• Market Watch

Getting involved in curbing food waste

- 2023-04-13 00:00:00

Statistics show that food security remains a big problem in Namibia, with about 800 000 people unsure of where their next meal will come from. This while tonnes of food is wasted every day.
In 2022, Namibia was ranked 78th out of 116 countries on the Global Hunger Index. Unfortunately, it has become an all-familiar sight in Namibia to see people scavenge for food at dumpsites across the country or begging on street corners.
In response to this crisis, Capricorn Foundation launched the second edition of its food waste challenge after resounding success last year attracted more than 100 entries, addressing food waste in the country.
“There are number of people who have ideas and workable solutions who want to address food waste and want to improve food security. This is why we are launching phase two of the challenge and providing a platform for people with ideas to help us address the problem and create employment opportunities,” Marlize Horn, the brand and corporate affairs group executive at the Capricorn Group, and the executive officer at the Capricorn Foundation.
Rikus Grobler, the manager of innovation at the foundation, said the challenge should address food insecurity by reducing food waste, but should also create employment because there are a lot of opportunities in that space.

Mentorship
For this round, the Capricorn Foundation has also partnered with Business Box.
“The top five contestants will receive training to pitch their ideas to a group of judges before a winner is chosen,” he said.
“We are really passionate about entrepreneurship and job creation and they will help us to mentor and coach the top entries.”
According to Namibia Media Holdings’ chief marketing officer Hennie Geldenhuys, the company is the proud media sponsor of the initiative.
“Uplifting stories really empower our communities and this platform gives entrepreneurs and businesses an opportunity to showcase ideas and make a difference in the lives of many.”
He urged other media houses to take up this challenge to empower our communities.
“We need to get other social enterprise investors to take note of what's happening in this beautiful country of ours.”
The challenge’s grand prize includes N$100 000 as well as a branding refresh and a marketing package from Synergi Marketing worth N$50 000.
Other project partners include the Gondwana Care Trust.

Proposals can be submitted via capricornfoodwastechallenge.skild.com by 22 May.