In a concerted effort to bolster food security and combat the escalating impacts of climate change, the Namibian government, in partnership with Japan and the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO), has launched a crucial resilience-building project in the Kavango East, Kavango West, and Ohangwena regions.
This initiative, backed by approximately N$14 million in Japanese funding, aims to equip 1,760 vulnerable farming households – representing roughly 8,800 individuals – with the tools and knowledge needed to thrive in an increasingly challenging environment. The project, which commenced in April 2024 and is set to conclude this month, marks the third consecutive year of such vital assistance.
Each of the targeted regions received agro-inputs valued at around US$146,000 (N$2.6 million), including seeds, gardening tools, water tanks, solar-powered irrigation systems, chickens, chicken feed, and materials for constructing chicken houses. This comprehensive package is designed to empower farmers to adopt climate-smart agricultural practices, diversifying income and enhancing nutrition.
Japan’s ambassador to Namibia, Shinichi Asazuma, speaking at a recent handover ceremony in Rundu, stressed the importance of food self-sufficiency and community resilience. “As an independent nation, food self-sufficiency and food self-reliance can no longer be mere slogans,” he stated. “We must take collective action to implement practical and tangible solutions.”
He highlighted the potential of the Kavango East region, with its abundant water supply from the Okavango River, to become Namibia’s “food basket.” “It is against this backdrop that the government of Japan is complementing Namibia’s programmes aimed at ensuring optimal food production,” he added.
FAO representative Qingyun Diao underscored the urgency of the project, titled ‘Emergency Response to Enhance Resilience and Mitigate Climate-Induced Impacts on Livelihoods, Food, and Nutrition Security of the Most Vulnerable Households in Namibia’. “Climate change, particularly prolonged droughts, poses an increasing threat to Namibia’s agricultural productivity,” she warned. “Rural communities that rely primarily on rain-fed agriculture are particularly vulnerable.”
The project extends beyond the mere distribution of resources, encompassing capacity-building initiatives such as technical training and farmer exposure visits. This holistic approach aims to empower farmers to not only survive but thrive in the face of growing climate-related challenges.
The success of this project is crucial for ensuring the long-term food security and economic stability of these vulnerable communities. By empowering farmers with the tools and knowledge to adapt to climate change, Japan and the FAO are laying the foundation for a more resilient and prosperous future for Namibia.
