Agricultural Science (AS)·General agriculture · NSSCAS 1.2a
Sustainable & conservation agriculture
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Our land is dry, our rain is little, and every season we ask more of the same tired soil. So how does a Namibian farmer grow enough food today without ruining the soil and water their grandchildren will need tomorrow? In this lesson we meet the idea of sustainability, learn why water security matters so much in the driest country in sub-Saharan Africa, and discover the practical soil-saving skills of conservation agriculture before weighing organic against conventional farming.
What you'll learn in this lesson
By the end you should be able to (NSSCAS Agricultural Science (AS) 1.2a):
- Explain that sustainable development means meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs
- Describe the three pillars of sustainability: environmental, economic and social
- Discuss the need for sustainable agriculture, including protecting soil against degradation and safeguarding water security
- Explain what water security means and why it is critical in a dry country like Namibia
- Explain the practices of conservation agriculture: minimum or no tillage, permanent soil cover with mulch and crop residue, and crop rotation and diversification
- Describe how contour ploughing and agroforestry help conserve soil and water
- Compare organic and inorganic (conventional) farming
- Discuss the difference between organic and conventional farming in relation to sustainability
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