Brazil and WFP strengthen partnership to advance food security and resilient food systems in Namibia

Brazil has worked alongside the Government of the Republic of Namibia and WFP to support communities affected by climate shocks for the past six years. More than USD 2 million (NAD 3.5 million) in funding, as well as in-kind assistance, has helped address malnutrition and build strong food systems across the country. This latest tranche of funding will support the continuation of five Integrated Food Systems Projects in Otjozondjupa,Omaheke, Hardap, Kunene, and Ohangwena regions. 

Strategically located within school and health centres environments, the five projects function as local food production hubs through horticulture, poultry farming, and livelihood activities, helping strengthen access to nutritious food while acquiring skills and knowledge that protect against climate and other shocks. The initiatives support school meals programmes, providing fresh produce for mid-morning meals, and soup kitchens that service pregnant and breastfeeding women as well as tuberculosis (TB) patients and people living with HIV. The projects were established in 2021 with funding from the Government of the Federative Republic of Brazil.

"Brazil's partnership with Namibia has evolved from humanitarian assistance to sharing practical experience that helps communities build their own resilient food systems," said H.E. Pedro de Castro da Cunha e Menezes, Ambassador of the Federative Republic of Brazil to Namibia. "Our goal is not simply to provide resources, but to support people in becoming self-reliant through stronger agriculture, better nutrition, and opportunities that create lasting food security for future generations." 

Across supported communities, the partnership has contributed to improved access to nutritious food and stronger local food systems. In Olukula, for example, community members harvested more than 5,000 kilograms of vegetables and produced over 65,000 eggs. In Epako, the project contributed to local nutrition initiatives, including the clinic’s soup kitchen. In Opuwo, the garden at the Waiting Mothers’ Home produced locally grown vegetables to support nutrition initiatives for expectant mothers. Meanwhile, in Stampriet, food production activities generated more than 3,300 kilograms of produce and eggs while contributing to the school feeding programme.

"This latest funding from Brazil extends well beyond immediate assistance in farming communities,” said James King’ori, Head of Office for WFP in Namibia. "It equips communities with the tools and opportunities to strengthen livelihoods, improve nutrition, and build sustainable and resilient food systems so they are better able to withstand shocks such as drought. This funding will go a long way and is expected to benefit families in the short and long term." 

Ambassador Dr. Kaire Mbuende, the Director General of the National Planning Commission, welcomed the continued partnership, highlighting the importance of the South-South cooperation in advancing sustainable development solutions.

“Brazil’s contribution, implemented through the World Food Programme, demonstrates the true value of South–South cooperation — the sharing of practical experience in family farming, food security systems, and linking agricultural production with social programmes. These are lessons exchanged in mutual respect, addressing common development challenges, and Namibia receives them in that same spirit”

Through continued collaboration, Brazil, WFP, and the Government of Namibia are demonstrating the value of partnerships that combine shared knowledge, local solutions, and long-term investment to strengthen food security and resilience.