The article discusses the considerations one should make before deciding to leave a job to start farming. It emphasizes understanding the reasons for choosing farming, the necessity of resilience and hands-on involvement, the time it takes to see financial returns, and the significant initial investment required. The author advises against viewing farming as a quick path to wealth and suggests planning carefully, consulting with experienced farmers, and conducting thorough research before making the transition.

Rosa Korukuve, a full-time communal farmer in Otjinakwi village, Namibia, has started a vegetable garden to supplement her household needs and fulfill her ambition for horticulture. Despite challenges such as limited water supply, inadequate fencing, and a lack of knowledge in crop farming, her second harvest of mealies, beans, and pumpkins showed improvement due to partial upgrades in garden infrastructure. Korukuve seeks training and support to enhance her crop farming venture.

Charles Tjatindi emphasizes the importance of proper infrastructure in livestock farming, which can be cost-effective and even self-constructed. As winter approaches, he highlights the need to protect livestock from harsh weather, which is both productive and humane. He advises against using electric cattle prods due to cruelty and stresses the importance of maintaining feed quality, suggesting elevated feeding racks and bins to reduce waste and disease spread. Water supply must be clean and reliable, and infrastructure should be well-maintained to prevent neglect. Tjatindi concludes by underscoring the benefits of efficient farm infrastructure for reducing labor and stress.

Smallholder farmers in Africa remain impoverished despite their potential to contribute significantly to food security and economic growth in their communities. The lack of modern agricultural technologies, investment, and a distribution structure hinders their ability to access markets and maximize their potential. Innovation, science, and technology are needed to improve training and skills application in the agriculture sector. Governments should support initiatives and create affordable financing structures, as small-scale farmers often lack land ownership to secure loans. Infrastructure and policy challenges, such as unfavorable farm-gate prices, need to be addressed. Private sector investment is crucial, and the digital revolution presents unique opportunities for Africa to benefit from technological innovations, leading to a renewal powered by its young population, resources, and untapped markets. Thriving small-scale farmers and sustainable food systems are key to a brighter future for both rural and urban populations.

Farmers in southern Namibia, including Benedick Louw, are facing the challenges of 'green drought,' a condition where good rainfall leads to good rangeland conditions but farmers lack livestock due to previous severe droughts. Louw, who started farming with small stock during his school days, had to sell his livestock at low prices to avoid losses during the drought. Despite the difficulties, including land acquisition challenges attributed to institutionalized racism and unhelpful banking practices, Louw remains committed to farming. After being retrenched from Skorpion Zinc mine, he pursued a BSc in Agriculture and is now a Research Intern at the Agricultural Trade Policy Institute of NUST, working on projects to support youth, women, and vulnerable groups. He is also involved in a project commissioned by FAO and MAWLR and is on job attachment at Kanyikama Farm in the Kavango West Region.

Unotjari Kavari, a Namibian farmer based in Canada, has made a name for himself in small stock breeding, particularly with the Meatmaster breed. Despite challenges such as predators and unsuitable environments for the Dorper breed, Kavari has persevered with the support of his farming family, including his father and uncle. He emphasizes the importance of both stud and commercial farming, advocating for quality in breeding and the benefits of natural grazing for livestock health. Kavari believes that with the right approach, farming can significantly contribute to poverty alleviation and wealth creation.

Alba Marenga, a young farmer from the Eiseb area of the Omaheke region in Namibia, has followed in his father Karii Marenga's footsteps in farming white Brahman cattle. With a focus on breeding and selling young bulls, both stud and commercial, Marenga has established Karima Brahman Stud. Despite challenges such as poisonous plants and predators like leopards, hyenas, and wild dogs, he remains committed to his farming business. Marenga emphasizes the importance of having a commercial livestock backup plan alongside stud farming.

