'Rather farm with goats'

Keetmanshoop Rural constituency councillor Elias Kharuxab says farmers should start breeding more with goats, as they survive on shrubs and have a high chance to survive in severe drought.While delivering a speech at the third edition of the Berseba goat expo on Saturday, Kharuxab said breeding with drought-tolerant animals like goats also needs less manpower and is a better choice than high-maintenance cattle.“Apart from the fact that goats can survive harsh environments, goats are also high-volume breeders and have a good survival rate in drought-prone areas,” he added.The councillor, businessman and farmer said agriculture contributes around 5.1% towards the country's gross domestic product (GDP) of which 70% represents the output of the livestock subsector.However, he was quick to say that over the years the agricultural sector's performance has been minimal, as a result of low rainfall experienced, which has led to a drought that will lead to a contraction in both livestock and crop production.“Despite the declining or small share contribution to the GDP, the sector remains the backbone of the economy and prosperity for many Namibians,” Kharuxab said.Special adviser to the premier of the Northern Cape, Norman Shushu, said the challenges faced by Namibia are the same as in South Africa, adding that it is important that the two countries work together to address those challenges and develop both economies.“We have the same problems such as poverty, inequality and rising unemployment among the youth and we should join together in order to grow our economies and ensure that we bring better life to our people; and in all this, agriculture plays an important role,” he said.Shushu was invited to the event through the twinning agreement between the //Karas regional council and the Northern Cape provincial government of South Africa.The expo, held from Friday to Sunday, featured horse racing, a live music show by Kalux and provided a platform for small and medium businesses to showcase and sell their products and services.NAMPA

'Rather farm with goats'

Comments

Namibian Sun 2025-07-01

Please login to leave a comment

'Rather farm with goats'

Comments

Namibian Sun 2025-07-01

Please login to leave a comment

Login