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Flood- and Drought-Adaptive Cropping Systems to Conserve Water Environments in Semi-arid Regions

Bioresources

Republic of Namibia

Finished

Flood- and Drought-Adaptive Cropping Systems to Conserve Water Environments in Semi-arid Regions

Design Agriculture to Withstand Flooding and Droughts: New Farming Techniques for Semiarid Zones

Principal Investigator

- Prof.
  IIJIMA Morio
  Faculty of Agriculture, Kinki University

ODA Recipient Country

Republic of Namibia

Research Institutions in Japan

Kinki University / Ryukoku University / The University of Shiga Prefecture (USP) / Nagoya University / Tohoku University

Research Institutions in Counterpart Country

University of Namibia (UNAM)

Adoption fiscal year

FY 2011

Research Period

5 Years

Overview of the Research Project

Agriculture that supplies a constant yield in years with flooding and droughts
Many areas of southern Africa suffer from food shortages as a result of flooding and drought. The instability of seasonal wetlands that is formed during the rainy season is forcing the desert nation of Namibia to redesign its agriculture to ensure sufficient food supplies. The aim of this project is to develop new agricultural techniques that supply a constant yield even in years of flooding and drought. Specifically, rice, a newly introduced crop, is being grown with pearl millet, the local staple, to assess water requirements and economic feasibility, and develop a new cultivation model.

Analyzing data on water, farming, and wetlands to introduce a new cultivation model
We are investigating appropriate mixed cropping combinations and arrangements to ensure economic water use. By investigating wetland water quantity and the degree of dependence of crop growth on flooding, we aim to establish and introduce a new sustainable cultivation model in southern Africa that both protects the aquatic environment and makes maximum use of seasonal wetlands to help raise the living standards of subsistence farmers.

Photo gallery

Millet, the staple local crop, is milled by hand.

Rice grown and harvested at the University of Namibia and pearl millet grown by local farmers. We are developing a new cultivation method that ensures stable yields of both crops.

Rice grown and harvested at the University of Namibia ( left ) and pearl millet grown by local farmers ( right ). We are developing a new cultivation method that ensures stable yields of both crops.

Rice cutivar selection study at the experimental farm of the Faculty of Agriculture and Natural Resources, University of Namibia

Research collaborators, who are lecturers of University of Namibia and who completed a master course in Japan, participating in a fall festival in Aichi Prefecture (from Namibian newspaper)