Foot-and-mouth disease threatens N$2.4bn in Namibian livestock
By the AFREEQUE newsroom, based on Observer24
Disruption to livestock marketing linked to foot-and-mouth disease could cost the sector 2.4 billion Namibian dollars in six months, according to the Namibia Agricultural Union. Losses could reach about 13 million Namibian dollars a day and affect producers, abattoirs, employment and household incomes, the organisation says.
Foot-and-mouth disease could cause cash losses of 2.4 billion Namibian dollars for the livestock sector over six months if it continues to disrupt livestock marketing, the Namibia Agricultural Union (NAU) estimates, Observer24 reports. The projected losses include 1.382 billion Namibian dollars in production costs and debt repayments, as well as 378 million in fixed costs for abattoirs.
Reduced slaughter for export markets would account for a further 331 million Namibian dollars in losses. According to the NAU, the disruption could cost the entire sector about 13 million a day, affecting businesses, employment and rural household incomes. The sector supports about 52,000 agricultural jobs south of the veterinary cordon fence, whose incomes could contribute to the livelihoods of 200,000 dependants.
Livestock farmers in this area would need about 230 million Namibian dollars a month to cover their running costs and debt repayments. The union estimates that this amount consists of 155 million in operating costs, after a halving of usual spending, and 75 million in repayments. Namibia announced the release of 179 million Namibian dollars to combat foot-and-mouth disease on 22 October.
