The World Food Programme (WFP) has launched an urgent appeal for N$228 million (US$13 million) to address Namibia’s growing food insecurity crisis.
According to a release by the WFP, while N$17.57 million (US$1 million) has already been secured, it still requires 93% of the total N$228 million to fully implement the program and alleviate the escalating hunger crisis.
Without urgent support, Namibia’s most vulnerable populations will face dire conditions in the months ahead.
“WFP Namibia requires US$14 million to support affected populations, of which US$1 million has been secured. An additional US$13 million (93% of the total need) is still required to fully meet the urgent needs,” the WFP said.
An estimated 1.26 million Namibians—41% of the population—are expected to face severe hunger during the October 2024 to March 2025 lean season.
Among these, 100,000 people will be in IPC4, the emergency phase of food insecurity.
This alarming figure is nearly double the number recorded the previous year, with 695,000 people affected at that time.
WFP Namibia plans to support 274,000 people through nutrition assistance, using value and commodity vouchers to reach those most in need.
According to the release, the intervention will primarily focus on vulnerable groups, including indigenous communities such as the San people, who are part of the Government’s Marginalised Special Feeding Programme.
Pregnant and breastfeeding women, as well as children under the age of 5, are set to benefit from nutrition-sensitive food assistance delivered across four distribution cycles.
In addition, WFP plans to provide meals to children enrolled in Early Childhood Development Centres through a soup kitchen initiative that will serve meals three times a week.
