Government Allocates N$10 Million to Food/Cash for Work Programme
The Ministry of Urban and Rural Development has allocated N$10 million to the Food/Cash for Work Programme for the first time in the current financial year, providing temporary income support to vulnerable households while strengthening community resilience.
Speaking on behalf of Urban and Rural Development Minister Hon. Sankwasa James Sankwasa, Deputy Minister Hon. Evelyn !Nawases-Taeyele announced the allocation during the official opening of the Annual Rural Development Review and Planning Workshop in Swakopmund.
She said the programme comes at a time when Namibia continues to face high unemployment, with the national unemployment rate standing at 36.9 percent, while youth unemployment among people aged 15 to 34 has reached 44.1 percent.
The Deputy Minister acknowledged that the Food/Cash for Work Programme is not a long-term solution to unemployment but said it provides immediate relief to vulnerable households by offering temporary income opportunities.
She added that the initiative also contributes to the creation of community assets and helps build resilience among communities facing economic hardship.
“!Nawases-Taeyele said the Ministry will continue advocating for increased funding to expand the programme and enable more vulnerable households to benefit from it.
She also called for stronger collaboration between the Ministry and Regional Councils, stressing that effective rural development planning depends on the timely submission of accurate information.
She urged regional councils to strengthen cooperation to improve planning, decision-making and the implementation of rural development programmes across the country.
The Annual Rural Development Review and Planning Workshop brings together government officials and regional representatives to assess progress, identify challenges and coordinate strategies aimed at improving rural livelihoods and sustainable development.
