Attachments
In Numbers
USD 4.3 million net funding requirements for the next six months (February ‘25 – July ‘25)
11,412 school children reached through the HomeGrown School Feeding Programme (Tier 2)
32,178 people assisted through commodity vouchers (Tier 1)
43,590 people assisted in January 2025
Operational Updates
Food Print: Around Namibia in 47 Recipes
Between January 20-24,2025, WFP in Namibia tested 47 recipes in preparation for the website development, book design, and eventual launch of Food Print: Around Namibia in 47 Recipes. This digital cookbook celebrates the culinary traditions and stories of women across all 14 regions. This initiative aims to empower women by showcasing their culinary talents and fostering economic opportunities. Over 70 recipes were submitted through various channels, with the final selection prioritizing cultural, nutritional, and geographical diversity. The recipe testing, conducted by 6 culinary students at the Namibian University of Science and Technology, is a key step towards the book's release.
Beyond the recipes, the book will include sections on health, business, and inspiring stories of women entrepreneurs, promoting both healthy lifestyles and economic empowerment. Food Steps: Around Namibia in 47 Recipes will serve as a platform to amplify women's voices, preserve culinary heritage, and inspire future generations, particularly young women, to explore food as a means of job creation and cultural expression.
Impact Assessment of USAID-Supported Water Infrastructure on Food Security and Nutrition in Northern Namibia
A WFP assessment in Kaoko Otavi, Olukula, and Opuwo found that USAID-supported rehabilitation of gardens and boreholes yielded positive results in several key areas. Improved crop growth was observed across all sites, contributing to enhanced community nutrition. The projects also facilitated agricultural skills development within the communities. Specific outcomes included increased farming initiatives in Kaoko Otavi, spurred by a rehabilitated borehole and school garden; increased food production at Olukula's clinic garden, despite resource limitations; and improved crop yields and maternal nutrition in Opuwo, thanks to a new water softener. While the projects strengthened food security and livelihoods, challenges such as water scarcity and resource constraints persist. Future efforts focused on expanding water storage capacity and providing additional training could further enhance project sustainability.
Commodity Vouchers for El Nino Response
In January, commodity voucher distributions in Kunene Region, Ohangwena and Zambezi reached 5,363 households, equivalent to 32,178 people. Retailer monitoring was conducted for five retailers in both Outjo and Khorixas Constituencies in Kunene Region.
The distributed commodity voucher per household included 2 x 20kg maize meal, 2 x 750ml cooking oil, 8 x canned fish, and 4 x 2kg instant porridge (covering distribution cycles 2 and 3). These food distributions are anticipated to improve food access and nutrition for vulnerable households in the face of ongoing drought conditions.
Resuming of School and Home-Grown School Feeding Activities
On Monday the 13th of January, around 900,000 learners in 2,036 of Namibian schools, of which 1,740 are state schools resumed learning for a new school year. Of these learners 11,412 benefitted from nutritious meals as part of the home-grown school feeding activities in 29 schools in 7 regions of Namibia.
These students indirectly benefit through WFP’s technical and financial support.