Old Mutual investment in food security nears N$1 million
The Old Mutual Foundation has launched the 2026 Green Futures Garden Project in the Kunene Region, strengthening its commitment to improving food security, nutrition and sustainable livelihoods through community-based agriculture. With N$600 000 invested over the past two years and a further N$300 000 committed for 2026, the Old Mutual Foundation’s total investment in the initiative has reached N$900 000, just short of N$1 million. This investment supports sustainable food production in schools and communities by providing the infrastructure, skills and resources needed to improve food security, encourage self-sufficiency and build more resilient communities.
For 2026, the initiative moves to the Kunene Region under the theme "Growing Sustainable School and Community Food Systems." New food gardens will be established at: • Outjo Secondary School • Bergsig School • Jimmy's Community Centre The project is expected to benefit approximately 1 900 learners, educators and community members through improved access to nutritious food, agricultural skills development and nutrition education. The project is implemented in partnership with Good Food Namibia, which oversees the design, installation, training and ongoing support of each site to help ensure long-term sustainability beyond the handover phase. Construction of the gardens will begin shortly, with all sites expected to be completed and handed over to beneficiary communities by February 2027.
Mignon du Preez, Group Marketing, Public Affairs and Sustainability Executive at Old Mutual Namibia, said that "At Old Mutual, we believe lasting change starts with empowering communities to create their own opportunities. Through the Green Futures Garden Project, we are not only improving access to nutritious food, but also equipping communities with the skills and knowledge needed to build a more sustainable future. We are proud to extend this impact to the Kunene Region and support greater food security for generations to come." The Green Futures Garden Project was launched in 2024 in the Omaheke Region to address food insecurity and malnutrition while encouraging sustainable agricultural practices.
The inaugural phase benefited Val in Opstaan (Ondjerera Kotjiuana) Day Care Centre, Omaheke Clinic and Gobabis Project School, helping communities strengthen food production and agricultural knowledge. Building on this success, the project expanded to the Otjozondjupa Region in 2025, where a 300m² greenhouse garden was established at KJ Kapeau School in Ovitoto, a 144m² greenhouse garden at Khaibasen Community Centre in Okahandja, and a 24m² seedling house at Illeni Tulikwafeni Community Centre in the Vyf Rand settlement.
