Namibia has authorized the culling of hundreds of animals, including elephants, as part of a drastic measure to address severe food shortages exacerbated by an ongoing drought. According to a government notice, the culling will involve 723 animals, including 83 elephants, 300 zebras, 100 blue wildebeests, 60 buffaloes, 50 impalas, 30 hippos, and 100 elands. This meat will be distributed to help those affected by the drought, which has led to acute food insecurity across the country.
The decision follows a report by the United Nations indicating that nearly half of Namibia’s population is grappling with food insecurity. The Ministry of Environment, Forestry, and Tourism announced that the culling will be carried out by professional hunters and safari outfitters, with animals sourced from national parks and communal areas with sustainable game populations. To date, 157 animals have been culled, providing over 56,000 kilograms of meat.
This measure is part of a broader drought relief program aimed at mitigating the effects of the severe food crisis in Namibia. The situation is part of a larger regional issue, with around 68 million people in Southern Africa suffering due to an El Niño-induced drought that has devastated crops and livestock. The drought, which began in early 2024, has been described as the worst in years, exacerbated by higher temperatures linked to climate change.
Southern African Development Community (SADC) leaders are meeting in Harare, Zimbabwe, to address these issues. Countries such as Zimbabwe, Zambia, and Malawi have declared states of disaster, while Lesotho and Namibia have sought international humanitarian aid to combat the crisis.