The FOODSECBIO project works with smallholder farmers in the Mayana community in Kavango East to tackle soil fertility problems and malnutrition. Led by researchers from the Namibia University of Science and Technology and funded by the Science Granting Councils Initiative (SGCI), the project began in 2021 and is due to finish by July 2025. Organisers say the scheme also aligns with national goals on climate‑smart agriculture and indigenous knowledge.
Researchers developed five biofertilisers by isolating bacteria from legume soils and selecting strains with plant growth‑promoting traits, with particular focus on nitrogen‑fixing capacity. Around 30 farmers received training in making and applying the biofertilisers, in crop production methods, and in producing protein‑enriched pearl millet flours suitable for infants. Main crops and outputs include cowpea, pearl millet, bambara nut, groundnuts and protein‑enriched flours, as well as the five biofertilisers.
Several participants describe clear benefits. Natilia Rengi, who supports a family of 12, says the household now harvests enough to eat. Sofia Kamburu, 34, added beans, pearl millet, groundnuts and bambara nuts and learned better timing and planning for planting. Alta Ngoma, 30, had been unemployed for three years; since October she has earned income and can pay her child’s school fees. Project leaders note the work could reduce child malnutrition if partners work together, and that affordable seed availability can create jobs and strengthen food security. SGCI supports public science funding agencies in Sub‑Saharan Africa to improve research and evidence‑based policy.
Difficult words
- smallholder — a farmer who manages a small farm
- malnutrition — poor health from not enough nutrients
- biofertiliser — a natural product that improves soil fertilitybiofertilisers
- legume — a plant that makes pods with edible seeds
- strain — a variety of microorganism or plant typestrains
- indigenous knowledge — local traditional skills and environmental understanding
- food security — reliable access to enough safe food
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Discussion questions
- How might local production of biofertilisers help reduce malnutrition and support livelihoods in Mayana?
- What challenges could appear if the project is expanded to other communities, and how could they be addressed?
- In what ways can indigenous knowledge be combined with climate‑smart agriculture to improve food security?
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