Farmers fear financial strain as new livestock brand fees take effect

Martin Endjala

Small-scale farmers in Namibia have raised concerns over the increase in stock brand fees, which came into effect on 8 January. 

The fee hike, announced by the Livestock and Livestock Products Board of Namibia, is regulated under the Stock Brands Act No. 24 of 1995, which governs livestock identification and requires farmers to register official cattle brands.

According to Anita Boshoff-De Witt, the executive for meat standards, the increase is tied to an average inflation rate of 4%, as reported by the Bank of Namibia’s Consumer Price Index. However, for small-scale farmers, the added expense poses significant challenges.

George Ampweya, a subsistence farmer, described the fee hike as burdensome, stating that every cent matters in small operations. 

“Every cent matters in our very small operations, and added costs like these can put significant pressure on very limited resources,” he said.

He noted that managing expenses is already difficult for farmers living season to season, and the increase only adds to the stress.

Ampweya highlighted that small-scale farmers work hard to ensure food security for their families and communities, but the rising costs may force them to make difficult decisions about maintaining or expanding their farms.

He expressed concerns about the fairness of the fees, which he feels disproportionately affects smaller farmers compared to larger commercial operations with greater financial capacity.

“The higher brand fees mean more money out of their pockets, which could otherwise be used for essential inputs like seeds, feed, or even household necessities for the headers.

It’s challenging when you’re living season to season, making it crucial to carefully manage every expense,” he said.

Another farmer, Okotto Kasuto, admitted he had not seen the details of the new fee but acknowledged that any increase adds to their expenses. 

Both farmers called for supportive policies that take the unique challenges faced by small-scale farmers into account, emphasising the need for fairness and accessibility.

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