Japan donates N$8.7 million to WFP for Namibia’s drought-affected communities

Staff Reporter

THE Government of Japan has contributed USD 500,000, which is equivalent to N$8.7 million, to the United Nations (UN) World Food Programme (WFP) to support drought-affected communities in Namibia.

The WFP revealed that the funding will allow the programme to provide food commodity vouchers, redeemable at selected retailers. These vouchers, the WFP explained, will be distributed to 27,000 people adversely affected by drought, with 16,000 residing in the Kunene Region and 11,000 in the Ohangwena Region.

“Through the provision of vouchers, which complement the Government of Namibia’s emergency drought response, WFP and partners are strategically improving food and nutrition security while boosting the local economy,” Tiwonge Machiwenyika, WFP Country Director and Officer in Charge in Namibia, explained.

Prime Minister Dr Saara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila noted that the support from the Government of Japan directly complements the Namibian Government’s drought relief efforts. She highlighted that Namibia has been experiencing an extensive drought due to sporadic and below-normal rainfall during the 2023/24 period across most parts of the country.

“This resulted in poor harvests, poor grazing conditions, and scarcity of water, which has severely impacted food security and livelihoods for many communities,” she explained.

In response, the Prime Minister noted that President Nangolo Mbumba declared a State of Emergency in May to address the drought’s effects through a comprehensive plan. This plan includes food assistance to vulnerable households, seed and livestock support, and water provision.

“The cost of the drought programme is immense, currently estimated at N$1,323,895,819.00, of which the Government has so far made available N$596,537,531.37, leaving a funding gap of N$727,358,287.63, for which we launched an appeal to the international community for assistance,” Kuugongelwa-Amadhila explained.

She therefore emphasised that the support of the Government of Japan greatly assists the Namibian Government in helping drought-affected communities.

“On behalf of the Government, I wish to sincerely express our utmost gratitude and appreciation to the people of Japan for the generous donation. Working with the implementing partner, the government will ensure that the support is channelled to those most in need. I also wish to thank the World Food Programme and the UN for this partnership,” the Prime Minister added.