Building a Desert - Based Economy
RuralRevive – Building a Desert-Based Economy is an initiative conceptualised under Wolwedans Vision 2030 – The AridEden Project, a sustainability framework that encapsulates our sustainability journey ahead.
Underpinned by a philosophy of balancing people, planet and profit, it aims at building resilient and thus more sustainable and equitable tourism/ conservation economies based on five core pillars: Commerce, Community, Conservation, Culture and Consciousness.
The project is built upon five interconnected pillars, forming the foundation for developing and implementing a comprehensive and sustainable economic concept that benefits local communities in the Namib Desert and beyond.
This approach aims to revitalise Maltahöhe and its residents by establishing a model for a diversified local economy. By assessing supply chain gaps and identifying the needs of the community, we seek to create sustainable entrepreneurial and employment opportunities for the underprivileged men and women of Maltahöhe and its surrounding areas.
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Basic Business Training on YouTube
Starting a business is something anyone can do, but building a successful enterprise demands a deeper understanding and, most importantly, the right systems to facilitate growth and scalability.
To help you grasp essential concepts of entrepreneurship, we have structured this course into six key chapters: Finding Capital Where You Are, Bookkeeping, Budgeting, Saving Methods, Social Entrepreneurship, and Paying It Forward.
Each chapter is accompanied by an engaging episode available on our YouTube channel, designed to provide you with valuable insights and practical knowledge for your entrepreneurial journey.
Join Antonia Ndumba, our Economix facilitator, to explore these vital topics and get empowered to take your small business to new heights!
Founding and Board Members
The RuralRevive Initiative
On July 26, 2024, RuralRevive held a historic constitutional meeting with its founding members to validate and sign the constitution, officially establishing the RuralRevive as a Section 21 company.
This milestone marks the transformation of RuralRevive into a fully-fledged non-governmental organization, dedicated to serving the Maltahohe community and beyond. Nine founding members gathered to sign the constitution, celebrating the occasion with dances and music.
From left to right: Armanda (Youth and Development Officer), Emilie (Treasurer), Benno (Monitoring), Stephan (Director and Initiator), Wilma (Trash-to-Treasure Manager), Marika (Ground Project Coordinator), Reinhold (Overall Project Coordinator), Ceciliah (Happiness Manager), Antonia (Economix Facilitator), Piet (Operational Manager)
Capricorn Foundation
The new kid on the block at RuralRevive
Embracing Sustainability with Cultural Flair. Listen to the vibrant rhythms and dances of the Amabruxa cultural group, as we witnessed the true essence of partnership. Led by The Capricorn Foundation, we joyously planted a native White Karee tree (Searsia pendulina) – a living testament to our unwavering commitment to sustainability.
On the 15 March 2024, The Capricorn Foundation and Wolwedans Foundation came together in Maltahöhe. With a generous pledge of N$1 million, The Capricorn Foundation fuelled the RuralRevive initiative, sparking hope for a flourishing desert economy. This partnership transcends mere collaboration; it symbolizes a beacon of change. Together, we nurture growth, champion sustainability, and uplift communities.
Commemoration of One Year RuralRevive
We are thrilled to share the momentous occasion of RuralRevive’s one-year anniversary on 22 January 2023 and the grand opening of our state-of-the-art laundry facility. This event marked a remarkable milestone in our mission to empower and create employment opportunities within rural communities. With over 80 esteemed community members in attendance, the celebration was a resounding success, filled with joyous festivities and a spirit of Ubuntu.
Distinguished guests from the governor’s office graced the ceremony, bestowing us with the honour of cutting the ribbon to inaugurate the laundry facility. This official declaration opened the doors to a new era of business, poised to benefit both our project and the community it serves.
The occasion also provided a platform for various community cultural groups to showcase their exceptional talents, adding a touch of cultural richness to the event and commemorating the accomplishments we have achieved together. Undoubtedly, the highlight of the day was the awe-inspiring testimonies of the horticulture trainee multipliers. These remarkable individuals, trained by our project, have played an integral role in disseminating knowledge and skills to fellow farmers in their communities.
Through their efforts, the multiplier effect has enabled us to significantly expand our program’s reach, empowering countless individuals to improve their livelihoods and create a sustainable future. Beyond the momentous occasion of our laundry facility’s inauguration, community members were given the opportunity to explore our project premises, fostering an environment for networking and forging meaningful connections.
Maltahöhe Community Members talk
In a series of interviews as part of the needs assessment process we were asking about the challenges, the individual dreams regarding the changes of Maltahöhe and last but not least the potential the community members see in the Rural Revive project for the future of the town.
Economix Workshop for
Maltahöhe Community
Facilitated by Antonia Ndumba, it was a transformative experience that took place from 22 to 25 May 2023. This workshop brought together a diverse group of 5 women and 2 men, all eager to acquire the fundamental business skills needed for success.
Throughout the workshop, participants immersed themselves in an environment of learning, collaboration, and inspiration. They absorbed invaluable knowledge, explored practical strategies, and engaged in stimulating discussions. The atmosphere was filled with enthusiasm and determination as individuals eagerly absorbed the insights shared by experienced facilitators. At the end of the workshop, participants had the opportunity to present their business ideas, showcasing the newfound knowledge and skills they had acquired. These ideas represented the seeds of potential that would soon sprout into tangible enterprises, impacting their lives and the communities they belong to.
RuralRevive recognizes the immense potential of these workshop participants and is committed to supporting them on their entrepreneurial journey. As community anchors, they will receive ongoing guidance, mentorship, and resources to develop their businesses and uplift their communities.
The EconoMix workshop in Maltahöhe was not just a temporary event; it was a catalyst for transformation. The impact will ripple through time, empowering individuals, fostering economic growth, and creating a network of motivated entrepreneurs who will uplift and mentor others.
Open Market in Maltahöhe
“Don’t just buy local, know local. And if you don’t know your farmer, you don’t know your food.” – Joel Salatin
Spraying for Change!
Graffiti Workshop in Maltahöhe
A two-day Graffiti workshop with the youth of Maltahöhe village was held on 7 and 8 March 2023 and was a huge success!
Guided by Berlin-based Graffiti artist “Kouncillor Kotti”, the participants explored the power of self-expression through art and learned how to use various techniques of graffiti as a tool box for building a sustainable and thriving community.
One year of RuralRevive and
Opening of The Laundry
On the 22nd of January 2023, RuralRevive celebrated its one-year anniversary and the opening of the laundry facility, marking a significant milestone in the project’s mission to create employment opportunities. Over 80 community members attended the event to witness the project’s progress and to take part in the festivities.
The ceremony was honored by the presence of the governor’s office, who had the privilege of cutting the ribbon to the laundry facility, officially declaring it open for business. The community cultural groups also had an opportunity to showcase their talents and give a performance in celebration of the project’s success.
Interviews from the Ironing Room
During the first anniversary of the RuralRevive project on 22 January 2023 we have had the opportunity to talk to the RuralRevive team. About the challenges and the next steps in 2023.
Building our RuralRevive Campus
