The United Nations (UN) has allocated N$53.3 million (US$3 million) from the Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF) to assist more than 163,000 people in Namibia impacted by the worst drought in 100 years.
UN Spokesperson for the Secretary-General, Stéphane Dujarric, said the drought has already exhausted 84% of Namibia’s food reserves, with nearly half of the population expected to face severe food insecurity between July and September.
“Our acting Emergency Relief Coordinator, Joyce Msuya, has allocated US$3 million (N$53.3 million) from the Central Emergency Response Fund to support the Government-led response to this crisis,” Dujarric said.
He said the crisis has led to an increase in acute malnutrition among children under five, with deaths reported in some regions.
“The Integrated Food Security Phase Classification system is telling us that nearly half of the population is expected to experience high levels of food insecurity,” Dujarric noted.
Additionally, women and girls are facing heightened risks of gender-based violence as they travel longer distances to access food and water.
The N$53.3 million from CERF will be utilised by the World Food Programme, UNICEF, and the UN Population Fund to provide cash assistance, treat acute malnutrition, rehabilitate water supply points, and support survivors of gender-based violence.
“This aid will directly benefit more than 163,000 people in the hardest-hit regions,” Dujarric explained.
Meanwhile, Namibia is facing a stark increase in food insecurity, with a new report indicating a 19% rise in affected individuals, from the current 1.2 million to 1.4 million.
According to the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) report for July to September 2024, this comes amid challenging climatic conditions exacerbated by El Nino.
“During the projection period, the number of people expected to experience food insecurity is likely to increase by an estimated 19% from the current number of 1.2 million to 1.4 million people,” the report said.
The report highlighted that the situation is particularly concerning during the southern African lean season, which has been accelerated by El Nino-induced dryness.
The IPC update underscored that all regions are expected to be classified under Phase 3, indicating severe food insecurity.
“All the regions are projected to be classified in Phase 3 during the July to September projection period,” the report noted, highlighting widespread vulnerability across the country.
Kavango West, Kavango East and Omaheke are identified as the most affected regions, with up to 70% of their populations facing food insecurity.
“Kavango West (70% of the population), Kavango East (65% of the population) and Omaheke (65% of the population) remain the top three highest regions with the most population projected to be facing food insecurity (IPC Phase 3 or above),” the report stated.
