|
Man-made deforestation is a big problem in the north central of Namibia.People cut down trees to mainly construct their houses and for firewood.Is there any solution to this? |
Yes there is a solution in sight! A joint research group of the Polytechnic of Namibia with three European universities is investigating a sustainable community based integrated renewable energy solutions for the rural Namibia and this particular problem of man-made deforestation
will be tackled by encouraging the planting of seed bearing tress for bio-fuel production. The research will design and manufacture simple
tools and implements for the harvesting, extracting and refining the bio-fuel. The Plant could also be used as live fences instead of the dry fences that are prevalent in this area.
Sam |
Dear Friends
Today is world food day. By far the biggest threat to food sovereignity and
security is genetic modification of our food and seed. This together with
Multinational corporations' stated plans to own the world's seed supply, is
something that affects us all. SAFeAGE has some wonderful DVD's that it
shows and sells on these and other issues. We encourage you to buy a DVD and
support us, as well as pass on your knowledge to others. Available are:
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
-----
1) Life Running Out of Control
Thorough examination of the issues surrounding the genetic manipulation of
plants, animals and human beings.
(95 minutes)
In the mid-eighties science, with the help of genetic technology, finds the
key to mastering the earth and especially its creatures. Suddenly,
everything seems possible!
Twenty years later we embark on a global journey to explore the progressive
and continual genetic manipulation of plants, animals and human beings:
Due to a disastrous crop with genetically modified cotton many Indian
farmers face ruin, have to sell one of their kidneys or resort to committing
suicide.
In Canada genetically modified canola seeds blow onto the fields of
neighbouring organic farms, thus making ecological farming impossible The
Icelandic parliament sells the entire pool of genes of its population to a
private company that, in turn, intends to turn over the data at a profit to
the data at a profit to the pharmaceutical industry and insurance companies.
A research project is designated as ”vampire project” in which blood, hair
and saliva samples are taken from 700 so-called ethnic groups on the verge
of extinction on the pretext of preventive health. The gene samples wander
into the laboratories of industry to provide the basis for valuable patents.
Worldwide only a handful of idealistic scientists are defying industry,
doing independent – without the financial support of industry – research on
the effects of transgenic animals and plants on the environment and our
health when we consume genetically modified food.
Directed by Bertram Verhaag
Produced by Michel Morales and Bertram Verhaag
for DENKmal-Films and Haifisch Films
Music by Michel Bauer
Film Editor - Gabriele Kröber, BFS
A film by Bertram Verhaag and Gabriele Kröber
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
--------------------------------------------------------------------
2) HIDDEN DANGERS IN KIDS' MEALS : Genetically Engineered Foods
School districts, supermarkets and even whole countries have banned
genetically engineered foods, fearing that they are not safe.
Discover the evidence that confirms that these dangerous foods should never
have been approved and find out how to protect yourself, your family and the
next generation.
THREE VIDEOS ON ONE DVD
From the Best Selling Author of 'Seeds Of Deception', Jeffrey M Smith.
· 1. Hidden Dangers In Kid's Meals : Genetically Engineered Foods (28.5
minutes)
Shocking research results, inadequate regulations, and warnings from eminent
scientists, explain why genetically engineered foods are dangerous and
should be removed from 'kids' meals. The dramatic story of how student
behavior in a Wisconsin (USA) school was transformed with a healthy diet,
provides added motivation to make a change. (28 minutes)
· 2. Health Dangers Of Genetically Engineered Foods and Their Cover-up (60
minutes)
International bestseller author Jeffrey M. Smith describes how the biotech
companies rig research, cover up health dangers and pressured government
regulators to approve foods even FDA scientists said was unsafe. Taped
lecture before a live audience. (60 minutes
· 3. The Wisconsin (USA) School Phenomenon : Impact of Fresh, Healthy Foods
on Learning and Behavior (15 minutes)
Parents, teachers, students and school officials describe dramatic
improvements in student behavior following a change in school meals. (15
minutes).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
-------------------------------------------------------------------
3) THE FUTURE OF FOOD
A film by Deborah Koons Garcia – 88 minutes or shorter 60 minute version.
