Wilderness distributes food parcels during drought (Agri Monitor)
Staff reporterNovember 2024 – Wilderness Botswana has started its monthly distribution of 350 food parcels to some of its worst-affected partner communities in the Okavango Delta, in order to help alleviate the food insecurity they are experiencing as a result of the devastating drought that is ongoing in the region. The company is planning to deliver a total of 1 050 food parcels to these communities over the next three months.
“We are working closely with our community leaders and partners to ensure the handovers in November, December and January reach the most affected community members. Managed through dikgotla (public meetings) in each area, the distribution of food parcels started this week, and will take place in the communities in the Okavango Community Trust (OCT) villages near Wilderness Vumbura (Seronga, Gunotsoga, Eretsha, Beetsha, Gudigwa), and Sankoyo village”, noted Joe Matome, Wilderness Botswana Acting MD.
The dry season in Botswana, typically from May to October, brings significant challenges for both people and wildlife. As water sources diminish, rural communities face water shortages, impacting agriculture and livestock farming, which are critical for livelihoods. Wildlife, particularly in areas like the Okavango Delta and Chobe National Park, is forced to travel longer distances in search of water, often leading to heightened human-wildlife conflict as animals venture closer to populated areas. The dry conditions also intensify competition for limited resources, putting immense pressure on ecosystems and the people who depend on them for sustenance and survival.
“We recognise the impacts of drought and the devastating result this brings for farmers and communities. While we provide annual assistance to farmers in these villages through ploughing and seed provision, Wilderness has seen fit to do more this season because of the particularly tough conditions throughout this region. This initiative is much needed to support those we so proudly work with and amongst”, added Kabelo Binns, Wilderness Botswana board chairperson.
“Additionally, this intervention aims to mitigate the strain on natural resources, including wilderness areas and wildlife, which often suffer when livelihoods are threatened by disasters. Our goal is to deliver vital assistance where it’s needed most. We've engaged with community leaders to identify those in urgent need and develop an effective support strategy. As a result, we have put a comprehensive intervention plan in place which we hope will alleviate the worst of the situation, and deliver positive impact”.
The regional relief initiative will also see the distribution of food parcels across various communities in Namibia, Zambia and Zimbabwe. It is hoped that the need for this intervention will be temporary, as the El Niño event transitions to La Niña, potentially bringing beneficial rains in the months ahead.
"Drawing on our 40 years of experience in conservation tourism, we understand that local communities are intrinsically connected to the wild areas we protect and the wildlife that inhabits them. As custodians of these affected regions, we acknowledge our responsibility and are delighted that Wilderness and the Wilderness Trust secured US$50 000 in funding from the Michael and Karen Stone Family Foundation for this crucial initiative in Botswana alone”, Kabelo added.
“The distributions will be managed by a team of volunteers from Wilderness Botswana, along with village development structures and Council personnel. We are excited to begin these important handovers and look forward to using our pioneering conservation tourism model and commitment to Botswana and her people in order to continue impacting positive change”, Kabelo concluded.
Over the next three months, Wilderness is poised to provide essential support to communities in need across Botswana, Namibia, Zimbabwe, and Zambia, delivering a collective 9 000 emergency food parcels in the region to approximately 12 500 individuals.