Kavango West vaccinated more than 350,000 cattle against major livestock diseases during the reporting period as part of government efforts to protect livestock assets and support rural livelihoods.
Speaking during the 2026 State of the Region Address in Nkurenkuru, Governor Verna Sinimbo said livestock development remains one of the region’s most important economic activities.
“These interventions contribute significantly towards protecting livestock assets, improving animal productivity, as well as safeguarding household income,” she said.
The Directorate of Veterinary Services (DVS) vaccinated 100,226 cattle against foot-and-mouth disease, 158,181 against contagious bovine pleuropneumonia (CBPP), and 100,662 against lumpy skin disease.
In addition, 9,772 pets were vaccinated against rabies, underscoring the region’s broader animal health strategy.
Ten livestock auctions were also held during the period, providing market access and income-generating opportunities for farmers.
“Livestock auctions continue to provide important market opportunities for farmers and contribute to local economic activity,” Sinimbo said.
Furthermore, 5,278 farmers were reached through livestock health awareness campaigns and extension services, ensuring producers had access to veterinary support and technical guidance.
The governor acknowledged challenges such as ageing crash pens, inadequate veterinary infrastructure and recurring disease outbreaks, but said the region continues to advocate for increased investment in animal health and marketing facilities.
Agriculture also remained central to household food security, with 2,850 hectares ploughed under government support programmes, benefiting 2,345 farmers, including 1,407 women.
To strengthen seed availability, 65 seed growers were registered under the Namibia Agricultural Mechanisation and Seed Improvement Programme (NAMSIP).
Government further invested N$800,000 in horticulture and N$175,000 in poultry production to diversify agricultural output and improve nutrition.
“More than 2,850 farmers received training in climate-smart agriculture, crop production, livestock management and conservation practices,” Sinimbo said.
Mechanisation continued to improve agricultural productivity, with a fleet of 50 tractors, 12 hand tractors and six hammer mills deployed across agricultural development centres.
Construction of the DAPEES regional office and staff house in Nkurenkuru is nearing completion and is expected to strengthen agricultural support services in the region. The project also created employment opportunities for 36 operators during the reporting period.
Beyond agriculture, rural empowerment programmes engaged 239 community members in projects including road clearing, sports field development and water pipeline extensions, with 126 youth participating.
Sinimbo said low-cost housing development also progressed under the Build Together Programme, with nine of the 25 planned housing units completed.
