Niël Terblanché
In a bid to alleviate the dire food shortages caused by the El Niño-induced drought, the Government of Japan and the World Food Programme (WFP) have provided life-saving assistance to thousands of Namibians through a commodity voucher programme.
A delegation led by Japan’s Ambassador to Namibia, Shinichi Asazuma, WFP Namibia’s Acting Country Director, Tiwonge Machiwenyika, and Kunene Governor, Marius Sheya, recently visited Queen Sofia Farm and De Riet settlement to assess the impact of the initiative.
The programme, backed by a N$9.3 million contribution from the Government of Japan, has provided essential food relief to 26 556 people in the drought-stricken Kunene and Ohangwena regions over the past three months.
The commodity voucher system, implemented by WFP, enables beneficiaries to access food supplies from designated vendors instead of receiving direct food handouts.
This not only ensures a varied and nutritionally adequate diet but also stimulates local markets, providing a much-needed economic boost in affected regions.
During the visit, the delegation engaged directly with community members to hear first-hand how the assistance has impacted their lives.
Many recipients expressed deep gratitude for the support, highlighting how the vouchers had provided a crucial safety net during one of the most severe droughts in Namibia’s recent history.
“As Namibia grapples with the consequences and aftermath of the 2024 El Niño-induced drought, WFP is at the frontlines, supporting the Government in providing much-needed food relief to communities. The support from the Government of Japan has wide-reaching impact in providing immediate relief to drought-affected communities and strengthening their abilities to recover from shocks in the future,” the WFP’s Acting Country Director, Tiwonge Machiwenyika said.
Ambassador Asazuma reiterated Japan’s commitment to supporting Namibia in times of crisis.
“This contribution from the Government of Japan is a sign of solidarity and friendship between our two nations. Since 2021, Japan has supported WFP’s emergency response programme in Namibia, providing much-needed resources to ensure that lives and livelihoods are protected,” he said.
The delegation also used the visit as an opportunity to gather feedback from the communities on ways to improve future food assistance efforts.
The insights gained will help refine the programme and ensure that future interventions are more responsive to the needs of affected populations.
The WFP, the world’s largest humanitarian organisation, plays a vital role in responding to food emergencies globally.
Ambassador Asazuma said that initiatives such as the commodity voucher programme, not only provide immediate relief but also help build resilience, paving the way for long-term food security and stability in regions vulnerable to disastrous droughts.
