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Namibia: Drought - May 2013

Disaster description

Following a prolonged dry period during the 2012/13 cropping season (November-June), Namibia's main cereal crop output for 2013 is expected to suffer a severe decline. In some parts, the cumulative rains between January and March were approximately one-third of the average and a 50 per cent below average cereal production is expected. Livestock conditions are also deteriorating due to lack of water. (FAO, 15 Apr 2013)

On 17 May, the President declared an emergency situation in the country as a result of drought and appealed to the international community for assistance (Govt of Namibia, 17 May 2013). Over 300,000 people were classified as food insecure and over 4,000 livestock had died (New Era, 20 May 2013).

On 28 Jun, IFRC launched an emergency appeal of 1,215,010 Swiss francs (1,284,959 US dollars) to assist to assist 55,000 people in four northern regions (Kavango, Ohangwena, Oshikoto and Kunene) severely affected by the drought.

The National Drought Emergency Response Plan (July 2013 - March 2014), developed by the Directorate of Disaster Risk Management with inputs from the relevant government line ministries, the Namibia UN Country Team and CSOs, was shared with the stakeholders on 15 Aug and targeted 463,581 food-insecure people. (UNICEF, 22 Aug 2013)

In 2014, pasture and livestock conditions improved in most parts of the country. However, in the northwestern region of Kuene water deficits continued to negatively impact on pasture development. (FAO, 19 May 2014)

According to annual vulnerability assessments for 2014/15, crop production had improved significantly, which resulted in a significant reduction of vulnerable people. The total population at risk was estimated at 577,936 people of whom about 117,662 were facing survival deficits. (Food Security and Nutrition Working Group, 22 Jul 2014).

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