Key points drawn from coverage. Tap a point to see the original sentence.
March 2026
The Namibian
Simon Nghipandulwasaysthe ministry can do nothing to increase the number of buyers in the two Kavango regions, as auctions are private initiatives.
Source
“Agriculture ministry spokesperson Simon Nghipandulwa says the ministry can do nothing to increase the number of buyers in the two Kavango regions, as auctions are private initiatives.”
Simon Nghipandulwasays the ministry is currently connectingmilking parlour to national power grid and water supply
Source
“Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Land Reform spokesperson Simon Nghipandulwa says the ministry is currently connecting the milking parlour to the national power grind and water supply as part of this process.”
Ministry spokesperson Simon Nghipandulwasaidgovernment has put measures in place to prevent FMD entry
Source
“On Sunday, ministry spokesperson Simon Nghipandulwa, speaking on behalf of line minister Inge Zaamwani-Kamwi, said the government has put measures in place to prevent the possible entry of the disease.”
Simon NghipandulwasaidNamibia stands ready to support neighbouring countries with cooperation and assistance on the FMD outbreak
Source
“"Namibia stands ready to support neighbouring countries with the necessary cooperation and assistance to help them contain and recover from the outbreak, as a collective regional response ultimately protects us all," added Simon Nghipandulwa, spokesperson for the Ministry of Agriculture.”
Simon Nghipandulwasaidthe government has put measures in place to prevent disease entry
Source
“In an update on Sunday, ministry spokesperson Simon Nghipandulwa said the government has put measures in place to prevent the possible entry of the disease.”
Simon NghipandulwaaffirmedNamibian government supports and understands economic and social importance of the project
Source
“The ministry's spokesperson Simon Nghipandulwa yesterday affirmed that the Namibian government supports, appreciates and fully understands the economic and social importance of the South Africa- Lesotho Highlands Water Project.”
Simon NghipandulwastatedNo Objection cannot be issued until concerns about Phase 2 impacts are addressed
Source
“"In light of the potential negative impacts on Namibia as a downstream riparian state, it was considered appropriate not to issue a 'No-Objection' until concerns relating to the anticipated impacts of the further development of Phase 2 had been satisfactorily addressed, and until a firm commitment had been provided by South Africa regarding the joint development of the Noordoewer–Vioolsdrift Dam on the Lower Orange River as a mitigation measure," said Nghipandulwa.”
Simon Nghipandulwaemphasised thatinput supply remains stable under three-year contract
Source
“The ministry's spokesperson, Simon Nghipandulwa, emphasised that the input supply remains stable under a three-year contract with reliable suppliers, while the ministry continues to address equipment procurement backlogs caused by budgetaryconstraints.”
Simon Nghipandulwahighlighted thatUvhungu Vhungu Green Scheme Project covers 773 hectares
Source
“Nghipandulwa highlighted that the Uvhungu Vhungu Green Scheme Project covers 773 hectares and includes commercial production areas, floodplains, small-scale farmer units, and a dairy unit.”
The agriculture ministry created a price equalisation fund approved by Cabinet in 2024 to help livestock producers north of the veterinary cordon fence, but the Namibia National Farmers Union says implementation has stalled. A ministry spokesperson confirmed a misunderstanding between finance and agriculture ministries diverted initial funding, though N$50 million has been allocated in the 2026/27 budget.
The agriculture ministry created a price equalisation fund approved by Cabinet in 2024 to help livestock producers north of the veterinary cordon fence, but the Namibia National Farmers Union says implementation has stalled. A ministry spokesperson confirmed a misunderstanding between finance and agriculture ministries diverted initial funding, though N$50 million has been allocated in the 2026/27 budget.
The monthly Mpasinkuru cattle and goat auction in Kavango West is drawing few local buyers, despite animals fetching near N$1 million and offering superior grazing quality; most buyers come from the Oshana, Ohangwena, and Omusati regions, while an Agriculture Ministry official says the auction remains the fairest market mechanism for local farmers.
The Namibian agriculture ministry is preparing to lease the Uvhungu-Vhungu green scheme to private operators to improve operational efficiency, investment, and food security. The 773-hectare facility, which includes irrigated farmland and a dairy component, is undergoing infrastructure upgrades including power and water connections before leasing, with talks already underway with O&L Namibia Dairies.
The Ministry of Agriculture says Namibia's animal health systems are prepared to respond to foot-and-mouth disease risks from neighbouring countries experiencing outbreaks, and has implemented preventive measures including veterinary controls at ports of entry and a ban on meat and dairy imports from South Africa since September.
Agriculture Minister Inge Zaamwani has urged farmers, particularly in //Kharas Region, to remain vigilant against Foot-and-Mouth Disease, which is currently affecting South Africa and parts of Botswana. She called on farmers to monitor visitors from affected areas and ensure livestock transport trucks are properly disinfected, while the Ministry reassured that Namibia's animal health systems are prepared to respond to any potential risks.
The Ministry of Agriculture has urged the public not to panic over foot-and-mouth disease spreading from neighbouring countries, saying the government has put preventive measures in place and that Namibia's animal health systems are prepared to respond. The ministry encourages farmers to report suspected cases and emphasised the importance of regional cooperation to contain the outbreak.
Namibia has refused to approve Phase 2 of the South Africa-Lesotho Highlands Water Project, citing concerns about reduced downstream water flows on the Orange River and potential damage to its irrigation schemes, mining, and power projects. The ministry says the blockade will stand until South Africa commits to jointly developing the Noordoewer-Vioolsdrift Dam as a mitigation measure.
Namibia's agriculture ministry is expanding green scheme projects nationwide to increase crop production and food security. Multiple schemes are targeting significantly higher yields this season—including Sikondo aiming to double production to 3,129 tonnes, Ndonga Linena projecting a 40% increase to 8,640 tonnes, and Etunda targeting 3,600 tonnes—through expanded cultivated areas, rehabilitated irrigation infrastructure, and improved farming technologies.
The Ministry of Agriculture has ramped up operations in Zambezi region after three separate African migratory locust outbreaks since April 2025, with current infestations concentrated in Muyako, Masokotwani and Chinchimani threatening maize and millet crops. Control teams have scouted 3,119 hectares and treated 947 hectares, but face challenges including equipment breakdowns and weather constraints; officials are engaging international partners including the FAO for drone surveillance and aerial spraying support.
The Ministry of Agriculture has confirmed grass locusts in Nehale Lya Mpingana and says control measures are ready if they spread to cultivated fields. Farmers in the north are also battling delayed rainfall that is wilting mahangu and other crops, raising fears of poor harvests.
African migratory locusts and fall armyworms have infested multiple areas in the Zambezi region since September, destroying maize and other crops despite good rains and threatening household food security. The Ministry of Agriculture is conducting control measures with deployed teams, but affected farmers report repeated infestations and call for lasting solutions and compensation.