The three United Nations (UN) agencies (WFP, FAO & IOM) in conjunction with the Ministry of Agriculture, Water & Forestry commemorated the World Food Day under the theme “Change the future of migration, invest in food security and rural development” on the 19 October 2017 in Stampriet, Hardap Region.

The event was well attended by senior government officials, Regional Council, UN staff, traditional leaders, religious leaders and the inhabitants of Stampriet and nearby towns.

The United Nations Resident Coordination, Ms. Kiki Gbeho who is FAO Representative a.i urged Namibians to recommit themselves to the war on poverty while marking the day, which is commemorated each year to raise awareness on issues of food security.  

The FAO Director General, José Graziano da Silva said in his message read by Ms. Gbeho, that throughout history, one of the most effective strategies for people to look for a better future has been to move. In most cases leaving impoverished rural areas in search of more productive opportunities elsewhere.

“Indeed, migration has since our earliest days been essential to the human story — the source of multiple economic and cultural benefits.  But when migration is out of extreme need, distress and despair, it becomes another story.  Forced migration is rooted in conflicts, political instability, extreme poverty, hunger, environmental degradation and the impacts of climate change.  In these situations, people have no choice other than to move”. He added. 

Agriculture Minister Honourable John Mutorwa, in a speech read on his behalf by Permanent Secretary, Percy Misika, said this year’s theme, “Change the future of migration. Invest in food security and rural development” is particularly relevant and important given the link between migration, food security and rural development.

“The global goal to achieve Zero Hunger by 2030 cannot be achieved without addressing the issues between migration, food security, and rural development. Investing in sustainable rural development is the key to address factors that compel people to migrate from rural areas to urban areas. As a nation, we need to scale up the support to small-scale farmers and intensify programmes which are geared towards rural development in order to enhance the living standards of our people, hence minimizing rural-urban migration”.  Said the Minister. 

The school visit in the Region was conducted prior to the event, which aimed to sensitizing the younger stars about World Food Day and the theme of this year regarding migration.