Phase 2 of food waste challenge launched

The Capricorn Foundation launched the second phase of its food waste challenge last week in Windhoek following the successful conclusion of the first edition last year.

This year's challenge seeks solutions that can create or expand self-sufficient businesses to address the issue of food waste in Namibia and create employment for Namibians.

In 2022, the country was ranked 78th out of 116 countries on the Global Hunger Index.

“Unfortunately, it has become an all-familiar sight in Namibia to see people scavenge for food at dumpsites across the country or begging for food on street corners,” the foundation said in a statement.

Through an open innovation platform, it launched the first challenge in 2022 with the aim of seeking solutions to reduce food waste effectively, through which disregarded food that is still fit for human consumption can reach more vulnerable people.

Phase two will focus on how businesses can contribute to not only addressing food waste, but also how employment opportunities can be created in the process.

Impacting communities

“As ‘connectors of positive change’, we aim to uplift communities and form strategic partnerships with organisations to make a sustainable impact,” Marlize Horn, the executive officer of the Capricorn Foundation, said.

She added that this year businesses can explore opportunities within the value chain of food production, food processing or food distribution that can positively impact communities and, in doing so, address the problem of food waste while being a catalyst for job creation.

By combining businesses with the social issue of food waste, the foundation seeks to construct a multiplier effect of creating employment and relieving hunger in Namibia.

The challenge offers a cash prize of N$100 000 from the Capricorn Foundation plus a branding refresh and a marketing package from Synergi Marketing worth N$50 000.

Other project partners include Business Box Windhoek and the Gondwana Care Trust.

Proposals can be submitted via capricornfoodwastechallenge.skild.com by 22 May, and must address hunger through the reduction of food waste and create sustainable employment opportunities.

Take up the challenge

“Sharing information to empower our communities, Synergi Marketing believes that through our network, we will connect Namibians and international stakeholders to collaborate and take responsibility for food-insecurity solutions and job creation in Namibia,” the company’s chief marketing officer Hennie Geldenhuys said.

“We want to motivate and challenge other media institutions and stakeholders to take up this challenge and be the vehicle for positive change in Namibia. We congratulate the Capricorn Foundation on this remarkable initiative, and are committed to telling the stories in whatever form, shape or size.”