Otjimbingwe,
Namibia
The Otjimbingwe communal area encompasses about 50,000 hectares of savanna, a fragile ecosystem typical of Nambia, which has been severely impacted by the invasive and encroaching Acacia bush. Living conditions are challenging for the human population here as well. The Omiti Biochar project addresses both of these issues, restoring sensitive grasslands and empowering farmers and herders with an organic product that will improve their grazing land for livestock and increase the productivity of their farmlands, creating meaningful jobs in the process.
The Namibian National Agricultural Policy (2015) acknowledges the challenges posed by invasive plant species, particularly Acacia, which contribute to bush encroachment, desertification, and environmental degradation. The policy aims to establish supportive mechanisms for farmers to effectively combat bush encroachment in the short and long term while restoring the savannah where it is currently growing.
The Omiti project will apply biochar in a variety of ways. Much of it will go back onto the savanna, helping to restore this sensitive habit that has been devastated by invasive Acacia. The local community will also apply it to its rangelands, farms, and community gardens. Omiti ultimately hopes to raise awareness about the benefits of biochar and create a market for it in Namibia.