Farmers’ unions band together to battle FMD in Namibia

Four of Namibia’s main farmers’ unions have joined forces to combat foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) in a coordinated effort to protect the country’s livestock industry.

With support from government and private-sector partners, the initiative has already secured more than N$12 million in pledges.

Speaking at the launch of the FMD Support Fund and Leadership Campaign in Windhoek in June, Namibia Emerging Commercial Farmers Union (NECFU) president Ndahafa Nghifindaka said FMD affects everyone equally.

“FMD does not distinguish between communal and commercial farmers. When animal disease threatens Namibia’s livestock sector, it threatens all of us," she said.

In November 2025, the Livestock Producers Organisation (LPO) proposed the creation of an FMD Support Fund and Coordination Centre. Soon after, the Namibia Agricultural Union (NAU), the Namibia National Farmers Union (NNFU), the Previously Disadvantaged Namibian Farmers Union (PDNFU) and the NECFU, along with agribusinesses, banks and other industry partners, came on board.

Earlier this year, in February, agriculture minister Inge Zaamwani officially launched the FMD Support Fund in Windhoek. At the event, union leaders and government officials spoke to farmers and stakeholders about the urgent need to protect Namibia’s livestock.

The minister also announced the creation of a government FMD task team whose members include LPO chairperson Jako van Wyk and Dr Ingrid Henckert-Weissnar, a Namibian health risk manager and coordinator of the FMD Support Fund.

Joint forces

The unions pledged more than N$12 million to fight FMD, with a goal of raising N$50 million to strengthen prevention and response.

NAU executive manager Rolie Venter told attendees: “No single organisation can protect Namibia’s livestock sector alone. Success depends on partnerships across government, veterinary authorities, organised agriculture, and every producer."

The unions launched two initiatives as part of their campaign: the FMD Support Fund and the Farmers’ Union Leadership Campaign, under the theme 'One Nation. One Herd. One Responsibility.'

The FMD Support Fund gives the private sector a clear way to support the agriculture ministry's directorate of veterinary services (DVS) with quick responses and funding.

Its main goal is to stop FMD from spreading into Namibia and to be ready if an outbreak happens.

The fund is managed by a steering committee that includes the NAU and LPO.

Farmers benefit because the fund strengthens biosecurity, protects markets, and secures their livelihoods. They can get information and take part through their unions, the LPO, and DVS updates.

The Farmers’ Union Leadership Campaign focuses on awareness and unity.

It reminds farmers that prevention starts on every farm and in every kraal, not only at border posts. Through training, outreach, and education, farmers learn how to play their part in stopping FMD. The campaign helps farmers by giving them practical knowledge and responsibility. They can join through union workshops, regional meetings, and information drives.

At the launch, NNFU programme coordinator Vetuunja Kazapua emphasised the need for strong governance.

"Strong governance is fundamental to the fund’s credibility. It operates independently, with clear accountability mechanisms," he said.

PDNFU representative Mbakumua Hengari reminded farmers that prevention starts at home.

"The first line of defence against FMD is found on every farm, among producers who understand their responsibility,” he said.