Author: Erastus Ngaruka
Foot-and-Mouth Disease Outbreak: Understanding the Potential Impact of an Outbreak
By: Erastus Ngaruka The agricultural economy of Namibia relies heavily on livestock production, which is valued at more than N$6 billion. Beef production in particular significantly contributes to the country’s GDP. However, livestock production in Namibia faces several…
Livestock & Rangeland Management
By: Erastus Ngaruka Livestock production in Namibia primarily includes cattle, sheep and goats. Essentially, the management practices implemented to ensure optimal performance and productivity focus on their health, nutrition and welfare among other aspects. Livestock health is one…
An overview: Losing rural wealth through rural-urban migration
By: Erastus Ngaruka The life of communities in rural areas is characterised by their native interaction with their environment or the ecosystem. This interaction carries an important economic value, as the ecosystem resources offer them the opportunity to sustain their…
Opinion: Know and Understand Grasses
By: Erastus Ngaruka In Namibia, livestock production is heavily dependent on the rangeland, which grows a variety of forage resources including trees, shrubs, grasses and forbs. These plants differ in growth forms, structure, life cycles, habitat preferences and their…
The Basics: Drought Planning
By: Erastus Ngaruka The agricultural sector is fundamental to the sustenance of livelihoods in Namibia, however, it faces several challenges associated with climate change. The effects of climate change are evident as Namibian farmers have endured recurring unfavourable rainfall…
Opinion: Rainfall Alone Cannot Guarantee Optimal Rangeland Recovery
By: Erastus Ngaruka A rangeland refers to land inhabited by native plants (grass, forbs, shrubs and trees) and utilised by domestic and wild animals. Rangelands offer direct or indirect support to all forms of life and are the cheapest…
The Basic Care During the Winter Lambing and Kidding Season
By: Erastus Ngaruka During the winter season, small stock (goat and sheep) farmers always have a big task at hand of ensuring that the lambing (sheep birth) and kidding (goat birth) season progresses well with fewer or no complications in…
Govt Has Six Months To Decide On Hyphen Equity Offer
Nghiinomenwa-vali Erastus Counting from June 2023, the Namibian government has six months to weigh its options, find capital, and decide whether it will take up 24% equity in Hyphen Hydrogen Energy. The Cabinet approved a controversial N$192,1 billion deal with…
Nam Chasing The Wind On Agri Expenditure Commitments
…as it fails to meet its Malabo Declaration Promises Nghiinomenwa-vali Erastus Since 2019, the Namibian government has failed to stick to its agricultural expenditure commitment and has struggled to boost agriculture's annual contribution to GDP. The country has only managed…
The Beef Sector Shows Signs of A Weakening Beef Trade Picture
…live animal export to South Africa remains strong despite some reductions Nghiinomenwa-vali Erastus For the months of January and February, the country has only slaughtered 10,753 heads of cattle for export and for domestic consumption, compared to the 15,836 heads…