FOOD SECURITY
Old Mutual Foundation Commits N$300,000 to Kunene Green Project
Old Mutual Foundation has committed N$300 000 to expand its Green Futures Garden Project to the Kunene Region, bringing its total investment in the initiative to N$900 000 since 2024.
The Old Mutual Foundation has launched the 2026 Green Futures Garden Project in the Kunene Region, committing N$300 000 to the initiative.
This brings its total investment to N$900 000, following N$600 000 invested over the past two years.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, the foundation said the investment supports sustainable food production in schools and communities by providing infrastructure, skills and resources to improve food security, encourage self-sufficiency and build more resilient communities.
The expansion is expected to benefit approximately 1 900 learners, educators and community members through improved access to nutritious food, agricultural skills development and nutrition education.
The 2026 phase is being implemented under the theme "Growing Sustainable School and Community Food Systems" in partnership with Good Food Namibia, which oversees the design, installation, training and ongoing support of each garden to promote long-term sustainability.
The foundation said construction was expected to begin shortly, with all three sites scheduled for completion and handover to beneficiary communities by February 2027.
Old Mutual 's Group Marketing, Public Affairs and Sustainability Executive, Mignon du Preez said the project was aimed at empowering communities to improve their own food production and develop sustainable livelihoods.
"At Old Mutual, we believe lasting change starts with empowering communities to create their own opportunities. Through the Green Futures Garden Project, we are not only improving access to nutritious food, but also equipping communities with the skills and knowledge needed to build a more sustainable future. We are proud to extend this impact to the Kunene Region and support greater food security for generations to come," du Preez said.
The Green Futures Garden Project was launched in 2024 in the Omaheke Region to address food insecurity and malnutrition while encouraging sustainable agricultural practices. The foundation invested N$600 000 in the initiative over its first two years before committing an additional N$300 000 for 2026.
The inaugural phase benefited Val in Opstaan (Ondjerera Kotjiuana) Day Care Centre, Omaheke Clinic and Gobabis Project School through initiatives aimed at strengthening food production and agricultural knowledge.
In 2025, the project expanded to the Otjozondjupa Region, where a 300-square-metre greenhouse garden was established at KJ Kapeau School in Ovitoto, a 144-square-metre greenhouse garden at Khaibasen Community Centre in Okahandja and a 24-square-metre seedling house at Illeni Tulikwafeni Community Centre in the Vyf Rand settlement, according to the statement.
