Staff Reporter
THE 2026 Bank Windhoek Agriculture Series will focus on practical measures to contain foot-and-mouth disease (FMD), protect livestock and safeguard agricultural livelihoods when farmers, experts and industry stakeholders meet in Windhoek on 30 October.
Held under the theme “Foot-and-Mouth Disease: Safeguarding Herds and Sustainable Livelihoods”, the event follows the confirmation of FMD in the Karasburg State Veterinary District in the //Kharas Region on 23 September. By 13 October, 131 animals had tested positive across 18 farms, according to the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Land Reform, with the outbreak confined to the district at the time.
The discussions will focus on disease prevention and control, farm-level biosecurity, livestock movement restrictions, surveillance and early reporting, as well as cooperation between farmers, veterinary authorities, policymakers and industry partners.
FMD is a highly contagious viral disease affecting cloven-hoofed animals, including cattle, sheep, goats and pigs. Although it does not pose a public health risk, outbreaks can disrupt livestock production and trade, threatening employment and household incomes across the agricultural value chain.
Bank Windhoek’s Executive Officer of Retail Banking Services, Leon Koch, said the bank aims to support informed and coordinated action to help farmers and other stakeholders understand the risks, strengthen preparedness and protect Namibia’s livestock and agricultural livelihoods.
The annual Agriculture Series, established in 2018, brings together farmers, researchers, policymakers and industry leaders to discuss challenges affecting the sustainability and resilience of Namibia’s agricultural sector.
This year’s event will take place at the Mercure Hotel in Windhoek from 08:30 and will be held in a hybrid format, with invited guests attending in person and members of the public able to follow the discussions via livestream on Bank Windhoek’s social media platforms.
Picture for illustrative purposes only. Photo: Bank Windhoek
