WFP and Capricorn Foundation boost food security in Omusati

Staff Reporter THE United Nations World Food Programme (WFP), in partnership with the Capricorn Foundation and Development Aid from People to People (DAPP), has strengthened food and nutrition security in the Omusati region through a community-based agricultural initiative that is empowering local farmers. The organisations visited farmers in Outapi and the Anamulenge constituency this week to observe the progress of their joint project, which aims to enhance local food systems and improve household nutrition. Since January, the initiative has supported 120 farming families to establish small-scale agricultural projects. Participants have received training, seeds, irrigation equipment, and tools to grow a range of nutritious crops for both household consumption and local market sales. Photos: WFP Namibia According to WFP, the project is now providing access to healthy food for over 900 community members, including children, pregnant and breastfeeding women, and people living with HIV and tuberculosis. WFP Namibia Country Director Naouar Labidi commended the collaboration, saying the Capricorn Foundation’s continued commitment to strengthening Namibia’s food systems “makes a meaningful difference.” “This partnership reflects our shared vision of empowering communities to become self-reliant and resilient in the face of challenges such as drought,” Labidi said. During the site visit, representatives from WFP, the Capricorn Foundation, and DAPP toured flourishing household gardens and engaged with the farmers benefiting from the project. Capricorn Foundation Head Veripura Muukua said the success of the project demonstrates the power of partnerships. “Together with WFP and DAPP, farmers are empowered with the right tools, skills, and market linkages to improve food security, build sustainable livelihoods and stronger communities,” Muukua said. Farmers in Outapi are already seeing results. Luise Mpingana, one of the participants, said the support has transformed their ability to grow food. “Before this project, we struggled to grow enough food for our families. With the training and tools we received, our gardens are thriving. We can now feed our children healthy food and even earn an income from selling what we grow,” she said. The project is jointly funded by the Capricorn Foundation and the World Food Programme, with DAPP Namibia leading implementation on the ground. DAPP provides hands-on training, installs key farming infrastructure such as shade nets, and conducts regular follow-ups to ensure long-term sustainability. WFP is the world’s largest humanitarian organisation, providing food assistance to save lives in emergencies while helping communities build resilience against conflict, disasters, and the effects of climate change.