Agriculture a potential growth engine

STAFF REPORTERThe agricultural sector is receiving much more policy attention in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic and concerns about supply chain disruptions. According to Simonis Storm (SS), the sector is being regarded as a potential growth engine in Namibia after emerging from years of drought. The rainy season started well at the beginning of 2021, with most areas receiving above average rainfall that filled all major dams. However, some areas in particular in the north-west are still suffering from prolonged droughts.Despite the promising start, the outlook is mixed due to various factors. A dry spell after the rainfalls in January raised concerns about the crops that was only mitigated after widespread showers fell in the middle of March also in areas that have so far not received sufficient rain, SS said. It is expected that crops can recover from the dry spell. Some areas in the north east experienced an outbreak of locusts since the second half of 2020 that the Ministry of Agriculture tries to control. The locusts have moved further to the west affecting crops in the Kavango and central-north regions.OutputThe overall impact on crop output in the communal areas still remains to be seen. Better grazing conditions in most parts of the country will result in further rebuilding of livestock herds that will, however, lead to fewer livestock being marketed and hence less supply to abattoirs and consequently lower exports, Ss added. The lack of supply is reflected in inflation rates for meat products hovering around double-digit figures since the second half of 2020. Adding to the woes of livestock farmers and meat producers in the northern communal areas was the outbreak of Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) that has been brought under control recently, SS pointed out. This disruption could result in the closure of abattoirs in the northern regions that were just re-opened a few years ago. The sector was one of a few sectors that recorded a positive growth rate in 2020.

Agriculture a potential growth engine

Kommentaar

Republikein 2026-05-15

Meld asseblief aan om kommentaar te lewer

Agriculture a potential growth engine

Kommentaar

Republikein 2026-05-15

Meld asseblief aan om kommentaar te lewer

Intekening vereis om toegang tot inhoud te kry. ×

MELD AAN

Advertensie

Intekening vereis om toegang tot inhoud te kry.