FMD Puts N$151 Million in Weekly Livestock Sales at Risk as Namibia Faces Export Losses

The livestock industry faces mounting economic pressure from foot-and-mouth disease (FMD), with an estimated N$151 million in livestock sales at risk every week as restrictions continue to disrupt trade and threaten agricultural livelihoods.

The potential impact was highlighted during the 2026 Bank Windhoek Agricultural Series, held in Windhoek on Friday, where industry representatives, government officials and international experts discussed the economic consequences of the outbreak and measures to protect the country's livestock sector.

Namibia Agricultural Union (NAU) president, Thinus Pretorius said the industry estimates that value-chain losses could reach N$13 million a day, translating into N$2.4 billion over six months.

He warned that the disruption extends beyond farmers, placing approximately 52 000 agricultural jobs south of the Veterinary Cordon Fence at risk and affecting an estimated 200 000 dependants.

"The longer the markets stay closed, the more this becomes a question of jobs and households, not just farms," Pretorius said.

The export disruption is particularly concerning given Namibia's dependence on European beef markets. Pretorius said 94% of Namibia's beef exports in 2025 went to European markets requiring FMD-free status.

Access to the European Union and Norway has since been suspended, creating uncertainty for producers and businesses dependent on export earnings.

Pretorius said alternative markets offer approximately N$113 to N$138 per kilogram, compared with about N$219 for fresh boneless beef in Europe, highlighting the price gap facing exporters seeking alternative destinations.

He said the industry's response should focus on maintaining domestic trade under strict veterinary supervision, securing alternative export markets and restoring Namibia's FMD-free status without vaccination.

"Government reopens markets. Industry wins them back," Pretorius said.

Chief Veterinary Officer, Dr Kenneth Shoombe said that, as of 27 October, 131 positive samples had been recorded across 18 infected farms in the //Kharas Region.

He reported that 8 102 of the targeted 13 000 cattle had been vaccinated in //Kharas, while 53 913 of 56 360 cattle had been vaccinated in the Zambezi Region, where a separate outbreak was confirmed in October.

Shoombe also reported that controlled direct slaughter had resumed, with 1 344 cattle slaughtered at registered abattoirs. The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Land Reform has also opened discussions with potential alternative markets, including Tunisia, Morocco and Nigeria.

Meanwhile, Ministerial FMD Task Force Vice-chairperson Jako van Wyk, outlined plans by the Directorate of Veterinary Services to restore Namibia's disease-free status, including the construction of a new disease-control fence targeted for November.

He reassured farmers that the country's FMD-free status was "suspended, not lost", adding that Namibia was among only three countries with a World Organisation for Animal Health-endorsed official FMD control programme in 2026.

The financial pressure on farmers was also raised by Botswana's Charles Hill District representative, Kealeboga Patrick Gaebuse, who urged financial institutions to provide assistance to affected agricultural borrowers before they default on their loans.

Bank Windhoek managing director James Chapman said financial institutions had a role to play in supporting the sector through the outbreak.

"Agriculture is the backbone of rural Namibia, and Foot-and-Mouth Disease is testing how well we stand together as a nation," Chapman said.

He encouraged affected clients to approach the bank early to discuss possible financial solutions.

Chapman also welcomed the Bank of Namibia's recently issued Determination BID-42, which provides a framework for financial institutions to support agricultural borrowers affected by FMD and El Niño-related climatic conditions.

Bank Windhoek said this year's Agricultural Series builds on its N$2 million pledge to the FMD Support Fund in February.

The discussions highlighted the need for coordinated action between government, farmers and financial institutions to protect agricultural livelihoods, maintain domestic trade and restore Namibia's access to international beef markets.