The unique Namib desert-coastal region and its opportunities for climate smart agriculture: A review

Abstract

Namibia is the driest country in sub-Saharan Africa, with surface water being only available for very limited periods during the year. This has seen the country importing up to 70% of its food requirements which exacerbates the food security challenge in the face of climate change. This review looks at the Namib Desert, and how its unique environment can be exploited for agricultural production. The cool but sunny desert makes it possible to produce crops under controlled environments with limited evapotranspiration. However, the high cost of inorganic hydroponic fertilizers makes adoption of hydroponics by smallholder subsistence farmers a great challenge thus the potential of hydroponics fertilized by organic nutrient sources like vermicomposts is discussed; highlighting research gaps. This review also highlights the potential of utilizing fog water for irrigation, a resource that is abundant in the Namib Desert, which can be crucial in desert greening. Though mushroom production is an established technology, the potential of using seaweeds from the highly productive Atlantic Ocean as mushroom substrate amendments and their potential in improving the nutrient value of mushrooms is also explored. This review highlights that agriculture is possible in this hyper-arid desert, with research being critical in driving its success.