No soil? No problem. Hydroponic systems are improving nutrition for prison inmates in Namibia
We’re one step closer to Zero Hunger with a farming method that requires little water and space
By Luise Shikongo
In her tiny prison cell surrounded by chipped walls and little natural light,
Diana Van Neel waits patiently every day for her scheduled outdoor time. The 38-year-old is an inmate at the Windhoek Female Correctional Centre — Namibia’s first female correctional facility, launched in 2019.
Diana used to spend her outdoor time idly strolling around the institution. Now, she eagerly rushes out the gate to put her newly learned skills to use at the recently established hydroponic project set up by the World Food Programme (WFP).
Hydroponics is a system of growing vegetables in a water-based, mineral nutrient-rich solution. It differs from the traditional methods of producing crops as it does not require soil. In a country like Namibia, which suffers devastating bouts of extreme weather, planting seeds using a method that increases the growing cycle, in spite of eroded or diseased soil, is working wonders.
“What I have learnt will change my life,” says an excited Diana. “I have learnt that to feed my family on fresh vegetables I only need a small outdoor area and a limited amount of water.”
There are many hurdles to achieving zero hunger in Namibia, such as poverty, widespread inequalities and climate change. The country is highly prone to extreme weather, including flooding, drought, and veld fires. Last years crop yields were smashed by the African migratory locust. As a result, Namibia produces about 40 percent of the food it consumes and is highly dependent on imports. This leads to food price fluctuations, making it difficult for 28 percent of Namibians to enjoy a nutritious meal every day.
Within this vulnerable part of society, 7.1 percent of children aged under 5 are underweight. This makes growing food at home, through similar projects, particularly important.
The WFP team donated the raw materials required to set up this particular community project such as plant clips, PVC pipe, plastic tubing, expanded clay pebbles, planting cups, fertilizer, a pump, seedlings and shade nets.
The current system comprises 12 growing beds. The nutrient tubes have tiny holes in them which pushes out water at intervals, forming air bubbles that allow the plants to receive oxygen.
To date, approximately 22 female inmates have been empowered to nurture the project.
“The project requires very little water and the vegetables grow super fast and healthy because there is hardly any pests which will make it easier for me to replicate at home.” said and exited Diana. “I plan to sell my surplus produce to help pay for household essentials.”
Since the implementation of this project in March 2021, the team has planted spinach, carrots, lettuce, beetroot, and tomatoes. Within a few months of implementation, the team harvested approximately 100kg of vegetables per week, which has been cooked up in the prison kitchen, supplementing and improving the nutrition of the daily meals served. “This programme keeps us busy and since the canteen started cooking some of our vegetables, everyone praises us gardeners,” says Diana.
WFP supports the Namibian government through the implementation of integrated community-based projects to improve food and nutrition. Similar projects have been set up and are operational at health centers, communities, and schools.
For WFP, this activity is in alignment with the Sustainable Development Goal 2 of reaching Zero Hunger. The project aims to strengthen food security and diversified meals for the urban and rural population. Similarly, WFP is the principal partner for the government and supports in the implementation of the National Home-Grown School Feeding Programme (HGSFP), while enhancing their efforts towards disaster risk reduction, climate change and environmental challenges through various safety nets and social protection systems.
Read more about WFP’s work in Namibia.
