Japan commits N$48 million to boost drought resilience

Namibia has secured close to N$48 million in new grant funding from the Government of Japan to strengthen the resilience of farming communities affected by recurrent drought, through a 24-month project to be implemented in partnership with the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO).The project, titled Enhancing Resilience of Farming Communities Affected by Drought Through the Promotion of Adaptive Agriculture, was officially launched this week following an exchange of notes and signing ceremony involving the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Land Reform, FAO and the Japanese government. The total grant amounts to USD 2.98 million and will run until November 2027.Project Targets Vulnerable FarmersThe initiative will target five regions - Erongo, Kunene, Omaheke, Otjozondjupa and Hardap - and is expected to directly benefit 6,000 vulnerable households, representing an estimated 24,000 people. Priority will be given to women- and youth-led households, as well as smallholder farmers most exposed to climate-related shocks.Although Namibia received improved rainfall during the 2024/25 rainy season, Ndiyakupi Nghituwamata, former Executive Director of the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Land Reform (MAFWLR), noted that climate variability, prolonged drought cycles and economic pressures continue to undermine food security and rural incomes. In 2023/24, an estimated 1.4 million Namibians were classified as food insecure, highlighting the need for longer-term resilience measures rather than short-term emergency relief.Support for Training and Climate-Smart TechnologiesUnder the project, beneficiaries will receive agro-inputs, small livestock and access to climate-smart technologies, including solar-powered irrigation systems, hydroponic units and shade-net structures. The programme also includes training for 6,000 farmers and 60 agricultural extension officers to improve food production, sustainability and risk management at community level. In addition, five regional drought action plans will be developed, alongside improvements to food security information systems to strengthen early response to climate shocks.Japan’s ambassador to Namibia, Shinichi Asazuma, said the new grant reflects Japan’s continued commitment to Namibia’s agriculture sector and to scaling up proven interventions. Since 2022, Japan has contributed more than USD 2.1 million to FAO-implemented agricultural projects in Namibia, with the latest grant exceeding the combined value of the previous three initiatives.Nghituwamata said the project represents “an important step towards building resilient livelihoods and empowering women and youth in our farming communities,” emphasizing that long-term support and collaboration with partners are key to helping communities adapt to climate challenges.

Japan commits N$48 million to boost drought resilience

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Republikein 2025-12-18

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Japan commits N$48 million to boost drought resilience

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