Budget breakdown: Agri Ministry allocates N$2.57 billion
The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Land Reform (MAFWLR), has been allocated N$2.57 billion for the 2025/2026 financial year for Vote 37: Agriculture and Land Reform. During her budget motivation statement delivered on 8 May, the Agriculture Minister, Ingenesia Zaamwani said the budget aims to boost agricultural production, enhance veterinary services, and improve food security nationwide.
BUDGET DISTRIBUTION
Of the total N$2.57 billion allocation, N$2.05 billion (80%) will go toward operational expenditure, while N$515.6 million (20%) is earmarked for development projects. Vote 37 comprises four key programmes: 1.) Agricultural Development, 2.) Land Reform and Resettlement, 3.) Land Administration, and 4.) Policy Coordination and Support Services.
The Agriculture Development sector receives the largest share at N$1.5 billion (58% of the total budget) of which the following expenditures will impact farmers the most.
VETERINARY SERVICES RECEIVE SIGNIFICANT FUNDING
The Veterinary Services division has been allocated N$455.9 million to implement crucial animal health programs. These funds will support annual vaccination campaigns against diseases like Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD), Contagious Bovine Pleuropneumonia (CBPP), and rabies.
During the previous financial year, the Ministry conducted extensive vaccination campaigns across the Northern Communal Areas (NCAs), with 309,165 cattle vaccinated against FMD in infected zones and 225,090 in protection zones. Additionally, 864,512 cattle received CBPP vaccinations across the entire NCA.
The budget will also fund the renovation and upgrade of state veterinary clinics, construction of new clinics in various regions, and the development of the beef value chain in NCAs. The upgrading of quarantine facilities at Katima Mulilo and Omutambo-Omawe is also planned.
GREEN SCHEME PROJECTS TO BE REVITALIZED
The Agricultural Engineering division has been allocated N$210.7 million, representing a significant increase from the N$105 million allocated in the previous financial year. This funding will support:
Development of a comprehensive maintenance plan for Green Scheme Projects including:
- Repairs to aging irrigation infrastructure
- Construction of solar power plants for small-scale farming units at Etunda, Sikondo, Musese, Shitemo, and Shadikongoro
- Development of 600 ha additional irrigable land within the existing Green Schemes
- Design and development of irrigation systems for 500 ha near the Neckartal Dam (Phase 2)
Minister Zaamwani noted that the Green Schemes were transferred back to her Ministry in a dilapidated state and require substantial recapitalization to return to full production.
SUPPORT FOR CROP PRODUCTION PROGRAMS
The Agriculture Production and Extension Services division will receive N$535 million to implement key agricultural programs, including:
- The Dry Land Crop Production Programme (DCPP), providing subsidized tillage services and inputs to cereal producers in 10 crop-growing regions
- The Horticulture Support and Value Chain Development Programme, offering subsidies on seeds, fertilizer, pesticides, and irrigation materials across all 14 regions
- The Comprehensive Conservation Agriculture Programme, promoting climate-smart agriculture practices countrywide
- The Small Stock Distribution and Development in Communal Areas project, which will distribute goats to 40 beneficiaries in Omusati and Erongo regions
- The Dairy Value Chain Development Programme, supporting small-scale dairy producers with subsidies for breeding stock, feed, milking machines, and parlour construction
- The Poultry Value Chain Development Programme, providing subsidies for breeding stock, veterinary medicines, and housing construction
RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT FUNDING
The Agriculture Research, Development and Vocational Training division has been allocated N$183.5 million to support crucial research activities, including:
- Production of foundation and certified seed at research stations and Green Scheme Projects
- Conservation of indigenous livestock breeds and plant accessions
- Development of new crop farming technologies
- Restoration of degraded rangelands
- Upgrading of infrastructure at various research stations and training centers
The division previously produced 37 tons of foundation seeds and 84 tons of certified seed, which were distributed to Agricultural Development Centers with support from the Namibia Seed Improvement and Mechanisation Programme (NAMSIP).
CLIMATE CHANGE RESPONSE
Minister Zaamwani highlighted the impact of climate change on agriculture, noting that Namibia, as the driest country in Sub-Saharan Africa, is increasingly exposed to climate-related natural disasters. Despite challenges, including flooding in northern regions, army worm and locust infestations, and an outbreak of lumpy skin disease, the Ministry reports cautious optimism for better yields compared to the previous season.
