Windhoek, Namibia, 8 Dec 2023 – U.S. multinational energy corporation Chevron has donated N$5.6 million for projects that support food security in Namibia, plus N$1 million for emergency drought relief for vulnerable women and children.
At a signing ceremony of the partnership between Chevron and the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) in Windhoek, U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Linda Thomas-Greenfield emphasized the importance of supporting Namibia and its rural communities at this time of critical need.
“For farmers – over half of whom are women living in communal areas – access to water is scarce. And floods and droughts further threaten their ability to feed their neighbors, and themselves. A challenge of this scale calls on all of us to do our part – whether it’s giving money, opportunity, or expertise to partners on the ground,” said Ambassador Thomas-Greenfield, who has been visiting the Land of the Brave.
Access to drinking water is vital for remote communities, especially to those dependent on agriculture. The planned interventions supported by this partnership will improve potable water supply in rural areas and strengthen community resilience against the adverse effects of the prevailing drought conditions. Revamped and new vegetable gardens will improve access to nutritious foods.
Chevron Namibia Manger Channa Kurukulasuriya said: “Alongside emergency relief, we are working with partners to drive long-term solutions to eradicating food and water scarcity, supporting prosperity for communities across Namibia.”
The projects will initially focus on Namibia’s Kunene and Ohangwena regions, upgrading numerous community gardens and boreholes and protecting springs from water contamination. Community gardens, including the Opuwo Maternity Home Garden and Olukula Water and Garden, will receive equipment such as solar pumps, water tanks, irrigation pipes, and seeds.
The three-year support program will be implemented by USAID alongside international and Namibian development partners.
The U.S. Government and Chevron have a well-established history of collaboration across numerous countries. In recent years they have partnered in education, agriculture, economic development, and health programming. The U.S. Government through USAID has been supporting Namibia since independence, specifically in the health, education, economic, energy, and environment sectors.
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Inquiries:
Ralph Hofelein, USAID Namibia
