Prime Minister Saara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila has called on all citizens to cooperate with the drought relief programme implementing officers to ensure that the objectives of the programme are achieved.

The vulnerability assessment and analysis indicate that 695,000 people are in need of relief assistance.

Kuugongelwa-Amadhila says although the effects of drought are felt in all communities, targeted food assistance will be given to the neediest, who lack adequate coping measures.

The drought relief programme will provide food and water to households and assist livestock farmers.

"I wish to implore all farmers to seek relevant information from the respective offices of the Ministry of Agriculture, which will be implementing this support for farmers, on how they can participate in this programme."

She says the government has also considered revising the food basket provided to vulnerable households.

Households will also now receive a 20-kg maize meal bag per month instead of a 12,5-kg bag.

"We look at the size of the household; we are not saying the household that has 20 people should receive the same food amount as the household that has two people."

Kuugongelwa-Amadhila says the drought relief programme's purpose is to save lives and sustain livelihoods.

Kuugongelwa-Amadhila also launched the introduction of the Commodity and Beneficiary Management Information System, which provides for electronic storage of beneficiaries' information, allowing for the issuance of vouchers to identified drought relief beneficiaries.

The vouchers will be used to redeem approved food items under the drought relief programme from participating retailers.

"So there will be issues with cards such as this one; the system comes with a multitude of benefits, including stimulating local economic activities because the food will no longer be sourced from Windhoek and transported to different regions; it will be sourced from the local retailers, so their business activities will be supported."