Kunene region faces extreme food insecurity due to drought

The Kunene region in Namibia is facing extreme food insecurity, with assessments identifying between 78,495 and 87,000 people at risk. According to reports presented to the National Council by Khorixas councillor Eddie Nanub, the crisis is driven by severe drought, persistent heat, and irregular rainfall.

In response to a state of emergency declared in May 2024, drought relief programs have supported approximately 35,000 households. This assistance included maize meal, cooking oil, fish, and soya mince. However, officials have warned that these measures are not sustainable long-term.

Water shortages remain a critical challenge. The Namibia Water Corporation has invested N$13.4 million in drilling and testing 20 boreholes, while additional communal water-point developments have seen mixed success. To address these systemic issues, leaders are calling for increased investment in climate resilience, desalination solutions, and the harmonization of local and central government financial years to improve project execution and resource allocation.