Namibia, EU break ground on major communal feedlot
Etunda project aims to boost trade and uplift local farmers
26 August 2025
3 minute read
By: A major step forward in Namibia’s agricultural transformation took place earlier this month as the Government of the Republic of Namibia, in partnership with the European Union, officially broke ground on the Etunda Feedlot, according to a press release from the Delegation of the European Union to Namibia. The cutting-edge facility with a 1,000-cattle standing capacity is designed to uplift the communal livestock sector in the Northern Communal Areas (NCAs),
Valued at approximately N$78.9 million (EUR 3.9 million), the Etunda Feedlot is a flagship initiative under a broader EU project aimed at supporting the livestock sector in the NCA, with a total budget of 400 NAD million to support farmers in the NCA. The project is implemented by the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Land Reform (MAFWLR) with the National Planning Commission (NPC) as the contracting authority.
Located within the Etunda Irrigation Scheme near Ruacana, the feedlot is well positioned to significantly reduce the costs communal farmers face in accessing abattoirs and livestock services, while also improving cattle quality and market readiness. It serves as a critical off-take point, connecting communal herders to both local and in time, international value chains through Commodity-Based Trade (CBT).
Speaking at the event, Mr. Ian Dupont, EU Chargé d’Affaires highlighted the EU’s long-standing partnership with Namibia, noting that the Livestock Support Programme represents EU-Namibia collaboration at its best. He said, “This represents sustainable and inclusive development, aimed at bringing real empowerment to livestock farmers in the Northern Communal Areas. Together with the government of Namibia, we want to support the building of systems and infrastructure so that farmers in the NCA can benefit from regional and international trade, such as through SACU or the AfCFTA.”
On her part, Hon. Inge Zaamwani, Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Land Reform highlighted that the Etunda Feedlot speaks directly to Namibia’s national goals of food security, poverty reduction and climate-resilient livestock management.
The Etunda Feedlot is one of seven infrastructure projects under this programme, which also includes upgrading of abattoirs, artificial insemination centres, auction facilities, and quarantine stations across Namibia. All projects are currently under construction following technical handovers facilitated by the NPC. Additionally, a number of trucks and vehicles have also been recently handed over to the Ministry of Agriculture to support this mission.
These developments are designed to support farmers in the NCA to participate in local, regional and international trade, taking into account the risks of communicable diseases such as the Foot and Mouth Disease, Lumpy Skin Disease and others, for which the veterinary cordon fence remains an important tool to manage these risks. Complementary investments in livestock traceability, fodder production, and farmer training further reinforce the programme’s long-term sustainability.
The event brought together key government leaders, development partners, traditional authorities, farmers' unions, and regional representatives, the local community, a visible testament to the cross-sectoral support behind this transformative effort.
