WFP, UN helped feed 63 000 Namibians during drought

More than 60 000 Namibians benefitted from food aid provided by international donor support for Namibia’s Emergency Drought Response Plan since October last year.The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP), in collaboration with partner organisations, has now successfully wrapped up a critical nine-month emergency response to the El Niño-induced drought that Namibia experienced.With a contribution of US$3 million from the UN Central Emergency Response Fund (UN-CERF), WFP supported the Namibian government&#039;s efforts in delivering life-saving food and nutrition assistance to over 63 000 vulnerable people across the Kavango East, Kavango West and Omaheke regions between October 2024 and June 2025.Multi-pronged approachAccording to a recent statement issued by WFP, in addition to food assistance, the project also served as a platform for integrated service delivery.The United Nations Children&#039;s Fund (UNICEF) provided outreach and basic health screenings at food distribution sites for more than 83 500 people and facilitated referrals for malnourished children.The United Nations Parliamentary Assembly (UNPA) reached more than 22 400 people with sexual and reproductive health (SRH) and gender-based violence (GBV) services through daily mobile outreach in schools and communities.Dignity and hopeThe WFP noted that a community feedback mechanism system was also established, enabling affected populations to share their needs, concerns and suggestions to help shape and improve the response.“This emergency response was about more than just delivering food, it was about restoring dignity and hope to communities hit hardest by the drought,” said Naouar Labidi, WFP country representative in Namibia.CERF’s contribution enabled more than 41 000 people – nearly 7 000 households – to receive three rounds of food vouchers, enabling them to buy essential food items such as maize meal, canned fish and cooking oil from 25 participating retailers.The WFP said this not only addressed immediate needs but also helped boost the local economy by creating jobs and strengthening supply chains, laying the foundation for long-term resilience.At the same time, 22 000 children received hot and nutritious meals from 155 conveniently located soup kitchens.

WFP, UN helped feed 63 000 Namibians during drought

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Namibian Sun 2025-10-31

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WFP, UN helped feed 63 000 Namibians during drought

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Namibian Sun 2025-10-31

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