Governor warns of wider economic impact of FMD outbreak

The Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) outbreak in the ǁKharas Region is a matter of national concern, extending beyond veterinary health, threatening farmers’ livelihoods, employment, trade and economic stability, ǁKharas governor Dawid Gertze has said.

Speaking at the official opening of the Keetmanshoop Agricultural, Industrial and Tourism Expo (KAITE), Gertze said the outbreak posed a serious threat to Namibia’s livestock sector and the communities that depend on it. “We must confront the difficult circumstances facing our livestock sector as a result of the current FMD situation. It is a threat to our livelihoods, commercial activity, employment and the confidence upon which our livestock industry depends. For Namibian farmers, livestock represents years of investment, a source of household income and an asset intended to sustain families across generations,” he said.

Dependant - Gertze said animal disease outbreaks could disrupt trade and restrict market access because importing countries needed to protect their own animal populations and comply with animal health requirements. “For Namibia, whose livestock and meat industries depend on market confidence, the implications are particularly significant. When our livestock sector is placed under pressure, the consequences are felt not only by farmers but throughout the economy and across communities whose livelihoods depend on agriculture. “We must therefore approach the challenge presented by FMD with urgency, discipline and a clear understanding of what is at stake,” he said.

Alternatives - Gertze said the government was exploring alternative trading partners and opportunities to diversify markets for Namibian livestock and meat products. “This is an important part of reducing the pressure on farmers and strengthening the resilience of our agricultural economy. Our objective is to identify commercially viable opportunities, expand our trading relationships and create additional avenues through which Namibian producers can reach domestic and international markets,” he said.

However, he cautioned that alternative markets could not simply be declared open. “They require commercial engagement, compliance with importing countries’ requirements and confidence in our animal health controls. “We remain hopeful that the circumstances will improve as effective control measures are implemented and opportunities for trade are developed. We cannot responsibly promise an immediate resolution or specify when every affected market will reopen,” Gertze said.

Gertze also said the government recognised the uncertainty and financial difficulties facing farmers and agricultural businesses. “We understand that livestock is not simply a commodity. For many families, it represents their principal productive asset, as well as an important source of income and economic security. Our response must therefore address both the immediate animal health challenge and the wider economic consequences.”

Comply- The governor stressed that controlling FMD required a coordinated national effort led by the relevant veterinary authorities, with support from farmers, traders, transport operators, processors, regional authorities and other stakeholders. “Compliance with veterinary instructions is essential. I call on all farmers, livestock traders, transport operators, agricultural associations and other stakeholders to observe all applicable movement restrictions, quarantine requirements, reporting procedures, biosecurity measures and veterinary directives. Suspected cases must be reported promptly through the designated veterinary channels. Regional and traditional authorities should help communicate the measures to communities and ensure that people understand the requirements and the importance of compliance,” he said.

“No individual commercial interest should be allowed to undermine the collective effort to control the disease. Veterinary compliance is a regulatory obligation. It is an investment in protecting our livestock, preserving our markets and safeguarding farmers’ livelihoods. “The more effectively we implement disease-control measures, the better positioned we will be to protect unaffected areas, meet the requirements of trading partners and restore market opportunities when the relevant veterinary conditions permit,” the governor said.

Cooperate - He called on Namibians to commit to disciplined action, effective coordination, sustained engagement with trading partners and the protection of the country’s livestock resources. “I encourage our farmers not to lose hope but to remain vigilant, comply with veterinary instructions and work closely with the responsible authorities. Our collective resolve and objective must be to bring this difficult period to an end as soon as conditions permit, restore confidence in our livestock sector and reopen sustainable economic opportunities for the benefit of Namibian farmers,” he said.

Gertze urged farmers to adapt farming practices to changing climatic conditions, saying this did not mean abandoning the country’s agricultural heritage. “Adapting our farming practices does not mean abandoning our agricultural heritage. It means applying the knowledge and experience of our farmers alongside scientific evidence and new technologies. We must preserve the wisdom of our farming communities while having the courage to change practices that no longer serve us well under changing climatic conditions,” the governor said.