From Spinach Seedlings To A Special Experience For Holidaymakers

25 Apr 2025

Sustainable travel, green and social, is very much in vogue, especially among younger Namibian holidaymakers. For their 'bucket list', there is a particularly social experience that has so far remained somewhat under the radar: grass roots vegetable growing projects run by the organisation 'Good Food Namibia' in Swakopmund.

Like the afternoon school 'Bexa's Inquisitive Stars' in the Mondesa neighbourhood of Swakopmund. Here, children and young people in grades 1 to 12 look after a vegetable and herb garden. They not only learn how to grow vegetables, but also contribute to their own – vitamin-rich – diet.

"This project can be visited as part of a 'township tour'," says Marelise Serfontein, the founder of 'Good Food Namibia', when asked by Namibian.org. "Since we pointed this out to the organisers of these township tours, some of them stop at the school."

Serfontein is known throughout Namibia through her company 'Conference Link'. She founded 'Good Food Namibia' during the coronavirus pandemic. "I had 7,500 spinach seedlings and no plan. That's when I had the idea of distributing them in my community in Swakopmund. With tips on how to not only grow spinach for harvesting, but also how to grow more seedlings."

An idea that has grown over the past two years like a tender spinach seedling into a plant ready for harvesting. And from which many more seedlings have sprouted. 'Good Food Namibia' also offers training for the residents of the community: How do I start my own vegetable and herb garden?

Training centre at Swakop Rivier

Since its foundation, 'Good Food Namibia' has planted vegetable gardens and built greenhouses. In schools, in the gardens of houses and in public spaces. In each case flanked by training for members of the community.

"Even tourists have taken part in our initiative," says Marelise Serfontein. "From harvesting to cooking to eating. Together with the locals, sharing stories and meals. Everyone was enthusiastic: a great experience."

In June a training centre on the Swakop Rivier (dry river) will open ist doors. "We want to appeal to school classes," reveals Serfontein. "We are planning training courses on nutrition and environmental issues."

At the same time, 'Good Food Namibia' is now also targeting accommodation providers. Serfontein enquired via a circular email from the hospitality industry association HAN, which also brought the initiative to the attention of Namibian.org:

Already have a garden? – We'll help you make it part of your guest experience, educational, interactive and beautiful.

Need a garden? – We'll help you establish one, even a small one can tell a powerful story.

Want to offer guests a meaningful way to give back? – We'll connect you with a nearby garden where they can plant, learn, cook and connect.

 

Sven-Eric Stender