Goat exports face balancing act between animal health and producer returns

Staff Reporter

NAMIBIA’S live goat export industry faces the ongoing challenge of balancing strict animal health requirements with producer profitability, as compliance costs continue to reduce returns, particularly for communal goat farmers.

South Africa remains Namibia’s primary market for live goat exports, with approximately 98% of exported goats destined for the South African traditional market. Access to this market requires producers to meet animal health import requirements, including testing for Brucella melitensis, a measure aimed at protecting livestock health and maintaining trade standards.