Also known as: WFP · United Nations World Food Programme
UN agency distributing food aid across Namibia and southern Africa, supporting drought relief and vulnerable populations amid food insecurity.
News reports
Order a long-term news report on World Food Programme
Every mention in the Namibian press over the period you choose, compiled as a PDF or Word document.
Key points drawn from coverage. Tap a point to see the original sentence.
The Namibian
World Food Programme supports nutrition at ECD centres
“Unicef supports early learning, parenting programmes and ECD systems, while WFP supports nutrition at ECD centres.”
Kunene childhood development projects assessedThe Namibian
World Food Programme involved in efforts to strengthen early childhood development and family well-being
“The programme involves relevant government ministries and the World Food Programme in efforts to strengthen early childhood development and family well-being.”
Opuwo parents urged to prioritise early learningNamibian Sun
A joint UNHCR-WFP assessment published in 2023 found that nine in 10 refugee households were unable to meet their livelihood needs
“A joint UNHCR-WFP assessment published in 2023 found that nine in 10 refugee households were unable to meet their livelihood needs, while half of those surveyed could not meet their basic food needs.”
Osire refugees say they survive on expired foodThe Namibian
World Food Programme warned El Niño will add more than a fifth to 225 million in acute food insecurity
“Even if the forecast El Niño is less strong than some models predict, it will tip many countries over the edge, adding more than a fifth to the 225 million people in 45 countries currently in acute food insecurity, the United Nation's World Food Programme (WFP) warned last week.”
El Niño could push 50m people into acute hunger before end of 2027The Namibian
World Food Programme published the first report to look closely at global hunger from El Niño
“Private sector forecasters have already warned of the impact of the El Niño on global food prices, but the report published by the WFP is the first to look closely at global hunger.”
El Niño could push 50m people into acute hunger before end of 2027New Era
World Food Programme warned that lower agricultural output across Southern Africa could sharply worsen food insecurity in Namibia
“In its latest Country Brief, covering Namibia's food security and climate outlook for July and August 2026, the World Food Programme (WFP) warned that lower agricultural output across Southern Africa could sharply worsen food insecurity in Namibia and neighbouring countries.”
Govt beefs up food securityNew Era
World Food Programme warned that local crop yields and livestock conditions could face catastrophic risks from El Niño
“As a result, the WFP warned that local crop yields and livestock conditions could face catastrophic risks, echoing the devastating 2023/24 El Niño drought, which forced a national state of emergency and slashed Namibia's crop production by 56%.”
Govt beefs up food securityThe Namibian
World Food Programme received N$1.9 million contribution from Brazil
“Brazil's ambassador to Namibia, Pedro Menezes, said this on Thursday during Brazil's handover of a N$1.9 million contribution to the World Food Programme in Windhoek.”
Brazil wants to help 3 000 Namibian families improve food securityWindhoek Observer
World Food Programme implemented Tsumkwe Agricultural Hub and Integrated Food System project
“The agricultural project was implemented by the World Food Programme in partnership with the Otjozondjupa Regional Council, the Tsumkwe community and the Tsumkwe Village Council on a 45-hectare site.”
Tsumkwe communities demand action on stalled development projectsThe Namibian
World Food Programme reported that 105 813 households benefitted from food assistance in May
“According to the World Food Programme (WFP) Namibia Country Brief for May, a total of 105 813 households benefitted from food assistance during the month, with 2 326 metric tonnes of rice distributed nationwide.”
Over 105 000 households receive rice aid in MayA delegation from the European Union, Unicef and the government visited the Kunene region to assess early childhood development initiatives and health infrastructure. Only 17% of children in Kunene have access to ECD centres, compared with the national average of 24%.
17 October 2026 · The Namibian →
A delegation from the European Union, Unicef and the government visited the Kunene region to assess early childhood development initiatives and health infrastructure. Only 17% of children in Kunene have access to ECD centres, compared with the national average of 24%.
17 October 2026 · The Namibian →
Parents in Opuwo are being encouraged to prioritise early childhood education, responsible parenting, and child nutrition through the RightStart parenting programme, supported by the EU and Unicef in partnership with the Namibian government. The initiative aims to strengthen early childhood development and family well-being, with participants reporting increased school enrolment and improved parental engagement.
13 October 2026 · The Namibian →
Residents of the Osire refugee settlement say families are forced to consume maize meal distributed close to or past its expiry date, with limited quantities making it impossible to finish before spoilage. The community has raised concerns about irregular food distributions and shortages to the Legal Assistance Centre.
14 September 2026 · Namibian Sun →
The UN World Food Programme warns that El Niño, potentially the strongest in 70 years, could push about 50 million people into acute hunger before the end of 2027, adding to the 225 million already in acute food insecurity across 45 countries. Central and South America, the Caribbean, and southern Africa are likely to be worst affected, while south and south-east Asia may face reduced rainfall threatening agriculture.
20 August 2026 · The Namibian →
Namibia imports about 70% of its food and faces severe food insecurity risks from a developing "Super El Niño" forecast for October 2026 to March 2027, which could bring drought conditions and crop failure similar to the devastating 2023/24 El Niño. The World Food Programme warned that lower agricultural output across Southern Africa could sharply worsen food insecurity in the region, with over 117,000 households already receiving food assistance in July.
19 August 2026 · New Era →
Brazil's ambassador announced a N$1.9 million contribution to the World Food Programme and plans to expand a programme from supporting 300 families to 3 000 families, emphasizing building stronger food systems and helping communities become self-reliant instead of dependent on food aid.
