The government of Namibia has a unique approach to the nagging issue of food insecurity. It has decided to kill 700 wild animals to address hunger in the country. The controversial animal culling program targets wild animals like elephants, zebras, and hippos. The authorities plan to distribute the meat to struggling residents as the country grapples with its worst drought in 100 years.
The Namibian Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism, said the slaughter process would be carried out by professional hunters in national parks and communal areas with sustainable game numbers.
The Ministry spokesperson, Romeo Muyunda, announced in a statement on Monday, “The Ministry will contribute 723 animals comprising 30 Hippos, 60 buffalos, 50 impalas, 100 blue Wilderbeast, 300 Zebras, 83 elephants and 100 elands. The animals are sourced from national parks and communal areas with sustainable game numbers”.
Namibia is one of several countries across southern Africa struggling with devastating drought driven by El Niño — a natural climate pattern which has led to sharply reduced rainfall in the region — and exacerbated by the human-caused climate crisis.
Addressing the drought which has left an estimated 1.4 million people, facing high levels of acute food insecurity, Muyunda said the program also seeks to reduce pressure on water resources and minimize conflicts between humans and elephants.
“This offtake will assist in reducing the negative impact of drought on the conservation of wild animals in both our National Parks and Communal areas.
“There is no doubt that drought is affecting most sectors conservation included. This will assist in managing the current grazing pressure and water availability by reducing wildlife numbers in some parks and communal areas where we feel numbers exceed available grazing and water.”
