Drought-prone regions receive N$1.7m from US church

The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) has donated N$1.7 million to fund Kavango East, Ohangwena, Oshana, and Oshikoto.The Evangelical Lutheran Church in Namibia (ELCIN), through its Department of Diakonia Mission and Social Services, received the money. Field officer Martin Alfried told Namibian Sun during a workshop in Rundu Rural Constituency this week that the goal is to build capacity in disaster risk management, particularly in rural areas. “We don’t want to wait until disaster strikes before we start running around for help. That’s why we’re training community leaders now,” he said. The project was initiated in October 2023, with the first phase focusing on flood response. Flood responseThe current phase targets drought-affected farmers who cannot afford basic agricultural services. Through the project, ELCIN has paid for the ploughing of fields, distributed drought-resilient seeds, and provided technical support from the agriculture ministry. “We are also encouraging food banking. We tell farmers not to squander their harvest. This is about building sustainability,” Alfried said. The project works closely with the government, traditional authorities, and the church to ensure that information and support reach communities effectively. “People listen to their headmen and pastors. That’s why they are part of our training,” he added.At the Rundu workshop, 30 participants – including flood survivors – were trained in disaster preparation, hygiene, pest control, and sustainable water usage. Safe sanitationThe head-woman of the Kehemu settlement, Theresia Mukuve, described the training as eye-opening. “Our people never thought to collect rainwater. Now they know how to store and use it safely. "Even basic hygiene practices like washing hands before meals were forgotten after COVID-19. This training reminded us why it’s important,” she said. Mukuve also stressed the need for safe sanitation in rural areas. “People still relieve themselves in the bush without covering it. When rain comes, waste flows into rivers and contaminates drinking water, spreading diseases like cholera,” she warned. Despite limited resources, ELCIN says it will continue supporting affected communities as long as donor support and community response remain strong. “This is about coordination – no single entity can do it alone. We’re here to respond to the government’s call and walk with our people through these challenges,” Alfried concluded. phillipus@nmh-hub.com.na

Drought-prone regions receive N$1.7m from US church

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Namibian Sun 2025-08-28

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Drought-prone regions receive N$1.7m from US church

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Namibian Sun 2025-08-28

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