Inadequate markets for livestock in the Northern Communal Areas still pose a serious challenge to farmers within the Red Line.

The Namibian National Farmers Union's Executive Officer, Kuniberth Shamathe, says weaner buyers are offering low prices to producers across the country.

A lack of adequate abattoirs in the NCA is one of the hindrances denying farmers adequate access to markets.

The only operating meat processor is the Katima Mulilo abattoir, says Shamathe, who appealed for MeatCo to upgrade more abattoirs such as Rundu, Oshakati, and Opuwo.

Despite the sector having suffered from the past years' droughts, Shamathe, however, says he is satisfied with the farmers' rebuilding exercise, posting an increase in the number of livestock.

The NNFU leader wants the country to be self-reliant and end its dependence on South Africa.

Shamathe is further optimistic about the future of crop farmers finding a fixed market for their produce through the Namibia Agronomic Board (NAB).

He, therefore, calls on the NAB to do more to create a regulatory environment that allows crop farmers to get good prices for their produce.