Namfarmers magazine July

Namfarmers Namibia’s Farmers Magazine | www.namfarmers.com.na |July 2021

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How to best make use of a resettlement farm: Advice from a women farmer

Efficiency is key, when it comes to irrigation systems

• Essential oils market size expected to double by 2026 • Differences between licks, feeds and concentrates • Fruits, vegetables, protein remain out of reach for most Africans

• Kunene region continues to be under a serious drought spell • NAB have invested 1.1 million in supporting school garden

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Namfarmers CONTENT Published by Wernock Media Tel: +264 85 709 0370 info@wernock.com P.O Box 23875, Windhoek

Kunene region continues to be under a serious drought spell

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New report finds fruit, vegetables, protein remain out of reach for most Africans

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Herd recovery continues in 2021

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World Poultry Foundation (WPF) releases training video series for Africa’s poultry farmers

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Editor Werner Shimbamba + 264 81 330 0651 info@namfarmers.com.na Subeditor Hilfa Hilifa +264 81 3245612 updates@namfarmers.com.na Advertising/Sales Ismael Henock +26481 2315299 accounts@namfarmers.com.na Writers Shilongo Jafet updates@namfarmers.com.na +26481 8685600 Uutoni Simba updates@namfarmers.com.na +264 85 709 0370 Hilfa Hilifa info@namfarmers.com.na +26481 2315299

Differences between Licks, Feeds and Concentrates

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World Future Council hands over to the City of Windhoek

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Design & layout Creative Director: Pyranam Group Investment cc Tel: +264 85 735 5672 / + 264 81 8337 830 designbypyranam@zohomail.com

How to best make use of a resettlement farm: Advice from a women farmer

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The Namibian Agronomic Board (NAB) have invested 1.1 million in supporting School Garden Funding Project (SGFP)

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Photo Caption: Cover Page ©GIZ / Tim Brunauer.

NUST-NSA partner in managing agricultural data

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Essential oils market size expected to double by 2026

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Efficiency is key, when it comes to irrigation systems

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ISSN 2026-8726 Disclaimer All right reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form without written consent of the publishers. The information provided and opinions expressed in this publication are provided in good faith but do not necessarily represent the opinions of the publisher or editor.

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EDITORS NOTE DOING THE RIGHT THINGS RIGHT, TO SUCCEED IN YOUR FARMING VENTURE Why is it often that some farmers are successful in their farming ventures while others are not?

A quick introspection based on Richard Sichone on why some farmers are more successful than others.

Based on analysis, farmers do not just fail. They fail because they fail to do certain thing right. The list of why farmers fail can be quite lengthy, but for the sake of time we will focus on the seven paramount reason as highlighted by Richard Sichone.

Reason number one, they are absent. Absentee farmers will always fail. To succeed in farming, one needs to be around the farm most of the time.

Reason number two, they don’t keep proper records.

It is often difficult to control and manage what we don`t keep record.

Reason number three, they do not network. Just like in other professions, no one can succeed alone. Farmers need a web of interactions with other farmers, vets, nutritionist and other notable professionals that will make farming successful.

Reason number four, instead of going for quality they opt for cheap inputs.

Reason number five, they bite more than they can chew. Some farmers, in a bid to make it big fast will take on more than they can handle financially and technically. This eventually leads them to crush.

Reason number six, they focus more on work than science. When farmers focuses more on activities and fail to observe the laid down scientific obligation, they are bound to fail.

Reason number seven, they miss out on the right time bound frame. Everything in farming has got a time frame, once farmers misses that time frame, their productivity will go down.

The above reasons are a respecter of no colour, race or country boundary. They apply to all farmers. For farmers that keeps on failing year in and year out, they should do an introspection on their farming venture and come up with a complete new game plan of how they carry out their farming activities.

Enjoy the read.

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Abandoned kraal at Okamanga village, Epupa constituency.

Farmers have relocated from their areas of origin to other areas in search of better living conditions, be it grazing for their livestock and or water for both human and livestock.

Kunene region continues to be under a serious drought spell

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s for the past consecutive seven (7) years, Kunene region has been experiencing severe drought. The effects of the drought is known to have span throughout the seven constituencies of the region. The region is known to have only recorded sporadic rainfall, leaving some parts of the region with few spotted pastures. The persistent drought have significantly affected both human and livestock.

it have been revealed that the effect of drought has led to high mortality rate of livestock. This has significantly reduced the population of both large and small stock in the region. With the region known for livestock farming, the reduction in livestock population has negatively affected the livelihood of most of the inhabitants. Some community members have been forced to relocate their families in search of better grazing.

As a result of the on-going drought; the governor of Kunene region, Hon. Marius Sheya initiated a trip comprising of various stakeholders to assess the extent of drought effect in the region. The assessment was carried out in May, comprising of 34 officials from different government and non-governmental institutions.

The trip was conducted over a period of eight days.

The situation is further known to have gotten worse earlier this year, when majority of farmers migrated from other parts of the region to the central and eastern parts in search of better grazing.

The trip intended to achieve the following: assess the extent of the recent rainfall received in the region, verify the distribution of drought relief consignment, assess and update on the current drought situation in the region in effect on humans and animals and lastly, provide necessary outreach services to the affected community.

Based on the assessment carried out,

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During this period, the government is known to have intervened by providing drought relief food and fodder for livestock. Epupa, Opuwo rural, Opuwo urban, Sesfontein and Khorixas are some of the constituencies that are known to have benefited from the drought relief fund. The process of distributing drought relief items however, encountered some challenges such as; limited suitable transport and facing some difficult terrains.

It have been revealed that, most of the areas visited during the trip

assessment had very poor grazing with some areas completely having no grass while others with little grass. The little grass is attributed to have germinated as a result of the sporadic rain showers received earlier in March this year.

The assessment team also learnt that some communities were experiencing increased conflicts with wildlife, a situation attributed to the prolonged drought effect. Some of the affected areas include Bersig, Palmwag, Sesfontein, Omuramba and Deriet where elephants continuously ravaged gardens and damaged water points.

