Africa-Press – Namibia. FARMERS in Namibia’s Northern Communal Areas (NCAs) are grappling with the significant challenge of limited access to larger markets, specifically the Offices, Ministries, and Agencies (OMAs).
This pressing issue was highlighted by Acting Chief Executive Officer Kingsley Kwenani during a recent handover ceremony in Ongwediva, where five 30-ton livestock trucks with trailers and five portable loading ramps were donated.
Kwenani emphasised that the biggest hurdle for abattoirs in the NCAs is their inability to penetrate the lucrative OMA market.
“This market is still not accessible for products produced by the abattoirs, for all sorts of reasons,” he said.
To rectify this, Kwenani advocated for a clear policy directive compelling OMAs to prioritise NCA abattoirs as their preferred protein suppliers.
He stressed that such an intervention from the Ministry of Agriculture would be crucial in ensuring the long-term sustainability of these abattoirs.
“Together, we drive transformation. Together, we build resilience. Together, we secure the future of Namibian agriculture,” he reiterated.
Beyond identifying the challenges, Kwenani affirmed Meatco’s unwavering commitment to supporting these efforts. As the national meat processor and marketer, Meatco recognises that its prosperity is intrinsically linked to the well-being of the producers it serves.
The newly acquired trucks, he explained, will significantly enhance their capacity to serve communal producers more efficiently, boost throughput at their abattoirs, and guarantee the timely delivery of safe, high-quality Namibian beef, both domestically and internationally.
Looking ahead, Kwenani said that the handover event coincides with Namibia’s preparations to launch its Sixth National Development Plan (NDP6). He highlighted that this occasion serves as a testament to the Government’s dedication to fostering inclusive agricultural development.
Kwenani proudly presented the Livestock Support Programme (LSP) as a prime example of how effective public-private partnerships can yield tangible results, expressing Meatco’s pride in being a part of this transformative journey.
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