| The fishing industry is highly a professional and economically viable sector. A variety of fish is exported to several countries worldwide, as well as by-products such as fishmeal, which is in great demand. The fishmeal exports are mainly going to South Africa (about 95%) and to a lesser extent to Zimbabwe, Zambia, Botswana, Japn and Russia. Each of these countries has different regulations for the import of fishmeal. South Africa, the largest tradeing partner, is the only country that has set up clear quality control regulations stating that all fishmeal has to be accompanied by certificates of sanitation and fumigation. Fishmeal that is exported into South Africa has to be fumigated with methyl bromide.
For MB fumigation the fishmeal is packed in 50 kg bags and stacked to a height of 3-4 metres, covered with tarpaulins and sealed with bags of sand. The rate of MB applied for fishmeal ranges from 30 to 65g/m3, depending upon infestation rate and time available. The application time is between 12 and 48 hours. The main pests affecting fishmeal are flesh fly (Sarcophagus spp.), fishmoths (Attagenus) and various grain beetles.
In 2000, more than 1400kg of MB was used for fishmeal fumigation and this figure is stilll rising.
Wood processing is a small business sector in Namibia. Wood carving is done mainly in the northeastern pasrts of the country and products are sold on local markets as well as exported to other countries.
Major wood processing business orientated towards export markets in Europe and America is the collection and processing of old tree roots, which are used as decorative items in aquariums. 200 tons of processed roots are exported every year. The roots are packed in containers and fumigated with mB before leaving the country. The rate of MB applied is 48g/m3 and fumigation is carrried out in a sealed container for 48 hours. The average amount of MB used is about 100kg/year.
Namibia has more than 30 mills and grain processors for maize, wheat and other cereals produced locally or imported.
MB was mainly used along the Orange River to fumigate nursery soils for grape seedlings by 7 privately owned companies and one government farm in an area of approximately 850 hectares.
Date production areas are Naute Dam, Khorixas and the Orange River in about 70 hectares. Since the production of dates is a fairly new agricultural activity in Namibia, the incidence of pests is low at this stage. The Red Palm Weevil and the Bayoud disease of dates have not been identified.
Vegetable production (Tomatoes, peppers, brinjals and onions) occurs only in the vicinity of rivers or Dams. However, nematodes are an increasing problem for all farmers since the river water, which is used for irrigation, is strongly infested with these. |