During the trip, very few livestock were spotted. An indication that most animals died or were relocated to other areas with better grazing mainly the Eastern parts of the region and the neighboring regions like Omusati. The participants also observed many carcasses of livestock mostly cattle along many roads especially in Orupembe and Otjinungua.

The relocation of livestock has negatively affected the livelihood of the inhabitants, more especially the school going children as they were forced to leave school and relocate with parents.

During the trip assessment, the team www.namfarmers.com.na

Participants of the trip pausing for picture at Otjiu – West

observed many abandoned houses in most visited areas. According to locals spoken to; people have relocated due to for the following reasons: firstly, to access areas with better grazing for their livestock and secondly, to access areas with water as boreholes dried up due to the persistent drought.

Farmers relocated to areas as far as over 200 km such as Omakange, Opuwo and Etanga where grazing and water availability was initially better than their places. The relocation of farmers has led to overcrowding in areas they settled and subsequently overgrazing and other social conflicts as a result of competing for same resources.

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While some farmers opt to relocate for better pastures, others developed coping strategies to live with drought. Such coping strategies include initiation of farming with dry crops and irrigated crops along the Kunene River. Others resorted to eating wild fruits due to lack of food, such as the community members at Serra Cafema. The team observed a number of farmers growing dry land crops mainly pearl millet (Mahangu) and preparing land for irrigated crops, such as tomatoes and maize. The crop cultivation activities were observed at the villages along the Kunene River, namely; Okozongombe, Otjamaungu, Otjimuhaka, Enjandi, Omungurura, etc. all in Epupa constituency.

In total, 34 officials from different government and nongovernmental institutions participated in the trip. The participants represented the following institutions: Office of the President, Office of the Governor, Kunene Regional Council, NAMPOL, Ministry of Home Affairs, Immigration, Safety and Security, Ministry of Health and Social Services, Ministry of Information and Communication Technology, Ministry of Education, Arts and Culture, Ministry Gender Equality, Poverty Eradication and Social Welfare, Namibia Red Cross Society, Namibia National Farmers Union (NNFU), Welwitchia Farmers Union and Ngatuuane Farmers Union.

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NEW REPORT FINDS FRUIT, VEGETABLES, PROTEIN REMAIN OUT OF REACH FOR MOST AFRICANS Africa’s agri-food systems must be transformed to make healthy diets more affordable

A vendor stands next to her food market stall in Oshikango, Ohangwena region

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frica’s agri-food systems must be transformed to make healthy diets more affordable for Africans. That is the central message of a new report launched by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), the UN Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA) and the African Union Commission (AUC) in Accra/ Addis Ababa on the 30th of June.

According to the latest Africa Regional Overview of Food Security and Nutrition, Africans face some of the highest food costs when compared to other regions of a similar level of development. Nutritious foods, such as fruits, vegetables and animal

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proteins, are relatively expensive when compared to staples such as cereals and starchy roots, and, the report argues, some of the reasons for this are systemic.

Evidence presented in the report shows that nearly threequarters of the African population cannot afford a healthy diet of fruits, vegetable and animal proteins, and more than half cannot afford a nutrient-adequate diet, which provides a mix of carbohydrates, protein, fats, and essential vitamins and minerals to maintain basic health. Even an energysufficient diet, which supplies a bare minimum of energy and little else, is out of reach for over 10 percent of the

continent’s population.

“The picture that emerges is that the agri-food systems in Africa do not provide food at a cost that makes healthy diets affordable to the majority of the population, and this is reflected in the high disease burden associated with maternal and child malnutrition, high body-mass, micronutrient deficiencies and dietary risk factors,” FAO Assistant DirectorGeneral and Regional Representative for Africa Abebe Haile-Gabriel said with William Lugemwa UNECA’s Director of the Private Sector Development and Finance Division, and Josefa Sacko, African Union Commissioner for Agriculture, Rural Development, Blue www.namfarmers.com.na

Economy and Sustainable Environment in the report’s joint foreword.

“A common vision, strong political leadership and effective crosssectoral collaboration, including the private sector, are essential to agree on trade-offs and identify and implement sustainable solutions to transform agrifood systems for healthy, affordable diets,” they said.

‘UNACCEPTABLY SLOW’ PROGRESS ON ENDING MALNUTRITION Overall progress in meeting global nutrition targets remains unacceptably slow in Africa, according to the report.

Sub-Saharan Africa is the only region in the world where the number of stunted children continues to rise.

Although the prevalence of stunting is declining, it is falling only very slowly and despite progress, nearly a third of the children in sub-Saharan Africa are stunted.

Only three countries, Eswatini, Kenya and Sao Tome and Principe, are on course to meet four of the five World Health Assembly nutrition targets. Three other countries, Ghana, Lesotho and Rwanda, are on track to meet three of the targets.

The report also states that current food consumption patterns

in Africa impose high health and environmental costs which are not reflected in food prices. Including these costs would add US$0.35 to each dollar spent on food in sub-Saharan Africa.

Rebalancing diets to include more plant-based foods would reduce the cost of diets and lower health and environmental costs. Compared to current average diets, diets that are more plant-based would reduce the full cost of diets, including health and environmental costs, by 11–21 percent in low-income countries.

TRANSFORMING SYSTEMS FOR HEALTHY DIETS

AGRI-FOOD AFFORDABLE,

The findings highlight the importance of prioritizing the transformation of agri-food systems to ensure access to affordable and healthy diets for all, produced in a sustainable manner.

Smart policies and interventions throughout agri-food systems are needed to raise yields, lower costs, promote nutritious foods, and reduce health and environmental costs.

Within the African context, essential interventions include increased investment in research and extension to improve yields, especially of nutritious foods, and greater efforts

to adopt modern farming technologies.

Production must be intensified in a sustainable manner, the report argues, along with interventions to improve land governance, empower women farmers, reduce post-harvest losses and improve market access.

