Maltahöhe becomes prickly pear trailblazer
Renewable energy
By transforming underutilised desert land into productive farmland, Nopal has created jobs for an estimated 75 people.
Nopal Carbon Farming, in collaboration with the Namibia Investment and Development Promotion Board (NIPDB), held a groundbreaking ceremony for their prickly pear project on Farm Namseb in Maltahöhe last week.Nopal is pioneering the development of Opuntia Ficus-Indica prickly pear farms, which combat climate change by absorbing carbon dioxide, preventing desertification and improving soil health. This initiative will also generate renewable energy while providing economic opportunities through job creation, livestock feed and food security.
In addition to the environmental benefits, the initiative also aims to empower local communities. By partnering with local farmers, it ensures inclusive economic growth and long-term sustainability for Namibia’s agriculture and energy sectors. By transforming underutilized desert land into productive farmland, Nopal has created employment opportunities for an estimated 75 people.
Phase 1
The first phase of the project in collaboration with the Gusinde von Wietersheim Successors Trust, spans 500 hectares within a wider 12 000 hectares of sustainable agriculture and represents an investment of approximately N$66 million, with an estimated total investment of over N$1 billion.
Founder and Nopal partner Nicole Maske of Windhoek, together with Nopal Corp of Portugal, has initiated large-scale prickly pear farming.
The Opuntia Ficus-Indica prickly pear is a hardy, resilient crop known for its ability to thrive in dry conditions. Nopal’s Opuntia are thornless, non-invasive cactus varieties from Italy, such as the red Rossa and orange Gialla cultivars. These are imported to Namibia from Portugal and will create an opportunity for local and overseas consumption.
With phase 1 launched in May 2024, Nopal aims to expand by cultivating 5 000 hectares of prickly pear by 2027 and 17 500 hectares by 2028.
High-density planting of 10 000 plants per hectare will ensure maximum yield by using efficient drip irrigation to manage water consumption. Organic fertilization from local livestock will be used.
The fruits will be harvested for sale, while the prickly pear leaves will serve as versatile animal feed. Fresh leaves will be sold directly to farmers during droughts. They will be sold dried in bulk or processed into pellets and feed blocks.
Thornless, non-invasive
The thornless variety of Nopal, which thrives in the harshest climatic conditions, is not only resilient but also proven to be a non-invader, ensuring that it integrates sustainably with the Namibian ecosystem.
Namibian Vice President and President-elect, Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, described the project as the “first of its kind for Africa” and praised Nopal as a catalyst for economic growth and job creation.
Her speech was delivered on her behalf by the Deputy Executive Director in the Office of the Vice President, Mateus Kaholongo.
“For too long, Namibia’s arid soil has been seen as a barrier to agricultural productivity, but today we are redefining what is possible. The harsh realities of land degradation, drought and food insecurity have long hampered the agricultural sector and economic opportunities in our drylands, but through innovative solutions like the Nopal project, we are rewriting this narrative.”
“The Nopal project serves as a blueprint for our nation’s future, where our land, our people and our economy thrive in harmony with nature.
“With the right support and partnerships, we can establish this model across Namibia, rehabilitating more land and creating even more jobs,” Nandi-Ndaitwah said.
She added that the project reaffirms Namibia’s commitment to the fight against climate change. “As the world grapples with the challenges of climate change, drought and food insecurity, Namibia is taking decisive action. This project is an important milestone in our journey towards energy independence.
“With the biogas, we are unlocking a renewable energy source that will provide stable and sustainable electricity, thereby reducing our dependence on fossil fuels, improving our energy security and positioning Namibia as a leader in the global clean energy revolution.”