advice farming in Southern Africa

[paul1972]

dear Avalonians,

I am helping out a family in the Nothern part of Namibia to improve their farm.

MMS has already been introduced
The GEET engine is something to look at for the generator

At the moment they only grow Pearl Millet on the land,
what other crops would be suitable for this type of land / climate?

All tips, links to websites are welcome and very much appreciated

ONE Love

Paul1972

[elspru]

dear Avalonians,

I am helping out a family in the Nothern part of Namibia to improve their farm.

MMS has already been introduced
The GEET engine is something to look at for the generator

At the moment they only grow Pearl Millet on the land,
what other crops would be suitable for this type of land / climate?

All tips, links to websites are welcome and very much appreciated

ONE Love

Paul1972

Based on hardyness map of Africa http://www.backyardgardener.com/zone/africa.html

Nambia involves zones 9 and 10.
A quick search on PFAF reveals plants that grow at that hardyness level.
http://www.pfaf.org/database/search_prop.php?HARD=9&HARD=10

Cranberry, bamboo, lemon, orange, gum trees, hibiscus,
sweet potato, tomato, tea tree, lima bean,
date plum, pomegranate, stevia, grape, sweet corn,
wild colorado potato.

among many many others.
Also note that some plants that are hardy to a lower level
will still grow in your hardyness area.

can modify the search to fit your soil type and amount of hydration.
Forest gardening is highly recommended,
as it produces most for least effort,
and imporves soil quality.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Forest_gardening

so some plants might simply be there to fix nitrogen,
help bring nutrients to the topsoil,
or promote beneficial insects.