Other efforts required include micronutrient fortification of staple foods, better food safety, improved maternal and child nutrition and care, nutrition education, and government policies that promote access to nutritious food through social protection, poverty reduction and income inequality.

KEY FACTS AND FIGURES • Nearly three-quarters of Africans cannot afford a healthy diet • Over half of all Africans (51%) cannot afford a nutrient-adequate diet • An energy-sufficient diet is beyond the means of one in every 10 (11.3%) Africans • Of the 185.5 million people globally who cannot afford an energy-sufficient diet, the vast majority (80%) live in Africa ©FAO/Phillipus Tobias

TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGE 1. How many litres of water does one grown Acacia melifera (Omusaona/haak bos) consumes per day?

2. Meatco is on a quest to secure sustainable markets for the Northern Communal Area (NCA) livestock farmers.

At the moment, which African market is Meatco eyeing?

3. State whether, true or false: During or shortly after winter (June, July, August, and September) the farmer must switch to protein licks to maintain good animal production.

4. Regarding poultry operation, which major activities is associated to incur the highest cost/ expense?

5. How many cattle were marketed in the first quarter of 2021?

(Keep on reading, answers to the questions lies ahead) www.namfarmers.com.na

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HERD RECOVERY CONTINUES IN 2021

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fter a persistent drought saw more than 1 362 364 million cattle marketed during 20172019 with a slow-down of more than half recorded in 2020.

In addition, 2020 was poised to experience an upsurge in beef carcass prices but due to Covid-19, the demand for premium beef in Namibia`s key export markets, prices stabilised at an average of N$ 45.50 per kg.

With continued herdrebuilding exercises, a further decline in cattle marketing is expected for 2021, with the Meat Board forecasting an indicated formal slaughtering of less than 53 000 cattle for the year.

Up to the end of February 2021, 7 775 cattle were slaughtered in the formal market. With limited slaughtering, prices are expected to increase as

Namibia will find it difficult to satisfy market demands, but the Norwegian quota is expected to receive priority.

Currently, the B2 beef carcass price stands at N$ 50.54 per kg as per January to February statistics whereas weaner prices stood at N$ 42.74 during the first two months of 2021.

The sheep sector experienced an unprecedented decline in marketing in 2019, leaving Namibia with only one export facility (Aranos). Sheep marketing also decreased by half, which lead to a decline in slaughtering and a focus shift from export markets to local markets. This shortage caused an increase in market prices for meat Producer prices increased from N$ 60.11 per kg in 2020 to 70.90 per kg in 2021.

herd, producers were unable to take advantage of increased sheep prices.

The year 2021 is expected to see reduced marketing in comparison to 2020 but the rate of decline is expected to be less with total slaughtering forecast at just below 105 000 sheep.

To date 8 798 have been slaughtered in the formal market.

Adapted: meat chronicle newsletter 2/2021

Due to a critically low sheep More than 1 362 364 million cattle marketed during 2017-2019 with a slow-down of more than half recorded in 2020.

WORLD POULTRY FOUNDATION (WPF) RELEASES TRAINING VIDEO SERIES FOR AFRICA’S POULTRY FARMERS Better profits, better nutrition through improved poultry farming methods The US-based World Poultry Foundation (WPF) has developed a series of online training videos to help emerging African poultry farmers learn poultry farming best practice and optimise their farming operations.

WPF has collaborated with local organisations such as South Africa’s Kwazulu Natal Poultry Institute for several years to foster improved poultry farming and help small local farmers expand their operations.

The new series of training videos, designed to assist small and mid-size brooding operations and rural farmers, cover key areas such as management of feed, water, brooding, vaccination, recordkeeping, biosecurity and poultry housing.

WPF CEO Randall Ennis says the video series was developed to address challenges faced by emerging poultry farmers. “In our training sessions and engagements with new and emerging farmers across the African continent, we discovered that many farmers had certain challenges in common. These included feed and water management

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and accurate record-keeping, among others. We found they were able to significantly improve their outputs and profits once they had access to information on best practices,” he says.

The series is grouped into four categories: Production: Feed, Water, Litter, Zone of Comfort (brooding); Management: Vaccination, Managing for Success (recordkeeping); Housing: Poultry Housing, Preparing the House, and Biosecurity; and Small scale producer: Household Nutrition, and Backyard Management.

Randall notes that the videos, training and workshop programmes available to emerging farmers in Africa are in line with improving overall poultry management and in the introduction of more productive dual-purpose birds at the rural village level.

when compared to the local indigenous breeds.

2) Increasing rural household income: Improved management and the introduction of dual-purpose birds will provide a net benefit from egg production and sales, as well as from the sale of males for meat.

3) Improving household nutrition: By increasing productivity and producing more meat and eggs, it is assumed that a portion of output would be consumed by the families, particularly the children. What is not consumed would be sold and the additional income generation may also be used for a more diverse diet for the household.

WFP’s key goals include:

4) Empowerment of women: A goal of the WPF is to establish poultry enterprises primarily owned and operated by women.

1) Poultry production and productivity: By having access to improved lowinput dual-purpose breeds that have been properly brooded, fed, and vaccinated; the WPF seeks to achieve a significant increase in productivity

An introduction and orientation to the training videos, the series of 11 videos and supporting worksheets and checklists are available on their website http:// worldpoultryfoundation.org/ www.namfarmers.com.na

DIFFERENCES BETWEEN LICKS, FEEDS AND CONCENTRATES

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icks are a balanced supplement that is given daily in small amounts to animals grazing in the veld. Lick is a balanced mixture of protein, energy, minerals, phosphates and salt. These products are mixed in the factory and ready for use without adding anything.

WINTER LICKS OR PROTEIN LICKS During or shortly after the winter (June, July, August, September, October) the farmer must switch to protein licks to maintain good animal production.

When supplementing animals with protein licks, they are stimulated to increase their intake of the low palatable grasses. Protein licks also improve the digestibility of grass and leaves resulting in better growth, FEEDS With complete feed it is possible to meet the total feeding requirement of animals, it can be fed on kraal with this feed only.

