FARM CONSTANCIA – The southern parts of Namibia are widely known for their dry climate and harsh vegetation, conditions that make crop production difficult for many.
However, one farmer near Keetmanshoop is working to prove that food production is still possible in the arid South.
Frederick Moses Jacobs has established a small fruit garden at Farm Constancia Opstal, located a few kilometres outside Keetmanshoop. On the farm, neatly spaced rows of fruit trees stretch across the sandy soil, including guava, mango and lemon trees that Jacobs has been carefully cultivating.
The farm has deep family roots. It originally belonged to his late father, and after his passing, Jacobs decided to return and continue the agricultural work started by his parent.
“My father used to work this land, so after he died, I moved here to continue what he started,” he said.
Today, the small farming operation is a family effort. Jacobs works alongside his wife, two sons and his father-in-law to maintain the orchard and keep the farm productive.
Despite the challenging environment, the trees are beginning to bear fruit, showing that with dedication and proper care, agriculture can still thrive in southern Namibia.
Jacobs added the project has received some support from the Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism office in Keetmanshoop, which provided him with seeds to help expand his garden.
However, he still faces several challenges.
One of the biggest problems, he says, is protecting the fruit from birds, which often feed on the produce before it can be harvested. “I am struggling with nets because the birds eat the fruit,” he said.
To supplement his income, Jacobs also keeps a small number of goats on the farm. The livestock helps sustain the family while the fruit trees continue to grow and produce.
For Jacobs, farming is not only about survival, but also about self-reliance.
“The most important thing is to try to do something for yourself instead of just complaining,” he continued.
Looking ahead, Jacobs hopes to expand the orchard into a much larger garden and eventually sell his produce commercially in nearby towns.