The World Food Programme (WFP) provided food assistance to almost 100,000 Namibians in July, amid worsening hunger in the drought-hit nation.
According to its latest country brief, 96,387 people benefited through digital vouchers, community kitchens and school feeding schemes.
More than 25,000 children received meals at soup kitchens, while 12,038 pupils were supported through the homegrown school feeding programme. In addition, 58,764 vulnerable people, including pregnant women and young children, were enrolled in a nutrition support scheme that also boosted rural economies.
Despite these interventions, the WFP warned that food insecurity remains widespread due to recurring droughts, floods, pest infestations and climate shocks linked to El Niño, which have slashed harvests and pushed up food prices. The agency estimates it needs an additional US$500,000 over the next six months—representing about 19% of its funding requirements—to sustain operations while also supporting smallholder farmers, strengthening food systems and building long-term resilience.