Nedbank supports horticultural training at Orange Babies Namibia

**Staff Writer **

At a time when rising food costs continue to place pressure on vulnerable households, Orange Babies Namibia has received horticultural training for caregivers and community members at its Pappa Centre in Windhoek’s Otjomuise suburb.

The nonprofit organisation supports the health, education and well-being of vulnerable children and young people.

Through a partnership between Agra ProVision and Nedbank Namibia, 16 caregivers and community members recently received practical horticultural training and starter packs to help them establish and maintain productive vegetable gardens.

The initiative aims to improve access to fresh produce, strengthen household nutrition and support the daily meal needs of children attending the Orange Babies after-school programme in Otjomuise.

The initiative will support the development of the Centre’s community garden as a sustainable source of fresh vegetables.

It also equips caregivers with skills they can apply in their own homes and communities.

According to Dr Fiona Anderson, manager of Agra ProVision, the programme is designed to create an impact beyond the initial training sessions.

“Food security starts with knowledge and the ability to produce food sustainably. By equipping caregivers with practical horticultural skills and the resources to begin planting immediately, we are helping to build resilience within households and creating opportunities for communities to become more self-reliant,” said Anderson.

The project forms part of Agra ProVision’s ongoing efforts to strengthen food production capacity in communities across Namibia.

Since becoming a beneficiary of the Nedbank for Good Series in 2024, Agra ProVision has received N$576 000 to expand agricultural development initiatives aimed at improving food security and community resilience.

Janet Kapenda, head of marketing and communications at Nedbank Namibia, said meaningful community development requires solutions that address the underlying challenges communities face.

Justina Shikongo, Coordinator of the Orange Babies Pappa Centre, said the initiative had provided staff and community members with valuable knowledge and practical skills.

These included identifying plant-related challenges, selecting suitable crops and understanding how to grow food successfully.

Since its launch in 2020, the Nedbank for Good Series has raised more than N$1.87 million for community development projects across Namibia.

The Series supports organisations working in areas that include education, food security and community development.