The Nyae Nyae Development Foundation's horticulture project has launched its first training session of the year at Den/ui in Tsumkwe.

Thirty-two community members from villages across the Nyae Nyae Conservancy attended the workshop to enhance their skills in crop production and seedling care.

Launched in 2003 with initial funding from the World Bank, the project aims to strengthen food security and foster collaboration between village-level initiatives. 

The programmes officer, Gabriel Hipandulwa, said the foundation is also promoting livestock farming with support from the European Union, with the ultimate goal of integrating crop and livestock systems.

Trainee N!ani Debe expressed satisfaction with the workshop, highlighting how the skills gained will benefit his household.

Trainer N!unxa /'Ice emphasised empowering the youth and elders to take ownership of agricultural projects to secure the future of local food production.

Despite its success, Hipandulwa noted that human-wildlife conflict remains a challenge, with elephants often destroying gardens during the dry season.

The quarterly workshop concluded on Saturday.