INTERVIEW: Benjamin Schernick: Leading the Fight Against Food Insecurity in Namibia

Benjamin Schernick, the Director of the Nutrition and Food Alliance of Namibia (NFAN), has become a pivotal figure in addressing the nation’s pressing issues of malnutrition and food insecurity. With recent reports highlighting alarming statistics in regions like Omaheke, where over 800 people reportedly died from malnutrition, Schernick’s voice has become more critical than ever in advocating for sustainable solutions.

A Dire Situation Schernick is not surprised by the concerning reports. The Nutrition and Food Alliance of Namibia has long warned about the severity of food insecurity in the country. According to the most recent IPC assessment, only 25% of Namibians are food secure, leaving 75% in some state of food insecurity. These statistics, compounded by ongoing economic crises, recurrent droughts, and inadequate coordination efforts, paint a grim picture of Namibia’s current situation.

Understanding Food Security Schernick emphasizes the need to understand what food and nutrition security truly mean. He breaks it down into three critical levels:

1. Food Production: Schernick highlights that Namibia produces only about 40% of its food needs, a figure that was starkly revealed during the COVID-19 pandemic. Increasing local, diverse, and indigenous food production is essential.
2. Access to Food: The economic inequalities in Namibia prevent many from accessing sufficiently nutritious food. Without the economic means, a significant portion of the population cannot afford a balanced diet, contributing to widespread malnutrition.
3. Dietary Choices: The typical Namibian diet, heavy on meat and starches, is not the healthiest. Schernick calls for increased consumption of fruits and vegetables, especially for children, to improve overall nutrition.

Challenges in Governance Schernick points to the lack of effective government coordination as a significant barrier to solving the food insecurity crisis. Despite the existence of a revised food and nutrition security policy, the coordination structures remain weak and poorly implemented. This disconnect has led to missed opportunities for collaboration, wasted resources, and a lack of comprehensive action across sectors.

A Multigenerational Challenge Malnutrition is a multigenerational issue, according to Schernick. The cycle of malnutrition begins in childhood and continues into adulthood, often leading to undernourished mothers giving birth to undernourished children. Breaking this cycle requires long-term interventions and a commitment to improving early childhood nutrition.

The Path Forward Schernick urges the Namibian government to prioritize proper coordination of food security initiatives and think beyond short-term project cycles. He advocates for sustained, multigenerational solutions, such as re-establishing campaigns like the Right Start, which focuses on early childhood development and nutrition.

Conclusion Benjamin Schernick’s leadership and expertise are crucial in Namibia’s battle against food insecurity. As the nation grapples with these challenges, his call for improved coordination, long-term planning, and a focus on early childhood nutrition could be the key to creating a healthier, more food-secure future for all Namibians.