Swakopmund Constituency Councillor Louisa Kativa emphasizes the importance of teaching children self-reliance from an early age while exposing them to economic opportunities.
Speaking at the 10th African Day of School Feeding in Swakopmund, Kativa encouraged parents to instruct their children in food production.
She highlighted the benefits of cultivating fresh produce for home consumption and selling the surplus for income.
This can be achieved through home, backyard, and school gardens.
Kativa announced that efforts to combat food insecurity in the township are underway to reduce poverty and hunger.
The constituency has established the Mondesa Community Project, which produces fresh produce.
She also manages a garden at the Swakopmund DRC informal settlement clinic.
"You start with a backyard; whatever you plant in town will be successful, whether it's potatoes, onions, or green peppers. I will never buy a green pepper from the store."
Erongo Governor Neville Andre echoed Kativa's sentiments, stressing that agriculture is crucial for addressing malnutrition and poverty.
He stated that agriculture has the potential to transform lives by providing food, income, and employment opportunities.
"They must grow different produce to feed themselves and sell to the community. Have a garden that can supply ShopRite, coming from West Side High or any other school that can also sell to Woolworths, so we reduce food imports and achieve food security."
Martha Kamati, a teacher at West Side High School, introduced the Living Science project, offering practical learning and scientific insights into food production.
"Many people say Swakopmund's soils are poor and salty. While that is true, soil varies everywhere in agriculture. Here at West Side High School, we will uncover the secret to successful gardening. The kids are involved every second Saturday, and with the introduction of agriculture, we have more hands on deck. We have four trees along with vegetables, and this year we are focusing on potato planting because, as reported, 47 million worth of potatoes have been imported, and we can change that."