…as livestock sales weaken
Namibia’s small stock marketed to export-approved abattoirs and butchers plunged 88.5% year-on-year in August 2026, with just 901 animals marketed during the month, as the country’s overall livestock marketing activity weakened.
The Namibia Statistics Agency (NSA) said the small stock index also fell 85.2% month-on-month, extending the downturn recorded in July, when it declined by 51% monthly and 41.6% annually.
Of the 901 small stock animals marketed to export-approved abattoirs and butchers in August, 870 originated south of the Veterinary Cordon Fence and 31 came from north of the fence.
The sharp decline in small stock slaughter marketing came as Namibia’s overall livestock marketed composite index fell 12.8% month-on-month in August, although it remained 27.9% higher than a year earlier.
A total of 92,921 livestock were marketed during the month, down from 115,039 in July but above the 69,783 animals recorded in August 2025.
Live small stock exports also declined on a monthly basis, falling 20.4% from July. However, the index was 58.6% higher year-on-year.
The NSA recorded 58,191 live small stock exports in August, compared with 73,085 in July and 36,700 in August 2025.
Sheep accounted for 80.3% of the live small stock exported during the month, with goats making up the remaining 19.7%.
Cattle marketed to export-approved abattoirs and butchers also declined, falling 17.9% month-on-month to 14,848 animals from 18,093 in July.
Despite the monthly contraction, cattle marketing to abattoirs and butchers was 16.2% higher year-on-year, compared with 12,773 animals marketed in August 2025.
Live cattle exports moved in the opposite direction, rising 11.8% month-on-month and 77.5% year-on-year.
A total of 14,541 cattle were exported on the hoof during August, up from 13,008 in July and 8,190 in the corresponding month last year.
Pig slaughtering also weakened during the month, with the index declining 7% following a 1.1% decrease in July.
The NSA recorded 4,440 pigs slaughtered locally in August, down from 4,773 in July but 4% higher than the 4,268 recorded a year earlier.
