FAO's green initiative boosts food security in Eenhana

The Green Cities Initiative is key to addressing food insecurity challenges and promoting healthy eating habits in urban settings like Eenhana.Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) representative in Namibia Dr Qingyun Diao said this at the Green Cities Initiative nursery handover and tree planting held event in Eenhana recently. Diao said the nursery, gardening and plant items the FAO donated, including essential nursery and greenhouse material, gardening tools, horticulture seeds, 900 fruit tree seedlings, 490 forestry seedlings and solar-powered pumps, are valued at N$633 134.“This nursery will provide tree seedlings, fruit plants and vegetables, bringing multiple benefits to the town of Eenhana.”She said not only will it enhance green spaces, but it will also help combat air pollution, provide shade and improve the overall environment, contributing to community well-being.Diao said the FAO is promoting better nutrition by increasing access to locally produced nutritious food through the initiative. Well-being of urban residentsShe described the initiative at transformative, ensuring that Eenhana residents can enjoy the benefits of greener surroundings, better nutrition and improved livelihoods.The Green Cities Initiative was launched by the FAO in 2020 as an effort to improve the livelihoods and well-being of urban and peri-urban populations.The initiative focuses on creating greener, healthier and more sustainable urban spaces through nature-based solutions, urban agriculture and better natural resource management.“With rapid urbanisation, cities worldwide face challenges like food insecurity and environmental degradation.”The Green Cities Initiative helps cities adopt sustainable practices that benefit both people and the environment.“Here in Eenhana, the nursery that FAO is handing over today is a big step in creating a greener, more resilient town and will directly contribute to improving food security, nutrition and sustainable livelihoods in the community," Diao said. “Through the Green Cities Initiative, FAO is committed to promoting a better environment through sustainable practices like urban gardening and agroforestry.”Urban gardening The activities are aimed at expanding green spaces in Eenhana and reducing the town’s vulnerability to climate change while improving local biodiversity and creating a more resilient urban ecosystem.Among the milestones achieved by the Green Cities Initiative is that 31 community members have been trained in urban gardening techniques, equipping them with the skills needed to cultivate a variety of fruits and vegetables.“This training is crucial for ensuring the long-term success of the nursery and for empowering the community to grow its own food," Diao noted. In addition, FAO has provided the necessary technical support and resources, such as water-efficient irrigation systems, to ensure the nursery’s sustainability.

FAO's green initiative boosts food security in Eenhana

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Namibian Sun 2025-04-04

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FAO's green initiative boosts food security in Eenhana

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Namibian Sun 2025-04-04

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