Dry Grasslands

Mobile Electric Camp/Paddock for mob grazing

Building small mobile enclosures with electric fences for mob grazing can be a practical and effective way to manage livestock rotation without the need for a herder. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to create such enclosures: Materials Needed: Step-by-Step Process: Remember that electric fences are effective when properly installed and maintained. Ensure the electric […]

Conservation Agriculture

Conservation agriculture is an innovative and sustainable farming approach that focuses on preserving natural resources while enhancing agricultural productivity. It involves three key principles: minimal soil disturbance, continuous soil cover, and crop rotation or diversification. Conservation agriculture aims to promote soil health, reduce water usage, and protect the environment, making it highly relevant in Namibia, […]

Rain fed crops in the desert

Growing crops in the desert can be challenging due to the extreme heat, limited water availability, and sandy soils. However, with careful planning and the right techniques, it’s possible to cultivate crops successfully even in arid regions. Here are some methods to consider for growing crops in the desert: 1. Choose Drought-Tolerant Crops: Opt for […]

19+ Important Dryland Strategies

From a permaculture perspective, there are several dryland strategies to increase water retention and availability on dry lands. These strategies aim to maximize water use efficiency, reduce evaporation, and encourage natural water infiltration and retention. Here are some dryland strategies commonly used in permaculture: It’s essential to adapt these dryland strategies to the specific climate, […]

Plant Hardiness Zone Map

What’s a plant hardiness zone map? A plant hardiness zone map is a geographical tool used to help gardeners, farmers, and horticulturists determine the suitability of various plant species for a particular region based on its climatic conditions. It divides different areas into zones based on the average annual minimum winter temperatures. These zones are […]

Keep healthy soil during winter and droughts

Maintaining a healthy soil biome during challenging conditions such as winter and drought is crucial in organic farming. Here are some strategies to help keep the soil ecosystem active and thriving during these times: 1. Mulching: Applying a thick layer of organic mulch, such as straw, leaves, or wood chips, helps to insulate the soil […]

Nature’s strategies for restoring a desert

Rethinking the Desert: It’s Not Dead—It’s Dormant Deserts are often misunderstood. To the untrained eye, they appear lifeless, dry, and empty. But beneath the surface lies a web of potential—waiting for the right conditions to reawaken. Nature never truly abandons a place. It simply slows down, retreats, and adapts. The resilience of desert ecosystems is […]

Keyline Design

Implement Keyline Design to optimize water management in arid regions, enhancing soil fertility and reducing erosion by aligning land use with natural topography.

Berm & Basin

Communal grazing: agree the rules, care for the land

Communal grazing management is a shared agreement about land, animals, water and work. A grazing map helps, but people must also agree who can use each area, how decisions change during drought and how the benefits and responsibilities are shared.