Namibia Minute.
Tuesday, 6 October 2026
Namibia’s news, on the hour · Est. 2026
Tuesday, 6 October 2026
Windhoek—:—London—:—New York—:—Beijing—:—
Namibian press · Organization

Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Land Reform

Also known as: MAFWLR · The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Land Reform

Government ministry overseeing livestock health, water, and land management, currently coordinating Namibia's response to a foot-and-mouth disease outbreak.

2025-07-112026-10-06

What’s been said

Key points drawn from coverage. Tap a point to see the original sentence.

  1. September 2026
  2. Informanté

    Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Land Reform extended deadline for farmers to apply for agricultural equipment to 16 October 2026

    Source

    “THE Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Land Reform has extended the deadline for farmers and other eligible applicants to apply for agricultural equipment to 16 October 2026, while N$40 million has been made available to increase the purchase of grain from farmers through the Agro-Marketing and Trade Agency (AMTA).”

    Ministry extends farm equipment deadline, allocates N$40 million for grain uptake
  3. Windhoek Observer

    Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Land Reform extended the deadline for farmers applying to acquire agricultural equipment to 16 October 2026

    Source

    “The government has extended the deadline for farmers applying to acquire agricultural equipment to 16 October 2026 following an overwhelming response from farmers across the country, according to the ministry of agriculture, fisheries, water and land reform (MAFWLR).”

    Govt extends farm equipment deadline …sets aside N$40m for unsold grain
  4. The Namibian

    Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Land Reform held pilchard quota auction on 4 September

    Source

    “The auction, held on 4 September by the Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Land Reform, offered 5 000MT of pilchard quota, but only 3 500MT was subscribed and allocated, leaving 1 500MT unallocated.”

    5 000MT pilchard auction attracts only two bids
  5. Windhoek Observer

    Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Land Reform released results of two fish quota auctions

    Source

    “The government has raised more than N$29.1 million from two recent auctions for pilchard and freezer monk fish quotas, according to results released by the ministry of finance and the ministry of agriculture, fisheries, water and land reform.”

    Fish quota auctions raise close to N$29m for government
  6. The Namibian

    Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Land Reform signed an agreement with Unam to strengthen research in agriculture, food security, fisheries, water and land reform

    Source

    “The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Land Reform and the University of Namibia (Unam) have signed an agreement to strengthen research in agriculture, food security, fisheries, water and land reform.”

    Ministry, Unam join forces on agriculture research
  7. Windhoek Observer

    Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Land Reform has challenged Unam to produce research directly informing government policy

    Source

    “The ministry of agriculture, fisheries, water and land reform has challenged the University of Namibia (Unam) to produce research that goes beyond academic publications and directly informs government policy and action on food security, water scarcity, climate change, fisheries and land reform.”

    Govt demands action on Unam research
  8. The Namibian

    Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Land Reform collaborated on bringing renewed focus to resettlement matter

    Source

    “The matter was brought into renewed focus through the collaborative efforts of the Oshikoto Regional Council, the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Land Reform, and other relevant stakeholders.”

    Governor Sacky Kathindi Highlights Land Reform and Agricultural Opportunities in Oshikoto
  9. The Namibian

    Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Land Reform facilitated land allocation process

    Source

    “I acknowledge the Oshikoto Regional Resettlement Committee and the officials of my Ministry for facilitating this allocation process.”

    Minister Inge Zaamwani Hands Over Farm Allotment Letters to Tsintsabis Beneficiaries
  10. Informanté

    Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Land Reform clarified that Chinese experts are supporting water security efforts at no cost to Namibian Government

    Source

    “THE Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Land Reform has clarified that the Chinese experts conducting a groundwater feasibility study in Namibia are not replacing local professionals, but are supporting the country's water security efforts at no cost to the Namibian Government.”

    Chinese experts supporting Namibia’s water security at no cost – Ministry
  11. Informanté

    Ministry said local professionals and companies continue to be engaged for drilling services through established procurement processes

    Source

    “It said local professionals and companies continue to be engaged for drilling and related services through the Ministry's established procurement processes.”

