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(...) The EPZ (Export Processing Zones) scheme has generated substantial costs such as: (...) social and environmental costs. (...)

Other domestic support measures include extension services to the agricultural sector in the form of information, communication and advisory services; research on technical issues related to crop and livestock suitability, productivity, and conservation of the ecosystem; implementation of programmes for diseases and pest control in livestock (...)

(...) Under the Business Support Services Programme, SMEs are assisted through (...) environmental impact assessments (80% of the cost is covered by the Ministry); (...)

Table 3.4 State-owned enterprises, 2015
Enterprise Establishment Act Area of activity State's share of capital Market structure
Environmental Investment Fund of Namibia Environmental Investment Fund of Namibia Act, 2001 (Act No. 13 of 2001) Environment 100 Monopoly
Fisheries Observer Agency Marine Resources Act, 2000 (Act No. 27 of 2000) Fisheries 100 Monopoly
(...)

Patents are available for any invention, whether products or processes, in all fields of technology, provided the invention is new, involves an inventive step and is industrially applicable. Matter excluded from patentability include (...) plants and animals (other than micro organisms) and essentially biological processes for their production; the human body and the whole or parts of natural living beings and biological materials found in nature; (...)

In 2011, the MAWF (Ministry of Agriculture, Water and Forestry) piloted a debushing programme aimed at restoring the environment, improving the condition of rangeland, and increasing the productivity of land for both crops and livestock. The programme has the potential to create jobs either directly, through combating bush encroachment, or indirectly, by increasing productive farmland. In the long run, the debushing programme has the potential to increase economic growth and rural economic development, using labour-intensive methods.

(...) Bush encroachment remains an increasing concern and limiting factor for available grazing and sustainable slaughter cattle farming.

The Water Resources Management Act, 2013 which repeals the Water Act (No. 54 of 1956) provides for the management, protection, development, use and conservation of water resources. It also provides for the regulation and monitoring of water services. The Act establishes a Water Advisory Council to provide advice on water policy development and review; water resources management; and water abstraction and use. The Act establishes a water regulator responsible for setting tariffs for fees and charges that may be levied by water services providers, setting operational targets, and monitoring the performance of water services providers. Tariffs are to be determined by the water regulator on a full cost recovery basis. Under the terms of the Act, an Integrated Water Resources Management Plan is to be prepared. Part 16 of the Act makes provision for water service plans, conservation, demand management and the implementation of efficient water management practices. Regulations to implement the Act are currently under preparation.

Agriculture also plays an important role in Namibia's economy, employing about 30% of the labour force, though its contribution to GDP is modest (Table 1.1). The livestock sector suffered due to a protracted drought in 2013 which led to a significant increase in livestock marketed. Similarly, agricultural output fell due to a decline in crop production fuelled by drought conditions. Given its arid climate, Namibia's agricultural output is highly vulnerable to climatic factors.

Crop production in Namibia is highly susceptible to external factors such as floods, droughts and damage caused by wildlife. Climate change poses a significant threat to global food security, sustainable development and poverty eradication. The authorities are aware of the need to address these challenges and take steps to make Namibian agriculture more resilient. Arable land in Namibia accounts for only about 1% of the total. Climatic and soil conditions are less suitable for agricultural production.