Biochar has been used for thousands of years. It can be traced back to the Amazon basin, which has some of the most carbon-rich soils on earth. Biochar has a great potential to help Namibia adapt to climate change. It can be used to improve soil quality as well as animal health. Although this product is relatively new to the Namibian market, it fills a unique niche because it is made from encroacher bush biomass, thereby providing a sustainable solution to bush encroachment.
Rangelands in Namibia are severely affected by the bush encroachment phenomenon accounting for about 45 percent of the country. For farmers and resource managers, controlling the bush and restoring rangeland is a cost they often cannot afford. The Namibia Biomass industry Group (N-BiG) developed an excel based tool to assist farmers and resource managers in accurately estimating bush biomass on their farms and enable them to make sound financial decisions for its use. The three series of films aim to raise awareness about the Biomass Quantification Tool, its use, and interpretation for bush-based resource assessment.
Labour-based bush harvesting has the potential for employment, rangeland restoration and drought resilience in Namibia. A pilot project on an appropriate methodology for this concept was sought to derive a baseline for labour-based encroacher bush harvesting activities, from felling to preparing the derived biomass for further processing/ value addition. The pilot was funded by the GIZ Bush Control and Biomass Utilisation Project with support from the Ministry of Agriculture, Water and Forestry.
Biomass Industrial Parks (BIP) are a great opportunity for Namibia. A BIP turns biomass from encroacher bush into a variety of products for local and international markets. By attracting large amounts of biomass, a hub will reduce unit costs for transport, handling and storage. It fosters technological advancement, triggers synergies between different production processes and creates jobs. A BIP for Otjiwarongo in north-central Namibia is currently in the planning phase.
Bush-based animal feed production is a viable option for Namibian farmers, especially in times of drought. Farmers can diversify their income and sustainably contribute to tackling bush encroachment. They can also ensure a more productive use of their land.
To support farmers, the De-bushing Advisory Service (DAS) has been conducting a series of trainings across Namibia with a focus on bush encroached regions.
In this short clip, Petrus Nghipangelua from DAS gives an overview of the animal feed trainings.
Bush-based animal feed production is a viable option for Namibian farmers, especially in times of drought. Farmers can diversify their income and sustainably contribute to tackling bush encroachment. They can also ensure a more productive use of their land.
To support farmers, the De-bushing Advisory Service (DAS) has been conducting a series of trainings across Namibia with a focus on bush encroached regions.
In this short film, Mr Matti Toivo, A farmer from Okongo shares his experiences from the animal feed training that was conducted by DAS at Okambali- Okongo in Ohangwena region.
Bush-based animal feed production is a viable option for Namibian farmers, especially in times of drought. Farmers can diversify their income and sustainably contribute to tackling bush encroachment. They can also ensure a more productive use of their land.
To support farmers, the De-bushing Advisory Service (DAS) has been conducting a series of trainings across Namibia with a focus on bush encroached regions.
In this short film, Ms Ndapunikwa Pahangwashimwe , a member of the Onghalulu Farmers Cooperative shares what she has learned from the animal feed trainings.
The video shows the production process of bush-based animal feed compiled based on the result of GIZ/MAWF Bush Control & Biomass Utilisation Project and UNDP NAFOLA research and pilot trials from April 2016 to July 2017.
De-Bushing Namibia: Vision of an Emerging Sector is an introduction into bush encroachment in Namibia, outlining the causes, the problems and the opportunities for the country. It is the first video in a series of four.
De-bushing Namibia: Engaging People takes a closer look at small scale harvesting techniques, as well as the potential to add value to the biomass. It is the second video in the series.
De-Bushing Namibia: Scaling Up is the third video and addresses the potential for up-scaling with regard to biomass in Namibia, taking a closer look at the industrial use of biomass and the opportunity of of energetic biomass utilisation.
De-Bushing Namibia: Our Land, Our Voices is our fourth video. While filming episodes 1-3 we asked all of our interview partners the same 3 questions: What is the biggest problem with regard to bush encroachment? Who needs to act? What are you going to do?
De-bushing In Namibia:This video is based on the Economics of Land Degradation Initiative showcasing the economic gains from bush thinning in Namibia at both national and regional levels, using a case study of Otjozondjupa region.
The Standard Bank BIOMASS FAIR 2024 aims to promote the booming biomass sector in Namibia and the surrounding regions at large. The BIOMASS FAIR will took place over three days, from 9 to 10 August 2024 in Otjiwarongo in the Otjozondjupa region, offering a modern conference venue and ideal surroundings for showcasing biomass technology and field demonstrations. It comprises of an Industry Conference, a Networking Event, and an Expo.
The Standard Bank BIOMASS FAIR 2024 aims to promote the booming biomass sector in Namibia and the surrounding regions at large. The BIOMASS FAIR will took place over three days, from 9 to 10 August 2024 in Otjiwarongo in the Otjozondjupa region, offering a modern conference venue and ideal surroundings for showcasing biomass technology and field demonstrations. It comprises of an Industry Conference, a Networking Event, and an Expo.