Martin Endjala
The Ministry of Agriculture, Water, and Land Reform has announced the rollout of the 2024–25 drought support intervention for livestock farmers.
The project has an estimated budget of N$130 million.
This was announced by the ministry’s executive director, Ndiyakupi Nghituwamata, in a document shared with titled Drought Support Interventions 2024/25 implementation modalities, seen by this publication, dated 31 May.
Programmes such as livestock marketing incentives, subsidies for grazing leases, animal transportation to and from grazing, and animal feed purchasing will run from April 1 until 31 March 2025.
Subsidy for fodder for farmers through ADCs and seed and horticulture support will run from 1 July until 31 December 2024.
The intervention aims to encourage farmers to destock and prevent livestock losses during drought.
This is to enable farmers to restock after droughts, according to the implementation modality document.
The scheme targets livestock producers farming with cattle, goats, and sheep.
In terms of livestock marketing incentives, the government will provide a maximum subsidy of N$750 per large stock unit (cattle) for a maximum of 75 cattle, N$150 per small stock unit (goats and sheep) for a maximum of 375 small stock units, or a combination of the two.
The maximum subsidy amount per farmer under the scheme is N$56 250.
To qualify for this, farmers must meet all requirements, such as the mandatory supporting documents, which include certified copies of identity documents, a FANMEAT card, a bank confirmation letter of application, animal movement permits, and a lease agreement for grazing.
Other documents required are a transport permit, a confirmation letter from the appropriate (respective) traditional authority, and proof of transactions.
Farmers are advised to take note that bank confirmation letters and proof of transactions must be in the name of the applicant.
The drought support interventions are for both communal and commercial farms across all regions.
Small-scale livestock farmer Goerge Ampweya said farmers should be happy about the new drought support intervention legislation.
He said this is because the intervention offers much-needed financial support and incentives to help mitigate the impact of drought on their livestock.
“By encouraging responsible livestock management practices and providing assistance for marketing and future export opportunities, My view is that the government is gradually empowering farmers to navigate challenging times more efficiently,” said Ampweya.
He said this decision not only supports farmers in safeguarding their livelihoods and those of their families.
But it also contributes to the sustainability of livestock farming operations, even those that are small-scale.
He said the legislation shows the government’s commitment to assisting small-scale farmers during droughts.
While promoting resilience in the agricultural sector, paving the way for improved livestock management and long-term sustainability.
“As farmers, we can now look forward to gradually increased financial security and enhanced resources to navigate drought periods with greater stability and confidence. We do, however, need these provisions to be applied consistently and properly governed so that we do not have others benefiting unduly at the expense of others,” he said.
