The financial relief package announced by the Bank of Namibia to support farmers affected by the Foot-and-Mouth Disease outbreak has raised questions among informal traders in the 7de Laan settlement in Otjomuise.
The Chief Veterinary Officer in the Ministry of Agriculture, Water, and Land Reform, Kenneth Shoombe, has highlighted that with the speed of vaccination and adherence to Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD) restrictions, there is a possibility to open up before the festive season.
The Bank of Namibia has directed banking institutions to grant borrowers affected by the ongoing foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) crisis to provide loan repayment moratoriums ranging from one to 24 months.
The Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Land Reform, Inge Zaamwani, says trading restrictions have been partially relaxed, allowing cattle to move from feedlots to abattoirs and from abattoirs to traders.
The foot-and-mouth disease restrictions on livestock movement continue to disrupt meat supplies, leaving some butcheries temporarily closed, while others struggle to keep their shelves stocked.
Namibia's livestock industry could lose an estimated N$1,6 billion in revenue in the final quarter of 2026, if the current Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD) restrictions continue.
The Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Land Reform has called on farmers and livestock owners to refrain from unauthorised vaccinations.
The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Land Reform says it could soon ease FMD restrictions to address meat-related commodity shortages.
Restrictions on animal movement have affected abattoirs, auction markets, traders in livestock products, transport and logistics, and live exports.
The Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries, Water, and Land Reform Inge Zaamwani has commended private experts for their efforts to combat foot-and-mouth disease (FMD).
However, appointment letters were returned for clarification on the terms of voluntary service, duration, and liability before approval.
Up to 393 workers of Beefcor Meat Suppliers could be affected by proposed retrenchments following the suspension of beef exports, livestock movement, and slaughtering owing to the Foot-and-Mouth Disease outbreak.
