FMD outbreak threatens rural jobs, export earnings… EAN calls for financial relief and urgent trade negotiations

Namibia’s escalating foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) crisis threatens to derail the lucrative livestock sector’s anticipated economic recovery, undermine thousands of rural livelihoods and inflict prolonged financial damage on farmers and businesses already battling rising operating costs and constrained cash flows.

This deplorable state of affairs festers as the Economic Association of Namibia (EAN) warns that the outbreak, initially detected in the //Kharas region, could have far-reaching economic consequences, particularly if restrictions on livestock movements and access to profitable international meat markets remain in place for an extended period.

EAN Chief Executive Cons Karamata has called for urgent government intervention, including negotiations with international trading partners, financial relief for affected producers and businesses, strict compliance with veterinary regulations and transparent communication to restore confidence in the livestock industry.

“The Economic Association of Namibia notes with serious concern the continuing foot-and-mouth disease outbreak in the Karasburg Veterinary District of the //Kharas region. The outbreak has created uncertainty and distress among farmers, workers and businesses across Namibia’s livestock industry,” Karamata stated.

His warning comes as Namibia faces the prospect of losing valuable export earnings while farmers confront mounting livestock maintenance expenses, delayed sales and reduced access to markets.

Before the outbreak, the Bank of Namibia had projected livestock farming to expand by 2.2% in 2026 and accelerate to 4.6% in 2027, signaling a gradual recovery in one of Namibia’s most economically and socially important industries. However, Karamata warned that these projections are now under serious threat.

“This expected recovery is now subject to considerable downside risk, particularly if livestock marketing and export restrictions remain in place for an extended period,” he cautioned.

The implications extend well beyond commercial livestock producers as agriculture remains a critical source of employment, household income and economic activity in rural Namibia, where alternative employment opportunities are often limited.

According to the Namibia Statistics Agency’s 2023 Population and Housing Census Labour Force Report, agriculture, forestry and fishing collectively employed more than 88 200 people, accounting for just over 16% of national employment and roughly 34% of rural employment. Although these figures include activities beyond livestock production, they underscore the potentially devastating socioeconomic consequences of prolonged disruption to agricultural markets.

A sustained decline in livestock sales therefore reduces household spending, increases financial distress, and weakens demand for goods and services in rural towns that depend heavily on farming activity.

**Export restrictions **

Of particular concern to farmers and the EAN is the European Union’s temporary suspension of imports of fresh beef, sheep and goat meat, certain farmed and wild ungulates, and selected processed meat products, including biltong, from Namibia’s previously FMD-free zone. Both the EAN and farmers agree that the restrictions seriously set back Namibia’s export-oriented meat industry, which relies on access to premium international markets to maximise producer returns and generate foreign currency. Even if the outbreak is contained relatively quickly, restoring unrestricted access to international markets could take considerably longer, depending on veterinary requirements, surveillance results and trading partners’ assessments. In this regard, Karamata warned that livestock marketing and movement could remain materially disrupted for several months, while access to premium export markets could be affected for significantly longer. Such a scenario would not only threaten export revenues but could also create a damaging ripple effect throughout the livestock value chain.

**Market access **

To minimise the economic fallout, the EAN is urging the government to intensify diplomatic and technical engagements with international trading partners to preserve market access wherever veterinary regulations permit. The association particularly welcomed the government’s engagement with the European Union regarding meat products produced before 23 September 2026.

The EAN believes similar negotiations should be pursued with other export destinations to prevent unnecessary disruption to trade involving products that may qualify under applicable veterinary and import requirements.

“The government should also engage financial institutions to ease cash-flow pressures and prevent further financial distress among affected farmers and businesses,” Karamata urged. While the EAN has not prescribed specific financial assistance mechanisms, its recommendation highlights the urgency of ensuring that otherwise viable farming operations are not forced into financial collapse because of temporary restrictions beyond their control.

Meanwhile, the EAN noted that the outbreak remained confined to the Karasburg district, while a separate but unrelated outbreak was confirmed in the Zambezi region.

Karamata stressed that containing the disease rapidly is essential to preventing a far more costly national economic emergency. The association also cautioned against opportunistic pricing practices during the crisis.

Consumers have been urged to avoid panic buying, purchase meat from registered retailers and rely on official veterinary information rather than speculation.

Karamata consequently called for coordinated action involving government, veterinary authorities, financial institutions, producers, processors and international trading partners.

“The EAN further calls for continued engagement with trading partners, financial institutions and affected businesses. Regular, transparent communication will be essential to contain the disease, protect livelihoods and restore confidence in Namibia’s livestock industry,” he emphasised.

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