Mitigating drought and food insecurity

Chevron donates N$6.6 million for USAID programmes
  • 8 Months Ago - 2023-12-12 09:30:00
US multinational energy corporation Chevron donated N$5.6 million for projects that support food security in Namibia, as well as N$1 million for emergency drought relief for vulnerable women and children.
At a signing ceremony of the partnership between Chevron and the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) in Windhoek, US Ambassador to the United Nations Linda Thomas Greenfield emphasised the importance of supporting Namibia and its rural communities during this critical need.
“For farmers – over half of whom are women living in communal areas – access to water is scarce. Floods and droughts further threaten their ability to feed their neighbours and themselves. A challenge of this scale calls on all of us to do our part – whether it’s giving money, opportunity, or expertise to partners on the ground,” Ambassador Thomas-Greenfield said while visiting the Land of the Brave.
Access to drinking water is vital for remote communities, especially for those dependent on agriculture. The planned interventions supported by this MOU will improve potable water supply in rural areas and strengthen community resilience against the adverse effects of the prevailing drought conditions. Revamped and new vegetable gardens will improve access to nutritious foods.
Chevron Namibia manager Channa Kurukulasuriya said: “Alongside emergency relief, we are working with partners to drive long-term solutions to eradicate food and water scarcity, supporting prosperity for communities across Namibia.”
The projects will initially focus on the Kunene and Ohangwena regions, upgrading numerous community gardens and boreholes and protecting springs from water contamination. Community gardens, including the Opuwo Maternity Home Garden and Olukula Water and Garden, will receive solar pumps, water tanks, irrigation pipes, and seeds.
The three-year support program will be implemented by USAID alongside international and Namibian development partners.