Namibia plans to kill elephants, buffalos and hippos to feed drought-stricken countrymen

In a statement dated August 26, the Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism announced that the animals will include 30 Hippos, 60 buffalos, 50 impalas, 100 blue Wilderbeest, 300 Zebras, 83 elephants and 100 elands. 

The ministry added that the animals will be sourced from the national parks and communal areas with sustainable game numbers. 

Reducing wildlife numbers, according to the Ministry, will help reduce the negative impact of drought on the conservation of wild animals in the nation by taming grazing pressure and water availability.

"This exercise in necessary and is in line with our constitutional mandate where our natural resources are used for the benefit of Namibian citizens," read part of the statement.

"This is also a prime example that conservation of game is really beneficial. We are happy that we can assist the country in this very difficult time and when it's absolutely needed."

The Ministry added that over the years, it has supplied meat for national, regional, and traditional events in line with its policies and laws.

Namibia declared a state of emergency in May as the impacts of drought worsened. 

Between April and June 2024, an estimated 1.2 million people were reported to be facing high levels of acute food insecurity and require urgent action to reduce food gaps and protect livelihoods. 

Southern Africa is facing its worst drought in decades as the United Nations announced that Namibia had exhausted 84 percent of its food reserves last month.