In Namibia, World Food Day is commemorated at a country level in one region on a rotational basis, spearheaded by the MAWLR. The World Food Day for 2023 was celebrated under the theme, "Water is life, water is food. Leave no one behind," in the Kavango East region, as identified by the regional council office in conjunction with the Kavango East Governor's office.
Marlize Horn, Executive Officer of the Capricorn Foundation, said, "The Capricorn Foundation finds it crucial to collaborate with like-minded organisations to engage and seek various pathways toward transforming food insecurity in Namibia. As Connectors of Positive Change, our efforts encourage self-sufficiency within local communities and inspire them to value and utilise precious resources, creating a sustainable and impactful change in Namibia's fight against hunger and food waste. Therefore, we are proud of our partnership with the Ministry of Agriculture, Water and Land Reform to commemorate World Food Day in this meaningful manner."
World Food Day is observed annually worldwide to highlight global efforts to combat world hunger and raise awareness of world food challenges, promoting unity and strengthening solidarity in the struggle against hunger, malnutrition, and poverty. The 2023 World Food Day commemoration aimed to create awareness globally about the importance of managing water wisely and looking at solutions to produce more food and other essential agricultural commodities with fewer inputs and less water. The availability of water resources is threatened by rapid population growth, urbanisation, economic development, and the impact of climate change.
The Capricorn Foundation, dedicated to improving food and nutrition security in Namibia, has been actively involved in a series of impactful projects and initiatives, including distributing essential food items like butternuts to disadvantaged communities throughout Namibia. Through the Foundation's unwavering commitment to making a significant impact, it has joined forces with prominent organisations such as the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) and various others to explore transformative strategies to address critical issues within Namibia.
Additionally, the Foundation takes proactive measures to combat food waste by organising its annual Food Waste Challenge, a significant event where innovative solutions are explored to minimise food waste in Namibia. Through these initiatives, the Capricorn Foundation continues to make significant strides in ensuring a sustainable future for Namibians.
Abraham Nehemia, NamWater CEO, planting a mango tree at one of the beneficiaries' households