Namibia is intensifying efforts to safeguard its internationally recognised foot-and-mouth disease (FMD)-free zone following rising outbreaks in the Southern African region.

Heavy rains and floodwaters are threatening food security for some farmers in the Mbilajwe and Batubaja areas in the Zambezi Region.

Some 68,000 people in the Kunene Region have benefited from the IREMA Livestock Revolving Scheme Project, designed to boost household income and food security.

Implemented in Fransfontein, Sesfontein, and Warmquelle, the six-year initiative, valued at N$164 million, wrapped up last year.

Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Land Reform (MAFWLR), Inge Zaamwani, says despite Namibia's status as a Foot and Mouth Disease free (FMD) zone, developments in neighbouring countries necessitate heightened surveillance and vigilance.

The Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries, Water, and Land Reform has urged the farming community not to panic amidst the outbreak of the foot-and-mouth disease in some SADC countries.
 
The disease has been confirmed in South Africa, Botswana, Eswatini, Mozambique, and Zimbabwe.
 

The Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Land Reform Minister Inge Zaamwani has launched a N$46-million food security and climate resilience grant in Otjiwarongo.

The Minister of Justice and Labour Relations, Wise Immanuel, told Parliament that a group of employees assigned to Walu Fishing have not received their salaries since October last year.

Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Land Reform (MAFWLR) Inge Zaamwani says the ministry has put precautionary measures into place to prevent the foot and mouth disease (FMD) from entering the country through the South African border.

Namibia's wetlands play a critical role in regulating water, supporting wildlife and sustaining communities.