KHORIXAS — Sebastian !Gobs, the Khorixas constituency councillor, has called for urgent humanitarian relief for 2,347 households in the region, as a decade-long drought continues to devastate the Kunene Region, exacerbating food shortages and economic hardships.

According to Namibia Press Agency, in an interview with Nampa, the severe drought has left the soil too dry for farming, resulting in nearly 90 percent of pastoralist farmers losing their livestock, which was their primary source of income and sustenance. The government’s drought assistance program is currently the sole support for these households, with no additional aid from donors. The councillor emphasized the dire need for support from local businesses and fellow Namibians, pointing out the government’s limitations in addressing this crisis alone.

Further complicating the situation is the irregular delivery of drought relief food, which is supposed to be distributed monthly. However, delays from suppliers have led to significant delays, leaving many families without timely aid. !Gobs also highlighted the broader impacts of the drought, including rising food prices which restrict access to staple foods for many in the community.

Adding to the woes, human-wildlife conflict, particularly with elephants, continues to pose serious challenges for those attempting to farm. The presence of elephants has led to significant damage to infrastructure and crops, making agricultural endeavors increasingly futile in the region.

The issues mentioned by !Gobs affect various parts of the constituency, including Fransfontein, Anigab, Bergsig, and Twyfelfontein, underscoring a widespread crisis that demands a collective response.