OSHAKATI: The University of Namibia (UNAM) has donated building materials valued at over N. dollars 170,000 to the Evululuko community garden as part of the nourishing spaces project. The initiative aims to address the challenges posed by urban poverty and changing food systems in low-income neighborhoods. The donation, made on Friday, is intended to support sustainable urban food systems and improve dietary patterns in the region.
According to Namibia Press Agency, UNAM representative Ndeyapo Nickanor highlighted the ongoing transformation of urban food systems and the resultant increase in urban poverty and urbanization. The nourishing spaces project, launched in 2017, faced delays due to the COVID-19 pandemic, prompting further research into the effects of changing food systems on diets in Namibia’s low-income neighborhoods. The research employed a participatory process involving local government officials, community food system members, and local residents to gain insights into their lived experiences.
Nickanor emphasized the importance of addressing unhealthy diets and changing dietary patterns through community support initiatives, such as the donation of building materials. At the same event, Oshana Governor Elia Irimari noted the growing migration of individuals from rural constituencies to Oshakati, which, while bringing diversity and potential, also contributes to rising unemployment rates as local industries struggle to accommodate the expanding workforce.
Irimari encouraged the community to collaborate with researchers, expressing that engaging with them could lead to valuable insights and sustainable solutions to improve the community’s living conditions. He stressed the importance of sharing experiences and knowledge to foster beneficial outcomes for all involved.