Niël Terblanché
The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations, in collaboration with the Eenhana Town Council, launched a landmark project aimed at enhancing food security and urban greening.
Through the Green Cities Initiative, the FAO handed over a nursery facility to the town council complete with gardening tools, 900 fruit tree seedlings, 490 forestry seedlings, and other essential resources valued at N$633134 on Friday.
The Green Cities Initiative, introduced by the FAO in 2020, focuses on transforming urban and peri-urban areas worldwide into greener, healthier, and more resilient spaces.
At the handover event, FAO Representative Dr Qingyun Diao reiterated the project’s objectives to improve food security and community well-being by promoting sustainable practices, urban agriculture, and environmental stewardship in Eenhana.
“As part of this initiative, the nursery will serve as a source of tree seedlings, fruit plants, and vegetables, providing Eenhana’s residents with locally grown, nutritious produce,” she said.
She added that by increasing access to affordable food options, the FAO and local council hope to address food security issues that urban populations often face due to high dependence on imported foods.
“This green initiative also aims to reduce air pollution, enhance biodiversity, and create a more sustainable ecosystem within the town,” she said.
The mayor of Eenhana, Omri-Onn Kavandje expressed his enthusiasm for the project, emphasizing the importance of urban greening in building climate resilience.
“Our goal is to encourage sustainable management of urban land and forests in Eenhana and its surroundings. Through this initiative, we aim to foster green spaces that can mitigate climate effects, enhance air quality, and improve food security for all residents,” he said.
He added that the nursery project forms part of a larger urban greening strategy in Eenhana, which focuses on creating ‘green oases’ where urban residents can engage with nature while benefiting from shaded areas and improved air quality.
“The town council, under the Green Cities Initiative, will plant the 490 forestry seedlings, representing a commitment to making Eenhana more resilient to climate change and environmental degradation,” he said.
The FAO and the Eenhana Town Council have trained 31 community members in urban gardening techniques.
This training empowers residents with skills to grow their own food and promotes long-term sustainability.
The initiative also includes a solar-powered pump and water-efficient irrigation systems to ensure that the nursery remains sustainable in Namibia’s arid climate.
Kavandje pointed to the initiative’s importance in empowering vulnerable groups, including women, by providing them with the tools and skills needed for economic self-sufficiency.
He added that closing gender gaps in the economy, particularly in food production, could have wide-reaching benefits for Namibia’s economy.
“The FAO and Eenhana’s collaborative efforts not only address food security but also represent a step toward meeting Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 2, which aims to eradicate hunger,” he said.
According to Kavandje, the project, along with ongoing support from the FAO, positions Eenhana as a model town for integrating urban greening with community-focused food security
