Zebaldt Ngaruka

Otjinene constituency councillor Eben-Ezer Kauapirura highlighted the vital role of his constituency and the Omaheke region in Namibia’s livestock sector during the recent Otjinene Farmers Association (OFA) elective congress.

Addressing farmers and stakeholders at the congress, Kauapirura stated that the Omaheke region is proudly known as the ‘Cattle Country’. Within it, Otjinene stands tall among the other six constituencies of the region.

He pointed out that agriculture, particularly livestock farming, is not merely a livelihood but the backbone of the constituency’s economy and identity.

According to the 2025 agricultural survey, Otjinene ranks second in commercial livestock numbers within Omaheke and first among all communal areas across the Omaheke and Otjozondjupa regions.

“As subsistence and communal farmers, our households keep more cattle, goats and sheep than in any other communal areas in these two regions. That strength comes from you, the men, women and youth of this constituency. Therefore, livestock marketing remains crucial to economic growth and transformation efforts,” Kauapirura noted.

He further highlighted that Omaheke accounts for 22.3% of Namibia’s commercial farms within the country’s primary cattle-farming belt and for 11.2% of farms that were actively operated in the past 12 months.

In light of upcoming weather forecasts predicting poor rainfall this season, Kauapirura urged OFA leadership to prioritise sustainable rangeland management.

“We must be very deliberate about feed security for our livestock. We need to adopt better rangeland practices, such as rotational grazing, de-bushing and establishing lucerne gardens right here in Otjinene,” he advised.

He also urged farmers to store fodder, use fodder-making machines and explore virgin grazing areas to facilitate land recovery.

Value addition

Regarding livestock auction and marketing facilities, Kauapirura praised Otjinene’s reputation as one of the few communal areas where multiple buyers compete at auctions, thereby securing better prices for farmers.

“Let us now upgrade our auction facilities to meet high standards, attract more buyers, reduce transport costs, and keep value within Otjinene,” he urged.

He also proposed establishing or upgrading a meat-processing facility and abattoir to enable OFA to apply for meat export permits and supply local markets.

“For too long, cattle on the hoof from Omaheke have been exported to South Africa, and we have not reaped the full benefits. OFA has the potential to change this if we unite. We need our own agro-processing facilities,” he lamented.

Citing the new Meatco feedlot in Omaheke as an example, Kauapirura emphasised the importance of investing in infrastructure that retains cattle and adds value to them within Namibia.

The councillor emphasised the importance of inclusive and diversified agriculture, especially for young people, women and all farmers.

“The youth are the future of tomorrow. I call on them to take up agriculture with pride. Otjinene Village Council has already allocated land for youth agricultural projects. Let us fill those projects and lead innovation,” he encouraged.

He also paid tribute to women, describing them as custodians of food security and household resilience.

“We need a dedicated Women in Agriculture Wing in our constituency. Their voices and leadership must be institutionalised,” Kauapirura said.

He urged farmers to diversify agricultural activities so livestock, crops and small enterprises complement each other.

He called on the new OFA leadership to review and update the association’s constitution to better reflect the current interests of Otjinene’s farming community. “This constitution must fit us today and protect us tomorrow,” he added.

Highlighting the region’s growing investor interest, driven by its strategic location and the purchasing power of the farming community, Kauapirura urged residents to harness this potential for broader prosperity.

“Turn that potential into tangible benefits visible in our schools, clinics and homes,” he said.

Kauapirura commended local farmers for their resilience in the face of drought and other hardships.

“Your cattle, your land and your hands feed Namibia,” he affirmed.

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