A Framework to Define the Impact of Sustainable ICT for Agriculture Projects: The Namibian Livestock Traceability System

Abstract

Namibia expanded its livestock traceability system to include data of the Northern communal farmers, with ear-tagging starting in 2010, and full functionality added in 2014. The new technology enables them to export safe meat products to previously-excluded overseas markets. In this article, the complexities of a livestock traceability system are explained to provide one with a sense of the lengths countries like Namibia went through to successfully implement such a system. Next, a new framework is proposed to apply to agricultural development projects, called the Impact-for-sustainable agriculture framework, with all the facets of the framework explained. Finally, the framework is applied to the Namibian Livestock Identification and Traceability System (NamLITS), with the focus on the Northern Communal Areas (NCAs). NamLITS is an example of a successful agricultural development project, and it is hoped that this new framework can be applied to other agricultural initiatives.

Who drives the digital revolution in agriculture? A review of supply‐side trends, players and challenges

“…Depending on the nature of the service provided, public support may indeed be justified. For example, Prinsloo and de Villiers (2017) argue that the Namibian Livestock Identification and Traceability System, which uses electronic ear-tagging of cattle, has been successful in controlling outbreaks of Foot and Mouth Disease. AfriScout, which is supported by USAID, partnering with Google, among others, helps pastoralists to organize the use of public pastures and water bodies.…”

The Context of Application of Biosecurity for Control of African Swine Fever in Smallholder Pig Systems: Current Gaps and Recommendations

“…Although important for animal health and food safety, Livestock Identification and Traceability systems (LITS) are lacking in many developing countries. Namibia is an example of a country that has made progress in that regard ( 117 ). LITS is useful for disease management, vaccination programmes, husbandry, zoning or compartmentalization, surveillance, early response and notification systems, animal movement controls, inspection, certification, etc.…”

“…Although important for animal health and food safety, Livestock Identification and Traceability systems (LITS) are lacking in many developing countries. Namibia is an example of a country that has made progress in that regard (117).…”

Assessing Extensive Semi-Arid Rangeland Beef Cow–Calf Welfare in Namibia: Part 1: Comparison between Farm Production System’s Effect on the Welfare of Beef Cows

“…Thus, cattle identification, for whatever reason, was a welfare issue on all farms, especially village farms. On the other hand, the national traceability system (NamLITS) benefits cattle movement control [ 36 ], which is itself a critical underpinning of the Namibian beef industry. There would be great value in reducing the need to use painful methods for such identification.…”