    Chinese experts supporting Namibia’s water security at no cost – Ministry

Sunday 4 October

  1. Namibia allocates N$190 million to contain FMD outbreak

    The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Land Reform says it needs N$190.2 million to contain a Foot-and-Mouth Disease outbreak in the Karasburg area of //Kharas Region, including construction of a 290km disease-control fence. Since FMD was detected on 22 September, 79 samples tested positive across 11 farms.

    4 October 2026 · Informanté →

Saturday 3 October

  1. FMD Support Fund mobilises N$1.5 million in emergency supplies

    The FMD Support Fund has mobilised more than N$1.5 million worth of biosecurity products, surveillance kits and camping equipment to support 30 Directorate of Veterinary Services teams responding to the Foot-and-Mouth Disease outbreak in the //Kharas Region, with supplies provided by industry partners Agra, CYMOT, Agrimark and SWAVET.

    3 October 2026 · Informanté →

Wednesday 30 September

  1. Omusati farmers to get field training centre for environmental skills

    The Drylands Sustainable Landscapes Impact Project has identified Omiyongo village in Omusati as the location for a farmers field school to help farmers address environmental challenges. The school will serve farmers from Outapi, Onesi and Tsandi constituencies and include rehabilitation of an earth dam for water storage.

    30 September 2026 · The Namibian →

  2. Government considers livestock insurance; one region could cost N$45m

    The Ministry of Agriculture estimates that insuring small stock in a single region could cost about N$45 million, not including cattle or crop production. The government is exploring insurance options for livestock and crop farmers but must determine affordability and scheme structure to reach farmers nationwide.

    30 September 2026 · The Namibian →

Tuesday 29 September

  1. FMD restrictions allow livestock slaughter at home for weddings

    Namibia's Ministry of Agriculture says families may slaughter livestock at home for weddings and events, provided the animals are already at the venue, but transportation between locations remains prohibited following the foot-and-mouth disease outbreak. Traditional authorities say the restrictions violate customs such as lobola, a traditional practice involving the transfer of cattle.

    29 September 2026 · The Namibian →

  2. FMD restrictions lifted in north after negative livestock tests

    The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Land Reform has partially lifted restrictions on movement of cloven-hoofed animals and their products north of the veterinary cordon fence after livestock traced from an infected farm in the ||Kharas region tested negative for foot-and-mouth disease. The ministry found the outbreak remained localized and identified no transmission risk to areas north of the fence.

    29 September 2026 · The Namibian →

Monday 28 September

  1. FMD outbreak remains localized to Karasburg in ||Kharas

    The Ministry of Agriculture's Directorate of Veterinary Services reports that foot-and-mouth disease detected in the Karasburg Veterinary District is localized to ||Kharas region, with livestock moved to Otjozondjupa tested negative and no evidence of transmission risk to eight northern regions.

    28 September 2026 · The Namibian →

  2. Govt partially lifts FMD restrictions north of Veterinary Cordon Fence

    The Ministry of Agriculture announced a partial lifting of Foot-and-Mouth Disease restrictions, with movement restrictions on cloven-hoofed animals and their products lifted with immediate effect for the north of the Veterinary Cordon Fence, though movement of such animals and products to the north of the fence remains restricted. The //Kharas region stays locked down, and farmers must monitor livestock for FMD symptoms while adhering to strict biosecurity and testing requirements for animal movement and slaughter.

    28 September 2026 · New Era →

Sunday 27 September

  1. FMD restrictions eased after disease remains localized

    The Ministry of Agriculture has partially lifted Foot-and-Mouth Disease restrictions, allowing movement of cloven-hoofed animals and their products north of the Veterinary Cordon Fence. The Directorate of Veterinary Services said preliminary findings show the outbreak remains localised in //Kharas Region, and livestock traced to Otjozondjupa tested negative for FMD.

    27 September 2026 · Informanté →

  2. FMD restrictions partially lifted in //Kharas region

    Namibia's agriculture ministry has partially lifted restrictions imposed after a Foot-and-Mouth Disease outbreak in the Karasburg Veterinary District of //Kharas. Movement restrictions on cloven-hoofed animals and their products north of the Veterinary Cordon Fence have been lifted, though restrictions remain on movement of such animals and products from north to south across the fence.

