Ostrich farming in Namibia

Around 1900, ostrich farming peaked in Southern Africa. The birds were farmed for their feathers and hides. Today that has changed for people have realised that ostrich meat is lean and healthy to eat. In Namibia, farmers catch the wild birds under license or buy eggs or young birds. Ostriches are becoming more and valuable because each and every part can be used. It is however expensive to rear ostriches on a large scale.

Ostriches are wild birds that occur naturally in Africa. There are well adapted to the dry conditions of Namibia and can go for long periods without water. Domesticated ostriches are normally smaller than the wild ones.