23 Aug 2016

Despite the prolonged absence of beef market due to livestock disease outbreaks, a private abattoir in the Ngamiland is set to enjoy a stable market at Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

The only private abattoir in the district has already made some good attempts even though it is hampered by failure to meet the demand of beef in DRC.

The director of Ngamiland abattoir, Mr Tumani Chimbise said in terms of marketing, they were doing well adding that they have found a lucrative market at DRC.

He said they intend to export more meat outside noting that they were expected to finalise negotiations with Algeria who want meat packaged in boxes.

“There is a lot of potential market opening up and officials from Algeria will be here very soon to finalise our discussion. Of course we are competing with other countries like Brazil, Australia and Argentina but we differ due to quality product,” he added.

Mr Chimbise said locally, they supply Kasane, supermarkets such as Spar and Choppies.

He also explained that they could not go through the Namibian port as the meat was from red zone and yet they were from a protected area between red and green zone.

In addition, he said lack of good roads in Africa also restricted their market. 

He said if Namibia could allow them to use their port since they were eyeing many SADC countries, it will open many doors for them.

Mr Chimbise also wished they could market Botswana meat as one entity with Botswana Meat Commission adding that currently they were competing for potential markets.

 He believes there is need to brand the local product in order to attract more potential markets.

He said currently there is no forum where they meet with BMC officials to discuss issues related to marketing.

However, some farmers in the district wished government could support the private abattoir which continues to access other markets outside the country.

In an interview, farmers said the abattoir operates with a temporary permit and called on the government to assist it to comply with the required standards and operate on permanent basis.

The Hainaveldt Farmers Association chairperson, Mr Killer Ledimo said the only abattoir in the district was doing a good job to relief farmers the burden as there is an outcry of lack of markets.

He expressed worry that the district suffered a serious blow from series of livestock diseases and believed the private abattoir would augment the government efforts in the race to secure markets. Ends