultural value chain approximately N$13 million daily, or nearly N$400 million monthly. This disruption affects cattle farms, processing plants, transport operators, and financial institutions.
NAU president Thinus Pretorius stated that the economic consequences extend beyond livestock producers, warning that prolonged market closures threaten jobs and households. The NAU's six-month assessment includes N$1.382 billion in primary production expenses and debt repayments, N$378 million in abattoir fixed costs, and N$331 million in reduced export slaughtering.
Further estimated losses include N$81 million in auction commissions and N$114 million in livestock transport revenue. For commercial producers south of the Veterinary Cordon Fence, N$230 million monthly is needed for operating expenses and debt repayments. The outbreak also threatens Namibia's reputation for meeting international meat safety standards and its access to the European Union market.
Why it mattersThe FMD outbreak is costing Namibia's agricultural sector N$2.4 billion over six months, affecting jobs and households.