Namibia to kill over 700 wild animals to feed its people amid severe drought, famine

Professional hunters will carry out the cull and the meat will be distributed to those impacted by the drought, especially in rural areas. (File photo: AFP)

Namibia is set to kill more than 700 wild animals to feed its starving populations amid the worst drought that the region has seen in 100 years. The animals set to be killed include 83 elephants, 30 hippos, 60 buffaloes, 50 impalas, 100 blue wildebeest, 300 zebras, and 100 elands (a type of antelope). According to the UN, 84 percent of the country's food reserves have already been exhausted, and nearly half of its 2.5 million population is expected to face high levels of acute food insecurity between July and September.

The southern African country--that had declared a state of emergency in May as the drought worsened--said in a press release that the culling would only take place in national parks and communal areas with sustainable wildlife numbers, is “necessary” and “in line with our constitutional mandate where our natural resources are used for the benefit of Namibian citizens.”

Professional hunters will carry out the cull and the meat will be distributed to those impacted by the drought, especially in rural areas, the release stated. Over 157 animals have already been killed, yielding about 63 tons of meat so far, Morocco World News reported. Authorities said that the culling of wild animals would not only provide food to the masses but also reduce pressure on scarce water and grazing resources.

Among the animals being killed, elephants are specifically being targeted for their meat. (File photo: AFP)

The decision is also aimed at minimising instances of human-wildlife conflict as animals move closer to human settlements in search of food and water during the drought. In such areas, elephants are specifically being targeted, the publication reported, adding that Namibia is among the countries with the largest elephant populations in the world.

Although it has faced severe criticism due to its decision to kill wildlife for meat, authorities said it is a necessary emergency measure in the face of the current drought, exacerbated by climate change that has led to widespread crop failures and livestock deaths across southern Africa, leaving millions to starve.