Sampofu calls for more ear tags to curb stock theft

Zambezi regional governor Lawrence Sampofu has called upon the directorate of veterinary services to provide the region with sufficient ear tags through their Namibia Livestock Identification and Traceability System (NamLits), to ensure livestock is promptly identified and traced in the event of theft.

He made this call on Tuesday during a courtesy call to his office by officials from the Directorate of Veterinary Services and the Meat Board of Namibia, who are in the region to launch the national NamLits and stock brand awareness campaign.

The campaign, which will run from 17 July to 31 October, is aimed at educating farmers nationwide on the appropriate use of cattle ear tags and stock brands, as well as how to register on NamLits online.

According to Sampofu, the provision of enough ear tags to farmers will help curb increasing stock theft in the region, as the cattle will be identifiable and traceable even if they are stolen and taken out of the country.

Sampofu extended gratitude to the police in the region for working tirelessly to retrieve stolen cattle.

Meat Board manager Victor Klanzen noted that through this awareness campaign, they will update both the farmer and livestock details on the NamLits system.

“Our database is in need of accurate information about our livestock producers, as currently we have a high number of stock brands registered on NamLits that are not in use and have outdated livestock-related information,” he said.

Ministry of Agriculture, Water, and Land Reform deputy chief vertical officer Kennedy Shoombe has urged all farmers to make use of this opportunity to register themselves with the NamLits system to be able to be connected to global markets.