The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) in collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture, Water and Forestry (MAWF), hosted its annual World Food Day (WFD) event on the 05 November 2015.  The event which is observed annually around the world, celebrates the founding of the FAO.  This year's event also marks the 70th Anniversary of the establishment of FAO in 1945.

The theme for the WFD 2015, “Social Protection and Agriculture: breaking the cycle of rural poverty”, highlights the crucial role social protection plays in reducing chronic food insecurity and poverty by ensuring direct access to food and providing a viable way to stimulate agricultural production and local economic activity.

The event has been celebrated in all 14 Regions of the country, with the main event being hosted in Okakarara town, Otjozondjupa Region.  During the event the MAWF donated products and materials worth NAD30,000 to six identified beneficiaries.  "The Government of the Republic of Namibia sincerely hopes that these items will be put to effective use while contributing meaningfully towards achieving food security in order to combat poverty in our country", Said Hon. Theo Diergaardt, the Deputy Minister for Agriculture, Water and Forestry who was present at the event.

"The theme for this year's commemoration is "Social Protection and Agriculture: Breaking the Cycle of Rural Poverty".  Social protection as defined is concerned with preventing, managing and overcoming situations that adversely affect people's well-being.  Social protection consists of policies and programs designed to reduce poverty and vulnerability by promoting efficient labour markets, diminishing people's exposure to adverse risks, and enhancing their capacity to manage economic and social risks, such as unemployment, exclusion, sickness, disability and old age."  Said Hon. Otto Ipinge, Governor o Otjozondjupa Region.

Photos album from the event here