One of Namibia’s pioneer oil explorer, Chevron has donated N$5.6m for food security projects in Namibia and another N$1m for emergency drought relief for vulnerable women and children.
Chevron signed over the donation with the US ambassador to UN Linda Thomas Greenfield in Windhoek.
Greenfield represented the United States Agency of International Development (USAID).
Chevron Namibia Manager Channa Kurukulasuriya said apart from the emergency relief, they are working with partners to drive long-term solutions to eradicate food and water scarcity, supporting prosperity for communities across Namibia.
The initiative will focus on the Kunene and Ohangwena districts, where numerous community gardens and boreholes that protect springs from water contamination will be upgraded.
Solar pumps, water tanks, irrigation pipes, and seedlings will be distributed to community gardens such as the Opuwo Maternity Home Garden and the Olukula Water and Garden.
The USAID will undertake the three-year support programme in collaboration with international and Namibian development partners.
Greenfield said water is scarce for farmers, more than half of whom are women living in communal areas.
“Floods and droughts make it even more difficult for them to feed themselves. A challenge of this magnitude requires all of us to do our part, whether it’s providing money, opportunities, or expertise to partners on the ground,” said Ambassador Thomas-Greenfield said, during her visit to Namibia.
The planned measures will increase potable water availability in rural regions and build community resilience to the effects of the current drought, where new and renovated vegetable gardens will provide access to nutritious meals.
Chevron was one of the first companies to explore the Kudu Gas project in 1974 and in 2022, the company returned to take up Block 2813A.
