Production Systems

Tipuana tipu

Tipuana tipu, commonly known as rosewood, pride of Bolivia, or tipu tree, is a fast-growing deciduous tree native to the subtropical and temperate regions of South America. It belongs to the Fabaceae (legume) family and is widely planted around the world as an ornamental, shade, and nitrogen-fixing tree. Its attractive yellow flowers and spreading canopy […]

Biomass Plants

Explore these trees Choose a tree by its job and your own site conditions. These new species pages explain the first steps, limits and practical trials. Kalahari apple-leaf: plan for a lasting native tree Bauhinia petersiana: identify it, then choose its role The functional lists below preserve earlier Namibian discussion and suggestions. Some functions still […]

Shieldboxes

The ShieldBox is a simple, low-cost innovation designed to protect young plants and seedlings in Namibia’s dry, harsh environments. Made from recycled pallet wood, it forms a small microclimate enclosure that guards against wind, heat, animals, and mulch damage — common causes of seedling loss in arid and semi-arid conditions. ShieldBoxes combine traditional wisdom with […]

Castor Oil Plant

Overview The castor oil plant is a fast-growing shrub or small tree best known for producing castor oil from its seeds. It is hardy, drought-tolerant once established, and often grows in disturbed places such as roadsides, dry riverbeds, abandoned fields and settlement edges. For regenerative agriculture, the plant is interesting because it can grow in […]

Agroecology in Africa

Agroecology is an approach to farming that works with nature instead of against it. Rather than relying heavily on synthetic fertilisers, pesticides and large amounts of fuel, agroecology uses natural processes to grow healthy crops, raise healthy animals and restore the environment. It combines modern science with traditional farming knowledge, helping farmers produce food while […]

Berm & Basin

Sandponics: assess a sand-based growing system before building

Sandponics is used for several sand-based growing approaches.

Crop rotation for small gardens

Plan your next planting by plant family, using a simple record of what grew in each bed.

Insect hotels and living habitat: make room for garden allies

An insect hotel can make small wildlife easier to observe, but it is only one part of a living garden.

Dassies and food gardens: protect a patch and observe

A garden beside rocky habitat may share its surroundings with dassies, also called rock hyraxes.

Faidherbia albida: the ana tree in a productive landscape

The ana tree, Faidherbia albida, can contribute shade, fodder and habitat to a large landscape.

Core gardening: test a buried organic layer before scaling up

Core gardening usually describes a bed with an organic layer buried beneath the growing soil.