Namibia’s four farmers’ unions have launched a joint campaign to strengthen the country’s response to the growing threat of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) in the Southern African Development Community (SADC) region.
The campaign, titled “One Nation. One Herd. One Responsibility”, was launched in Windhoek on Thursday alongside the FMD Support Fund, bringing together the Namibia Agricultural Union (NAU), Namibia National Farmers Union (NNFU), Namibia Emerging Commercial Farmers Union (NECFU) and Previously Disadvantaged Namibian Farmers Union (PDNFU).
The unions said the initiative reflects a shared commitment to supporting government efforts to prevent and prepare for possible FMD outbreaks, emphasising that the disease poses a risk to all livestock producers regardless of farming model, location or background.
Speaking on behalf of the four organisations, Dr Ndahafa Nghifindaka of the NECFU said FMD does not distinguish between communal and commercial farmers, regions, communities, production systems or organisations.
“Protecting the health of the national herd is therefore a shared national responsibility rather than the task of any single organisation,” he said.
The campaign comes as FMD risks increase across the SADC region. Namibia currently maintains its World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH)-recognised FMD-free status without vaccination south of the Veterinary Cordon Fence (VCF).
Safeguarding the industry
In response to the regional threat, the Directorate of Veterinary Services (DVS) has intensified preparedness and response measures aimed at safeguarding the country’s livestock industry.
During the launch, representatives from each farmers’ union outlined the importance of collaboration and the role of the FMD Support Fund.
NAU president Thinus Pretorius said the decision by the four unions to work together was based on the interconnected nature of the livestock sector.
He said a weakness anywhere in the value chain could create risks for all producers, adding that the Leadership Campaign and the FMD Support Fund were practical outcomes of the partnership.
NNFU representative Adolf Muremi outlined the structure of the FMD Support Fund, which was established as an independently audited Section 21 company.
The fund is governed by a board consisting of one representative from each farmers’ union and four independent experts. More than N$12 million has already been pledged by farmers’ unions, agribusinesses and financial institutions, with fundraising continuing towards a target of N$50 million.
The funding will support strategic projects aimed at strengthening national FMD prevention and preparedness efforts.
Strengthening biosecurity
Closing the event, PDNFU representative Jane Kuhanga urged livestock producers to strengthen on-farm biosecurity, comply with animal identification requirements and movement controls, and report suspected disease symptoms immediately.
She called on private sector organisations and development partners to support the initiative, describing it as “an investment in food security, rural livelihoods, economic stability and Namibia’s future”.
The four unions appealed to producers to remain vigilant and work closely with State Veterinary Offices by reporting any suspected animal health concerns without delay.
They also encouraged businesses, financial institutions and development partners to contribute to the FMD Support Fund, which aims to complement government-led prevention and response measures.
The unions said the campaign represents a commitment to work alongside government, the Directorate of Veterinary Services, industry partners and rural communities to protect Namibia’s livestock sector, which remains one of the country’s key economic assets.
Established in 2026 as a Section 21 company, the FMD Support Fund mobilises private-sector resources to support foot-and-mouth disease preparedness, prevention, awareness, communication and response-readiness projects. The initiative operates in line with Namibia’s national FMD strategy and under the guidance of the Directorate of Veterinary Services in the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Land Reform.
