Ndinandali Farm rakes in big prize
Food Waste Challenge winner announced
Ndasilohenda Katangolo-Nakashwa of Ndinandali Farm in Opuwo is widely recognised as a trailblazer in the agricultural sector.
After months of preparing a pitch and working on a business proposal, Ndasilohenda Katangolo-Nakashwa of Ndinandali Farm in Opuwo was declared the winner of the second phase of the Capricorn Foundation’s Food Waste Challenge.
Ndasilohenda won a N$100 000 cash prize from the Capricorn Foundation, a N$50 000 marketing and business refresh from Synergi, and Business Box is providing six months of training.
She is viewed as a trailblazer in the agricultural sector, notably for her work in preserving the nutritional value of fresh produce during the pandemic.
Much-needed funding
Speaking at the event, Ndasilohenda said they are currently harvesting their crops manually, which takes a lot of manpower, time and energy.
"This financial injection will enable us to buy a cutter and a dryer," she said. A cutter will decrease harvest time, and a dryer will also cut down on the time it takes to dry the vegetables.
"The fact that we have a partner in Synergi to help with a brand refresh and marketing will go a long way," she said, adding that it is great knowing she has someone to call when she struggles to put her business on the map.
While she and her team are still working on a small scale, and they dry vegetables that don't sell at the market, she hopes to see her products in a chain store one day. "Wouldn’t that be something!"
Work together
Ndasilohenda has plans to collaborate with her fellow finalists.
"We can all work together for the betterment of our businesses," she said, adding that those who produce fertiliser can help her improve her soil, while her co-entrepreneur with the Food Hub app can help distribute her produce.
"It’s wonderful to know that we can have a positive impact on each other."
According to Marlize Horn of the Capricorn Group, it was great to see all the finalists' passion.
"We are excited to know that so many entrepreneurs are busy working on eliminating food waste, making sure no Namibian goes to bed hungry, and addressing the issue of unemployment in the country," she said.
The Capricorn Foundation team is already working on plans for next year's competition.
Ndasilohenda won a N$100 000 cash prize from the Capricorn Foundation, a N$50 000 marketing and business refresh from Synergi, and Business Box is providing six months of training.
She is viewed as a trailblazer in the agricultural sector, notably for her work in preserving the nutritional value of fresh produce during the pandemic.
Much-needed funding
Speaking at the event, Ndasilohenda said they are currently harvesting their crops manually, which takes a lot of manpower, time and energy.
"This financial injection will enable us to buy a cutter and a dryer," she said. A cutter will decrease harvest time, and a dryer will also cut down on the time it takes to dry the vegetables.
"The fact that we have a partner in Synergi to help with a brand refresh and marketing will go a long way," she said, adding that it is great knowing she has someone to call when she struggles to put her business on the map.
While she and her team are still working on a small scale, and they dry vegetables that don't sell at the market, she hopes to see her products in a chain store one day. "Wouldn’t that be something!"
Work together
Ndasilohenda has plans to collaborate with her fellow finalists.
"We can all work together for the betterment of our businesses," she said, adding that those who produce fertiliser can help her improve her soil, while her co-entrepreneur with the Food Hub app can help distribute her produce.
"It’s wonderful to know that we can have a positive impact on each other."
According to Marlize Horn of the Capricorn Group, it was great to see all the finalists' passion.
"We are excited to know that so many entrepreneurs are busy working on eliminating food waste, making sure no Namibian goes to bed hungry, and addressing the issue of unemployment in the country," she said.
The Capricorn Foundation team is already working on plans for next year's competition.
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