The Agricultural Bank of Namibia (Agribank) has assured farmers of its unwavering financial and technical support amidst the ongoing Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD) outbreak, which on Saturday saw the country record 79 new FMD cases.

On Saturday, Namibia confirmed 79 new FMD cases across 11 farms in the Karasburg State Veterinary District, located within the //Kharas region.

Agriculture minister Inge Zaamwani announced the spike after laboratory analysis of 531 samples confirmed the presence of the SAT-1 virus strain, the same strain previously detected in South Africa and Botswana.

Because the outbreak has penetrated Namibia’s historically recognised FMD-free zone, the country’s FMD-free status has been suspended.

Consequently, the European Union (EU) has temporarily suspended all imports of fresh and processed Namibian meat products, including cattle, sheep, goats, biltong, and jerky.

Agribank’s CEO Robert Eiman said yesterday that the bank was deeply concerned about the FMD’s impact on farmers’ operations countrywide, especially in virus-hit areas.

“Agribank recognises that the FMD outbreak and related restrictions have far-reaching implications for the livestock industry, livelihoods and the economy at large, making this a challenging time for both the bank and its clients.

The agriculture ministry, through the Directorate of Veterinary Services, implemented precautionary disease-control measures, including restrictions on the movement and marketing of cloven-hoofed animals and animal products to contain the outbreak and protect the livestock industry…”

“Therefore, the bank calls on all stakeholders, communities and businesses to work together and comply with the restrictions and measures introduced to help contain the outbreak and restore normal livestock farming and trading conditions. However, the extent of the impact may differ across farming and agri enterprises operations of our clients,” said Eiman.

He added that early, open engagement with clients will help identify practical solutions during this difficult period, supporting the agriculture sector while protecting the bank’s long-term sustainability.

“Therefore, any support the bank extends to our clients will not follow a one-size-fits-all approach; each request will be assessed on a case-by-case basis, taking into account the client’s circumstances.

Affected clients are welcome to engage with the bank about how the FMD outbreak and related restrictions may affect or have affected their operations. The bank will work with each client to identify appropriate repayment arrangements and support options to protect and preserve the agribusinesses, guided by the policies and procedures.”

-ohembapu@nepc.com.na