The international community, including China, India, Korea, Malaysia and Japan have aided Namibia with grants, food and other pledges to alleviate the effects of drought.
On 22 May this year, Namibia declared a state of emergency following the worst drought that the country has experienced in 100 years.
The Indian government has sent 1 000 metric tonnes of rice and 1 000 metric tonnes of maize to the Namibian government, which is expected to arrive in the country soon.
“In solidarity with the global south and as a credible provider and a reliable friend, India is extending food grain assistance to the people of Namibia to strengthen their food security in the wake of recent spells of drought,” stated India’s external affairs’ ministry.
Recently, the Malaysian government gave
N$710 000 for drought relief, cementing the relationship and foresting south-south cooperation.
“When the government of Namibia approached us middle of this year to assist them with the serious drought issues, we informed them recently that under the Tabung Bantuan Bencana Wisma Putra, we will provide funding in the amount of N$710 000 to assist in this endeavour,” said Malaysia’s acting high commissioner Mohamad Rameez Yahaya.
He added: “To further move and strengthen our diplomatic relations between both Malaysia and Namibia, I believe both countries could endeavour to add more substance to the existing relationship.”
Another country that has jumped on the bandwagon of aiding Namibia in these tough times is Japan, which donated N$8.5 million.
Prime Minister Saara Kuugogelwa-Amadhila said the support from Japan, in the form of US$500 000, will help the government, through the United Nations – World Food Programme (WFP), to roll out a food assistance programme that will provide life-saving food assistance to vulnerable communities in Namibia.
“This intervention directly compliments government’s drought food assistance. This collaboration also supports automation or digital transformation. Government has started the implementation of the voucher,” said Kuugongelwa-Amadhila.
She indicated that Namibia continues with efforts to build resilience to national disasters through the development of resilience strategies, and mainstreaming disaster risk management in National Policies and Programmes.
“The government of Japan is a long-standing partner to WFP’s operations in Namibia, contributing more than US$1.5 million (over N$29 million) since 2021 to provide food assistance and build the resilience of communities affected by drought,” stated Hisao Nishimaki, Japan’s ambassador to Namibia.
Additionally, the WFP has welcomed a contribution of US$500 000 (N$8.6 million) from Korea to provide crucial food and nutritional support to drought-affected households in Namibia for six months, starting in October 2024.
“The Republic of Korea stands in solidarity with the Namibian people, as they combat food insecurity and build resilience against the effects of the devastating drought,” said Kwang-jin Choi, Korea’s ambassador to Namibia.
Choi added that they hope to continue contributing swift and effective aid to those in dire need.
“Korea’s ongoing support will provide life-saving assistance to vulnerable households such as the elderly and those headed by women. During this pivotal time, identified at-risk populations, who are struggling to meet their basic food needs will be reached with nutritional assistance, helping them avoid resorting to negative coping strategies,” stated WFP’s country director and officer in charge, Tiwonge Machiwenyika.
The contribution will enable WFP to reach
24 500 drought-affected people most at risk of malnutrition. Of the targeted population,
9 000 people in the Hardap region and 12 000 people in the Zambezi region will receive value vouchers redeemable at selected retailers. Additionally, 3 500 children across both regions will receive nutritious meals through soup kitchens.
During this year’s Forum for China-Africa Cooperation, President Nangolo Mbumba managed to have fruitful discussions on mutual benefits to the two nations where China pledged N$50 million to drought relief efforts by Namibia.
-psiririka@nepc.com.na