Brazil boosts food access for vulnerable communities in Namibia

Media release
  • 2 Month Ago 05 September 2023 - 2023-09-05 04:55:00
The Brazilian government donated U$120 000 to the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) in Namibia. This contribution is aimed at improving food accessibility and alleviating malnutrition in five regions of the country. It marks Brazil's third donation to the WFP.

This funding comes at a crucial time as Namibia continues to grapple with the ongoing effects of drought, rising food prices, and the aftermath of the Covid-19 pandemic. The allocated resources will be utilized to establish robust food systems within communities, schools, and health centers, with a specific focus on the regions of Otjozondjupa, Omaheke, Hardap, Kunene, and Ohangwena.

Vivian Loss Sanmartin, the Ambassador of Brazil to Namibia, emphasised the evolution of their support, stating, "What began in 2019 as a response to humanitarian assistance for the people of Namibia evolved into a second financial contribution in 2020, used to help five community-based food systems projects. The third donation this year represents Brazil’s commitment to continue supporting Namibia in the fight against food insecurity through transformative actions."

Pivotal role

This contribution from Brazil will play a pivotal role in addressing Namibia's urgent issue of food insecurity. It will enable the establishment of sustainable mechanisms to ensure adequate nourishment for vulnerable populations and promote long-term resilience against future food scarcity and malnutrition challenges.

In terms of development goals, Hon. Carl Schlettwein, Minister of Agriculture, Water and Land Reform in Namibia, noted, "This financial support from Brazil resonates with Namibia’s national development goals in the agriculture sector, which seek to attain food and nutrition security at community and national levels. This contribution will assist the beneficiary communities to produce their own food, thus becoming less dependent on food relief programs."

The National Integrated Programme for Rural Transformation, led by the WFP in Namibia, focuses on fostering agricultural innovation and productivity, creating employment opportunities, supporting small and medium-sized enterprises, facilitating trade, expanding market access, and promoting value chain development.

Ericah Shafudah, WFP’s acting Country Director in Namibia, welcomed Brazil's continued support, saying, "WFP welcomes the continued support from the Government of Brazil to scale-up food systems initiatives whilst facilitating skills and knowledge transfer to targeted communities. The contribution will complement national efforts to transform rural livelihoods and create employment opportunities, particularly for the youth and women."

WFP in Namibia plays a vital role in providing technical support to the government to enhance the performance of food systems as a means to increase local food production and achieve the goal of Zero Hunger.