- Namibia is grappling with the worst drought in 100 years, struggling with food insecurity.
- Namibia exhausted 84 per cent of its food reserves in July.
Image: FILE
Namibia is planning to slaughter 723 wild animals, including 83 elephants and distribute the meat to those affected by drought in the country.
Namibia is grappling with the worst drought in 100 years, struggling with food insecurity.
According to the country's environment ministry, the slaughter of the animals will take place in the parks and communal areas with sustainable game numbers.
This is where the authorities believe the animals have exceeded the available grazing land and water supplies.
The ministry said the animals are being sourced from Namib Naukluft Park, Mangetti National Park, Bwabwata National Park, Mudumu National Park and Nkasa Rupara National Park.
"Cabinet in decision number 14th/29.08.23/001 approved the "Namibia Livelihood Vulnerability Assessment and Analysis (VAA) Report requiring the Ministry to support the drought relief programme with the provision of meat," the ministry said in a statement on Monday.
According to United Nations, Namibia exhausted 84 per cent of its food reserves in July and nearly half of its population is expected to experience high levels of food insecurity in the near future.
The environment ministry added that the slaughter of the elephants will help reduce prevailing cases of human-wildlife conflict.
The authority noted that with the severe drought situation in the country, conflicts are expected to increase if interventions are not made.
"To this effect, 83 elephants from identified conflict areas will be culled, (and) meat will be allocated to the drought relief programme under the Office of the Prime Minister," it said.
Other animals to be slaughtered include 30 hippos, 60 buffalos, 50 impalas, 100 blue Wilderbeast, 300 Zebras and 100 elands.
To date, the country has seen the hunting of 157 animals by professional hunters and companies contracted by the government, yielding more than 56,800 kilograms of meat.
"This exercise in necessary and is in line with our constitutional mandate where our natural resources are used for the benefit of Namibian citizens," the environment ministry said.