Namibia must jealously guard its disease-free livestock zones to protect the country’s agricultural economy.

This is the view of the Deputy Executive Director of the Ministry of  Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Land Reform (MAFWLR) Kingsley Kwenani.

Speaking at an event, organised by a local commercial bank, Kwenani said conservation agriculture must remain at the center of national priorities, cautioning that a Foot and Mouth Disease – FMD outbreak in the country’s free zone would have devastating consequences.

“We did very well in containing the FMD in the northern communal areas. The free zone is not ready for FMD. Therefore, it requires that we hold hands, and ensure that we contain it. We prevent the FMD from coming into this country because if it does, it means immediately it’s even worse than drought.  Immediately the markets that we enjoy in the European community, it’s gone. The moment is one is case identified in ||Kharas. We have one free zone that is running from ||Kharas all the way up until Moruwane and Oshivelo.”

Currently, 72% of Namibia’s population depends on agriculture for their livelihoods. Kwenani noted that the Northern Communal Areas (NCA) continue to face challenges in containing FMD, but praised past efforts that successfully curbed the disease.
Bank Windhoek’s Managing Director, James Chapman said the bank remains a committed partner in the agricultural ecosystem.

” In line with our sustainability journey, Bank Windhoek’s sustainability loan continues to support projects that promote financial stewardship, environmental stewardship and long-term value creation. A significant portion of our sustainability loan portfolio is dedicated to the renewable and sustainable agricultural sector that empowers farmers to adapt climate smart practices, renewable energy solutions and water-efficient systems that safeguard our natural resources, specifically water, for example, that is so dear to us.” remarked Chapman. 

This year’s forum, held under the theme “Understanding Genetic Diversity in Agriculture,” focused on improving resilience, productivity, and sustainability in the face of climate change and evolving market demands.