Growing food in the Kalahari Desert requires skill and tenacity. As an expert Permaculturalist, Fabian von Hase structured training over six months - from soil preparation to harvest.
An emphasis on home gardens provided valuable opportunity for motivated residents to learn ecological planting techniques to help overcome the challenges of growing crops in the Kalahari Desert. Von Hase surprised many participants with emphasis on the need for trees to moderate hot direct sunlight, conserve water, and maximize nutritional value. His training concentrated on soil amendment and mulching techniques along with high density, diverse, multi layered planting, which provides hope for more dependable crops in the future.
As part of the ongoing commitment to agricultural development the LISUP 4 project facilitated Fabian’s trainings. For those who live in cities with ready access to telephones, internet, and transportation it may be surprising to realize the complicated and time-consuming process required to make these trainings possible. For Belinda Thanises, LISUP 4 project manager, the training now requires critical reinforcement through ongoing land management (access to water) and implementation for the next growing season.
Successful conclusion of the training was celebrated as participants met in the fields to receive a final briefing and reference booklet. In Donkerbos San resident gardeners performed traditional song and dance in gratitude. It was a day of celebration!
The DRFN would like to like to extend our sincere thanks to the FNB Namibia Foundation for their sponsorship of this initiative.