Martin Endjala
The Capricorn Foundation has availed N$1 million towards the Wolwedans Foundation’s flagship initiative, RuralRevive: Building a Desert-based Economy, demonstrating its dedication to economic advancement, sustainable development and the empowerment of the Maltahöhe community.
The pledge follows the unique partnership officially launched in Maltahöhe, in the Hardap Region last week between the Capricorn Foundation and the Wolwedans Foundation.
The contribution will go towards the establishment and enhancement of six work packages, including Horticulture Capacity Building (Skills Transfer), which includes setting up five small holding farmers for organic vegetable production and establishing a fresh produce distribution hub called the Barn Trading Post.
With a customised app; a guaranteed market price stimulus to buy produce from the small holding farmers and community. An integrated waste management and recycling facility to create livelihood opportunities; and the EconoMix –Business Basics skills transfer programme which will serve as the backbone to entrepreneurial empowerment across all Rural Revive business development projects.
The Rural Revive initiative aims to build a sustainable model to strengthen the socio-ecological and economic aspects of rural communities by implementing a more inclusive, integrated, and resilient economic diversification concept, through the empowerment of economically marginalised women, smallholder farmers and entrepreneurs in the communities of Maltahöhe district of Namibia.
Capricorn Foundation Executive Officer Marlize Horn, said they are thrilled to partner with the Wolwedans Foundation on this transformative initiative and holistic approach to build a desert-based economy in the Maltahöhe district that has already recorded positive results since the initiative was started two years ago.
She explained that by combining resources and expertise with that of the Wolwedans Foundation, they can make a meaningful difference and contribute to positive change in the lives of rural communities, and Namibia’s overall socio-economic development.
“The challenges faced by rural communities are great, but with the Rural Revive initiative, we are giving the communities of the Maltahöhe hope for the future and hopefully inspire other communities to implement similar initiatives to stimulate their local economy,” said Horn.
Noting that the partnership between the two Foundations underscores a shared commitment to sustainable development and community-driven solutions.
Adding that together, they will work closely with local stakeholders, government agencies, and community leaders to implement impactful projects that address the unique needs of rural communities.
Chairman of Wolwedans Foundation Stephan Brückner, says through the Rural Revive initiative, they aim to empower the Maltahöhe rural communities and promote inclusive growth, by creating a lasting impact that will echo through future generations.
“We extend our gratitude and appreciation to the Capricorn Foundation for being the first Namibian corporate company to partner with us on this initiative.
The launch of the RuralRevive initiative marks the beginning of an exciting journey towards building a resilient desert-based economy and thriving rural communities in Namibia,” he said.
The two Foundations are calling on stakeholders, partners, and supporters to join them in this critical endeavour and contribute to advancing rural development in the country.
Other partners of the Rural Revive initiative include the Social Security Commission Development Fund and the Julius Baer Foundation from Switzerland.
