In the last three months, Okavango Wilderness Safaris has delivered over 1,000 food parcels to six of its partner communities in the Okavango Delta that were devastated by the recent drought, bringing relief to 1,600 people facing food insecurity.
“Together with community leaders and partners, we ensured the quick rollout of food parcels in November, December, and January, in order to reach the most affected community members during the peak of the drought. Managed through di Kgotla (community meetings’ locations), the monthly distribution of food parcels took place in the Okavango Community Trust (OCT) villages near Wilderness Vumbura Plains (Seronga, Gunotsoga, Eretsha, Beetsha, and Gudigwa), as well as Sankuyo village”, noted Joe Matome, Okavango Wilderness Safaris Caretaker MD.
The prolonged drought in Botswana, which is the most severe in decades, has brought significant challenges for both people and wildlife. As water sources diminished, rural communities experienced severe water shortages, impacting agriculture and livestock farming, which are vital for livelihoods in these areas. Wildlife in the Okavango Delta travelled longer distances in search of water, leading to increased human-wildlife conflict as animals encroached on populated areas. These dry conditions intensified competition for limited resources, putting pressure on ecosystems and the people who rely on them for sustenance and survival.
“We recognise the ongoing and devastating consequences of drought for farmers and communities. While Wilderness Botswana provides assistance to farmers in these villages annually through ploughing and seed provision, we saw the need to do more this season due to the particularly harsh conditions. This initiative was essential in supporting the people we proudly work with and among. They are our neighbours, and it’s the most neighbourly thing to do, to help where we can”, added Kabelo Binns, Okavango Wilderness Safaris Board Chairperson.
As a result of the generous support of the Michael and Karen Stone Family Foundation, this Drought-relief Nutrition Programme also had a positive impact in partner communities in Namibia, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. In total, Wilderness delivered approximately 7,000 food-relief parcels to 14 communities and 31 schools, providing much-needed relief to some 15,000 individuals who were facing food insecurity and malnutrition.
“With over 40 years of experience in conservation tourism, we understand that local communities are custodians of the wild areas and wildlife that together, we help to protect. As their partners, colleagues, family and friends, we remain committed to helping them when they need us most”, Kabelo continued.
“We join our partner communities in celebrating the recent blessing of rain, as this will allow farmers to plant, and livestock to recover. However, we know it will take some time before a significant harvest is possible, and for farmers and communities to support themselves again, which is why we felt it critical to bring some much-needed relief to them in their time of need”, concluded Joe.
Watch Okavango Wilderness Safaris’ food-relief initiative in action by clicking here.