New Delhi: Namibia has sanctioned the culling of 700 animals, including elephants, zebras, and hippos, to provide meat for communities severely impacted by the ongoing drought. This decision comes as the country grapples with a widespread food crisis, with nearly half of its population facing acute food insecurity, as reported by the United Nations last month.Government response to food crisisIn a bid to combat the escalating hunger, Namibias Ministry of Environment, Forestry, and Tourism announced that the meat from the 723 animals to be culled will be distributed as part of a drought relief initiative. The Ministry will contribute 723 animals, comprising 30 hippos, 60 buffalos, 50 impalas, 100 blue wildebeests, 300 zebras, 83 elephants, and 100 elands. These animals are sourced from national parks and communal areas with sustainable game populations, stated the ministry in an official press release.Professional hunters conduct cullingThe culling operation is being carried out by professional hunters and safari outfitters under contracts with the Ministry and local conservancies. As of now, 157 animals from various species have been hunted in Mangetti National Park, 20 in Mahango, 70 in Kwando, 6 in Buffalo, and 9 in Mudumo, yielding 56,875 kilograms of meat.Wider impact of El Nino-induced droughtSouthern Africa is currently enduring its most severe drought in years, exacerbated by the El Nino phenomenon and rising global temperatures due to greenhouse gas emissions. The drought has devastated crops and livestock across the region, leading to widespread food shortages and economic decline. The Southern African Development Community (SADC), a regional bloc comprising 16 nations, including Zimbabwe, Zambia, and Malawi, has declared the hunger crisis a state of disaster in some countries. Lesotho and Namibia have also called for international humanitarian assistance.
