Otjinungwa:At Otjinungwa Primary School in the remote Kunene Region, a chicken project is providing more than just eggs. It is giving learners an opportunity to acquire practical agricultural skills, improving their nutrition and introducing them to income-generating activities.

According to Namibia Press Agency, the initiative, launched in June 2026, has developed into a school-based agricultural project that combines practical learning, food production, and entrepreneurship. The project is unique in the region, with Kunene Regional Director of Education Sophia Frederick confirming that Otjinungwa Primary School is currently the only school in the region implementing such a poultry project.

Despite its benefits, the initiative faces challenges relating to feed supplies, limited markets, and the availability of funds to maintain daily operations. The school's agriculture teacher, Matheus Kambonde, explained that the project began with a donation of 100 chickens from the Karl-Heinz and Manuela Feichtinger Foundation and later received an additional 50 chickens from Wilderness Safaris, bringing the total to approximately 145 after five chickens perished.

Kambonde highlighted that learners gain experience in feeding and caring for chickens, understanding egg production, and managing a poultry project. The eggs produced also contribute to the learners' nutrition by supplementing their meals at school. Furthermore, the project aims to generate income through egg sales, though sales have not reached expected levels due to the small population and limited purchasing power in the surrounding community.

The project faces additional challenges during school holidays when learners are away. Plans are underway to hire a community member to care for the chickens during these times. Senior Agricultural Technician Ngaujaruke Kakuva mentioned government subsidy programs that could support such initiatives by covering 60% of project costs, encouraging the school to apply for funding to sustain and expand the project.

With ongoing support from donors, the government, and the community, the initiative has the potential to become a sustainable school-based agricultural enterprise benefiting future generations.