Livestock industry in urgent need of growth

Namibia’s livestock farming sector, valued at N$6.3 billion, is in dire need of growth.According to Meatco’s 2023/2024 annual integrated report, growth starts at farm level but will only happen when it is profitable to producers.“Only conducive policies and a constructive regulatory environment, as well as a common vision for the Namibian red meat industry, will enable substantial growth to take place in the Namibian livestock farming industry.”Without Meatco’s involvement, the report notes, Namibia’s red meat industry will revert to being a commodity-driven industry, which will result in producers receiving much less for their cattle.The report states that Namibia’s cattle herd of 2.5 million represents less than 0.25% of the global herd, which totalled one billion in 2023.Of the estimated 2.5 million cattle in Namibia, half are located south of the veterinary cordon fence (SVCF).“Cattle produced within the SVCF area can be exported to international markets, supporting the government’s development aims and policies, while maximising returns to the producers, all while building and maintaining credible premium brand status for Namibian beef.The remaining half of Namibian cattle are located in the areas north of the veterinary cordon fence (NVCF).“Meatco’s role in the NVCF is to assist the government with stabilising the red meat industry, more specifically with the aim to provide assistance to NVCF farmers and the operators of those abattoirs,” the report states.Focus on premium It further notes that global beef production was estimated at 361 million tonnes in 2023, compared to the 29 120 tonnes of meat processed by Meatco in 2023/2024.“Due to Namibia’s nominal share of global beef production, it is imperative for Meatco to focus on selected niche and premium markets for its high-quality products,” the report says. Although agriculture – excluding the fishing sector – has contributed just under 4% to Namibia’s GDP over the past five years, it remains one of the country's most important sectors, as the majority of the population depends on it, directly or indirectly, for their livelihoods.The report notes that livestock farming contributes approximately two-thirds of Namibia’s annual agricultural production, with crop farming and forestry making up the remaining one-third. This once again excludes the fishing sector.Meat processing, which the government accounts for under manufacturing, contributes another 0.2% to 0.4% to the Namibian GDP.“The value of manufactured exports increased in 2023, mainly due to increased earnings from processed fish and meat, increasing by 31.5% to N$2.1 billion due to increased volumes exported," the report outlines.

Livestock industry in urgent need of growth

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Republikein 2025-04-09

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Livestock industry in urgent need of growth

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