Butternuts for the nation

A pilot project of a horticulture production site in Mariental last year surpassed expectations and produced 43 tonnes of butternut and pumpkin to support healthy and nutritious diets and address rural transformation and food production.

This initiative was started between government and the Namibian Correctional Service in partnership with the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP), IFARMS and the Lithon Group.

Ten tonnes of butternuts and pumpkins still need to be distributed to vulnerable communities.

According to Lithon Foundation CEO Marsia Reed, they are challenging corporate companies to make a financial donation towards distributing the vegetables.

“We need an additional N$80 000 to make sure this project is a success, vulnerable communities are fed and the Mariental horticulture pilot project can continue,” she said.

Reed added that this heartfelt initiative is getting inmates involved in growing vegetables.

“They can see their labour paying off, getting to eat what you planted yourself and also being part in feeding those in need.”

The Capricorn Foundation has been actively involved in achieving food and nutrition security in Namibia and has now contributed N$100 000 to procure 10 tonnes of butternut from the project that was transported to 10 regions and 80 organisations. They were identified by the foundation through the help of their corporate social responsibility partner, Imago Dei.

Should you or your business be up for the challenge, contact Reed at [email protected].