The Ministry aims to adopt innovative, climate-smart strategies to enhance the agricultural sector\'s resilience to climate impacts, aligning with the recently adopted Kampala Declaration (2025-2035), which advocates for transitioning from traditional agricultural production models to more integrated and sustainable agri-food systems.
BUDGET DISTRIBUTION
Of the total N$2.57 billion allocation, N$2.05 billion (80%) will go toward operational expenditure, while N$515.6 million (20%) is earmarked for development projects. Vote 37 comprises four key programmes: 1.) Agricultural Development, 2.) Land Reform and Resettlement, 3.) Land Administration, and 4.) Policy Coordination and Support Services.
The Agriculture Development sector receives the largest share at N$1.5 billion (58% of the total budget) of which the following expenditures will impact farmers the most.
VETERINARY SERVICES RECEIVE SIGNIFICANT FUNDING
The Veterinary Services division has been allocated N$455.9 million to implement crucial animal health programs. These funds will support annual vaccination campaigns against diseases like Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD), Contagious Bovine Pleuropneumonia (CBPP), and rabies.
During the previous financial year, the Ministry conducted extensive vaccination campaigns across the Northern Communal Areas (NCAs), with 309,165 cattle vaccinated against FMD in infected zones and 225,090 in protection zones. Additionally, 864,512 cattle received CBPP vaccinations across the entire NCA.
The budget will also fund the renovation and upgrade of state veterinary clinics, construction of new clinics in various regions, and the development of the beef value chain in NCAs. The upgrading of quarantine facilities at Katima Mulilo and Omutambo-Omawe is also planned.
GREEN SCHEME PROJECTS TO BE REVITALIZED
The Agricultural Engineering division has been allocated N$210.7 million, representing a significant increase from the N$105 million allocated in the previous financial year. This funding will support:
Development of a comprehensive maintenance plan for Green Scheme Projects including:
- Repairs to aging irrigation infrastructure
- Construction of solar power plants for small-scale farming units at Etunda, Sikondo, Musese, Shitemo, and Shadikongoro
- Development of 600 ha additional irrigable land within the existing Green Schemes
- Design and development of irrigation systems for 500 ha near the Neckartal Dam (Phase 2)
Minister Zaamwani noted that the Green Schemes were transferred back to her Ministry in a dilapidated state and require substantial recapitalization to return to full production.
SUPPORT FOR CROP PRODUCTION PROGRAMS
The Agriculture Production and Extension Services division will receive N$535 million to implement key agricultural programs, including:
- The Dry Land Crop Production Programme (DCPP), providing subsidized tillage services and inputs to cereal producers in 10 crop-growing regions
- The Horticulture Support and Value Chain Development Programme, offering subsidies on seeds, fertilizer, pesticides, and irrigation materials across all 14 regions
- The Comprehensive Conservation Agriculture Programme, promoting climate-smart agriculture practices countrywide
- The Small Stock Distribution and Development in Communal Areas project, which will distribute goats to 40 beneficiaries in Omusati and Erongo regions
- The Dairy Value Chain Development Programme, supporting small-scale dairy producers with subsidies for breeding stock, feed, milking machines, and parlour construction
- The Poultry Value Chain Development Programme, providing subsidies for breeding stock, veterinary medicines, and housing construction
RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT FUNDING
The Agriculture Research, Development and Vocational Training division has been allocated N$183.5 million to support crucial research activities, including:
- Production of foundation and certified seed at research stations and Green Scheme Projects
- Conservation of indigenous livestock breeds and plant accessions
- Development of new crop farming technologies
- Restoration of degraded rangelands
- Upgrading of infrastructure at various research stations and training centers
The division previously produced 37 tons of foundation seeds and 84 tons of certified seed, which were distributed to Agricultural Development Centers with support from the Namibia Seed Improvement and Mechanisation Programme (NAMSIP).
CLIMATE CHANGE RESPONSE
Minister Zaamwani highlighted the impact of climate change on agriculture, noting that Namibia, as the driest country in Sub-Saharan Africa, is increasingly exposed to climate-related natural disasters. Despite challenges, including flooding in northern regions, army worm and locust infestations, and an outbreak of lumpy skin disease, the Ministry reports cautious optimism for better yields compared to the previous season.
The Ministry aims to adopt innovative, climate-smart strategies to enhance the agricultural sector\'s resilience to climate impacts, aligning with the recently adopted Kampala Declaration (2025-2035), which advocates for transitioning from traditional agricultural production models to more integrated and sustainable agri-food systems.
