Namibia sold a total of 225 734 cattle in 2021, a 10% decline from the 250 441 in 2020, a position attributed to supply constraints in the industry, latest statistics from Agribank show.
According to the agriculture-focused bank, 14 390 cattle were marketed in January 2022 compared to 14 419 in December 2021, with the number of cattle slaughtered increasing by 24% to 6 090 during the period under review.
“There is a notable improvement in the number of slaughtered cattle, increasing by 24% to 6 090 in January 2022 from 4 897 in December 2021 backed by imports of livestock from Botswana. The livestock industry is expected to gradually improve in 2022 owing to better rangeland conditions coupled with continuation of the concession of live cattle exports from Botswana to boost local slaughtering.” Agribank said in its monthly market watch for February.
The total number of small stock sold (Sheep and Goats) stood at 21 572 in January 2022, a 50% decline from the 43 465 recorded in December 2021.
“Sheep marketing recorded the highest decline of 51% to 15,102 in January 2022 from 31 093 recorded in the prior month. The decline can be associated with the January breeding and restocking season. In this regard, abattoir performances have been adversely affected by the reduced sheep herd. Signs of recovery are evident in 2022 following herd building and better rainfall in most parts of the country,” read part of the report.
At the same time, barriers of market entry and high feed costs saw a total of 3 585 Pigs being marketed in January 2022, compared to 4 253 recorded in December last year.
“Pig marketing is expected to show stability in 2022, following an intervention scheme by Meat board to protect Namibian producers from an upsurge of cheap imports from foreign producers into the local market,” Agribank said, adding that it anticipates growth in the local production of horticulture crops this year, citing good rains received.
“There exists a positive sentiment for the crop industry in 2022 due to good seasonal rainfall covering most of the crop-growing regions. Rainfall is expected to increase crop yields and improve local food security. In addition, the grape industry is expected to maintain positive yields in 2022.
“Furthermore, an upward trajectory in the local production of horticulture crops is anticipated, given strategic efforts towards development of the local horticulture and agronomy industry. On the positive side, however, sufficient local supply of watermelons, beetroot and English cucumbers are expected over the period January to March 2022,” added the bank.
