Staff Writer
A sheep producers’ session scheduled for 22 July 2026 in Mariental will provide a platform for sheep farmers to engage on the future of the industry.
Discussions are expected to cover producer expectations, potential business models, ownership structures, export market opportunities, and ways in which producers can secure a stronger position within the value chain.
The Namibian sheep industry, long built on resilience, innovation and the adaptability of its producers, is entering a pivotal moment as stakeholders consider its future direction in a changing economic and environmental landscape.
Following a mandate from sheep producers at the 2024 Livestock Producers’ Organisation (LPO) Congress, extensive consultations, surveys and investigations were conducted to explore ways of increasing producer participation across the sheep value chain.
These engagements highlighted opportunities for producers to take a more active role in processing, marketing, exports and broader value addition within the sector.
At present, most Namibian sheep are marketed through a single dominant channel, a structure that industry stakeholders say leaves the sector exposed to market volatility, policy shifts, economic pressures and climate-related risks.
Diversifying marketing channels and strengthening producer influence across the value chain have therefore been identified as key priorities for long-term sustainability and improved profitability.
Organisers say the session is not only about infrastructure or investment, but about ownership, sustainability, market access and value creation, with the aim of keeping producers at the centre of the industry’s development.
Sheep producers across the country are encouraged to attend and contribute to the discussions, which are expected to help shape the long-term competitiveness and profitability of Namibia’s sheep sector for generations to come.
According to the Namibia Agriculture Union, Namibia’s sheep sector remained under considerable pressure in 2024–2025, as drought-related destocking and weak external demand significantly reduced throughput.
In 2024, sheep production value contracted by 6.61%, reflecting reduced slaughter availability and declining export opportunities to South Africa and other markets.
These pressures intensified in 2025, with sheep marketing dropping by 40.85% in the first half of the year. Export abattoirs recorded a 40.57% decline in slaughter, while live exports to South Africa, Namibia’s dominant outlet for small stock fell by nearly 50%.
Despite lower volumes, producer prices for lamb and sheep strengthened notably in 2025, rising by 22.92% and 27.43% respectively.
Despite this improvement, these gains have not fully offset the long-term rise in production expenses, leaving many farmers still operating under a cost-price squeeze.
Looking at 2026, slaughter availability will improve as farmers prioritized flock rebuilding and expects 80% of normal supply levels as herd rebuilding occurs much faster in sheep than in cattle.
