Among others, Capricorn Foundation’s grant will allow for the establishment of a fresh produce distribution hub.
Capricorn, Wolwedans partner
Among others, Capricorn Foundation's grant will allow for the establishment of a fresh produce distribution hub.
The Capricorn Foundation has pledged N$1 million towards the Wolwedans Foundation's flagship initiative, RuralRevive: Building a Desert-based Economy, showcasing its dedication to economic advancement, sustainable development and the empowerment of the Maltahöhe community. Capricorn Foundation's contribution will go towards the establishment and enhancement of six work packages, including horticulture capacity building or skills transfer, which includes setting up five small holding farmers for organic vegetable production.
In addition, it will allow for the establishment of a fresh produce distribution hub called The Barn Trading post.
This will include a customised app, a guaranteed market price stimulus to buy produce from the small holding farmers and community, an integrated waste management and recycling facility with the goal to create livelihood opportunities, as well as the EconoMix – 'Business Basics' skills transfer programme.
The latter will serve as the backbone to entrepreneurial empowerment across all RuralRevive business development projects.
Sustainable model
The RuralRevive initiative aims to build a sustainable model to strengthen the socio-ecological and economic aspects of rural communities by implementing a more inclusive, integrated and resilient economic diversification concept through the empowerment of economically marginalised women, smallholder farmers and entrepreneurs in the communities of the Maltaho¨he district of Namibia.
According to Marlize Horn, executive officer of the Capricorn Foundation, the Wolwedans Foundation’s transformative initiative and holistic approach to build a desert-based economy in the Maltaho¨he district has already recorded positive results since the initiative was started two years ago.
“By combining our resources and expertise with that of the Wolwedans Foundation, we can make a meaningful difference, contribute to positive change in the lives of rural communities, and contribute to Namibia's overall socio-economic development,” Horn said.
Challenges
“The challenges faced by rural communities are great, but with the RuralRevive initiative, we are giving the communities of the Maltaho¨he hope for the future and hopefully inspire other communities to implement similar initiatives to stimulate their local economy," she added.
The two foundations will work closely with local stakeholders, government agencies and community leaders to implement impactful projects that address the unique needs of rural communities.