Families affected by poverty to benefit from vegetable gardens

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Capricorn Foundation has pledged N.dollars 300 000 toward the start of the mass food gardening project planned by Christ’s Hope.

The contribution will assist children and families served by the organisation at three of its 10 care points to have access to nutritious, low-cost fruits and vegetables.

With approximately 58 per cent of Namibians experiencing moderate or severe food insecurity, according to a United Nations Food and Agriculture Organisation report, organisations such as Christ’s Hope Namibia are looking into alternative ways to ensure orphaned and vulnerable children impacted by HIV and AIDS and poverty do not go hungry at their centres.

Hannelie Turner, Country Team Leader of Christ’s Hope International Namibia, told this agency on Monday that Christ’s Hope team and centre staff will support the Okahandja community garden, and the children at the centre will maintain it with the staff.

Furthermore, 10 low-income families have been identified to participate in the pilot project, which will provide training and tools.

Turner said the organisation will help them start their own gardens, and that the Ministry of Agriculture, Water and Forestry has agreed to provide discounted water that will be trucked in and used through irrigation pipelines.

“With poverty and rising food prices, we needed to consider alternative sustainable solutions. With Capricorn Foundation’s seed funding, we can ensure that we continue to provide good food to those we support despite the uncertain times,” she said.

In Oshikuku, Keetmanshoop and Okahandja, the three gardens are expected to benefit 637 children and 380 families. Okahandja’s first garden is set to produce fresh fruit and vegetables in November of this year.

Capricorn Foundation Executive Director, Marlize Horn said vegetable gardening is an important method of ensuring a sustainable supply of nutritious food for the majority of vulnerable communities.

“We are delighted to assist Christ’s Hope in establishing these gardens and ensuring a long-term and sustainable impact on the surrounding communities. We are excited to see how the three community gardens will catalyse positive change in their respective environments, and look forward to the first harvest in November,” she stated.

Source: The Namibian Press Agency