The main aim of the study was to determine the constraints and opportunities
among cattle producers in the rural areas of Omulonga constituency in Ohangwena
region in North Central Namibia. The primary livelihood activities in the area are
mainly rain-fed arable agriculture, livestock ranching and the harvesting of natural
resources. A survey was conducted in the constituency on purposively selected
livestock farmers. Only farmers who own livestock were selected for the survey of
which 50 farmers were interviewed using a structured questionnaire.
The main marketing constraining factors found in the area of study were location
of marketing facilities and infrastructure which were located very far from the
farmers, lack of marketing information, as well as the presence of the veterinary
cordon fence that is viewed as limiting access to marketing livestock country wide.
The study concluded that production and marketing of livestock in Omulonga, in
Ohangwena region is constrained by several factors such as small herd size,
diseases, poor extension services, poor grazing, high mortality rates, inadequate
market information as well as inadequate provision of marketing infrastructure
such as marketing pens, inadequate dipping services and the cultural practices
which determines reasons for keeping livestock.