This project will develop the community fruit and vegetable garden project of Solidarity Community Care Organisation at King Kauluma community in Oshikoto Region in order to produce fresh fruits and vegetables for 500 orphans and vulnerable children who attend preschool and daycare centres under the care of Solidarity Community Care Organisation in Ohangwena, Oshikoto, Khomas, Oshana and Omusati regions of Namibia. The produce will be distributed to the 6 daycare centres to feed the 500 children
According to UNICEF Namibia (2008), malnutrition is widespread in Namibia with one in four children under five years short for their age and underweight. Malnutrition in children under 6 months, a rare occurrence in a breastfeeding population, is also on the increase largely because of HIV/AIDS and inappropriate infant feeding practices. Less than 25% of children under 5 years are exclusively breastfed and mixed feeding with complementary foods introduced as early as one month is common.
The goal of the project is to keep pregnant and lactating mothers and children under 5, especially those who are HIV-positive and poor, healthy and well nourished, as target beneficiaries. To improve the nutrition situation of these vulnerable groups, including children, developing the community fruit and vegetable garden project of Solidarity Community Care Organisation at King Kauluma community in Oshikoto Region has been identified as having the greatest potential to help reduce malnutrition
The community garden will produce fresh fruits and vegetables to improve the nutritional status of 500 orphans and vulnerable children. the aim is to keep them healthy and well-nourished so that they can grow properly and perform better in school. The project will also create employment for more than 10 members who will work in the garden, the majority of them are women. Ultimately, the project will improve the nutritional status and health of the beneficiary. It will also help reduce poverty.
This project has provided additional documentation in a DOCX file (projdoc.docx).