An agricultural project in Outjo is making significant contributions to food security in the Kunene Region.
 
The Harambe O-Yetu project supplies vegetables to school hostels and local shops,
 
The 20-hectare crop and vegetable community garden was established to boost food security and stimulate economic growth in the area.
 
A crop science graduate from the University of Namibia, Ester Amwaalwa, has been leading a team of five since the inauguration of the garden in 2023.
 
They cultivate a variety of vegetables, including cabbage, carrots, sweet potatoes, tomatoes, and green peppers, among others, helping to nourish and sustain the surrounding community.
 
“We are looking at youth empowerment. We are saying our country is still importing food and food products. If more projects such as this can be taken to other regions, in other areas, then we speak of more food sustainability. We speak of more youth employment, even if it is they are being paid by the government, or so, they can run projects such as this on their own. I am telling you, speaking from experience, I know of more graduates and people who are really willing to produce food for this country. But as we speak, they have no means to start even a project.”
 
 However, the project faces many challenges such as water supply.
 
“It is a garden that is mostly just supplying everyone you see around here. We are giving water to all the animals that are in this area. Our borehole is not able to sustain the current vegetables, animals, and humans in the location. But if we can have another borehole, maybe that can be for the communities and the animals, and then something that is only for the garden in addition to extra land, then we can probably supply what the market is asking.”
  
Employees shared valuable skills they gained at the agricultural project.
   
“I gained a lot of experience from our foremen for the past two years now, and I am now, how can I say, able to start my own thing from the experience I've got here,” Vialli Boois said.
 
 Initiated by former Governor Marius Sheya and now managed by the National Youth Service, the project stands as a testament to the role of agriculture in ensuring food security.