Lorato Khobetsi
The introduction of sustainable food systems in schools not only improves access to healthy and nutritious diets for learners, but also reduces absenteeism and school dropouts due to hunger.
The Stampriet Primary School is the first in the Hardap region to benefit from the implementation of integrated food systems in its yard after the World Food Programme (WFP) and the Hardap Regional Council signed a memorandum of understanding last week.
The school-centred project focuses on healthy diets, and productive and efficient practices to deliver affordable food within an integrated food systems’ approach in partnership with Roots Namibia, which will offer expertise in modern agricultural production.
School principal Festus Toromba said apart from supplementing the diets of the learners at the school and curbing absenteeism, the initiative will benefit the school in many different ways.
“The school will also set up a shop and sell the surplus to the community to generate income. With this project, the learners are also exposed to agricultural practices, where they will gain skills that they may need in the future,” he added.
The establishment of the Stampriet School Integrated Food Systems’ project was facilitated by the office of the Hardap governor, and is expected to be rolled out to other schools in the region.
The project has already set up a 2.5 hectare field to produce spinach, tomatoes, cucumbers and pumpkin, among others, while two chicken coops, which will house 480 chickens per cycle, have also been erected as part of this agreement.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, George Fedha, WFP country director, said the WFP is excited to be part of the project and will continue to work together in partnership with all stakeholders to make this initiative a success.
The chairperson of the Hardap Regional Council, Gershon Dausab, emphasised the need for citizens to take responsibility for their own lives by producing their own food, instead of waiting for handouts.
Hardap governor reverend Salomon April encouraged the management and leadership to drive the government’s developmental plans and to include Hardap communities to bring change into the lives of the people.
Integrated food systems are all systems and processes linked that influence nutrition, food, health, community development and agriculture.
* Khobetsi works for MICT