The  Fransfontein Community Garden in the Kunene Region is thriving after receiving N$12.3 million in funding from the Environmental Investment Fund Namibia.

The farmers there have reaped a bountiful harvest, and profits are being raked in thanks to the support of the local community at the settlement and surrounding villages.

More than 1,500 people in the area bought affordable produce directly from the project.

Inaugurated last year to address food insecurity at the settlement and help the community generate income, the 16-hectare community garden was able to harvest enough horticultural and agricultural produce.

Maritzia Haraes is the chairperson of the Fransfontein Community Garden. "We had a delayed harvest, during which we harvested a large amount of fresh produce. Since we are unable to sell it to the market, in and around Fransfontein, only the beneficiaries within Fransfontein were able to benefit from the spinach and watermelon. We also had tomatoes, onions, and watermelon. We had maize, butternuts, and pumpkins. Our prices are very affordable." 

Lack of transport is one of the challenges the project is experiencing.

"We had a lot of challenges, which means that since we are producing on a very large scale, the transport was one of the challenges that we felt that maybe in days to come or harvest or if we are able to make enough money, we will be able to take care of that challenge."