Critical infrastructure procured for NCAs

Critical livestock handling infrastructure and equipment have been procured for the northern communal areas (NCAs) under the livestock support programme (LSP) at a cost of N$2.2 million.The agriculture ministry, with the support of the European Union (EU), procured the infrastructure through the European Development Fund (EDF 11).According to a statement issued by the agriculture ministry, this intervention forms part of the ongoing LSP implementation phase, which is designed to improve productivity, market access and the overall resilience of livestock producers in the NCAs.The ministry said five roadworthy heavy-duty loading ramps were procured through the initiative. “These ramps are designed to facilitate safe and efficient loading and offloading of livestock, minimising stress and injury during transportation.”The loading ramps are designed to facilitate the efficient and safe loading of livestock onto transportation vehicles, significantly reducing stress on animals during transportation, the ministry added.The loading ramps will be allocated to five livestock trucks that were procured under the LSP and distributed to government-owned abattoirs.“It is equally important to note that these loading ramps meet roadworthiness standards, ensuring their suitability for communal farming environments,” the statement noted.Variety of essential equipmentThe procurement infrastructure also includes three animal crate weight scales. According to the ministry, the scales will provide precise weight measurements, ensuring fair trade and supporting data-driven livestock management processes.The scales were distributed to the King Immanuel Elifas Kauluma crush pen and the Onyulaye auction kraal in the Oshikoto Region as well as the Ndevahoma auction kraal in the Ohangwena Region.“They can accommodate approximately 20 cattle, each weighing up to 200 kg, with dimensions of 4.5 m x 3 m and include complete load cells, an indicator, and a large display for ease of use.”Five mobile cattle workstations with scales mounted on roadworthy trailers were also procured, “designed for multiple purposes, including vaccinations, branding, castration, dehorning, weighing, and pregnancy testing.”The ministry said the workstations provide farmers with a comprehensive solution to conduct essential livestock management activities efficiently and safely while reducing labour requirements.The workstations will be distributed to the Kavango East, Kavango West, Kunene, Omusati and Oshana regions.Supporting farmers The objective of procuring the infrastructure and equipment was to strengthen the livestock value chain in the NCA.It also aims to support communal farmers in improving animal health, reducing losses and accessing formal markets and to enhance productivity and the quality of livestock for both domestic and export markets.“This investment aligns with Namibia’s efforts to enhance livestock productivity and improve the economic value chain of farmers in the NCA.”Among the expected benefits of the initiative are enhanced livestock handling safety and efficiency, improved livestock health monitoring and management, support for marketing initiatives through accurate weight measurements and increased capacity for animal treatment and testing services at the communal level.The ministry underlined that the equipment will be strategically deployed across key areas within the NCAs to maximise reach and impact.Training sessions will also be conducted to empower local stakeholders, including ministerial staff and farmers, with the knowledge to operate and maintain the equipment.In addition, other initiatives, such as the renovations of the Katima Liselo Farm/Quarantine Facility (Zambezi), the Ncaute auction kraal (Kavango East), the renovation of the Omutambo Maowe Quarantine (Omusati), the construction of the Artificial Insemination Centre and the upgrade of the Opuwo slaughterhouse to an abattoir with a small-stock line (Kunene), will all be launched at the beginning of 2025.

Critical infrastructure procured for NCAs

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Namibian Sun 2024-12-25

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Critical infrastructure procured for NCAs

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Namibian Sun 2024-12-25

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