By Meanwhile, Canada has pledged to provide the most vulnerable with cooked meals, as well as water, sanitation services, seeds, and tools.
“Our international assistance is rooted in the Canadian values of compassion, generosity, and the desire to help those in need,” said Minister Fantino. “Canada will continue to monitor the situation to make sure that those affected in Namibia have the support they need.”
Thousands of Namibians will face a food shortage this year due to a significantly below average harvest caused by drought. The lack of rainfall has also caused boreholes to dry up, forcing people to resort to drinking from unsafe water sources, which increases the risk of the spread of water-borne diseases.
The effects of the drought are being particularly hard felt in the northern regions of the country including Kavango, Ohangwena, Oshikoto and Kunene, which are more dependent on agriculture.
Economic Action Plan 2013 reaffirms Canada’s commitment to humanitarian assistance, such as this support for the people of Namibia. The new Department of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development will maintain its mandate of poverty alleviation and the ability to respond to humanitarian crises.
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