A comparison of economic and cultural incentives in the marketing of livestock in some districts of the northern communal areas of Namibia

In an endeavour to improve the livestock production and particularly the marketing of livestock in the Northern Communal Areas of Namibia, this study analyses the perception of livestock farmers in this regard. The findings show that the decision making is significantly influenced by numerous socio-cultural considerations, which in many cases even overshadow the economic ones. This is manifested in the low off-take percentage, the lacking interest in commercial production, and the fact that the sale price offered to the farmer is not the most important consideration when deciding to whom to sell.