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62 guidesHorses
In the realm of sustainable and regenerative agriculture, permaculture stands as a beacon of hope, offering innovative ways to create harmonious ecosystems that work in tandem with nature. One of the most captivating and effective practices within permaculture is the use of horses on a farmstead. These majestic creatures, once indispensable to human agriculture, are […]
Donkeys
In the realm of sustainable and regenerative agriculture, permaculture is leading the charge towards creating resilient ecosystems that work in harmony with nature. One of the often-underestimated yet highly effective practices within permaculture is the integration of donkeys into a farmstead. These gentle creatures, historically overshadowed by their larger equine counterparts, are now stepping into […]
Rabbits
In the realm of sustainable and regenerative agriculture, permaculture stands as a beacon of hope, offering innovative ways to create harmonious ecosystems that work in tandem with nature. Among the lesser-explored practices within permaculture is the integration of rabbits into a farmstead. These small and prolific animals, often associated with backyard pets, are now gaining […]
Leucaena (Wonderboom)
The wonderboom Wonderboom (Leucaena leucocephala) The Wonderboom’s versatility and multiple uses contribute to sustainable agriculture, livestock management, and environmental conservation in various regions around the world. Seeding Leucaena Leucaena, commonly known as “Wonderboom” or Leucaena leucocephala, is a fast-growing, nitrogen-fixing tree often used in agroforestry, as fodder, and for soil improvement. Growing Leucaena from seed […]
Salvinia molesta (Kariba weed): a careful, contained option for village feed in dry Namibia?
Kariba Weed (Salvinia molesta) is a very fast-growing floating fern. In Namibia it is an alien invasive that causes problems in natural wetlands, especially in the Zambezi Region. But in our dry villages, it cannot survive outside water for long. With tight containment (tanks, filters, no leaks) and no chemicals, small communities can trial it […]
Lablab
Lablab (Lablab purpureus) in Arid Namibia: A Resilient and Multi-Purpose Crop Lablab (Lablab purpureus), also known as hyacinth bean or dolichos bean, is a highly adaptable legume that thrives in dry climates. It is valued for its ability to provide nutritious food for humans, forage for animals, and improve soil fertility. In Namibia’s arid regions, […]
Kalahari Melon (Tsjammas) – A Namibian Treasure for Food, Oil and Income
Introduction The Kalahari Melon (Citrullus lanatus var. citroides)—known locally in Namibia as Tsjammas, Tsamma, or wild watermelon—is more than just a fruit of the wild. It is a plant of ancient heritage, drought resilience, and economic promise. Once overlooked as a subsistence food or livestock supplement, this underutilised crop is emerging as a commercially viable […]
Tree Lucerne – Tagasaste
Introduction Tagasaste (Cytisus proliferus), also known as Tree Lucerne, is a fast-growing evergreen shrub or small tree originating from the Canary Islands. It has gained popularity in dry regions like Namibia as a high-protein livestock fodder crop, soil improver, and windbreak, especially on degraded or sandy soils. Why Tagasaste Matters Ideal Growing Conditions in Namibia […]
Insects for Homestead Chicken & Fish Feed
Why insects? Insects turn low-value organic leftovers into high-value protein and fertilizer, closing loops at village scale. Black soldier fly (BSF) larvae, for example, eat food scraps and agro-wastes, their dried bodies become feed, and their frass is a plant-boosting soil amendment. A Windhoek enterprise (Biocycle) already does this at small industrial scale, diverting ~60 […]
Atriplex saltbush: assess a fodder planting
Identify the species, check livestock water and test a small protected planting before expanding saltbush as supplementary fodder.
Faidherbia albida: the ana tree in a productive landscape
The ana tree, Faidherbia albida, can contribute shade, fodder and habitat to a large landscape.
Brachiaria forage: turn a promising recommendation into a local trial
Brachiaria is a familiar name for forage grasses now often classified under Urochloa.