Inclusivity within Climate Smart Solutions.

Bridging the Gap is dedicated to unearthing valuable insights that aim to shift the information access gap. From technological learning gaps to gaps in socio-economic development, we invite a local expert in residence to weigh in and shed light on opportunities for social innovation.

The first episode features expert, Deane Spall Co-Founder of Urban Harvest, who touches on his introductions to climate smart solutions (hydroponics) and how we can start integrating them into the framework of our communities.

As part of our dedication to contribute to the reduction of unemployment and bolster food security efforts within our communities, we sat down with - Deane to discuss the importance of establishing inclusivity as a base principle in the application of climate smart solutions within Namibia.

In our conversation, we explored how smallholder farmers face a variety of challenges, including low and variable rainfall, poor soils all characterized by climate change and aridity

And how ultimately the adoption of climate smart solution such as hydroponics and aquaponics is a matter of inevitability when confronted with these issues.

When asked how his journey began, all actions were filtered through a need for purpose;

To be quite cliché, it was a search for purpose that started my journey into climate smart solutions.

During my studies as a charted accountant at the University of Cape Town – I often felt disconnected between what I was studying and the lack of passion behind the topic. And as time went on, I found myself volunteering at various urban organic farms during the weekends and if I am completely honest…during the week - when I should have been attending classes. As I started getting into it – I ended up taking permaculture courses and learning about the ins and outs of soap making and a long list of other "hippy things" whilst completing my studies.

However, once I moved back to Windhoek, I started investigating topics around hydroponics and aquaponics – trying to gauge avenues of adaptability in relation to our arid climate and the limited water resources available. Once I found myself down the rabbit hole – my journey was set in soil. 

While exploring the various solutions that exist within the field of climate smart solutions, we were able to uncover three key points that would hopefully demystify the subject:

1. Knowledge is key- in an age of information – one google search and in some cases, a WhatsApp post – will direct you to the right sources. Where you can start asking the questions or gaining access to the right videos before diving into the ground or in this case the water.

2.Start small,  scale and grow – you will always be met with a steep learning curve when transitioning from theory to practical. The reward stems from the challenge. Whether your focus is subsistence or exploring fresh produce as potential business venture for added income – the lessons remain constant but so are the results. When we talk about inclusivity, you don’t need a high-tech system to get started an example of the is the Dutch bucket system.

3. Find a community of likeminded growers- from a mentor or friend to family and customers. Everyone is part of your success. Keep these people close and you will grow together.

After completing a tour of the farm site and nearing the end of our chat, Deane offered his reflection on creating a more adaptable and inclusive green economy – filtering knowledge and action from the top down;

We need to apply the lessons above on a national scale.

To address the problem of food insecurity in our communities, we need to grow the community element to a more national and governmental level - where conducive policy frameworks are established and people are well informed about them.

Additionally by bring the knowledge element into the education sector from a productive age and it can be a norm in people's lives. It is crucial to note that food security is intrinsically linked to a well functioning and healthy society.

To learn more about how you can get involved in pioneering climate smart solutions into your community base, stay tuned as we document and share lessons learned from our climate smart training farm.