Integrated Initiatives in Support of Urban and Peri-Urban Horticulture in Namibia: Project Achievements

The Integrated Initiative in Support of Urban and Peri-urban Horticulture (UPH) in Namibia was a project of the Ministry of Agriculture Water and Forestry (MAWF), sponsored by the Kingdom of Belgium, and with technical expertise from FAO. The project was implemented from August 2005 to December 2007. The objective of this project was to promote small-scale, intensive agriculture in urban areas, adapted not only to local environment conditions, but also to the needs of local producers and consumers for improved food security, nutrition and income generation. Hydroponics production techniques were extensively used to save water and to make production possible for people without land. The project set up two pilot sites, one in Windhoek (central Namibia) and another in Rundu (northeast Namibia). Activities such as micro-gardens, vermi-compost production, drum-and-drip irrigation, mushroom and fruit tree production, integrated fish farming, and good agricultural practices were undertaken. By December 2007, the project had trained many people including technicians from MAWF. The project also monitored research projects by graduates from the Polytechnic University of Namibia and captured the data into the Hortivar database. People living with HIV/Aids also benefited by improving their nutrition. Others were able to supplement their incomes by selling surplus produce at the market. The project established partnerships with local NGOs, UN sister agencies, government institutions, and community based organisations (CBOs). The project won a gold medal as the Best Exhibition Indoor at the Windhoek Agricultural Society Show in October 2007. At the end of the project, the UPH concept had been adopted by the government and funds were provided to continue the project.