The Ministry of Agriculture, Water and Forestry has launched the Namibia Livestock Catalogue to inform farmers about the different livestock breeds in Namibia, their origins, characteristics and their adaptability.
Agriculture Minister John Mutorwa said livestock production accounts for about 70% of the total agricultural output in Namibia.
Mutorwa said Namibian farmers have managed to breed and adapt various livestock species to local conditions.
“The diverse livestock genetic pool is Namibia’s heritage and should be conserved, developed and protected, not only for future markets, but for mitigating the effects of climate change as well.”
He said there is a dire need for Namibians to know what breeds exist in the country to strategise their utilisation and protection.
According to Mutorwa some of the existing livestock breeds are of economic and strategic importance, but they are relatively unknown.
“It is therefore absolutely necessary to summarise information about Namibia’s livestock breeds in a catalogue.”
The catalogue is a synopsis of breeds found in Namibia, and can be used as a guideline in livestock production. It is intended to inform and educate about the production and the adaptability of such breeds in the Namibian environment. The catalogue will also assist aspiring livestock farmers to make informed decisions when selecting livestock breeds.
According to Mutorwa, the dry climatic conditions contribute to Namibia’s ability to be one of the few countries in the world that produce healthy nutritious meat in a natural environment.
“With an increase in the global demand for livestock and livestock products, Namibia has a competitive edge over many livestock-producing countries,” he said.
He urged extension staff, farmers, agriculture faculties at tertiary institutions, researchers and investors to use this catalogue.
WINDHOEK ELLANIE SMIT