Feeds are a balanced mixture of different protein sources, lucerne or grass, maize or chop and minerals, but without any salt. Most feeds are in the form of pellets.

When introducing feed to animals, start with a small amount and increase the feed gradually during the first 7 days to prevent diarrhoea, bloat and possible deaths.

We recommend the feeding of either dry veld grass or dry lucerne as well as pellets for the first 10 days before feeding pellets only from day 11.

Different Feed pellets: RamLambEwe-/Breker 12-/Sheep Finisher-/ Stud Feed-/ Lucerne Pellets LICK CONCENTRATES Most of the time these products are concentrated protein-mineral mixtures. Concentrates MUST BE MIXED with at least salt OR according to MIXING INSTRUCTIONS ON THE BAG LABELS. Concentrates enable the farmer to include some of his products like camelthorn- or Prosopis pods ensuring a cost-effective lick that is still well balanced. www.namfarmers.com.na

milk production and fertility.

THE ROLE OF SALT

Urea is one of the ingredients of protein licks. Protect these licks from rain or remove them immediately after rain to prevent animals from dying. Urea is highly soluble in water and animals that drink such a solution may be poisoned. Before feeding a urea-containing lick, we recommend a P6 Phosphate lick for at least 7 days just to prevent a very high intake of protein lick during the first few days.

Salt on its own cannot improve animal production the same way a lick supplement will do. Salt cannot improve animal production through better fertility, growth and milk production due to the lack of essential nutrients (see comparison below).

The following are protein licks, readymixed and require no addition of any salt: Sheep Lick 20 / Eco Grasveld Lick / Bush Improver Lick / Production Lick / Energy Lick / Cow-Calf Lick and Cattle Lick 40

By permanently replacing rock salt with Futterfos P6 in the farming system, animal production will start improving. Salt stimulates the intake of Futterfos and Veefos P12 when mixed and help to control the intake of protein licks. Salty water and brackish vegetation have a negative effect on lick intake; consider custom mixed licks in cooperation with your Technical Advisor for that specific areas.

COMPARISON OF NUTRITIONAL VALUES INDICATE THAT SALT ONLY CANNOT IMPROVE ANIMAL PRODUCTION P 6 phosphate lick

Salt

Protein

0

0

Urea

0

0

Phosphate

60

0

Calcium

66

0

Magnesium

650

0

Cobalt

4

0

Copper

150

0

Manganese

1 800

0

Zink

800

0

Iodine

15

0

Selenium

3

0

SALT content

50%

95%

20g

6g

150g - 200g

50g

Daily intake : Sheep Cattle

Dry Veld Consentrate / Grassveld Concentrate / Bush Improver Concentrate / Beesmix 415 licks concentrate to be used for mixing different licks for goat, sheep and cattle.

Feed Concentrate HPC 30 is a specialized protein mixture for finishing sheep and cattle. Various mixes are possible to cater for your particular needs. HPC 30 can be mixed with Enerfeed and/or Enermol or Rangeland Grower and grass or lucerne to be used as a complete feed like pellets on kraal.

Urea is a protein concentrate and must be mixed only according to strict guidelines. Rather use Dry Veld Concentrate, Grassveld Concentrate or Beesmix 415 to mix a balanced protein lick.

Futterfos and Veefos P12 are phosphate concentrates and each must be mixed with 50kg salt before given to animals.

Lekstroop 33 is not a concentrate but cannot be given as such to small stock, because it will lead to deaths due to urea poisoning.

It is not recommended to add

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Lekstroop 33 to any protein lick, rather add Molasses Syrup if necessary.

Ready-mixed products that do not need additional salt include: Sheep Lick 20 / Eco-Grassveld Lick / Bush Improver Lick / Production Lick / Cattle Lick 40 / Cow-Calf Lick NUTRITIONAL REQUIREMENTS AND MOST COMMON SOURCES For animals to grow, develop and produce to their full potential, they need a daily balanced diet. Animals get their requirements from the different plant species in the specific farming area. The feeding requirements of lambs and calves, dry, pregnant and lactating animals differ considerably with young growing and lactating animals having the highest daily needs.

Important nutritional components Protein is one of the main building blocks of the body and can be compared to the bricks in a wall. Without protein, the animal cannot function or grow.

Animals get protein from the grass and leaves that they eat. Other sources include feed pellets, protein licks and lucerne.

Energy is the fuel for the body and is necessary for all body functions like growth, reproduction, milk production and walking. The body condition of animals will only improve if the energy value of the diet is high enough.

Both protein and energy are important for animals to grow, reproduce and for good milk production.

Minerals are needed in very small quantities but are also very important

for reproduction, strong bones and milk production. Phosphorus, sulphur, iron, manganese, selenium, zinc and copper are a few of the minerals.

Water is also an important nutrient for animals. Ruminants grazing dry pastures and lactating animals have a greater water requirement and must have daily access to clean drinking water. Animals need to drink water every day. Where water is in short supply there is a drop in the amount of feed intake, which affects growth and reproduction negatively. The daily water need for the small stock is 5 litres per day and that of large stock 40 litres per day.

Please contact one of our skilled technical advisors in your area for more information:

Danie de Lange 081 128 8713 Suid (Hardap) Joubert de Wit 081 128 1518 Suid (Karas) • Richard Peens 081 045 0837 Oos • Christo van Zyl 081 147 4199 Noord Beata Auala 081 396 5383 Noord • Lourens Swart 081 127 8805 Vee Dienste • Frank Kanguatjivi 081 127 3029 Noord en Suid • Norbert Neumann 081 232 7027 Sentraal • Markus du Plessis 081 635 4061 KMO-ontwikkeling

World Future Council hands over to the City of Windhoek

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rowing food in Windhoek is not easy. At Farm Okukuna, in Windhoek’s informal settlement Goreangab, a number of organisations have been running programmes to grow food and create local income opportunities. The City of Windhoek has now taken over and asked partners to refrain from further activities.

