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Rain fed crops in the desert

Prickly Pear Cactus in Israel: https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/2/28/PikiWiki_Israel_32010_The_Orly_Cactus_Pear_Farm.JPG

Growing crops in the desert can be challenging due to the extreme heat, limited water availability, and sandy soils. However, with careful planning and the right techniques, it’s possible to cultivate crops successfully even in arid regions. Here are some methods to consider for growing crops in the desert:

1. Choose Drought-Tolerant Crops: Opt for crops that are well-suited to arid conditions, such as fonio, millet, quinoa, sorghum, and certain types of beans. These crops have adapted to thrive with less water.

2. Soil Preparation: Before planting, prepare the soil by adding organic matter like compost. This helps improve soil structure and water retention, allowing the plants to access moisture more effectively.

3. Watering Techniques:

  • Drip Irrigation: Drip irrigation is an efficient method that delivers water directly to the plant’s root zone. It minimizes water wastage through evaporation and helps conserve water.
  • Mulching: Apply a layer of mulch around the plants. Mulch helps retain soil moisture, prevents weed growth, and shields the soil from the sun, reducing water evaporation.
  • Rainwater Harvesting: Collect rainwater in barrels or tanks during rainy periods. This harvested rainwater can be used to irrigate crops during dry spells.

4. Shade and Wind Protection: Plant windbreaks or use shade structures to protect the crops from strong desert winds and intense sunlight. Shade canopies or strategically placed tall plants can offer relief to sensitive crops.

5. Companion Planting: Practice companion planting by growing plants that have a symbiotic relationship. Some plants provide shade or attract beneficial insects, which can help protect and support the main crops.

6. Soil Moisture Sensors: Use soil moisture sensors to monitor the soil’s water content. These devices can help you determine when and how much water your crops need, preventing overwatering and ensuring efficient water use.

Ancient Watering Techniques: Ancient civilizations living in arid regions developed innovative methods to conserve and use water for agriculture. Some ancient watering techniques include:

1. Qanat: A qanat is an underground channel used to transport water from a distant water source (usually mountains) to fields in arid regions. It’s an ancient method that allowed communities to access groundwater and distribute it to farms.

2. Terracing: Terraced farming involves building steps or terraces on hillsides. These terraces help retain water and prevent soil erosion, making it easier to grow crops on slopes.

3. Olla Irrigation: Olla irrigation involves burying clay pots (ollas) in the ground near the plants. These pots gradually release water to the plant’s roots, effectively watering the crops while reducing evaporation.

4. Fog Harvesting: In coastal desert areas, fog nets or screens were used to capture water from fog and convert it into liquid water droplets that could be collected and used for irrigation.

By combining modern water-saving techniques with ancient wisdom, it’s possible to create sustainable and successful farming practices in desert environments. Growing crops in the desert not only provides food and income but also helps improve the overall resilience of communities living in arid regions.

Some Namibian crops to plant in the desert with ancient techniques

In Namibia’s desert regions, where water is scarce, ancient watering techniques can play a crucial role in supporting sustainable desert farming. Here are some suitable species for desert farming in Namibia, along with corresponding ancient watering techniques:

1. Millet (Pearl Millet and Finger Millet): Millet is a drought-tolerant crop and can grow well in sandy soils with limited water. It’s a staple grain in many arid regions.

Ancient Watering Technique: Implementing qanat systems or terracing can be beneficial for millet farming. Qanats can transport water from distant sources, while terracing helps conserve water and prevent soil erosion.

2. Cowpeas: Cowpeas are a drought-resistant legume that thrives in hot and arid conditions. They fix nitrogen in the soil, improving soil fertility.

Ancient Watering Technique: Olla irrigation, using buried clay pots (ollas) near the cowpeas’ roots, can provide a steady water supply to the plants, preventing water wastage.

3. Sorghum: Sorghum is well-suited for dryland farming and can tolerate low rainfall and high temperatures.

Ancient Watering Technique: Terracing and mulching can be applied to sorghum cultivation to maximize water use efficiency and protect the soil from erosion.

4. Indigenous Vegetables (e.g., Wild Spinach, Cleome, Tamarillo): Some indigenous vegetables are adapted to arid conditions and can be grown as an important source of nutrition.

Ancient Watering Technique: Fog harvesting, especially in coastal desert areas, can capture moisture from fog and provide supplementary water to these crops.

5. Aloe Vera: Aloe vera is a hardy succulent that thrives in dry conditions and has various uses, including medicinal and cosmetic purposes.

Ancient Watering Technique: Olla irrigation can be employed to provide water directly to the aloe vera plant’s roots, conserving water in the process.

6. Indigenous Fruit Trees (e.g., Marula, Baobab): Indigenous fruit trees are adapted to arid climates and can provide valuable fruits and other products.

Ancient Watering Technique: Terracing can help protect the roots of fruit trees from water runoff and prevent soil erosion.

