The Namibian Agronomic Board, NAB, has refuted claims that it banned the import of vegetables from South Africa. NAB Spokesperson Auguste Fabian told nbc News that this is a long-standing restriction aimed at protecting Namibia's agronomic sector, which is still at an infant stage compared to South African producers. Fabian says South Africa should only be allowed to import into Namibia products which are not available or in short supply in the country. She explained NAB has an obligation to regulate 19 vegetable products against being overwhelmed by imported goods. This is part of the Namibian government's Growth at Home Strategy, ensuring that local produce is fully marketed before anything else is imported from elsewhere. The restriction on imported products is seasonal and such restrictions are lifted when the need arises.