“A project so successful that it is taken over by local stakeholders – this is what one wants to achieve as a donor,” says Ina Wilkie, Senior Project Manager of the World Future Council.

“We wish the City of Windhoek all the very best in continuing the work.”

Over the past three years, a wide range of programmes have taken place at Farm Okukuna. Ina Wilkie of the World Future Council had taken

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In the picture: Halleluja Ruusa Inane (left) and August Kankono are experts in compost production.

the lead, also raising third-party funding from the German Liselotte Foundation and the UK Waterloo Foundation as well as the Southern African Innovation Support Fund (SAIS). What started as a Permaculture community garden three years ago is now an established project.

garden is really important to me,” says Auguste Kankono, resident of Goreangab. “It provides me with income and keeps me away from the location. I wake up early to come here and look after my garden. My whole family is excited and my neighbours are ordering vegetables from me.”

Community members have founded a Voluntary Association to manage processes and income on the farm. 16 members tend to their individual gardens, producing food for their families and for sale. The process was accompanied by many facilitated discussions, training and investments into tools and infrastructure. “My

Compost, seedlings and natural pest repellents are produced at the Farm Okukuna product centre. The partners procure the materials and support with marketing. The products, however, belong to the producers who are people from the community. Every team member decides how much work they put in and therefore how www.namfarmers.com.na

much money they earn.

The products are developed together with local experts. The Okukuna SPICE compost, for example, a brainchild of facilitator Wiebke Volkmann, has already acquired some fame on the local market. It contains more carbon and nitrogen than other composts. It combines bacterial and fungal decomposition through an initial aerobic process which generates heat for killing weed seeds and pathogens, followed by low oxygen fermentation that breaks down material faster. Farm Okukuna compost is sold through retail outlets such as Agrigro and at the Green Market in Klein Windhoek on Saturdays. Monthly Open Days at Farm Okukuna have also been an opportunity for sales and income generation.

“Compost production does not only provide me with income, but also with knowledge and experience,” Halleluja Ruusa Inane, resident of Goreangab explains. “We really hope that we can continue.”

cools in summer and warms in winter, a compost bag to produce your own fertiliser, a simple grey-water filter made of two buckets and more.

“We are definitely planning to continue this work,” Ina Wilkie of the World Future Council stresses. The organisation is currently developing a new project and reaching out to potential partners and hosts. “Our two paid staff must not worry. We do not want anyone to lose their job in these times. Smart solutions for shack dwellers are needed now more than ever and we are looking forward to setting up a new project in Namibia.”

Farm Okukuna was started in 2018 as a project of three partners.

The World Future Council, funded by the Liselotte Foundation, was responsible for management and fundraising. The Eloolo Permaculture Initiative facilitated training. The City of Windhoek, who owns the land, acted as a landlord, providing the land,

promotes their implementation worldwide. The Council consists of 50 eminent global change-makers from governments, parliaments, civil societies, academia, the arts, and the business world. The World Future Council is an independent, non-profit organisation under German law and finances activities with institutional partnerships and donations.

The programme ‘The Rights of Children and Youth’ works to ensure that the rights of girls, boys and young people are upheld and supported so that they may reach their full potential.

The team covers the topics of child protection, education for sustainable development, youth empowerment.

The programme champions Zanzibar’s comprehensive Children’s Act and works with the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Welfare in Ghana on setting-up so called One-StopCentres based on the Zanzibar model.

One-Stop-Centres are central contact

From the beginning, the Training Centre has been an integral part of Farm Okukuna. It had a focus on Permaculture which is a way to grow food and organise your life with minimal external inputs and therefore ideal for people with little money. Trainings were facilitated by the Namibian Eloolo Permaculture Initiative and South African Permaculture Activists.

A Masterclass Programme gave a local agriculture graduate the opportunity to gain further qualification. “As an agriculture graduate it is difficult to find a job.

Most employers look for people with experience. It was fabulous for me to work here and get the opportunity to learn about planting and designing.

Permaculture really opened my eyes,” explains Simon Indila, the Masterclass Student, resident of Goreangab. “We are doing something here that is really needed in the nation.”

Farm Okukuna was also an implementation site of the “Living Permaculture” Project, funded by the Southern African Innovation Support Fund (SAIS). In this 18-month project, shack dwellers designed solutions that could help make their life easier: a pit bed that uses grey-water from the bucket shower for growing food, shack insulation from cardboard that www.namfarmers.com.na

In the picture: Esther Filippus and her daughter Faustina enjoy a winter harvest in their garden.

security and water.

ABOUT THE WORLD FUTURE COUNCIL The World Future Council works to pass on a healthy and sustainable planet with just and peaceful societies to our children and grandchildren.

To achieve this, the organisation focusses on identifying, developing, highlighting, and spreading effective, future-just solutions for current challenges humanity is facing, and

points for children and their families affected by violence.

The World Future Council’s programme on ‘Climate and Energy’ assists countries in developing roadmaps for 100% renewable energy and has especially been working with government representatives and partners in Tanzania, Bangladesh, Costa Rica and Morocco on such roadmaps.

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How to best make use of a resettlement farm: Advice from a women farmer

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gnes M Tjiramba is a women farmer who have been farming on a full time basis, for the past 11 years at a resettlement farm in Omaheke region. Agnes who prefers to be called Supii, is a nurse by profession and have more than three decades of experience in nursing.

Among her accolades, she have a Bachelor & Master of Arts degree in clinical & Industrial Psychology and a Post graduate certificate in Pharmacotherapy. Supii is also one of the recipient for the “Women in Biomass industry awards 2020” in which she scooped the entrepreneurship, innovation and leadership category award.

Supii was resettled at farm Groot rooi built 686 in 1999.The farm has about 1 500 hectares. Farm Groot rooi built has a diverse portfolio of farm operations including; livestock farming, crop production as well as charcoal production. They further intends to add a division on poultry and aquaculture. Supii highly believe that, hard work can result in great productivity and lives by the motto “smart farming on past and present principles”.

