Namibian livestock farmers have been advised to reduce their livestock to avoid losing them to the foreseen dry season of the El Nino phenomenon.

The call was made by two of the country's biggest farmers' unions, the Namibia Agricultural Union (NAU) and the Namibia National Farmers Union (NNFU).

The call for de-stocking comes after the UN's Food and Agricultural Organisation (FAO) released a report forecasting the prevalence of the El Nino phenomenon, expected next month.

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.

The Namibia National Farmers Union, NNFU constitution remains unchanged after members reviewed it at a five day workshop held at Otjiwarongo. 

NNFU is a national federation of regional farmer's unions established in 1992 to serve as a mouthpiece for Namibian farmers.

As per the union's constitution, the organisational, decision making and administration structure shall follow the hierarchy of congress, National Council, the executive committee of the National Council with office-bearers, board of directors, and secretariats.