The first integrated community-based system projects at Tsumkwe are said to be bearing fruit.

This is the garden project, set up by the United Nations World Food Programme in partnership with the African group of ambassadors and the Embassy of Brazil in 2021.

It is aimed at boosting food security in the country and is in line with the realization of the second sustainable development goal of attaining zero hunger while providing a diverse food basket to address nutritional requirements for the clinic, school, and local community.

Community members have been growing tomatoes, carrots, cabbage, spinach, and pumpkins.

The second is the poultry project, which began in November of last year and has consistently supplied eggs to the TB clinic every second week.

Recently, the WFP hosted a workshop, attended by stakeholders and community members, aimed at developing a robust governance framework.

"The work that we are doing is yielding fruits. It's been recognized by different stakeholders that are investing in this project, and most importantly, with the establishment of this framework, it will help us do what we do better. Not just for the community but for the different stakeholders that are involved."

Otjozondjupa Region Governor James Uerikua called for the increased production of the two projects so that it can also benefit the communities in need of food.

"It must be something that's easily consumed by the recipients; if you make it too sophisticated, it will be just another document collecting dust, but if you simplify it yet make it very effective in its simplest form, it can be meaningful; it has to be translated into the local vernacular, which is the Ju|'hoansi, because the beneficiaries are the locals who are the Ju|'hoansi."

The three-day discussions also centered around transparency and accountability in the management of the projects.

"Lots of people and responsibilities will bring confusion because the workers are working together and there is a manager or a committee to report on; he just comes out with the report and does everything, and those people go to the advisor, and the advisor goes to WFP. When you bring a bunch of people in, it's a loss and confusion at the end of the day."

The governance framework will guide various stakeholders as to what their responsibilities are and what is expected of them.