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“I was born a farmer and have

©GIZ / TIM BRUNAUER. been involved in farming activities in communal land since early childhood,” says Supii. She believes that farming is fundamental to human existence and survival (no farming, no food).

According to her, there is no profession in the world which will compete with farming as food is a physiological need. She further emphasised that in 20 years to come, many professions might become irrelevant but farming will remain forever.

Farm Groot rooi built has currently between 80 and 120 cows, with 3 bulls. Supii has encouraged and advised those that intends to be resettled on farms, let they only apply for land once they have a clear vision on what and how they want to utilise it. “Do not get land for status or greed” she said

According to Supii, land is a commodity that can feed, create wealth and employment opportunities. She encourages those that are scheduled to be resettled and those occupying land to use it for maximum potential to improve Namibian livelihoods at individual and collective levels. Supii further advised farmers to properly access their need for land as this will enable them to avoid underutilization

and mismanagement. “Farmers should use land sustainably in order for the future generations to reap off fruits,” she said.

With a diverse portfolio of farm operations, she encourages other fellow livestock farmers to also be involved in Charcoal production.

According to her, Charcoal production should be a must for any livestock farmer. Apart from alleviating bush encroachment with benefit of grazing enhancement and underground water improvement, charcoal brings an additional income. “Additional income for a farmer is always good as it will create more opportunities in assisting the farmer to improve farming method; such as buying farming implements to increase production,” she stated.

Supii has further revealed that although the charcoal market is full of exploiters, it`s also worth noting that Namibian charcoal is in worldwide demand. As with her charcoal production, she currently export them to United Arab Emirates (UAE) and other GCC countries. “Always remember that good quality charcoal sells itself”, she said.

The farming journey has taught her that, farming is a business that does www.namfarmers.com.na

not only entail leaving tasks and obligations in the employees hand but it requires oneself to be present in order to succeed. She has further learned to continuously sharpen her knowledge and skills on all core activities and to remain focus on what she intends to achieve.

In her closing remarks, Supii has highlighted that farming is a very expensive operation that needs constant supervision and presence.

She encouraged farmers to keep themselves up to date with new technologies and to fully be acquainted with their farm operations.

Supii can be reached at: Kandjoukaiko@ gmail.com or +26481 719 6462 ©GIZ / Tim Brunauer.

According to Supii, one should only apply for a resettlement farm once they have a clear vision on what

andhowtheywanttoutilisetheland.

THE NAMIBIAN AGRONOMIC BOARD (NAB) HAVE INVESTED 1.1 MILLION IN SUPPORTING SCHOOL GARDEN FUNDING PROJECT (SGFP)

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he Namibian Agronomic Board (NAB) has funded 14 school garden projects; one per each region, with a total worth value of 1.1 million. The School Garden Funding Project (SGFP) is a corporate social responsibility initiative by the NAB in collaboration with the Ministry of Education, Arts and culture (MoEAC). The main objective of the project is to advocate for practical teaching and learning as well as to inculcate the culture of crop farming in school learners. The official handover was held at Auas Primary School, in Windhoek. www.namfarmers.com.na

As for the selection panel, a total of about 42 schools were nominated from various regions which translates into an average of about 3 school per region.

Among the three school, one school had to be selected as a recipient and model for the School Garden Funding Project (SGFP). According to the NAB, the following aspects were considered during the selection process: schools with vulnerable children’s, schools that have existing gardens and access to water for irrigation. Lastly, the teachers at these particular schools were accessed in terms of their involvement and their passion towards agriculture.

In khomas region, Auas primary school was selected as the recipient of the NAB donation.

The NAB donated greenhouse structure with fully equipped automated irrigation system, water tanks and also provided the schools with seedlings. The NAB also gave practical training to the teachers on how to plant or grow the produce.

According to Loureen N Mutanimiye, the acting principal of Auas primary school, their school have about 600 orphans and vulnerable children that they feed weekly throughout the year.

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The school garden initiatives are one of the projects through which school have an opportunity to practically train and equip learners with skills needed in the production of agronomic and horticultural products.

Loureen thanked the NAB for the donations and highlighted that at least for now, they will be able to meet the Ministry of education halfway with the school feeding programme. “The main aim is to teach learners, how they can produce food for themselves.

However, through the garden we will be able to feed our orphans & vulnerable children, a balanced diet” said Loureen.

During the handover ceremony, the minister of Education Arts and Culture; Hon. Ester Anna Nghipondoka highlighted that the school garden initiatives are one of the projects through which school have an opportunity to practically train and equip learners with skills needed in the production of agronomic and horticultural products. Nghipondoka revealed that, it is the desire of their

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ministry for each and every school in Namibia to have a school garden.

“The funding of school garden came at the right time to assist the ministry in ensuring that our learners are well exposed to both theory and practice” stated Nghipondoka.

the progress of schools that are beneficiary of the funding initiative.

According to Gilbert, the 14 schools will also be registered as producers of horticultural products to ensure the marketing of surplus produce in times when the school produces more.

The Board Chairperson of the NAB, Michael Iyambo has encouraged other schools to learn from these beneficiary schools, in terms of establishing their own garden. Iyambo further added that the project shouldn`t only end with official handover ceremony, but should serve its intended purpose.

The NAB donated greenhouse structure with fully equipped automated irrigation system, water tanks and also provided the schools with seedlings.

Gilbert Mate Mulonda, general manager for agronomy and horticulture market development has assured that the NAB and the ministry of education will keep on monitoring

The school garden initiatives are one of the projects through which school have an opportunity to practically train and equip learners with skills needed in the production of agronomic and horticultural products.

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Efficiency is key, when it comes to irrigation systems - Cherry Irrigation “Efficiency is key when it comes to irrigation system. In the long run, a well designed & installed irrigation system is cost saving, saves water and will reward the farmer with the productive yield they desire”.

These are the words of Willem Mostert, the executive manager for Cherry Irrigation within Namibia.