16 July 2026 · The Namibian →
Community leaders in Tsumkwe have called for urgent intervention to revive several stalled development projects, including a multi-million-dollar agricultural initiative and a cultural museum incomplete for more than a decade. A delegation from the Office of the Prime Minister visited the constituency to assess development challenges and service delivery.
4 June 2026 · Windhoek Observer →
More than 105,000 households across Namibia received rice assistance in May as food security challenges persisted despite declining acute hunger levels following drought recovery interventions. The World Food Programme distributed 2,326 metric tonnes of rice nationwide through government-led drought relief efforts.
2 June 2026 · The Namibian →
According to World Food Programme figures, more than 127,000 children under age five benefited from feeding programmes through Namibia's Early Childhood Development Centres. Namibia has over 2,300 ECDs spread across its regions serving children aged zero to six years.
20 May 2026 · New Era →
Rising fossil fuel prices triggered by geopolitical conflict are eroding household purchasing power and straining economies globally, with Africa and Namibia particularly affected by higher food and fuel costs on families and businesses.
27 April 2026 · The Namibian →
Fossil fuel dependency exposes countries to geopolitical shocks and rising prices that erode household budgets and strain economies; accelerating clean energy adoption through renewable sources and green technologies can address both climate instability and cost pressures while creating jobs and strengthening energy security. The article argues that developing nations require greater international financing support to enable this transition.
23 April 2026 · The Namibian →
David Mandume Alfeus, who teaches English, Oshikwanyama, and ICT at Pahangwashimwe Combined School while pursuing a Master's in Educational Technology, believes teaching is a lifelong mission rooted in passion and commitment to using technology and mentorship to help learners succeed. He advocates for strengthening public-private partnerships and aligning Namibia's education system with global standards to address resource gaps in schools.
17 April 2026 · New Era →
Brazil's Minister of Foreign Affairs Mauro Vieira is in Namibia for a two-day official visit from 30–31 March 2026 to strengthen bilateral relations. Namibia's Minister of International Relations and Trade will discuss naval cooperation, trade and investment, support for a food systems project with the UN World Food Programme, and global issues including multilateral reform.
31 March 2026 · Informanté →
Oshikoto Regional Council has started distributing 9,203 bags of rice (40kg each) donated by South Korea to vulnerable households through the Office of the Prime Minister. The rice, valued at N$61 million, is expected to reach more than 46,000 households across all 11 constituencies, with distribution beginning in Guinas and Oniipa.
27 March 2026 · New Era →
The Republic of South Korea has donated 4,896 tonnes of rice worth N$61 million to Namibia's Office of the Prime Minister for drought relief, with Prime Minister Elijah Ngurare highlighting the government's goal of food self-sufficiency and ongoing bilateral collaboration between the two nations.
18 March 2026 · New Era →
Fighting between government forces and rivals loyal to suspended First Vice-President Riek Machar has displaced over 280,000 people in South Sudan's Jonglei state, prompting UN warnings of a return to full-blown civil war. Civilians are bearing the brunt of indiscriminate attacks including aerial bombardments and killings, with the region already facing severe hunger affecting 60% of Jonglei's two million people.
17 March 2026 · The Namibian →
Prime Minister Elijah Ngurare has welcomed a donation of 4,896 tonnes of rice from South Korea, valued at USD 1.7 million and delivered via the World Food Programme, which will benefit approximately 300,000 vulnerable Namibians across all 14 regions between April and December 2026 as the country responds to floods in Zambezi Region and ongoing food insecurity from the 2024–2025 drought. Flooding has closed sections of the Bukalo–Sifuha road in Zambezi Region, with authorities warning residents in low-lying areas to relocate and advising motorists to use alternative routes.
17 March 2026 · Informanté →
South Korea donated approximately 5,000 metric tonnes of rice worth N$60 million to Namibia, expected to benefit around 300,000 Namibians across all 14 regions. Prime Minister Elijah Ngurare said the donation comes at a timely moment to support food security for vulnerable populations affected by drought and flooding.
17 March 2026 · The Namibian →
The number of Somalis experiencing crisis-level food insecurity has nearly doubled in the past year to 6.5 million people, driven by conflict, failed rainy seasons, and reduced international funding. More than two million people are now in the "emergency" category, and the UN World Food Programme warns it will halt operations by April without new funding.
26 February 2026 · New Era →
Cyclone Gezani, which struck Madagascar on 10 February with winds of around 250 km/h, has killed at least 59 people and displaced more than 16,000, with some 25,000 homes destroyed and extensive damage to infrastructure. The disaster agency reported another 15 people remain missing nearly a week after the storm, as the country continues recovery efforts in affected areas including the port city of Toamasina.
17 February 2026 · New Era →
António Guterres has warned that the UN faces an "imminent financial collapse" due to member states not paying their assessed contributions, with money potentially running out by July. The crisis has been deepened by the United States refusing to pay its contributions and withdrawing from UN agencies, forcing the organisation to return funds it has not received and cutting humanitarian programmes worldwide.
5 February 2026 · The Namibian →
USAID funding cuts under the Trump administration have deepened humanitarian shortfalls in Ethiopia's Tigray region, where aid organizations report up to 80% of the population needs emergency support and residents are dying from hunger and malnutrition. The closure of aid offices and reduced medical services have left internally displaced persons with minimal access to food, healthcare, and basic services, while the Ethiopian government denies the severity of the crisis.
24 January 2026 · The Namibian →
Heavy rainfall has killed more than 100 people across South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Mozambique, forcing mass evacuations and rescue operations. Authorities warn that further destructive weather may be imminent, with flooding destroying tens of thousands of homes and submerging vast areas of crops.
18 January 2026 · The Namibian →