A livestock auction at Nepara village in the Kavango West region generated N$987 100 over the weekend, prompting calls for renewed government incentives for northern communal farmers.

George Haufiku from Harambe Communal Auctioneers which conducted the auction says 111 head of cattle were brought for auction.

He says only two animals were not sold.

The Mpasinkuru Auction Organising Committee, of which Haufiku is a member, organises monthly livestock auctions at Nepara.

Haufiku says 19 goats were brought for auction this weekend, of which 17 were sold, while all sheep were sold.
The highest price was N$15 000 fetched by an ox.

Haufiku says while the turnover is impressive, there is still a need for more animal buyers in the northern communal areas (NCAs).

He calls on the government to introduce an incentive compensating farmers in the NCAs so they can be on par with farmers south of the veterinary cordon fence.

The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Land Reform has in the past introduced an incentive, which has now been phased out, he says.

“There is a need for an incentive so that farmers are compensated – even just of N$100 or N$200 per herd,” Haufiku says.

The NCAs are located in the Kavango East, Kavango West, Oshikoto, Oshana, Omusati, Ohangwena and Kunene regions.

Haufiku says livestock auctions in the NCAs are important to communal farmers as they serve as platforms for them to sell their animals at the fairest competitive prices.

There is, however, also a need for communal farmers to be aware of the importance of animal auctions in their areas.

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