Disparities in the Utilization of Nambia's grassland: A Need for Adjustments in the Beef Industry

Extensive beef production, Namibia's life-line in agriculture, depends entirely on natural pastures. Socioeconomic and environmental disparities, namely (a) the· traditional smallholder communal sector versus the commercial sector and (b) areas in the vicinity versus distant from centralised abattoirs, are analysed by' using econometric analysis of time-series data on the regional influence of prices and· access to markets on beef numbers. This is particulary relevant because Namibia is in a process of structural adjustment, and in view of the beef sector's importance in the Namibian economy. The results accentuate the role of access to markets and productive opportunities for beef production in Namibia. Only producers with easy access to markets react to both' environmental changes and price incentives. The results highlight the need for an overall policy io 'improve niral societies, economic and environmental land use, and other relevant factors.