Emerging farmers could receive additional support if a motion tabled in the National Assembly gains traction.

Swapo Party MP Iipumbu Shiimi wants parliament to examine ways of improving market access and boosting value addition in the livestock sector, particularly for communal farmers north and south of the veterinary cordon fence.

Agriculture remains a major contributor to employment and export earnings in Namibia.

However, Shiimi says many communal farmers are still unable to maximise returns from their livestock despite government interventions aimed at expanding market opportunities.

"Those who farm north of the veterinary cordon fence, where the majority of livestock is found, need improved access to lucrative markets. Government has endeavoured to solve this problem by creating the equalisation fund and securing markets in the rest of Africa and the Middle East."

The motion points to the continued export of young livestock to neighbouring countries, a practice that limits local processing and reduces the economic benefits that could be retained within Namibia.

Shiimi argues that increasing local slaughtering and processing capacity could strengthen the agricultural value chain while creating jobs and supporting economic growth.

"Their counterparts south of the veterinary cordon fence sell young animals that are exported to neighbouring countries, especially South Africa, instead of selling fully grown animals to capture a bigger part of the value chain. This is not only denying farmers better incomes, but it also deprives local abattoirs sufficient throughput needed to sustain local processing activities and employment creation."

The motion calls for immediate interventions to support communal farmers and proposes that the matter be referred to the relevant Parliamentary Standing Committee for further investigation and recommendations.