MPs say N$179m FMD funding not enough

Members of parliament have warned that the government’s N$179 million allocation to fight foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) may not be enough to support affected farmers.

The lawmakers say the government must do more to protect livestock farmers while preparing for the anticipated El Niño, which could affect rainfall and food production.

They raised the concerns during Wednesday’s debate on the 2026/27 mid-year budget review in the National Assembly.

Finance minister Ericah Shafudah last week announced a proposed allocation while presenting the 2026/27 mid-year budget review in the National Assembly.

Shafudah said the government raised the money by reducing the spending budgets of all government offices, ministries and agencies by 2%.

Affirmative Repositioning member of parliament George Kambala questioned whether the money would provide enough support to farmers affected by the outbreak.

He said the government must strengthen veterinary services, improve livestock identification and tracking systems, and provide more support to farmers.

Kambala called for a livestock restocking programme to help communal farmers recover from the effects of the disease.

He also warned that removing value-added tax on imported agricultural inputs would provide limited relief if farmers could not sell their livestock because of disease restrictions.

Member of parliament Willem Amutenya said the government must ensure that the N$179 million produces results for farmers.

Amutenya urged the government to provide veterinary officials with enough equipment, improve disease monitoring and keep farmers informed about the outbreak.

He also called on the authorities to assess the financial losses suffered by farmers and consider relief measures for those affected.

He further called for improvements to abattoirs and slaughterhouses in northern communal areas, particularly north of the veterinary cordon fence, to improve access to meat.

Namibia Economic Freedom Fighters member of parliament Kalimbo Iipumbu said the government must invest more in veterinary services, water infrastructure, livestock support and disease control.

Iipumbu said agriculture should create jobs and contribute to economic growth rather than depend mainly on government support.

He urged the government to increase local food production to reduce Namibia’s dependence on imports and protect households from changes in international food prices.