Founded in 1987, Cheery Irrigation have made their footprint in South Africa, Namibia and Angola.

Having more than 30 years’ experience, the firm have been powering the agricultural sector with quality irrigation systems of all types and for all crops.

“We pride ourselves in our expertise as we got in-house designers and we offer all services when it comes to irrigation; pivots, drip system, sprinkler system and even water purification” states Willem. Apart from giving expert advice on all specified steps of the design and installation process, the firm also does tailormade designs for specific irrigation system based on the clients’ needs and specifications. www.namfarmers.com.na

The firm do supply quality irrigation and crop management products, install and maintain agricultural irrigation systems, automation systems and fertigation systems. Cherry takes pride in keeping up with the latest technological innovation and irrigation methods, in that way it translate them into practical applications.

“The firm takes pride in keeping up with the latest technological innovation and irrigation methods”

At the core of their service delivery, they specialise in pump house/ head control designs, automation systems and mainline reticulation systems. They do also adds value with complementary irrigation services like; training, climate control systems and soil moisture monitoring.

Willem encourages farmers to always start off right and make the right decision when it comes to installing their irrigation system. “Farmers should have the right expertise and the right people to assist them in designing their system as it will result in better

yield, saving of water and costs in the long run”, said Willem.

Cherry Irrigation do also provide soil monitoring system to monitor soil moisture, soil p.H & the soil electric conductivity (EC). Different plants have different requirements, when it comes to the p.H of the ground, the EC of the water and hence it’s important to measure what`s going on in the ground. Monitoring systems are very crucial as they alert the farmer of what is in the soil and what is lacking of the soil.

“Monitoring systems are very crucial as they alert the farmer of what is in the soil and what is lacking of the soil” According to Willem, the soil type and the produce that one intends to grow plays a vital role when planning an irrigation system. For instance if one wants to grow maize, drippers or sprinkler system will be efficient to use.

Willem further added, they are able to design and supply all types of irrigation system. This includes centre pivot and

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Willem Mostert, the executive manager for Cherry irrigation in Namibia sprinkler systems for field crops and pastures, as well as highly efficient micro irrigation systems emitting water precisely through drippers or microsprinklers for high value row crops like blue berries and vegetables.

The irrigation system plays the most important role in ensuring the crops receive adequate water and nutrients. A well designed and installed irrigation system will apply water uniformly and efficiently to the

Cherry irrigation have been powering the agricultural sector with quality irrigation system for more than 30 years.

crop, enabling a profitable production system. Clients, weather on a large or small scale can decide if they need a full stand-alone service or only some aspects of the design steps.

With more than 30 years` experience in the industry, the firm keeps on maintaining the standard of delivering quality services in installing and maintaining agricultural irrigation, automation and fertigation systems.

Cherry Irrigation have successfully executed a variety of projects in Namibia, a few but to mention such as the iconic Mashare blueberry project and they have also been part and participated in Shalom farm.

For quality irrigation system and more of their services, reach out to them: +264 81 689 7453 Email: willem.m@cherryirrigation.com

Monthly tip: Rangeland availability is a cross cutting aspect of livestock farming Bush encroachment has a detrimental effect on any farm land, causing grazing area to shrink or vanish and underground water base to diminish.

One Acacia melifera (Omusaona/haak bos) is known to consume 40 litres of water daily, while one cattle drinks 15 litres of water per day. This puts a clear perspective, of the amount of water that are lost to bush encroachment. Although the soil surrounding the encroacher bush are proven to be very fertile, a number of them should be thinned out accordingly to create a balance in the ecosystem.

Answers to the questions 1. One Acacia melifera (Omusaona/haak) consumes about 40 litres of water daily.

2. Meatco is exploring new markets in Congo Brazzaville and Ghana.

3. True. Protein licks improve the digestibility of grass and leaves resulting in better growth, milk production & fertility.

4. Feed accounts for up to 70% of the costs of raising poultry.

5. In the first quarter of 2021, 41 842 cattle were marketed compared to 69 550 during the corresponding quarter of 2020.

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NUST-NSA PARTNER IN MANAGING AGRICULTURAL DATA With the aim to coordinate the collection, processing and dissemination of agriculture statistics, NUST and the Namibia Statistic’s Agency (NSA) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) recently. At the University, the MoU will be managed by the University’s newly established Agricultural Trade Policy Institute (ATPI).

This initiative further aims to manage big data in a cost-effective manner. Three primary areas of cooperative activities were identified under the agreement, namely: the collection, processing and dissemination of agricultural statistics; the collaboration of joint lectures and socio-economic research; and the facilitation of student in-service training.

“All the University’s Faculties, Centres and Institutes are expected to benefit from this MoU, based on the principle of cross-sectorial inter-disciplinary cooperation.

For example, NUST has a high performance super computer housed by the IndiaNamibia Centre of Excellence in Information and Communication Technology.

This can be harnessed to support this initiative,” remarked Dr Erold Naomab, NUST Vice-Chancellor.

Alex Shimuafeni, the NSA Statistician-General and CEO, commended the timing of the MoU. He emphasised that it is well aligned with the recent implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Agreement, which aims to give the continent a common voice and policy space in global trade negotiations. He further underscored the importance of the Agriculture sector in the country, highlighting that it contributed 9% to Namibia’s 2020 Gross Domestic Product. www.nust.na

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ESSENTIAL OILS MARKET SIZE EXPECTED TO DOUBLE BY 2026

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he global essential oils market size was US$7.03 billion in 2018 and is projected to reach US%14.6 billion by the end of 2026, exhibiting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 9.65% in the 2019-2026 forecast period. Essential oils are hydrophobic/non-watersoluble liquids containing volatile aroma compounds of the plants. With an essential oil market valued at US$18 billion in 2020 and projected to reach US$33 billion by the end of 2027—a growth rate of 7,5% over the next 6 years—the time for South African producers to export has never been more favourable.

