The Namibian poultry industry is soaring to new heights! According to the Namibian Poultry Producers’ Association (PPA), the production value reached an impressive N$1.74 billion (USD 94.8 million) in 2024, marking a remarkable 13% boost from the N$1.5 billion (USD 83.6 million) recorded in 2023. This stellar growth secures the poultry sector’s position as the second-largest contributor to Namibia’s agricultural landscape, right behind the cattle industry, which is valued at an estimated N$3.2 billion this year.
Poultry products—like eggs and chicken meat—are a staple source of affordable protein for many households in Namibia. This economic accessibility offers a tremendous opportunity for local poultry farmers to unite, organize, and capture a fair share of this essential market.
As the industry evolves, it’s crucial for all poultry farmers to officially register as producers with the Livestock and Livestock Products Board (LLPB), formerly known as the Meatboard of Namibia. This registration is vital in providing regulators and the PPA with accurate and updated information about the number of poultry farmers in each region and the monthly production volumes they can supply. Through initiatives like the Market Share Promotion scheme, the PPA can team up with the LLPB to potentially boost the local production quota.
Larger poultry producers have the exciting opportunity to subcontract small-scale farmers to supply eggs and meat, creating a sustainable market for these smaller producers and allowing them to grow their production. Additionally, regional farmers might explore the benefits of forming cooperatives, which can facilitate bulk buying of essential inputs—think chicks, feed, vaccines, antibiotics, disinfectants, and nutritional supplements.
By purchasing in bulk, these cooperatives can significantly cut down on individual farmers’ costs, as many suppliers offer discounts for larger orders. The shared transportation expenses to distribution points improve efficiency and further reduce costs. This collective approach not only helps smallholder farmers lower their input costs but also gives them a competitive edge in the marketplace by reducing overall production expenses.
On the marketing front, poultry farmers can amplify their market presence by forming marketing cooperatives. These cooperatives enable farmers to pool their resources effectively, catering to both formal markets, like wholesalers, retailers, tourism facilities, and government institutions, as well as informal markets such as street vendors.
By addressing key marketing needs—quality, quantity, and consistency—cooperatives empower farmers to meet specific market demands with greater efficacy. For instance, if a market requires 10,000 eggs per month, cooperative members can come together to fulfill that demand. Once paid, the cooperative distributes income to its members based on their contributions.
Organizing poultry farmers brings a wealth of benefits, including enhanced market access and reduced costs. With the dedicated support of all industry stakeholders—farmers, regulators, and associations—these initiatives can fuel sector growth and tap into new, uncharted markets through self-reliance. Being organized allows farmers to consistently meet market standards, while regulators gain valuable insights into local producers’ capacities. This collaboration can lead to strategies that reduce reliance on imports by allocating additional quotas to local producers, ultimately nurturing a more resilient agricultural sector. Let’s seize this opportunity and elevate Namibia’s poultry industry together!
