Namibian Redline

The red line is a fence line which separates Northern Namibia from the central and southern parts of the country. It encases Ovamboland, Kunene, Caprivi and Kavango.^[1] It was drawn as a disease control mechanism in the 1960s to isolate "foot and mouth" outbreaks in the North from the farms in the South. Individuals North of this line are not allowed to profit from selling livestock overseas outside of South Africa while those in the South can sell their meats anywhere. The issues of the red line restrictions have become particularly controversial amidst the current meat market boom ^[2]

The Farms

The farms South of the redline are mainly white commercial farmers while the North of the line is mostly black communal farmers.^[3] The southern farms are characterized by large fences which house offspring and organized farm roads while in the north livestock are not constrained and often venture onto roads.^[3] The red line is a highly guarded line which has armed guards to check every vehicle which passes.

Removing the Redline

Since the Independence of Namibia in the 1990s, the government has been fighting to remove this red line and allow prosperity in these regions. It has been working to build infrastructure, deconcentrate farms and promote the building of farms on virgin lands.^[2] Since this line has been deeply embedded in political and historical issues, the government has proposed uprooting it to the Angolan border. This has some concerned that the disease will spread to uninfected areas but areas like Kunene have not had outbreaks in over 30 years and are advocating for this line movement.^[2]

References

1. ^ http://lifeinthedesertnamibia.blogspot.com
2. ^ ^{a b c} http://allafrica.com/stories/200804140810.html
3. ^ ^{a b} http://sparkstruk.com/namibia3.htm

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