Namibia’s vast encroacher bush offers a unique opportunity to restore rangelands, improve agricultural productivity, and create jobs – but sustainability must guide every step of the way. By combining responsible bush thinning with value-added products such as charcoal, bush-based animal feed, and biochar, Namibia can turn an environmental challenge into an economic opportunity. With over 45 million hectares affected by bush encroachment, sustainable biomass utilisation can help restore valuable grazing land, supporting farmers and the livestock industry while safeguarding biodiversity.
The economic benefits of biomass value chains are already evident. Charcoal exports alone contributed over NAD 4.1 billion (EUR 280 million) to Namibia’s foreign exchange earnings between 2009 and 2020. At the same time, employment in the biomass sector grew from 6,000 in 2016/17 to over 11,000 workers in 2019. By embracing sustainability certification, such as Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certification, Namibia ensures that its biomass products meet international environmental and labour standards, improving market access and boosting export revenues.”
Read in detail – https://www.n-big.org/…/namibias-economic…/…
