Projects

Desert Research Foundation of Namibia Appointed by UN World Food Programme to Boost Food Security through School Gardens

Windhoek, Namibia -  November 2025

The Desert Research Foundation of Namibia (DRFN) is proud to announce its appointment by the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) to implement an integrated school garden project at three schools in the Kavango East, Kavango West, and Ohangwena regions. This initiative marks a significant step in strengthening food security and building community resilience in rural Namibia.

This project is a direct response to the challenges of Namibia's arid climate, frequent droughts, and erratic rainfall, which contribute to widespread food insecurity and limit children's access to nutritious food. By establishing school-based food systems—including greenhouses, poultry units, and irrigation systems—the project will provide a reliable, local source of diverse and nutritious food for school meals.

“School gardens play a powerful and practical role in the development of rural Namibia. Beyond planting seeds and harvesting vegetables, they grow healthier children, stronger schools, and more resilient communities,” said a DRFN spokesperson. “In areas where learners depend on school meals, these gardens will make those meals more nutritious, supporting better growth, concentration, and classroom performance.”

The project’s core objectives are to:

• Improve the nutrition and food security of school-aged children.
• Strengthen sustainable school-based food production.
• Build community capacity in climate-smart agriculture and nutrition.
• Promote gender equality by ensuring at least 50% participation of women.
• Enhance community resilience and income-generation through the sale of surplus produce.

The DRFN brings over two decades of proven experience in implementing food security, livelihoods, and climate resilience projects across Namibia. The organization has previously partnered successfully with WFP on emergency food assistance, demonstrating its expertise in agricultural development, community mobilization, and effective project delivery. With its established operational structures, including regional coordinators and trained staff, DRFN is uniquely positioned to ensure this project's success.

This initiative aligns with the Government of Namibia’s Home-Grown School Feeding Programme and supports national development goals, including Vision 2030. By linking local agricultural production directly to school feeding, the project tackles immediate hunger while investing in long-term community resilience, creating a sustainable model for the future.