Assessing the competitiveness of the Namibian goat sector

Abstract

Despite the goat sector potential, limited literature on its competitive performance, and noticeable disinvestment, originating from beliefs of unprofitability, have highlighted the need to evaluate its competitiveness. Therefore, the primary objective of this study was to assess the competitive performance of the Namibian goat sector at both micro and macro levels. The study's specific objectives were to analyse the profitability of goat production in Namibia, measure the competitive performance of Namibia's goat sector, and examine factors influencing the sector's competitiveness. The study relied on primary data collected from a survey of key stakeholders within the Namibian goat sector to achieve Objectives 1 and 3. Additionally, secondary data was obtained from ITC for the product HS Code: 0104210 (Live goats) to accomplish Objective 2. The research employed a six-step analytical framework, which comprised: (1) defining competitiveness within the context of the Namibian goat sector through a review of relevant literature, (2) analysing the profitability of goat production in Namibia using GMA and sensitivity analysis, (3) assessing the competitive position of the goat sector, (4) identifying major factors affecting competitiveness, (5) categorising the determinants according to Porter's Diamond framework, and (6) proposing potential strategies to improve competitiveness.