Africa-Press – Namibia. ALMOST 7 000 vulnerable households in Namibia over a period of three months will benefit from a Cash-Based Transfer programme to mitigate the devastating effects of the continuous drought which has been compounded by draconian COVID-19 restrictions.
The World Food Programme (WFP), along with the Ministry of Gender Equality, Poverty Eradication and Social Welfare, will launch a Cash-Based Transfer programme after a generous contribution of N$17 610 019 (€1 Million) from the European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations (ECHO).
The contribution has enabled WFP to strengthen the Namibian government’s response and delivery mechanisms to assist vulnerable people affected by devastating droughts and COVID-19 through the innovative approach of cash-based transfers.
The programme is set to benefit 1 775 households in the Omusati Region and 5 125 households in the Khomas Region. Each beneficiary will receive three cycles of cash-based transfers, on a monthly basis, for a duration of three months.
“High dependence on food imports results in Namibia’s susceptibility to high food prices, a situation that further compromises the ability of the poor and most vulnerable households to access adequate food that is available in the country,” Doreen Sioka, the Minister of Gender Equality, Poverty Eradication and Social Welfare said during the launch of the programme.
Cash-Based Transfers will provide additional benefits to communities, including efficiency and effectiveness in the delivery of food assistance, and especially in contexts and countries with vibrant and integrated markets.
“This launch could not come at a better time. The country is faced with multiple socio-economic challenges that have the potential of negatively impacting the gains made on food and nutrition security. Cash-Based Transfers (CBT) put money directly in the hands of the poorest households so they can afford better nutrition and essentials for their children and family,” George Fedha, WFP’s Country Director in Namibia said.
Through this EU contribution, the Government of Namibia, in partnership with WFP, aims to reduce poverty, improve livelihoods through enhanced household purchasing power, increase dietary diversity, reduce levels of malnutrition in children younger than five years, and support local retailers with the end benefit of stimulating the local economy.
Namibian households will see increased financial inclusion and awareness as communities will have the choice of buying a variety of local and indigenous food, promoting local traditions.
