The Capricorn Foundation launched its Food Waste Challenge on Wednesday, inviting the public to submit innovative solutions to reduce food waste in Namibia.
The campaign’s goal is to generate new ideas for reducing food waste in Namibia and to raise awareness about the seriousness of the problem.
Food waste is defined as food that completes the food supply chain up to a final product of good quality that is fit for consumption which is still discarded, whether or not it is left to spoil or expire.
Capricorn Foundation Executive Officer, Marlize Horn stated at the launch here that tonnes of consumable food is discarded as waste every day.
She said the foundation recognises that there are ongoing efforts to address Namibia’s food insecurity and is looking for new opportunities that can ‘tip over a pivotal domino on the problem of the food waste chain, resulting in exponential benefits.’
“A solution to this problem would not only address the most vulnerable people in Namibia’s basic need for food security, but it would also have a positive impact on our society and improve the quality of life for many Namibians. Finally, we are looking for solutions that will allow more food, which would otherwise be wasted, to reach vulnerable communities. Through this process, we also hope to raise awareness about the issue of food insecurity and the role food waste plays in contributing to it,” said Horn.
The Food Waste Challenge is based on an open innovation platform, with the winning solution to receive N.dollars 100 000 in prize money. Capricorn Foundation is looking for ideas in the form of a written proposal for reducing food waste in Namibia that will open up new avenues for addressing the basic need for food security.
The proposal will be evaluated theoretically, taking into account Namibia’s current state of knowledge about food waste.
The submission deadline is 12 August 2022, and the winning solution will be chosen by an expert panel of judges from various sectors of the economy.
The proposed solution must meet specific requirements and be supported by arguments and references.
Source: The Namibian Press Agency
