Namibia launches livestock price fund and AI monitoring system for agriculture

Namibia’s Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Land Reform and the Namibia National Farmers Union are preparing to roll out a US$5.5 million (N$100 million) livestock price equalisation fund. The scheme aims to narrow the price gap between livestock sold by farmers north of the veterinary cordon fence and those in the south, with N$50 million allocated in the 2026/27 budget. Officials cite challenges such as non‑operational abattoirs, weak meat value chains and limited market access for northern communal producers.

Separately, the government has signed a one‑year agreement with U.S. firm 6th Grain Corporation, investing N$39.5 million in an artificial‑intelligence‑driven agricultural monitoring system. The deal includes data‑ownership safeguards, software transfer and training for Namibian staff, but has sparked public calls for greater transparency and procurement clarity. Both initiatives are positioned as steps to modernise Namibia’s key agricultural sector and improve food‑security resilience.