Communal farmers in the Spitzkoppe and Okombahe areas, operating as
Omkhaibasen Community Farmers Cooperative, entered a new era of farming recently when they staged a successful auction after three decades of cooperation with Agra. The auction at Satamab Noord no.115, some 30 km northwest of Usakos, was the first of its kind by the community in the Spitzkoppe area and raised over N$360 000 through sales of livestock.
"We are quite excited. We managed to exceed the target on livestock sales that we have set," said Isak ‡Ôuseb, acting marketing coordinator of the
cooperative.

They sold 63 cattle ( total N$ 180,430), 331 goats (N$111,415) and 239 sheep for N$70 995. ‡Ôuseb said they would try to get more similar auctions in the district as it contributed to better living conditions among the community.
"The buyers were amazed at the quality of livestock on offer. Some of the commercial farmers from the area could not stop talking about the good quality and inspired the community to better their output," he said.

According to ‡Ôuseb, the biggest challenge faced by the farmers were the new ear tag systems introduced by the Meat Board of Namibia and which some of the farmers are not yet know about. It thus prevented some farmers to sell their live stock, especially cattle.

Another challenge was the poor condition of the auction kraal. "However, we will liaise with relevant stakeholders to assist with the
renovation so that our communities can conduct their business in conducive
environment," he said. To address the need of the rural communities in terms of quality livestock, the Omkhaibasen Community Farmers Cooperative will stage its production auction next week on 26th May 2006 at Daweb West No 62, some 30km northwest of Usakos. There will be approximately 15 boerbok rams and 20 damara rams on offer.
Marhan Farming will offer appro-ximately 4 boerbok rams as a guest
seller. The next community auction is planned for 25th September 2006 at
Satamab Noord. For more detail about these events, do not hesitate to contact the following people: Isak ‡Ôuseb 061-201-2128 or 811222564 or George Karunga 061-201-2158 or 0811285216.

Presca Nbereshu, Franco Engelbrecht and Patricia Keeja, all from the ministry of Agriculture, attended the auction and were impressed by the quality of animals on sale. Photo: Contributed