    27 September 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

  3. Meatco calls for discipline as FMD surveillance continues

    Meatco's Interim CEO has urged continued discipline and reliance on verified information as surveillance continues following a Foot-and-Mouth Disease outbreak in the Karasburg State Veterinary District. The latest surveillance results show confirmed cases remain geographically confined to Karasburg, with the incubation period still ongoing and restrictions expected to be eased gradually pending further results.

    27 September 2026 · Informanté →

Saturday 26 September

  1. Sanitation facilities handed over at five clinics in Kavango West

    The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Land Reform has handed over newly constructed sanitation facilities at four clinics and one health centre in Kavango West Region under the Namibia Water Sector Support Programme, which is supported by the African Development Bank.

    26 September 2026 · Informanté →

  2. FMD restrictions will ease once surveillance results assessed

    Restrictions on cloven-hoofed animal movement imposed on 23 September will be gradually eased once the Ministry of Agriculture completes surveillance and traceability assessment following the detection of foot-and-mouth disease. Of 199 samples collected across five regions, 17 tested positive, all from Karasburg.

    26 September 2026 · The Namibian →

  3. FMD cases confined to Karasburg, four cattle tested negative

    The Ministry of Agriculture reports that all confirmed Foot-and-Mouth Disease cases remain confined to the Karasburg State Veterinary District, with 17 of 199 samples testing positive during surveillance between 22–25 September. Traceability investigations identified four cattle that moved from the infected farm to Otjozondjupa Region, but all samples from those cattle tested negative.

    26 September 2026 · Informanté →

  4. Seventeen FMD-positive samples confirmed in Karasburg

    Seventeen of 199 animal samples collected during intensified foot-and-mouth disease surveillance tested positive, all confined to Karasburg State Veterinary District in ǁKharas Region. The Acting Agriculture Minister said traceability, clinical examinations, and further testing were underway to determine the outbreak's extent.

    26 September 2026 · Namibian Sun →

Friday 25 September

  1. Windhoek suspends meat permits after FMD outbreak confirmed

    The City of Windhoek has suspended the issuance of meat permits and slaughtering of cloven-hoofed animals following confirmation of a Foot-and-Mouth Disease outbreak in the //Kharas Region. The suspension includes restrictions on informal kapana markets and the movement of cloven-hoofed animals and their products within the city.

    25 September 2026 · Informanté →

Thursday 24 September

  1. Namibia plans to divide FMD-free zone into smaller areas

    Namibia is developing a plan to divide its foot-and-mouth disease-free livestock zone into smaller zones following an FMD outbreak at a commercial farm in the ||Kharas region. Authorities are assessing costs and logistics, though some farmers worry stricter movement controls could create operational bottlenecks.

    24 September 2026 · The Namibian →

  2. Lawmaker demands clarification on nationwide FMD livestock restrictions

    National Assembly member Job Amupanda has requested urgent clarification from the Ministry of Agriculture over nationwide livestock movement restrictions imposed after Foot-and-Mouth Disease was detected at a commercial farm in Karasburg. Amupanda questions why nationwide restrictions apply to a single-farm outbreak in the FMD Free Zone, and is seeking details on the legal basis, scientific justification, economic impact, and expected duration of the measures.

    24 September 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

  3. Ministry questions 1,200-tonne by-catch record from two vessels

    Stock records from Scombrus Fishing show two horse mackerel trawlers recorded 1,233,821kg of by-catch over 30 days, but the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Land Reform says it cannot authenticate the figures. The ministry is pushing for tighter controls on by-catch, the unintended catch of marine species when fishing for another target.

    24 September 2026 · The Namibian →

  4. Five Kavango West health facilities receive sanitation upgrades

    Five health facilities in Kavango West—Kapako Clinic, Mburu-Uru Clinic, Nzinze Clinic, Sharukwe Clinic and Mupini Health Centre—have received newly constructed sanitation facilities under the N$3.3 billion Namibia Water Sector Support Programme, funded by the African Development Bank and the Namibian Government.

