A continent and an ocean separate Brazil, the king-sized fruit producer of Latin America, from Namibia, nestled on Africa’s southwestern tip. Despite the vast geographical gulf, these two nations have found common ground in a most unexpected orchard.
While Brazil boasts 8.5 million square kilometres and a population of 160 million, Namibia is a wisp of its size and demographic. Yet, a shared desire to improve lives through resourcefulness has blossomed into a fruitful partnership.
Brazil’s expertise in tropical and subtropical fruits, honed by years of cultivating a global export market, could transform Namibia’s agricultural landscape. Brazil’s northeastern and central regions share striking similarities with northern Namibia’s agroecological conditions, making knowledge transfer tantalizing.
Recognising agriculture’s potential, Namibia’s Ministry of Agriculture, Water and Rural Development (MAWRD) prioritised research, technology adoption, and crop diversification. Stepping forward with open arms, Brazil’s Empresa Brasileira de Pesquisa Agropecuária (EMBRAPA), a powerhouse in agricultural research, dispatched two experts on a four-month mission to Namibia.
The first mission focused on the long game, establishing long-term agricultural field experiments. The second mission, however, delved into the juicy world of tropical fruits. These experts offered invaluable advice on introducing and breeding new varieties, setting up nurseries, and establishing experimental facilities for propagating fruit trees.
Knowledge dissemination became a cornerstone of the collaboration. Information meetings buzzed with activity, while training courses equipped Namibian technicians and farmers with the skills to manage orchards effectively. Germplasm – the genetic treasure trove of future breeding programs – was exchanged, further bolstering Namibia’s crop diversification efforts.
The success of this collaboration is a testament to the power of shared resolve. Here are some of the sweet fruits borne from this partnership:
An oasis of knowledge: An irrigated fruit-tree nursery sprung to life at the Mannheim Research Station, churning out grafted mango trees and papaya seedlings. This nursery also embraced water-saving irrigation techniques, a crucial lesson in a resource-scarce environment.
The humble trap bottle: Forget high-tech contraptions. This ingenious invention, crafted from a recycled plastic bottle filled with sugar syrup, became a champion in the fight against fruit flies. Its simplicity belied its effectiveness, as trapped flies served as early warnings of an infestation.
A helping hand: Bananas ripened faster and with less waste thanks to a simple hand tool, custom-designed by the Brazilian experts. This innovation not only sped up harvesting but also minimized damage to the trees themselves.
Pruning for profit: The experts shared the art of pruning mango trees, a technique that conserves precious nutrients in the branches and encourages earlier flowering – a boon for farmers seeking premium prices for off-season fruit. Grafting techniques were also improved, leading to the production of healthier trees and the potential to rehabilitate older or diseased ones.
Sowing the seeds of success: From the members of the Namibian foundation Woman Action Development to the technicians at research stations, everyone received demonstrations on the best methods to sow fruit-tree seeds, ensuring maximum germination rates.
Beyond these practical applications, the Brazilian experts fostered a vibrant exchange of knowledge. Seminars and MAWRD agronomy meetings became platforms for sharing technological advancements and discussing the results of these novel practices.
The missions of these Brazilian experts have laid the groundwork for a flourishing fruit sector in northern Namibia. This collaboration is a testament to the power of international cooperation, proving that even worlds apart, a shared desire for growth can cultivate a fruitful future.
