Windhoek:The government has announced that it will not provide subsidies or compensation to farmers suffering from the ongoing foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) outbreaks. This decision is based on the current veterinary legislation, which does not offer provisions for such financial support.

According to NAMPA, Romeo Muyunda, spokesperson for the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Land Reform, stated in an interview that the government's limited budget is being allocated towards disease containment and the restoration of livestock trade. Muyunda emphasized the absence of policy provisions within the veterinary legislation for compensating losses due to animal diseases.

Restrictions on livestock sales and movement, as a result of the FMD outbreaks, continue to impact the agricultural sector, which includes 10,500 commercial farms and approximately 250,000 rural households on communal land. Agriculture and livestock farming are crucial for the livelihood of 60 to 70 percent of the population, contributing between 3.7 and 5.1 percent to the GDP.

The sector is currently facing challenges, with minimal positive outcomes anticipated, compelling farmers to explore alternative income sources. Muyunda expressed the ministry's sympathy for affected farmers but stressed the importance of quickly containing the disease to resume trading activities.

The ministry has outlined specific conditions for moving livestock to slaughter facilities, which include registration with the ministry and adherence to biosecurity protocols. Animals must remain at the facility for 30 days without the introduction of new animals and undergo clinical assessments to ensure the absence of FMD.

Muyunda affirmed that animals from registered establishments, such as pig farms and quarantine facilities, could be moved for slaughter if all logistical and veterinary requirements are satisfied. He confirmed that the ministry's primary focus is on controlling the outbreaks to allow farmers to resume normal operations.

Furthermore, the government has allocated N$57.5 million for immediate FMD prevention and preparedness efforts. The FMD Support Fund, driven by the private sector, has raised N$11 million since its inception, including contributions of N$2 million from Bank Windhoek and N$1.5 million from the NCCI.