Should drought stricken African countries resort to wildlife for food?
Sep 16, 2024
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Romeo Muyunda, an official from Namibia’s Department of Environment, Forestry and Tourism, sheds light on the dire food crisis in drought-stricken Southern Africa. He shares his experiences consuming unconventional meats like elephant and hippo, emphasizing how desperate times call for unusual dietary practices. The conversation delves into the controversial idea of culling wildlife to feed hungry populations, sparking debates about ecological impacts and animal rights. The urgent humanitarian response needed in the region is highlighted, as millions face potential hunger.
The severe drought in Southern Africa has resulted in food insecurity for 68 million people, prompting some countries to cull wildlife for meat.
Animal rights groups have condemned the culling initiative in Namibia, citing concerns over ecological impacts and sustainability of wildlife populations.
Deep dives
Impact of Drought on Food Security
The ongoing drought in southern Africa has severely affected food security, with 68 million people facing hunger due to widespread crop failures and livestock deaths. Countries like Zimbabwe have been hit particularly hard, with a national disaster declared as maize crops have been devastated, prompting the need for an estimated 1.6 billion US dollars to support agricultural recovery. This situation is further complicated by economic challenges such as high inflation and poverty levels, which hinder effective recovery efforts. Neighboring Mozambique is also struggling with significant food shortages, where families have been displaced due to the dire need for water and sustenance.
Controversy Over Wildlife Culling
In response to the food crisis, Namibia has initiated a controversial plan to cull over 700 wild animals, including hippos, elephants, and zebras, to provide meat for those affected by food shortages. Officials argue that this approach is necessary due to both human and animal populations suffering from food and water scarcity, a strategy believed to prevent further ecological imbalance. However, animal rights groups have strongly criticized the move, labeling it as cruel and unsustainable, raising concerns about long-term impacts on wildlife and the ecosystem. The government insists that the culling will be calculated based on sustainability metrics, arguing that it represents less than 1% of the total wildlife population in Namibia.
Regional Economic and Agricultural Struggles
In addition to Namibia and Zimbabwe, countries like South Africa and Botswana are grappling with the effects of the drought, with South Africa's agricultural output significantly declining. Despite not being as severely affected as its neighbors, South Africa's national crop yield is down 22% compared to previous seasons, impacting staple crops like maize and sunflower seeds. Similarly, Botswana faces extreme drought conditions, with local crop production yielding only 6% of its national demand, leading to severe livestock mortality. However, there are signs of hope, with forecasts suggesting improved rainfall in the coming months, which may bolster recovery efforts across the region.
“I have eaten elephant meat. I have eaten hippo meat. I think what is food depends on where you are” – Romeo Muyunda, Namibia’s Department of Environment, Forestry and Tourism
The drought, which became worse earlier this year, has seen crops being wiped out and animals dying across Southern Africa.
As a result, 68 million people have been affected, with some now facing hunger.
It’s reached a point where countries like Namibia are now resorting to slaughtering wild animals such as hippos, elephants and zebras, to feed their people.
But animal rights groups are up in arms saying this will lead to all sorts of problems in ecosystems.
Presenter Alan Kasujja and producer Mpho Lakaje take a closer look at several countries across the region to see which ones are badly affected.
They also hear from Romeo Muyunda of Namibia’s Department of Environment, Forestry and Tourism as well as John Stegling from Botswana’s Department of Meteorological Services.
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