Japan assists in alleviating hunger
Japan’s contribution of N$ 11.2 million earlier this year was used to purchase over 914 metric tonnes of food to help alleviate hunger and food insecurity.
Japan’s Ambassador to Namibia, Hideaki Harada visited the Kavango east region on to witness how his country’s contribution to Namibia’s drought response plan is aiding the country.
During the visit, the World Food Programme’s (WFP) Country Director for Namibia, Baimankay Sankoh thanked the government of Japan for contributing N$ 11.2 million earlier this year, which was used to purchase over 914 metric tonnes of food to help alleviate hunger and food insecurity.
“This financial contribution from the government of Japan will provide more than just food to affected persons. It has contributed to improving capacities to those engaged at the core of the day to day implementation of this intervention,” Sankoh said.
The contribution has also created temporary jobs for Namibian youth. The WFP country director said it is estimated that over 150 volunteers are engaged in the food distribution programme in the Kavango east and west regions. The programme has also created employment which will in turn boost the local economy.
Food security
“Jobs have been created throughout the supply chain such as suppliers, warehouses and transportation. For instance, a local company supplies all the maize meal and another all the salt, hence contributing to the growth of local industries,” he stated.
Sankoh said Japan is a long-time valued partner and friend of WFP worldwide and continues to contribute significantly to humanitarian support in the southern Africa region.
He added that WFP will continue to engage the Japanese Embassy in Namibia on the subject of food and nutrition security with a view toward addressing emerging challenges, but also to contribute towards addressing the root causes of food and nutrition insecurity.
On his part, Harada said he was happy to witness the distribution of food and nutrition assistance from the government of Japan through WFP.
“I believe that the food assistance has come at the right time during these challenging times as the situation has been compounded by the Covid-19 pandemic where many families lost their livelihoods,” the ambassador said. - Nampa
During the visit, the World Food Programme’s (WFP) Country Director for Namibia, Baimankay Sankoh thanked the government of Japan for contributing N$ 11.2 million earlier this year, which was used to purchase over 914 metric tonnes of food to help alleviate hunger and food insecurity.
“This financial contribution from the government of Japan will provide more than just food to affected persons. It has contributed to improving capacities to those engaged at the core of the day to day implementation of this intervention,” Sankoh said.
The contribution has also created temporary jobs for Namibian youth. The WFP country director said it is estimated that over 150 volunteers are engaged in the food distribution programme in the Kavango east and west regions. The programme has also created employment which will in turn boost the local economy.
Food security
“Jobs have been created throughout the supply chain such as suppliers, warehouses and transportation. For instance, a local company supplies all the maize meal and another all the salt, hence contributing to the growth of local industries,” he stated.
Sankoh said Japan is a long-time valued partner and friend of WFP worldwide and continues to contribute significantly to humanitarian support in the southern Africa region.
He added that WFP will continue to engage the Japanese Embassy in Namibia on the subject of food and nutrition security with a view toward addressing emerging challenges, but also to contribute towards addressing the root causes of food and nutrition insecurity.
On his part, Harada said he was happy to witness the distribution of food and nutrition assistance from the government of Japan through WFP.
“I believe that the food assistance has come at the right time during these challenging times as the situation has been compounded by the Covid-19 pandemic where many families lost their livelihoods,” the ambassador said. - Nampa
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