World Food Programme launches virtual marketplace to boost small farmers in Namibia
By Freeman ya Ngulu.
The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) is collaborating with Tololi Online, an e-commerce platform to set up a virtual marketplace to improve market access and boost farmers’ income in Namibia.
About 70% of Namibia’s population depends on agriculture for income and livelihood. The virtual marketplace has so far connected over 100 smallholder farmers to local markets and will benefit several actors across the food value chain – from farmers to consumers. Farmers have been able to sell fresh produce such as vegetables, potatoes, green pepper, onions, maize, cabbages, beetroot, tomatoes, and pumpkins, directly to retail outlets and households who visit the virtual market.
“The platform will facilitate efficient offtake of produce to reduce post-harvest losses, minimise food waste and boost production and increase profits for farmers,” said George Fedha, WFP’s Country Director in Namibia. “WFP is committed to accelerating the attainment of zero hunger in Namibia.”
WFP’s collaboration with Tololi aims to link more small farmers to market through the virtual platform. Under the initiative, farmers also receive agricultural extension support including training, input support and equipment.
“We at Tololi Online, are incredibly grateful and honoured to work with WFP to create innovative solutions for the global food systems, in Namibia,” said Fillemon Nangolo, Tololi Team Lead. “By using our expertise in technology and innovation, we have been able to develop a solution that addresses some of the most pressing challenges facing the Namibian food systems, thereby enhancing agribusiness.”
WFP has supported over 1,800 smallholder farmers countrywide with training, inputs, equipment, and infrastructure. In partnership with regional governments, WFP has since established over 30 integrated food system projects across the country centred at schools, communities, correctional facilities, and health facilities to upscale food production.
