Drought-Induced Malnutrition Crisis Deepens in Namibia

Strategic Insights -

Namibia is facing a severe food security crisis, with nearly 40% of its population, over 1.15 million people, classified as severely food insecure. The World Food Programme (WFP) reported that as of July 2025, 24% of children under the age of five are stunted, 6% suffer from wasting, and 13% are underweight due to drought-induced malnutrition. The crisis is attributed to prolonged dry spells, erratic rainfall, and subsequent disruptions to crop and livestock production, leading to increased food prices and reduced access.

Key Takeaways:

  • The WFP reported that 24% of children under five in Namibia are stunted, 6% suffer from wasting, and 13% are underweight as of July 2025.
  • The food security crisis in Namibia is driven by dry spells and erratic rainfall, which disrupted crop and livestock production, increased food prices, and reduced food access.
  • Over 1.15 million people, nearly 40% of the population, were classified as severely food insecure between July and September 2024, an increase of 800 000 since December 2022.
  • The hardest-hit regions include Khomas, Otjozondjupa, Omusati, Ohangwena, Kunene, Kavango West, and Kavango East.
  • The government approved a national drought relief programme for the 2024/25 fiscal year, targeting 362 663 households with food assistance, livestock support, and water provision measures.
  • Omaheke governor Pijoo Nganate reported a 20% reduction in severe acute and moderate acute malnutrition in his region due to strategic interventions and partnerships.
  • The Omaheke Integrated Community Empowerment and Nutrition Initiative (OICENI) was developed to address community-level nutrition needs, with a total projected cost of N$17.2 million.

Statistics:

  • 24% of children under five in Namibia are stunted as of July 2025 (WFP).
  • 6% of children under five in Namibia suffer from wasting as of July 2025 (WFP).
  • 13% of children under five in Namibia are underweight as of July 2025 (WFP).
  • 1.15 million people, nearly 40% of the population, were classified as severely food insecure between July and September 2024 (WFP).
  • 800 000 more people were classified as severely food insecure since December 2022 (WFP).
  • 362 663 households are targeted with food assistance, livestock support, and water provision measures under the national drought relief programme (Government of Namibia).
  • N$3.2 million is required for immediate implementation of the Omaheke Integrated Community Empowerment and Nutrition Initiative (OICENI).
  • N$14 million is required for capital investment in feed and fortification plants under OICENI.

Sources:

  • World Food Programme (WFP) Namibia Country Brief for July 2025.
  • State of the Region Address by Omaheke governor Pijoo Nganate in Gobabis (July 2024).