Agriculture remains the backbone of many economies.

These were the views of the Chief Agriculture Technician in the Agriculture, Water, and Land Reform Ministry, George Haufiku, who, in an interview with nbc News, encouraged livestock farmers to select quality breeds rather than farm simply for the purpose of multiplication.

The Ongwediva Annual Trade Fair hosts the agricultural sector, with fine-quality breeds of cattle, goats, and sheep displayed for sale.

Haufiku says good breeds result in increased quality of meat and milk and ensure genetic diversity.

Quality breeding also results in increased livestock production, resistance to disease, and successful production in general.

"This time around we have some cattle that came from Ogongo; they have many cattle, what we call Brown Swiss, and also some mixtures of cattle whose breeds are mixed Brahmans, a mixture of Sanga and Nguni; they are here for an auction; we also received some small stock, some goats, and some sheep, which are Meat Master, just for showcasing for farmers who are farming in the northern communal area."

Haufiku commended farmers who showed keen interest in enquiring about proper breeding with rams and who understand the importance of having good bulls to improve herd quality.

Among the shortcomings identified within communal farms was that livestock farmers still rely on traditional methods of farming.

Some do not vaccinate their livestock, he says, nor do they give their animals supplements to prevent disease.

"That is why we have pharmacists who came from different companies who came to sell their medications here, and we encourage them to come this side of the trade fair when they view the animals. We also tell them to get advice on their animal health, which is crucial for the farmer to maintain very good health for his livestock."

Livestock management, animal health, stock branding, and doing an overview of livestock marketing in communal areas, he says, are key for farmers to acquaint themselves with.