Namibia's Wildlife Cull: A Controversial Solution to Drought-Induced Food Insecurity

Namibia plans to cull 723 wild animals to aid people suffering from severe drought-induced food insecurity. The environment ministry aims to distribute the meat from this initiative, targeting areas where animal populations outstrip available resources. The cull includes 83 elephants, with meat directed to a drought relief programme.

Namibia's government has announced plans to cull 723 wild animals, including 83 elephants, to provide food for communities affected by severe drought across southern Africa, according to the environment ministry.

The culling operation will occur in parks and communal areas experiencing resource shortages due to high animal populations, exacerbated by the worst drought in decades, as reported by the United Nations.

With human-wildlife conflicts rising, the ministry stated that the cull aims to mitigate these issues while providing essential meat through the drought relief programme. The ministry emphasized that the initiative aligns with constitutional mandates to use natural resources for citizens' benefit.

(With inputs from agencies.)