Justicia Shipena
Japan has launched a new grant-funded project to strengthen the resilience of farming communities affected by drought in Namibia, with a focus on long-term food security and climate-smart agriculture.
The project, titled ‘Enhancing resilience of farming communities affected by drought through the promotion of adaptive agriculture’, was launched on Saturday in Otjiwarongo.
It will be implemented by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) in partnership with Namibia’s Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Land Reform.
Japan’s ambassador to Namibia, Shinichi Asazuma, said the project reflects Japan’s commitment to helping Namibia move from emergency drought response to long-term resilience.
The project is funded through Japan Grant Assistance in cooperation with the United Nations for the 2025 financial year, with a total value of US$2.99 million, about N$48 million at the time of signing in December 2025.
Unlike earlier one-year programmes, the project will run for two years until November 2027 to allow time for training, distribution of inputs and early results on the ground.
The programme targets 6 000 households, mainly led by women and youth, and is expected to benefit more than 24 000 people in rural areas across the Otjozondjupa, Erongo, Hardap, Kunene and Omaheke regions.
The focus is on improving household food production, reducing dependence on external markets, diversifying rural livelihoods and creating more opportunities for agribusiness.
Asazuma said the project will also support the development of five regional drought action plans and strengthen food security systems and early warning mechanisms.
Japan has been a long-term partner in Namibia’s agriculture sector and has contributed more than US$2.1 million, about N$40.7 million, since 2022 through supplementary budget support for projects implemented with FAO and the agriculture ministry.
At the same launch event, agriculture minister Inge Zaamwani said the programme responds to recurring droughts, climate variability and food insecurity that continue to affect rural livelihoods and agricultural production.
Zaamwani said support for the new project will include agricultural inputs, small livestock and climate-smart technologies suited to local conditions.
These include solar-powered irrigation systems, hydroponics and shadednet structures to improve productivity while conserving water.
FAO interim representative in Namibia, Patrice Talla, said Namibia continues to face repeated droughts and pressure on food security, especially in rural areas, and the project is designed to help vulnerable households cope with climate shocks.
Talla said the project combines direct livelihood support with training delivered through government extension services, along with technical support from FAO.
He said this approach helps ensure that knowledge from research reaches farmers and improves yields and farming practices.
FAO said close cooperation with government, regional leaders, councillors, traditional authorities and community leaders will support smooth implementation.
