Windhoek, Namibia — The United Nations has issued an urgent call for international assistance as nearly half of Namibia’s population grapples with severe food insecurity brought on by a devastating drought linked to El Niño.
At a press briefing in Windhoek on Friday, Reena Ghelani, UN Assistant Secretary-General and Climate Crisis Coordinator for the El Niño/La Niña response, painted a grim picture after visiting Namibia’s eastern region of Omaheke, a malnutrition hotspot.
“They have lost all their crops and are on the verge of losing their livestock,” Ghelani reported. “Aid must be scaled up immediately.”
A recent Integrated Food Security Phase Classification analysis reveals that 1.4 million Namibians—48 percent of the population—are experiencing acute food insecurity. This figure has doubled from last year, affecting all 14 regions of the country.
The semi-arid nation has recorded a 53 percent decline in cereal production and a nearly 70 percent reduction in dam water levels, exacerbating the crisis.
On May 22, Namibian President Nangolo Mbumba declared a national state of emergency. The government has since intensified its drought relief program, targeting 340,000 households with food distributions, water provision, livestock support, and seed programs. However, resources are overstretched.
“The impacts of climate change are with us for a while, so how we work with communities to prepare and respond is crucial,” said Hopolang Phororo, UN Resident Coordinator in Namibia.
The UN is urging the international community to provide immediate support to prevent a worsening humanitarian crisis.
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UN calls for global support as nearly half of Namibians face hunger
cgtn.com
