World Food Programme and British high commission support smallholder farmers in Oshikoto

The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP), in partnership with the British high commission in Namibia, is helping smallholder farmers in the Oshikoto region’s Ikokola village improve food production through an integrated support project.According to the WFP, the agricultural project was launched in 2023 at Mateus Nashandi Combined School, and has expanded beyond school feeding to directly support 28 smallholder farmers.
With hands-on training in good agricultural practices, food preservation and nutrition, farmers are now equipped to sustainably increase their yields and diversify production.
Additionally, the farmers have received agricultural inputs such as shade nets, irrigation systems, pesticides and quality seeds.
These tools are accelerating local food production, helping families at Ikokola and surrounding communities access fresher, more nutritious food.
British high commissioner to Namibia Neil Bradley in a statement on Monday said the high commission is proud to partner with the WFP in supporting communities like Ikokola.
“By equipping smallholder farmers with the right tools and knowledge, we are helping to unlock their potential to grow more food, improve family nutrition and strengthen local economies,” he said.
WFP Namibia country director Naouar Labidi also emphasised the importance of partnerships in tackling food and nutrition insecurity.
“Working hand in hand with communities and partners like the British high commission allows us to support long-term solutions that improve diets, livelihoods and resilience,” Labidi said.
A recent site visit to Ikokola concluded with a tour of both the school garden and the small-scale horticultural project, where community members and leaders, including Onayena constituency regional ouncillor Kamati Nelumbu, witnessed and praised the progress made in improving food systems and livelihoods in the area.

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