    24 September 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

Wednesday 23 September

  1. N$40m grain fund may not procure all stored grain

    The Ministry of Agriculture says N$40 million secured to buy grain from local farmers may not be sufficient to purchase all the produce currently in storage, and the ministry is seeking additional funding to expand the procurement programme.

    23 September 2026 · The Namibian →

Tuesday 22 September

  1. Ministry extends farm equipment deadline to October 2026

    The Ministry of Agriculture has extended the agricultural equipment application deadline to 16 October 2026 following public requests for more time. The government has also allocated N$40 million to increase grain purchases from farmers through the Agro-Marketing and Trade Agency, targeting subsistence, small-scale and medium-scale farmers.

    22 September 2026 · Informanté →

Monday 21 September

  1. Government extends farm equipment application deadline to October 2026

    The ministry of agriculture extended the application deadline for farmers to acquire agricultural equipment from end of September to 16 October 2026, following requests from farmers across all 14 regions who said the original timeframe was too short. The government also set aside N$40 million to address concerns over unsold grain from local producers.

    21 September 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

Saturday 19 September

  1. Pilchard quota auction attracts only two bids, allocates 3 500MT

    The government's pilchard fishing quota auction on 4 September received only two bids, with 3 500 metric tonnes allocated at a weighted average price of N$3 962.86 per MT—above the reserve price of N$2 700 per MT—leaving 1 500MT unallocated and generating N$13.87 million in total revenue.

    19 September 2026 · The Namibian →

Thursday 17 September

  1. Meatco Foundation launches farmer business skills program nationally

    The Meatco Foundation will roll out its Farmer Business School programme nationally from October 2026, with approximately 800 smallholder and subsistence farmers expected to receive practical business and farming skills to help them transition towards more commercially viable and resilient farming enterprises. The rollout follows a successful pilot programme and trainer refresher training, and is implemented in partnership with Meatco Northern Communal Areas, the Namibia National Farmers Union, the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Land Reform, and GIZ Farming for Resilience.

    17 September 2026 · Informanté →

  2. Government raises N$29.1 million from fish quota auctions

    Two recent auctions for pilchard and freezer monk fish quotas raised N$29.13 million combined, including application fees. The pilchard auction on 4 September offered 5,000 metric tonnes but attracted only two bids for 3,500 MT, while the freezer monk fish auction on 17 July was oversubscribed with six bids for 1,000 MT on offer.

    17 September 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

Wednesday 16 September

  1. Ministry and Unam sign agriculture research partnership agreement

    The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Land Reform and the University of Namibia have signed an agreement to strengthen research in agriculture, food security, fisheries, water and land reform. The partnership aims to link university research with government policies and programmes, focusing on increasing agricultural production, helping farmers adapt to climate change, managing fisheries and aquatic resources, and supporting land reform.

    16 September 2026 · The Namibian →

  2. Agriculture minister meets Namib Foods on food security partnerships

    Agriculture minister Inge Zaamwani met with the Namib Foods Group to explore public-private partnerships aimed at boosting local food production, processing, and distribution. The discussions focused on strengthening links between farmers, processors, and other agricultural players to improve food security and increase local production.

    16 September 2026 · The Namibian →

  3. Agriculture ministry demands UNAM research inform policy

    The agriculture ministry has signed a memorandum of understanding with the University of Namibia, challenging the institution to produce research that directly informs government policy on food security, water scarcity, climate change, fisheries and land reform, rather than remaining confined to academic publications.

    16 September 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

Tuesday 15 September

  1. Oshikoto governor marks land handover to resettlement beneficiaries

    The Regional Governor of Oshikoto Region, Sacky Kathindi, presided over the official handover of allotment letters to resettlement beneficiaries allocated farming units at Farm Tsintsabis No. 881 and Farm Urwald No. 1150 in the Guinas Constituency.

    15 September 2026 · The Namibian →

Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Land Reform — Namibian press coverage · Namibia Minute