The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) in conjunction with the Ministry of Agriculture, Water and Forestry (MAWF), hosted its annual World Food Day event.  The event which is observed annually around the world, celebrates the founding of the FAO, with the purpose of highlighting global efforts to combat world hunger and creating awareness of world food problems with the aim of strengthening solidarity in the struggle against hunger.

In Namibia, the event has been celebrated in all 14 Regions of the country, with the main event being hosted in the Omuthiya Town of the Oshikoto Region.  The event held under the global theme, Family farming: "feeding the world, caring for the earth", in recognition of the important role that farmers at family level play towrds food security.

During the event, MAWF with FAO donated agricultural products to ten beneficiaries and to the community members of Omuthiya in the Oshikoto Region.  The donated produce included goats, fertilizers and horticulture seeds while the community member each received a pack of mahangu and sorghum seeds.

The Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Agriculture, Water and Foresty, Mr. Joseph Iita, alluded to the fact that government should be applauded for its efforst towrds curbing poeverty in the country.

"Namibia as country is being driven by the goal of achieving national food self-sufficiency as stipulated in the Fourth National Development Plan (NDP4), which is aimed at poverty reduction and food security," stated Iita.

Uparura Kuvare, the Assistant FOAR delivered the WDF 2014 message by FAO Director General - Jose Graziano da Silva said women and the youth should be included in the effor to promote environmentally sustainable and socially inclusive economic growth.

"Women play a crucial, yet not always duly recognized role throughout the food system - from producing and marketing food to ensuring adequate nutrition of families."