Windhoek (NAU/ak) • Namibia is stepping up its defences against Foot-and-Mouth Disease. Four national farmers’ unions, together with the veterinary authorities, have launched a support fund to raise up to N$50 million from the private sector. The initiative is meant to strengthen prevention efforts and ensure a faster response in case of an outbreak.

The “FMD Support Fund” targets companies and organisations willing to contribute money or in-kind support such as logistics, equipment or supplies. It complements the work of the Directorate of Veterinary Services in the Ministry of Agriculture and of the Livestock and Livestock Products Board of Namibia (LLPBN), without replacing their mandate. According to the Namibia Agricultural Union (NAU), the fund is designed to safeguard market access and economic stability. A confirmed case in the currently FMD-free zone could halt live-animal and meat exports, with severe consequences for farmers, abattoirs, transporters and traders.

Recent outbreaks in South Africa and Botswana have underlined the risk. Namibia’s livestock sector is valued at around N$15 billion.

The fund is managed by NAU, the Namibia National Farmers’ Union (NNFU), the Namibia Emerging Commercial Farmers’ Union (NECFU) and the Farmers’ Union for Previously Disadvantaged Commercial Farmers (PDCFU). Through this structure, the private sector is expected to coordinate more closely with the authorities.

Activities financed by the fund include awareness campaigns, farmer training, risk-reduction measures on farms, emergency planning and help for rapid containment should an outbreak occur. The fund also aims to improve information flow between veterinary authorities and the livestock industry. Technical responsibility remains with the state veterinary services and the LLPBN, which will make decisions during an emergency. The fund provides financial and organisational support. An independent committee with reporting and external auditing will ensure accountability in the use of the money.

For information or to get involved, contact Dr Ingrid Henckert-Weissnar at info@fmdsupportfund.com or livestock@nau.com.na and visit the website www.fmdsupportfund.com.