In the heart of Namibia’s Ohangwena Region, many families have long faced the daily struggle of not having enough nutritious food. Limited access to water, poor soil, and unpredictable weather make it difficult to grow crops, and as a result, poor nutrition remains a serious challenge, especially in rural villages like Ohainengena.

To help tackle this issue, DAPP Namibia, with support from UK International Development through the British High Commission in Windhoek, launched the Nutrition and Community Gardening Project in November 2024. The project is currently supporting 68 households, 50 of them led by women, helping them grow their own food and build a better future.
Families in Ohainengena village received training in how to grow vegetables using simple, organic methods that work well in their environment. They also learned about nutrition and how to adjust their farming practices to cope with climate change. With this knowledge and some practical tools, families are now tending to a 0.5-hectare community garden equipped with fencing and water supply from a nearby earth dam.
During a recent visit, British Deputy High Commissioner Ben Stride praised the progress being made, saying, “Building climate resilience in grassroots communities is crucial.”

Today, villagers have the opportunity to grow crops like spinach, tomatoes, green peppers, onions, and maize—enough to feed their families and even sell the extra produce for income. The garden has become more than just a food source; it's a symbol of self-reliance and community spirit.
As Alfred Besa, Managing Director of DAPP Namibia, put it: “The garden belongs to the community, and its success depends on collective responsibility.”