Namibia’s four recognised farmers’ unions have launched a joint campaign to raise N$50 million to strengthen the country’s preparedness and response to Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD).
The initiative, launched earlier this year by Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Land Reform Inge Zaamwani, is intended to complement government funding and the work of the Directorate of Veterinary Services in preventing and responding to FMD outbreaks.
Speaking at the launch, Namibia National Farmers Union (NNFU) representative Adolf Muremi said the fund will finance projects focused on disease preparedness, prevention, awareness, communication and emergency response in line with Namibia’s national FMD strategy.
More than N$12 million has already been pledged by farmers’ unions, agribusinesses, financial institutions and industry partners, with organisers targeting N$50 million.
“The fund has an independent board of directors, operates independent bank accounts, is independently audited and maintains clear reporting and accountability mechanisms, supporting projects aligned with national priorities and approved planning processes,” Muremi said.
“The response from the private sector has already been extremely encouraging. More than N$12 million has been pledged, and the aim is to raise N$50 million to support government FMD prevention and preparedness efforts.”
Namibia Emerging Commercial Farmers Union (NECFU) representative Ndahafa Nghifindaka said the country’s four recognised farmers’ unions had united behind a common cause to protect Namibia’s livestock industry.
“Foot-and-Mouth Disease does not distinguish between communal and commercial farmers, regions or production systems. When animal disease threatens Namibia’s livestock sector, it threatens all of us,” she said.
Nghifindaka warned that an outbreak in Namibia’s disease-free zone could have severe consequences for livestock producers, export markets and the wider economy.
“The response demonstrates that stakeholders recognise the seriousness of the FMD threat and are willing to invest in prevention rather than bear the far greater cost of a future outbreak,” she said.
Namibia Agricultural Union (NAU) representative Thinus Pretorius said protecting the national herd requires close cooperation between government, veterinary authorities, organised agriculture, the private sector and livestock producers.
As part of the campaign, farmers are also being encouraged to strengthen on-farm biosecurity, comply with animal identification and movement regulations, and immediately report suspected cases of Foot-and-Mouth Disease.
