Exploring Value Addition in the Pork Market-Share Promotion Scheme in Namibia

Livestock farming has been identified as one of the most competitive and innovative segment of the agricultural offer. Unfortunately, due to a small domestic market, Namibia is a net exporter of livestock meat and related products. As part of the growth at home strategy, Pork Market Share Promotion Scheme, (PMSPS) was implemented in 2012. Creating more foreign markets with a high level of potential can increase foreign exchange earnings and create local employment. In the light of the aforementioned, the main purpose of this study was to examine the influence of value addition in the agricultural sector, with special reference to the PMSPS. This study was motivated by the absence of empirical evidence that has so far assessed PMSPS performance. The studyfollowed a mixed method research paradigm and twelve (12) participants were selected using stratified purposive sampling. Stakeholders in the industry from different government ministries and pork producers comprised the sample. Data were collected through interviews and panel discussions and were analysed using descriptive statistics and thematic data analysis method. The results demonstrate that PMSPS initiative has created meaningful opportunities for farmers in terms of market accessthereby increasingprofitability. Although this study may have sampling limitations occasioned by other constrictionsincluding secrecy, sensitivity and the politics that surrounds the PMSPS, it is recommended that producers could expand their operations to include, processing (value addition), to aid them give the preferred cuts that are currently not part of the scheme. It could be beneficial for the management of the PMSPS in Namibia to prioritize development of strategies that would increase cost effective local production, if they wish to reduce ceiling price and lower consumer prices.