Remember, when using ancient watering techniques, it’s essential to consider the specific environmental conditions and the availability of water sources in each location. While these ancient methods have proven effective over the years, combining them with modern water-saving techniques can enhance their efficiency and sustainability in desert farming practices in Namibia.

Foreign species suitable for desert growing

Jojoba and other species used in other deserts can also be suitable for desert farming in Namibia, especially when combined with ancient watering techniques. Here’s a list of such species:

1. Jojoba (Simmondsia chinensis): Jojoba is a drought-tolerant shrub native to arid regions of North America and is well-suited for desert farming.

Ancient Watering Technique: Jojoba can benefit from drip irrigation, which allows controlled and efficient water delivery directly to the roots.

2. Desert Date (Balanites aegyptiaca): The desert date tree is adapted to dry climates and provides edible fruits, oil, and medicinal uses.

Ancient Watering Technique: Rainwater harvesting can be employed to collect water during occasional rains and supplement irrigation during dry periods.

3. Mesquite (Prosopis spp.): Mesquite is a hardy tree with deep roots, making it drought-resistant and valuable for providing shade, fodder, and edible pods.

Ancient Watering Technique: Mesquite can be grown using terracing to retain water on slopes and protect the trees from runoff.

4. Saguaro Cactus (Carnegiea gigantea): Though native to the Sonoran Desert in North America, some cacti species, like the saguaro cactus, can be cultivated in desert-like environments.

Ancient Watering Technique: Olla irrigation can be adapted for cactus cultivation, providing controlled water supply directly to the cacti’s roots.

5. Opuntia (Prickly Pear Cactus): Prickly pear cactus is another type of cactus that can be grown in desert regions and offers edible fruits (tunas).

Ancient Watering Technique: Fog harvesting or rainwater harvesting can supplement water supply for prickly pear cacti during dry periods.

6. Agave (Agave spp.): Agave plants are succulents well-suited for desert environments and can be used to produce agave syrup and fibers.

Ancient Watering Technique: Mulching and terracing can aid agave cultivation, protecting the soil and conserving water.

7. Date Palm (Phoenix dactylifera): Date palms are well-adapted to desert conditions and provide delicious and nutritious dates.

Ancient Watering Technique: Drip irrigation or qanat systems can be used for date palm cultivation, delivering water efficiently to the trees’ roots.

When incorporating these species into desert farming, it’s crucial to research their specific water and environmental requirements. By combining ancient watering techniques with modern knowledge, desert farmers in Namibia can create sustainable and productive farming systems, harnessing the potential of these desert-adapted species.

Beware:

Introducing foreign species can pose several risks to the environment, native species, and local ecosystems. Some of the risks include:

  1. Invasive Species: Foreign species may have no natural predators or competitors in the new environment, leading to uncontrolled population growth and outcompeting native species. This can disrupt the balance of the ecosystem.
  2. Disease Transmission: Foreign species may carry diseases or parasites that can harm native species, leading to disease outbreaks and declining biodiversity.
  3. Genetic Pollution: Crossbreeding between foreign and native species can result in hybridization, which may alter the genetic makeup of native populations and weaken their adaptability to local conditions.
  4. Habitat Alteration: Foreign species may modify the local habitat, causing changes in soil composition, water availability, and vegetation, which can negatively impact native species and ecosystem functions.

Applying for Permits in Namibia:

To avoid the risks associated with introducing foreign species, individuals or organizations planning to introduce non-native species in Namibia must follow a permit application process. The steps typically involve:

  1. Contact the Appropriate Authorities: Identify the relevant government agency responsible for the conservation and management of wildlife and natural resources in Namibia. In most cases, it would be the Ministry of Environment, Forestry, and Tourism.
  2. Research and Information Gathering: Conduct thorough research on the proposed foreign species, its potential impacts, and the reasons for introducing it. Be prepared to provide scientific evidence to support your application.
  3. Application Submission: Prepare a formal application detailing the purpose, scope, and intended activities related to the introduction of the foreign species. Include information about measures to mitigate potential risks and safeguard native species and ecosystems.
  4. Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA): Depending on the scale of the introduction, an EIA may be required to assess potential impacts. This assessment helps authorities make informed decisions.
  5. Public Consultation: Engage with local communities and stakeholders to obtain their input and concerns regarding the proposed introduction.
  6. Permit Evaluation: The relevant government authority will review the application, considering environmental, social, and economic factors, as well as the potential risks and benefits.
  7. Permit Approval or Rejection: If the application meets the necessary requirements and poses minimal risk, the permit may be granted. Otherwise, it may be rejected or require modification to address concerns adequately.

By following the permit application process, individuals and organizations can ensure that their actions are aligned with environmental conservation goals and that potential risks associated with introducing foreign species are minimized and managed responsibly. Perhaps it’s better you stick to those species that are already being grown and promoted in Namibia.

Worthwhile videos:

Here’s a farmer in Burkina Faso turning back the desert, increasing the water table, reducing runoff and increasing productivity by digging pits, adding organic matter and dung and termites – who help break up the soil and help with water infiltration.

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