Staff Writer
Stakeholders have launched the national foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) task force and the FMD support fund to protect Namibia’s livestock sector, rural livelihoods and export earnings.
The new mechanisms bring together government, farmers, unions and the private sector in a coordinated effort to prevent and respond to outbreaks. The livestock industry is valued at about N$15 billion and supports thousands of jobs across the value chain.
Foot-and-mouth disease is one of the most contagious livestock diseases in the world. In Namibia, a single confirmed case in the FMD-free zone can shut down all beef and livestock exports.
With outbreaks reported in neighbouring countries and illegal cross-border livestock movements increasing, the risk has grown.
The minister of agriculture, fisheries, water and land reform, Inge Zaamwani, said the launch signals a united national response.
“We are gathered here to witness the launch of two strategic initiatives aimed at enhancing our collective efforts to protect our livestock sector and the livelihoods of our farmers, safeguarding our nation’s animal health status, securing income, and sustaining Namibia’s access to high-value international markets.”
The FMD Support Fund will finance targeted vaccination, border biosecurity, surveillance systems, emergency response measures and farmer awareness programmes.
The chief executive officer for commercial at FNB Namibia, Philip Chapman, announced an initial N$2 million contribution from FNB Namibia through the FirstRand Namibia Foundation.
“Foot-and-mouth disease is not just an animal health issue. It is an economic issue. A food security issue. A livelihood issue,” Chapman said.
He described the fund as a new phase of joint preparedness. “The FMD Support Fund represents a new chapter in the way we work together as a nation, strengthening awareness, prevention, surveillance, and response preparedness.”
Dr Ingrid Henckert Weissnar, Project Manager of the FMD Support Fund, warned that the economic impact of an outbreak would be immediate.
“A single case of FMD in our FMD-free zone could shut down all exports overnight, triggering an economic shock as severe as the Covid-19 lockdown.”
Leaders at the launch said protecting Namibia’s livestock sector requires cooperation across all sectors.
“Together, we can protect our livestock sector. Together, we can secure livelihoods. And together, we can build a stronger, safer, and resilient Namibia,” Chapman said.
