Sheep producers eye greater control of industry's future

Exploring new paths towards greater sustainability
Namibia's sheep producers are set to debate the future of their industry at a meeting in Mariental next month, with discussions focusing on increasing producer ownership and participation across the sheep value chain.
Ellanie Smit
  • 3 Hours Ago

Namibia's sheep producers are set to meet in Mariental on 22 July to discuss plans that could reshape the industry's future, including opportunities for greater ownership and participation across the sheep value chain.

The meeting follows a mandate adopted at the 2024 Livestock Producers' Organisation (LPO) Congress, where producers called for an investigation into ways of strengthening their role beyond primary production.

According to the Namibia Agricultural Union (NAU), consultations, surveys and industry assessments carried out since then have identified opportunities for farmers to become more involved in processing, marketing, exports and value addition.

The NAU said the discussions come at a crucial time for an industry that remains a cornerstone of Namibia's livestock sector.

Sheep farming has long played an important role in the country's agricultural economy, adapting to changing market conditions, droughts and shifting industry demands. However, the union said concerns have grown over the sector's reliance on a single marketing channel, which leaves producers exposed to market fluctuations, policy changes and economic pressures.

As a result, improving market access and increasing producer participation throughout the value chain have emerged as key priorities for the industry's long-term sustainability and profitability.

The meeting will give producers an opportunity to examine different business models, ownership structures and export market opportunities aimed at strengthening the sector's competitiveness, the NAU said.

Discussions are also expected to focus on how producers can secure a greater share of value creation and play a larger role in industry decision-making.

The union said the gathering would be about more than infrastructure or investment. "It is expected to address broader issues of ownership, sustainability, market access and the future position of sheep producers in an increasingly competitive agricultural environment," it said.

All sheep producers have been encouraged to attend and contribute to the discussions.

Industry stakeholders believe that decisions emerging from the meeting could significantly impact the competitiveness and profitability of Namibia's sheep sector in the years ahead.