The Key To Food Security
BEING a part-time communal farmer from a tender age, I have been noticing change in the way we Namibians farm.
The use of advanced technology has been the main cause as farmers are now moving away from the sustainable (traditional) farming we know to the so-called commercial methods (chemical dependent), which might directly or indirectly cause harm to the land in the long run. I personally believe the government through the Ministry of Agriculture should invest more in educating farmers about ‘permaculture’ (permanent agriculture - a way of farming where people are able to provide food throughout the year while protecting the environment). We need to see farmers do farming which is eco-friendly and with no use of chemicals. Farmers need to be taught eco-friendly activities that promote good soil, plants, organisms and biological ways of pest control. Chemical fertilisers, which are of benefit to the soil at time of production but cause great harm in the long run, can be substituted with natural compound manure which is easily accessible and convenient (eco-friendly). The use of compost (plant-waste) is also advisable as it keeps water in the soil. Farmers with animals should practice rotational grazing’ to avoid overgrazing, which might lead to soil erosion and loss of soil nutrients. Much can be done if only farmers work hand in hand collectively and share the little they know, so let’s farm together to meet Government halfway in achieving food security in a sustainable manner.I might not be an agricultural expert but from my experience I at least know the basics.
Leonard Mumbala
Windhoek