Transforming small-scale farming through sustainable practices to ensure food security, enrich livelihoods and maintain fertile soils.

Sustainable Agriculture

Food production is crucial for Namibia, but current practices often exacerbate challenges such as biodiversity loss, topsoil erosion, and greenhouse gas emissions. The NNF addresses these issues by advocating for sustainable agricultural practices. Small-scale farmers in Namibia depend on crop and livestock production for food security and additional income, but traditional farming methods can deplete soil nutrients, leading to the need for shifting agriculture as new land is cleared periodically.
Through our Sustainable Agriculture program, we promote agroecological practices, including livestock integration, to enhance soil fertility and increase crop yields. This approach not only makes land more productive over time but also reduces the necessity for land clearing. Additionally, we connect farmers with markets and networks to improve livelihoods and foster collaborative benefits for all stakeholders.

Key Partners

Small scale farmers and local communities, Namibian Organic Association (NOA), Sustainability Institute (SI), Integrated Rural Development and Nature Conservation (IRDNC, Ministry of Agriculture Water and Land Reform, Namibia University of Science and Technology (NUST), World Food Programme (WFP)
Regions
Zambezi region (Chobe Mudumu landscape and Bwabwata National Park), Kavango East region, Omaheke region and across Namibia through the organic sector.
Objectives
  • Promote organic and agroecological practices in crop and livestock production through capacity building, knowledge dissemination, and network strengthening.
  • Enhance food security and protect habitats.
  • Establish linkages between agricultural activities and value chains.
  • Improve stakeholder cooperation and advocate for sustainable agriculture and agroecology policies.
2024 Highlights
  • 960 farmers were trained in agroecology.
  • 45 lead farmers and community extension officers completed a Trainer of Trainers program to educate community members.
  • 70 community backyard gardens and 17 cooking and nutrition clubs were established to enhance food security and promote healthy diets.
  • A market was created for the production and sale of chilli peppers.

    • For more information regarding the Sustainable Agriculture programme. Kindly contact Mereike Aufderheide-Voigt

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    Main Projects

    Improving the Namibian school feeding program through the introduction of agroforestry systems. Region: Kavango East, Kavango West, Kunene
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    To develop a cluster farming pilot project in the Kwando WDA (Wildlife Dispersal Area) IRDNC 10576. Region: Zambezi
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    Knowledge Hub for Organic Agriculture in Southern Africa (KHSA)
    Region: Zambezi and countrywide
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    Increasing rangeland and livestock productivity through digital technology and machine learning (Info Range)
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    KAZA Arise; Food security and habitat protection in Kavango Zambezi Transfrontier Conservation Area. Region: Zambezi
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    Facilitate the Improvement of Food Security of the Bwabwata National Park Residents Region: Zambezi, Kavango East
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    Support for Commercial Agriculture for Livelihood Improvement and Conservation in the Zambezi Region (COLAB), Region: Zambezi
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    Programmes

    Sustainable Forestry
    CBO Strengthening
    Sustainable Agriculture
    Combatting Wildlife Crime
    Marine & Coastal Conservation
    Freshwater And Inland Fisheries
    Technical Services
    Applied Scientific Research
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      Support the NNF

      Thank you for your interest in supporting our mission. There are several meaningful ways you can make a difference:

      • Buy Local & Organic: Support local communities by purchasing locally-produced and organic food whenever possible.
      • Support Local Conservation Efforts: Learn about and contribute to the work of Namibian communities who are dedicated to environmental conservation.
      • Respect Community Land Rights: Show respect for the rights of communities on communal land and support joint ventures in tourism and nature-based enterprises.
      • Embrace the Complexity of Conservation: Conservation is often more complex than it seems, but by working together, we can achieve positive, lasting change.
      • Get Involved: If you have a specific interest or passion, let us know. We'll connect you with one of our amazing partners who are leading impactful initiatives.
      If you would like to support us through monetary value, feel free to reach out to us directly by sending us an email to info@nnf.org.na. Subject line: NNF Supporter