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Namibia’s pig industry is facing a shortage of veterinarians specialising in pig health, raising concerns about the availability of specialised expertise as the sector expands. Producers said Namibia has veterinarians, state veterinary officers and agricultural extension workers, but relatively few have specific expertise in pigs. Farmers have therefore been encouraged to follow prescribed vaccination programmes and maintain strong biosecurity to manage disease risks.
Despite the shortage, industry representatives said producers experiencing disease problems can still access veterinary assistance in Namibia, while specialised pig veterinarians in South Africa can provide additional consultancy and support through professional networks. The industry has also identified a broader knowledge gap and is encouraging farmers to attend information sessions, use online training and adopt technology carefully to strengthen their skills.
The need to strengthen expertise and efficiency comes as Namibia’s pig industry continues to develop. Local producers currently supply about 41% of pork consumed in Namibia, while imports accounted for 60.4% of domestic pork demand in 2024, according to the Livestock and Livestock Products Board of Namibia. Meanwhile, Namibia exported N$1.43 billion worth of meat during the first five months of the year, highlighting the wider importance of the agricultural sector to the country’s economy.
September 16, 2026/Namibia/
https://www.namibian.com.na/
