Partnerships drive food security in northern Namibia
Boosting nutrition and local economies
A joint initiative by the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) and the British High Commission is showing how community-based projects can provide sustainable solutions to ensure food security in rural areas.
In a statement, WFP said the Integrated Food Systems Project at Mateus Nashandi Combined School in Ikokola in the Oshikoto region was launched in 2023 to complement the national school feeding programme.
It not only ensures that children receive diversified, nutritious meals but also introduces them to agricultural practices, equipping the next generation with knowledge to reduce dependency on external aid.
By integrating food production into education, the WFP said, the project has strengthened school diets while creating employment opportunities and enhancing local food availability.
WFP Namibia country director Naouar Labidi said addressing food insecurity requires grassroots solutions.
“Working hand in hand with communities and partners like the British High Commission allows us to support long-term solutions that improve diets, livelihoods and resilience. The remarkable outcomes from this project highlight the importance of grassroots-driven initiatives in tackling food security,” she said.
Unlock potential
The initiative also supports Namibia’s broader goal of building resilience against climate shocks, which continue to affect harvests and deepen food insecurity in rural communities.
In partnership with the British High Commission, the project has expanded to assist 28 smallholder farmers in Ikokola and surrounding areas.
British High Commissioner to Namibia Neil Bradley said empowering smallholder farmers is key to ending hunger.
“By equipping smallholder farmers with the right tools and knowledge, we are helping to unlock their potential to grow more food, improve family nutrition and strengthen local economies,” he said.
According to the WFP, the farmers have received training in good agricultural practices, nutrition and food preservation, along with tools such as irrigation systems, shade nets, pesticides and seeds.
This approach is designed to boost local production, improve household nutrition and reduce reliance on costly food imports.
In a statement, WFP said the Integrated Food Systems Project at Mateus Nashandi Combined School in Ikokola in the Oshikoto region was launched in 2023 to complement the national school feeding programme.
It not only ensures that children receive diversified, nutritious meals but also introduces them to agricultural practices, equipping the next generation with knowledge to reduce dependency on external aid.
By integrating food production into education, the WFP said, the project has strengthened school diets while creating employment opportunities and enhancing local food availability.
WFP Namibia country director Naouar Labidi said addressing food insecurity requires grassroots solutions.
“Working hand in hand with communities and partners like the British High Commission allows us to support long-term solutions that improve diets, livelihoods and resilience. The remarkable outcomes from this project highlight the importance of grassroots-driven initiatives in tackling food security,” she said.
Unlock potential
The initiative also supports Namibia’s broader goal of building resilience against climate shocks, which continue to affect harvests and deepen food insecurity in rural communities.
In partnership with the British High Commission, the project has expanded to assist 28 smallholder farmers in Ikokola and surrounding areas.
British High Commissioner to Namibia Neil Bradley said empowering smallholder farmers is key to ending hunger.
“By equipping smallholder farmers with the right tools and knowledge, we are helping to unlock their potential to grow more food, improve family nutrition and strengthen local economies,” he said.
According to the WFP, the farmers have received training in good agricultural practices, nutrition and food preservation, along with tools such as irrigation systems, shade nets, pesticides and seeds.
This approach is designed to boost local production, improve household nutrition and reduce reliance on costly food imports.
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