Mitchell Simataa, initially fearful of cattle, has become a successful farmer and agriculture influencer, particularly through mentoring and social media. His aunt, Agnes Limbo, played a crucial role in his development. Simataa uses his YouTube channel to educate and assist upcoming farmers, sharing knowledge and advice on livestock farming, horticulture, and farm management. He emphasizes the importance of learning from mistakes and adapting to the dynamic nature of the agriculture industry.

The recent ban on cattle exports from Namibia to South Africa highlights the importance of diversification in farming. Namibia's cattle industry has been stable, but economic conditions and climate change underscore the need for farmers to have multiple income streams. Diversification can be a double-edged sword, and its success depends on factors like environment, climate, and market. Examples from Namibia show that specializing in one product can be profitable, but diversification, when done well, is beneficial.

Kakunamuua Kahiha, from the village of Otjomukona in the Omaheke region, has transitioned from mixed breed sheep farming to becoming a stud breeder of Meatmaster sheep, known for their ease of lambing and fertility. He began with a ram and eight ewes from Jannie de Villiers and later improved his herd with rams from Bones Nell. Kahiha values the Meatmaster for its low maintenance and resistance to parasites. Despite challenges in communal farming, he has implemented successful strategies to protect his flock from predators like the black-backed jackal. Kahiha seeks advice from experienced farmers and encourages the youth to consider farming as a viable business opportunity.

Agricultural land loss and reduced crop and livestock variety are major issues in Namibia, exacerbated by frequent droughts and the country's arid climate. Rangelands are degrading, and grasses are losing nutritional value, potentially leading to biome shifts unfavorable for livestock. Farmers are often unprepared for droughts, lacking supplementary feeding plans. Collective action among communal farmers and financial preparedness for supplementary feed are crucial. Early supplementary feeding and livestock number reduction can mitigate the impact of drought, along with ensuring livestock vaccinations and treatments.

Ndasilohenda Katangolo-Nakashwa, a self-made entrepreneur from Omusimboti village, has been recognized as the Feedmaster Female Farmer of the Year in the poultry division. Her journey began in 2017 after attending a poultry training at the University of Science and Technology. Despite initial setbacks, such as losing nearly half of her chicks, she persevered and expanded her business, which now includes selling eggs and broilers for meat. She has grown her business to Omakange and targets the informal sector. Katangolo-Nakashwa emphasizes the importance of acquiring technical skills and knowledge to succeed in poultry farming and encourages especially women to venture into this sector.

Metarere Ngeenguno, raised in the livestock-rich Omaheke region, has realized his dream of becoming a farmer at Farm Bethlehem in the Leonardville district. Focusing on small stock farming, he breeds Boer goats and Van Rooy sheep, aiming to register as a stud Boer goat producer. Ngeenguno encourages aspiring farmers to remain dedicated and overcome challenges to achieve their farming goals.

Charles Tjatindi argues that quantity in livestock farming is crucial, especially for emerging farmers. He challenges the notion that quality alone is important, stating that established farmers also started with quantity before transitioning to quality. Tjatindi emphasizes that having a good number of livestock is essential for economic reasons and survival, allowing farmers to sell animals for necessary expenses. He advises novice farmers to start with numbers and gradually move to quality, warning against the risk of focusing solely on quality and neglecting the economic benefits of quantity.

Farming requires embracing change and using it to one's advantage. It demands commitment, determination, and a strong mindset. Effective farming involves rigorous planning, concrete production schedules, marketing plans, and a backup strategy. Farmers must stay informed about agricultural trends and world market fluctuations, such as fuel, electricity, and water prices, to adjust their strategies accordingly. Continuous learning and interaction with others are essential for growth in farming.

The Okahatjipara Agri Shows and Auction Society is set to transform perceptions of agricultural shows with a weeklong farmers' information session starting on 25 April 2022, culminating in an agricultural show and livestock auction. Organizer Mbunga Tjamuaha emphasizes the educational aspect for primary school learners and the marketing opportunities for farmers, aiming to add real value beyond just winning prizes. The event, particularly the auction, is anticipated to offer good prices for farmers' products due to the interest shown.