At least 24 500 Namibians will benefit from a US$500 000 (N$8,7 million) donation from the Republic of Korea (South Korea).
According to a statement issued by the World Food Programme (WFP), the donation will enable the programme to provide crucial food and nutritional support to drought-affected households in Namibia for six months from October.
“Of the targeted population, 9 000 people in the Hardap region and 12 000 people in Zambezi region will receive value vouchers redeemable at selected retailers,” the WFP says.
In addition, the WFP says 3 500 children in the two regions will receive nutritious meals through soup kitchens.
President Nangolo Mbumba has declared a state of emergency regarding the current drought, effective from 22 May this year and the government set aside a budget of N$825 million to finance drought-relief programmes for the 2024/25 financial year.
According to the ‘Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC): July to September 2024’ report, 1.4 million Namibians require urgent humanitarian aid to protect lives and livelihoods.
The IPC is a comprehensive, standardised system developed by Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) used to classify and communicate the severity and magnitude of food insecurity and malnutrition in countries and regions around the world.
“The Republic of Korea stands in solidarity with the Namibian people as they combat food insecurity and build resilience against the effects of the devastating drought,” says Kwang-jin Choi, Korea’s ambassador to Namibia.
The WFP will complement government efforts in addressing the impacts of the El Nino-induced drought in Namibia.
“The Republic of Korea’s ongoing support will provide life-saving assistance to vulnerable households such as the elderly and those headed by women,” Tiwonge Machiwenyika, the WFP country director in Namibia, says.
“During this pivotal time, identified at-risk populations who are struggling to meet their basic food needs, will be reached with nutritional assistance, helping them to avoid resorting to negative coping strategies.”
– matthew@namibian.com.na
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