Countries donate N$130 million to Namibia for drought relief
Invaluable support
Around 1.2 million Namibians – 41% of the population – are facing food insecurity, according to a vulnerability assessment.
Namibia accepted generous donations totalling over N$130 million last week from Algeria, Brazil, Germany and the US in support of its nationwide drought relief programme.
In addition, China also donated 1 360 tonnes of rice towards this effort.
Speaking at the official handover ceremony, former deputy prime minister John Mutorwa expressed deep gratitude for the assistance, highlighting the importance of international solidarity in times of crisis.
“This generous donation from your respective countries, your excellencies, is a true reflection of international solidarity, our shared humanity, and the noble responsibility to help one another in times of crisis,” Mutorwa said.
Before recent widespread rains, Namibia faced a prolonged dry spell, affecting thousands of citizens across the country. According to Mutorwa, despite the rains across the country over the past few weeks, drought remains a problem.
The 2024/25 livelihood vulnerability assessment and analysis conducted by the Office of the Prime Minister revealed that approximately 1.2 million Namibians – 41% of the population – are currently food insecure.
“These figures include different age groups, from the elderly to parents and children, who experience the harsh reality of hunger and loss of livelihoods. As a caring government, it is our responsibility to attend to the plight of affected citizens,\" Mutorwa said.
Former president Nangolo Mbumba declared a state of emergency in May 2024 in response to the drought crisis. The government\'s nationwide drought relief programme includes food assistance, seed support for farmers, livestock support and water provision to critically affected areas.
Funding shortfall and international support
Despite the government\'s ongoing efforts, Mutorwa says the scale of the crisis has outstripped available financial resources, with a funding shortfall of approximately N$600 million needed to sustain relief efforts until June this year. The support received from international partners has, therefore, been invaluable.
Algeria donated US$1 million (N$18 million), continuing that country\'s longstanding support for Namibia, dating back to its struggle for independence.
Brazil contributed US$120 000 (N$2.16 million) to strengthen community-based food systems in the Otjozondjupa, Omaheke, Hardap, Kunene and Ohangwena regions, promoting food security and job creation.
Germany donated €1 million (N$20 million) to support Namibia’s drought response through the Farming for Resilience (F4R) project, focusing on seed production, food security and agricultural resilience.
The US provided US$5 million (N$90 million) through the United States Agency for International Development (USAID).
A portion of these funds (N$1.8 million) has been used for a UNICEF-led assessment of malnutrition in all 14 regions of Namibia, leading to targeted nutrition interventions.
“These contributions have significantly empowered our efforts as a country to assist those in dire need,” said Mutorwa. “We extend our sincere and profound gratitude to all our international partners for their unwavering support.”
In addition, China also donated 1 360 tonnes of rice towards this effort.
Speaking at the official handover ceremony, former deputy prime minister John Mutorwa expressed deep gratitude for the assistance, highlighting the importance of international solidarity in times of crisis.
“This generous donation from your respective countries, your excellencies, is a true reflection of international solidarity, our shared humanity, and the noble responsibility to help one another in times of crisis,” Mutorwa said.
Before recent widespread rains, Namibia faced a prolonged dry spell, affecting thousands of citizens across the country. According to Mutorwa, despite the rains across the country over the past few weeks, drought remains a problem.
The 2024/25 livelihood vulnerability assessment and analysis conducted by the Office of the Prime Minister revealed that approximately 1.2 million Namibians – 41% of the population – are currently food insecure.
“These figures include different age groups, from the elderly to parents and children, who experience the harsh reality of hunger and loss of livelihoods. As a caring government, it is our responsibility to attend to the plight of affected citizens,\" Mutorwa said.
Former president Nangolo Mbumba declared a state of emergency in May 2024 in response to the drought crisis. The government\'s nationwide drought relief programme includes food assistance, seed support for farmers, livestock support and water provision to critically affected areas.
Funding shortfall and international support
Despite the government\'s ongoing efforts, Mutorwa says the scale of the crisis has outstripped available financial resources, with a funding shortfall of approximately N$600 million needed to sustain relief efforts until June this year. The support received from international partners has, therefore, been invaluable.
Algeria donated US$1 million (N$18 million), continuing that country\'s longstanding support for Namibia, dating back to its struggle for independence.
Brazil contributed US$120 000 (N$2.16 million) to strengthen community-based food systems in the Otjozondjupa, Omaheke, Hardap, Kunene and Ohangwena regions, promoting food security and job creation.
Germany donated €1 million (N$20 million) to support Namibia’s drought response through the Farming for Resilience (F4R) project, focusing on seed production, food security and agricultural resilience.
The US provided US$5 million (N$90 million) through the United States Agency for International Development (USAID).
A portion of these funds (N$1.8 million) has been used for a UNICEF-led assessment of malnutrition in all 14 regions of Namibia, leading to targeted nutrition interventions.
“These contributions have significantly empowered our efforts as a country to assist those in dire need,” said Mutorwa. “We extend our sincere and profound gratitude to all our international partners for their unwavering support.”
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