Retention of the veterinary cordon fence in Namibia

Abstract

The issues surrounding the Veterinary Cordon Fence (VCF) in Namibia have been debated over the past twelve years of post-coloinial Namibia. Discussions are usually characterized by widely diverse points of view among the concerned parties. The issues of the VCF are both politically- and economically-sensitive and have considerable policy and economic implications. Those who have and continue to benefit from the presence of the VCF fel that its removal may result in the banning of all meat from Namibia to the EU and other markets. This study examines the historical development of the VCF, the current situation and the future of the Namibian livestock sector, with reference to implications of the VCF to the development of the livestock sector in the northern communal areas. The study also aims to gain an understanding of the current communal livestock marketing policy. Future policy options on the VCF are analyzed through a Policy Analysis Matrix. The options that are examined in this study are the following: (i) to keep the VCF in its present position, (ii) stepwise relocation of the VCF northwards and (iii) creation of the VCF on the Angola-Namibia border. Among the three options examined, it appears that the most viable option might be that of moving the VCF to the Angola-Namibia border