by Deon Schlechter
Windhoek
San farmers from Nyae Nyae Conservancy recently visited Springbockvley for an Open Day with the Jongboer of 2015, Judith Isele, to learn more about different methods of farming and to build up their expertise.
The purpose of the visit was for the San, who are championing agriculture and livestock in the Nyae Nyae area, to gain exposure and motivation from the meeting. The San in Nyae Nyae Conservancy are currently supported by the European Union (EU) in Namibia – and previously the Environmental Investment Fund (EIF) – to diversify their livelihoods as a means to address the impacts of climate change.
They are working with local ministry of agriculture staff to implement planned grazing and herding and conservation agriculture, both sustainable practices that safeguard the environment while maximising the potential outcome from crops and livestock.
Climate change is having a huge impact on San communities and receiving input from a successful farmer like Judith Iseleto is a great opportunity to start diversifying their livelihoods into agriculture and livestock management; as is learning from other farmers present on the day and building their networks.
Efraim Kxoara, who is employed by the Nyae Nyae Conservancy as their agricultural officer, and /gao /amacea, who has championed progress in his village of G/aqo!oma’, sometimes struggle with the language at such events, but have found that they can pick up tips they can apply in their own areas.
Being around other farmers and like-minded people is very stimulating and motivating. It boosts their own farming activity, which in turn enables them to support their community and improve their food security, which is essential, as drought and climatic change impact on their traditional livelihoods.
Combining these new forms of livelihood with traditional ones, such as harvesting Devil’s Claw, craft-making and tourism activities, offers the San a viable future, where wildlife and livestock co-exist and agriculture becomes pivotal to their livelihood, alongside collecting bush foods.
It is hoped that sharing this knowledge and having the locals implement what they have learned through capacity building of individuals like Efraim and /gao will definitely improve the lives of the San community.
During the well-attended and widely supported session at Springbockvley there were numerous speakers that gave insights into ‘wholistic farming’ and how to get the most profit out of each hectare of land that is worked.
JongBoer of the year Judith Iseleto was delighted to be able to represent the farming community of Namibia and said: “It’s great to see so many farmers from different communities here at this event. We are all toiling the land in one way or another and we can definitely learn from each other.”