May 2024: Namibian President Declares Drought State of Emergency
On May 22nd, the Namibian President Nangolo Mbumba has declared a national state of emergency due to the worst drought the country has experienced in 100 years. The current El Niño-induced drought is causing severe food insecurity and water scarcity, exacerbated by low dam levels in the country. As a result, one in five Namibians is currently food insecure, with over 331,000 households already registered for government-funded drought relief.
The Drought Relief Programme, aimed at assisting affected communities with food aid, livestock, seeds, and water supply, is expected to cost about EUR 40 million (N$1.1 billion). However, there is a significant funding gap of EUR 25 million (N$482 million), prompting President Mbumba to call for financial assistance and food donations from neighboring countries and international stakeholders.
The state of emergency declaration follows a joint action by representatives of the Namibia Agricultural Union (NAU), Namibia National Farmers Union (NNFU), and the Namibian Emerging Commercial Farmers Union (NECFU). These groups met with Agriculture Minister Calle Schlettwein on April 4th to propose early commencement of drought relief measures and a special program to ensure staple food security for all crop farmers affected by the drought.