Essential and vegetable oils are used by the flavour and fragrance industries to create flavours for foods and beverages, perfume compounds for cosmetics, household products and fine fragrances, amongst many other applications. Thus, the potential for export growth is vast.

The essential oils market is primarily propelled by the robust trend of ‘green’ consumerism amidst the growing popularity of natural inputs for food preservation and sensoryrelated aspects. The global food and beverage industry is undergoing gradual, yet significant transition concerning ingredients formulations— the growing consumer’s inclination towards natural and organic products have made essential oils a crucial ingredient of choice for food processors. There has been a gradual increase in consumers’ understanding of the detrimental health effects of synthetic chemicals added for flavour applications; manufacturers are thus encouraged to utilise natural inputs such as essential oils for increasing the aesthetic appeal of food products alongside improving the nutritional and functional properties, which will contribute significantly to essential oils’ market growth.

GLOBAL ESSENTIAL OILS MARKET SIZE: 2015-2026: US$7, 03 BILLION, POST-2026: US$14, 60 BILLION. These oils have a crucial role to play in the natural preservation of foods amidst the growing concern about

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synthetic food additives and their long-term detrimental effects. Various clinical studies involving essential oils in the concentration range of 0.5-20 microliters per gram have indicated antibacterial actions in the foods such as fresh meat, meat products, fish, milk, dairy products, vegetables, fruit and cooked rice. Significant synergy has been established by utilising mild preservation methods along with essential oils. The greater push for research and development (R&D) in essential oils’ incorporation as a food additive is expected to provide further impetus to the market.

The strong growth incentive to the tourism and hospitality sector has brought the superior benefits of aromatherapy within reach of common consumers. This trend, along with increased utilisation of natural active components in pharmaceutical and cosmetic formulations, have further boosted essential oils’ market share.

The dwindling supplies of aromatic plants possess a greater risk to the growth of the market.

The strong and ever-rising demand against constrained supply is bound to create a high price scenario, which could discourage its utilisation across different application sectors.

organoleptic characteristics”. Orangeand lavender-based oils are leading the essential oils market owing to their active qualities that are utilised for topical and oral applications. The food and beverages sector is the leading application of such oils that act as natural antimicrobials. These oils exhibit effective inhibitory actions against spoilage causing microbes.

The processed foods, having savoury organoleptic profiles such as meat, fish, cheese-based foods along with soups and sauces, can thus be suitable food matrices for the incorporation of citrus-based essential oils. The “Global Essential Oils Market Share, By Application, 2018 Food & Beverages’ amounts to 46.10%. Food and beverages remain the preferred matrices for the incorporation of essential oils. The addition of essential oils to food products not only enhances their sensory characteristics but also increases the shelf-life and storage stability of a variety of edibles. Flavours and fragrances utilise significant quantities of these oils in the global marketplace. The application spectrum of essential oils is further expected to expand based on its reported antitoxigenic, antiparasitic, and insecticidal traits.

REGIONAL ANALYSIS

MARKET SEGMENTATION “Citrus-based essential oils dominate the global market owing to their availability, strong demand dynamics and superior functional and

Europe and North America dominate essential oils’ market share. The developed markets of the European Union and the U.S. have recognised www.namfarmers.com.na

some components of essential oils, such as carvacrol, carvone, cinnamaldehyde, citral, pcymene, etc., as a legally registered flavouring.

Cosmetic manufacturers in Europe are inclining heavily towards the inclusion of essential oils in their formulations. The growing demand for aromatherapy in major markets like France, Germany and the U.K. is expected to further contribute to the sales of such oils, boosting essential oils’ market revenue as a result. The emerging and urbanising economies of Asia Pacific and South America are expected to become hotspots in the global essential oils market during the forecast period (2019-2026). The extent of North America’s essential oils market is reported as having been US$1,71 billion in 2018.

Figure 1 gives an overview of the six leading European importers of speciality vegetable oils: France is an interesting market for speciality vegetable oils used in cosmetics.

However, only 15% of the country’s imports in 2017 directly originated from developing countries. France’s main suppliers are European vegetable oil producers (mainly Spain), as well as traders and processors in The Netherlands, Germany and Belgium.

The Netherlands is the largest importer of vegetable oils from developing countries. In 2017, 49% of the country’s total imports of speciality oils originated from developing countries. The Netherlands houses several large oil refineries and traders.

Its main suppliers of all vegetable oils outside of Europe include Ghana, Togo, Burkina Faso and China. Austria’s imports from 2015 to 2017 grew more quickly than the European average (by

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25%). However, direct imports from developing countries are negligible (less than 6%). In 2017, Austria’s main suppliers included Germany, Italy, Poland and The Netherlands. Swedish imports increased by 12% over the last three years. Over 98% of Swedish imports of speciality oils originate in Denmark. Denmark is home to large vegetable oil producers and refineries, such as AAK. Germany is an important trade hub for high-value vegetable oils.

In the last three years, the country’s imports of vegetable oil increased by 17%. Germany’s main suppliers in 2017 included The Netherlands, Italy and Austria.

While Belgium’s total imports of speciality vegetable oils decreased by 25% from 2015–2017, Belgian imports of such oils from developing countries increased by 33% over the last three years. This is much higher than the European average. Belgium’s main suppliers outside of Europe are Ghana and India. Although Italy, the UK and Switzerland are smaller importers of speciality vegetable oils, these countries might be interesting markets for marula oil. Italy and the UK imported a relatively large share

directly from developing countries, between 25% and 29% in 2017. Swiss imports from developing countries experienced a strong growth in the last three years (by 74%).

The countries mentioned in figure 2 produce several specialty vegetable oils, not all of which are used in cosmetics or can be classified as fruit seed oils. However, as these oils can be used as substitutes, the countries and respective companies that produce them are potential sources of competition. Examples of specialty oils from these countries include:

• Marula oil • Argan oil • Melonseed oil • Baobab oil Expect strong competition established suppliers.

from

Source: Southern African Essential Oil Producers’ Association

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