The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Land Reform (MAFWLR) has received a fleet of vehicles under the Livestock Support Programme to strengthen veterinary services in the Northern Communal Areas.

The donation, valued at about N$10 million, includes 8 Land Cruisers - 2 converted into mobile veterinary clinics - and trucks. 
They are funded through the EU-supported Livestock Support Programme to improve animal health services, disease control and access to markets for communal farmers.

Agriculture Deputy Minister Ruth Masake says the initiative represents a strategic investment in rural livelihoods, food security and economic transformation.
The programme is valued at €20 million, with a strong focus on developing the livestock sector in the Northern Communal Areas (NCA). 
Masake says the vehicles will help veterinary teams reach remote communities, conduct disease surveillance, combat Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD), and ensure compliance with export standards.

The EU Ambassador, Ana Beatriz Martins, said the programme is aligned with NDP 6.

"It's part of the larger project and the livestock area in order to improve access for communal farmers to domestic and international markets, to protect animal welfare, to improve the quality in the value of meat, as well as to enhance access to markets.

This is part of a wider partnership we have with Namibia, which spans the sector of agriculture but also green industrialisation, governance, and education, which are all priorities enshrined in Namibia's NDP6. "

Masake also expressed appreciation for the continued partnership with the European Union, saying the programme strengthens the beef value chain and supports sustainable livestock development.
The vehicles will remain operational assets within the ministry and are expected to improve service delivery to communal farmers across the country.