Caprivi quarantine camp opens market access

The Millennium Challenge Account Namibia (MCA‐N) handed the renovated and upgraded infrastructure of the Katima and Kopano quarantine camps in the Caprivi Region to the Ministry of Agriculture, Water and Forestry on 30 May 2013. MCA‐N invested N$7.3 million in the improvement of these facilities.
At the hand‐over ceremony at the kraals of the Katima Quarantine Camp, MAWF Permanent Secretary Joseph Iita thanked MCA‐N for its crucial support to the local economy, as quarantine of cattle in an area that is prone to Food and Mouth Disease is essential for livestock marketing and beef exports

“Over 80% of the population in the Caprivi Region derives their livelihood from agriculture and livestock contributes more than 70% of their income,” Iita emphasised.
MCA‐N CEO Penny Akwenye reminded those in attendance that the Caprivi investment forms part of a larger approach to improve Namibia’s livestock industry, which includes the ear‐tagging of cattle and introduction of sustainable grazing methods in the Northern Communal Areas.
“These interventions will encourage farmers to engage in livestock marketing activities, which will benefit their households,” Akwenye said.
The hand‐over ceremony was attended by more than 100 people, including Caprivi Regional Governor Lawrence Sampofu, traditional and local authorities, representatives from the farming community as well as Steve Dobrilovic, Resident Country Director of the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC).