Responding to the Drought in Namibia

Responding to the Drought in Namibia

Web Statement

June 26, 2019

Episcopal Relief & Development is supporting the Anglican Diocese of Namibia in response to the ongoing drought devastating the country. The organization is in contact with the diocese’s development arm, the Namibia Anglican Community Development Organization (NACDO) as it prepares to respond to the needs of impacted communities.

Over the past four years, Namibia has been dealing with a drought affecting crops and drinking water for both people and livestock. Many people have no access to clean water and travel long distances to find water sources. According to the local government, the lack of rain has caused food shortages, leaving one in five Namibians without access to enough food. At least 60,000 domestic animals have died in the past six months.

Working with the diocese and its development agency, Episcopal Relief & Development is helping marginalized communities in the northern part of Namibia. Based on a community assessment, NACDO has identified 1,060 vulnerable families in the Ohangwena and Omusati regions. They will receive critical food supplies and other support. Two communities, Eembindi and Enghandja, will also receive a four to five km pipeline connecting them to a safe accessible water source. In addition, Episcopal Relief & Development and NACDO will provide support for community and home gardens, poultry farming training and the rehabilitation of wells and dams for water sources in six villages.

“Episcopal Relief & Development is working closely with our partner in Namibia to support people affected by the recent drought,” said Nagulan Nesiah, Senior Programme Officer for Episcopal Relief & Development. “As we help respond to immediate needs, we are focusing on long-term ways to assist affected communities as they adapt and recover  to weather changes.”

Please pray for the people and communities in southern Africa impacted by this crisis. Donations to the International Disaster Response Fund will help Episcopal Relief & Development continue to respond.

For over 75 years, Episcopal Relief & Development has been working together with supporters and partners for lasting change around the world. Each year the organization facilitates healthier, more fulfilling lives for more than 3 million people struggling with hunger, poverty, disaster, and disease. Inspired by Jesus’ words in Matthew 25, Episcopal Relief & Development leverages the expertise and resources of Anglican and other partners to deliver measurable and sustainable change in three signature program areas: Women, Children and Climate.