The Namibian chicken industry is rejoicing following the government’s decision to lift a one-year prohibition on importing chickens from neighbouring South Africa. This decision, which has been well received by the Poultry Producers’ Association of Namibia (PPA), provides much-needed relief and lays the groundwork for a more stable poultry market.
Louis Kleynhans, the chairperson of PPA, conveyed his organization’s backing for the decision, highlighting the significance of biosecurity. He said that they will only approve the imported chicken if it comes from South African farms that have been certified as free of avian influenza and if it enters Namibia through proper legal channels.
This policy change comes after Namibia’s Directorate of Veterinary Services issued an official notice in mid-May. Albertina Shilongo, the chief veterinary officer, explained that poultry meat imports will resume. Emphasizing that only chicken free from disease and derived from live birds raised on bio-secure South African farms will be permitted.
The prohibition on imports, which was put into place in September 2023, was a result of an outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in South Africa. The poultry industry in Namibia was greatly affected by this outbreak. Kleynhans views the lifting of the ban as an important measure to support local production and guarantee ongoing consumer availability of chicken. He stresses that import quotas will be upheld to avoid an influx of imported chicken that could harm local producers.
The outbreak of HPAI had a devastating impact on Namibian poultry farmers. It has been reported that Quantum Foods, a significant player in the industry, culled approximately two million chickens to control the disease. Astral Foods, another leading producer, calculated that the total cost of the outbreak was around R220 million. These statistics emphasize the considerable financial burden that the outbreak imposed on the Namibian poultry sector.
Namibia heavily depends on importing poultry from South Africa, consuming about 2,500 tons of chicken every month. The removal of the ban is anticipated to stabilize the market by boosting the total supply of chicken. This could result in more competitive pricing for consumers as a consequence. Nevertheless, the implementation of import quotas will guarantee fairness and safeguard the concerns of local manufacturers who have made significant investments in the sector.
The removal of the ban also opens up the chance for Namibian and South African poultry producers to work together. Exchanging effective biosecurity protocols and disease prevention measures could be advantageous for both sectors. Furthermore, Namibia could benefit from South Africa’s expertise in managing the HPAI outbreak to enhance its biosecurity measures and prevent potential future outbreaks.
Although the removal of the ban is a positive development for both consumers and producers, there are still some obstacles that need to be addressed. It is essential to strictly follow the biosecurity regulations set out by the Directorate of Veterinary Services in order to prevent the reintroduction of HPAI in Namibia. It will be crucial to maintain constant monitoring and take quick action if there are any suspected outbreaks.
Additionally, the successful implementation of the ban lift depends on efficiently controlling the import quotas. It is crucial to establish quotas that ensure a consistent influx of imported chicken while also safeguarding domestic production. Effective communication and cooperation among the government, the PPA, and local producers will be essential to attain this equilibrium.
The removal of the import restriction on South African chicken represents a major advancement for the poultry sector in Namibia. It has the potential to create a more secure market, promote greater competition, and potentially lead to lower prices for consumers. Nevertheless, it will be crucial to maintain biosecurity, effectively manage import quotas, and promote collaboration between stakeholders in order to guarantee the lasting success of this change in policy.