There is a revolution happening in the farm fields and on the dinner tables
of America -- a revolution that is transforming the very nature of the food
we eat.
THE FUTURE OF FOOD offers an in-depth investigation into the disturbing
truth behind the unlabeled, patented, genetically engineered foods that have
quietly filled U.S. grocery store shelves for the past decade.
From the prairies of Saskatchewan, Canada to the fields of Oaxaca, Mexico,
this film gives a voice to farmers whose lives and livelihoods have been
negatively impacted by this new technology. The health implications,
government policies and push towards globalisation are all part of the
reason why many people are alarmed by the introduction of genetically
altered crops into our food supply.
Shot on location in the U.S., Canada and Mexico, THE FUTURE OF FOOD examines
the complex web of market and political forces that are changing what we eat
as huge multinational corporations seek to control the world's food system.
The film also explores alternatives to large-scale industrial agriculture,
placing organic and sustainable agriculture as real solutions to the farm
crisis today.
For more information or to buy these DVDs, contact SAFeAGE at
http://www.safeage.org or email safeage@mweb.co.za.
Or Call SAFeAGE on 021-447-8445
Charmaine Treherne
National Coordinator
SAFeAGE
PO Box 358
Woodstock, 7915
http://www.safeage.org <http://www.safeage.org>
+21-447-8445
072-450-8229
-----
No virus found in this outgoing message.
Checked by AVG Free Edition.
Version: 7.5.488 / Virus Database: 269.14.12/1072 - Release Date: 2007/10/15
05:55 |
Hi Hilde
Maybe cob-construction and bio-gas options could be discussed with them.
I have some generic "PACE" resources on the issues as well if you'd like
them.
Patrick D
|
I would like to contribute to the discussion on man-made deforestation in northern Namibia. I think if the Government and other stakeholders especially the private sector can assist in the
promotion of the system of solar technology in rural areas and the use of other alternative materials to construct houses, I think we will be on our way to finding reducing this problem. We have to consider poverty as a limiting and contributing factor and also in terms of locality status where people live and how they use to survive.
In some areas in Namibia especially in my village, the local community make use of Cow-dug,Gas stoves for cooking and bricks for constructing houses but again it is a question of who can afford what. I really think it is a problem that need attention. Education and awareness raising on these kinds of environmental problems need to be brought to the people. I would like to know more about the project that Samuel from the Polytechnic of Namibia is referring to. Involving local people in this kinds of projects also add value.
|
Thanks Samuel- It is interesting to know such work is going on in the area. Being familiar with that area, it strikes me, are such trees native to the proposed area(s)? I am just curious because I can hardly think of any seed bearing trees in that area, which could be planted to abundance that can sustain bio-fuel production. That is a dry-land area and I suppose seed bearing trees require more water that what we currently get. I would expect an approach to a solution of this kind of problem to come within the current means. Anyway, we have to wait and hear their findings I suppose. But do you know which trees they are considering Sam?
I remember there was work from a certain institution (I am not sure if it was Ministry of Mines and Energy or who). They looked at the use of a special stove that uses cow dung (and maybe any other animal). Several projects of that kind were also showcased at Ongwediva trade fare and these indicates that something is going on.
Samuel John <sjohn@polytechnic.edu.na> wrote:
Yes there is a solution in sight! A joint research group of the Polytechnic of Namibia with three European universities is investigating a sustainable community based integrated renewable energy solutions for the rural Namibia and this particular problem of man-made deforestation
will be tackled by encouraging the planting of seed bearing tress for bio-fuel production. The research will design and manufacture simple
tools and implements for the harvesting, extracting and refining the bio-fuel. The Plant could also be used as live fences instead of the dry fences that are prevalent in this area.
Sam
[ Disclaimer: Discussion forums are open to everyone. Opinions and assertions in discussions do not necessarily reflect the opinion of the DLIST administrators, staff or associated moderators. Any party that does not agree with the contents of messages are encouraged to make their views known on the open forum. Messages are moderated only to remove language that may be offensive to a general audience. ]
---------------------------------
Building a website is a piece of cake.
Yahoo! Small Business gives you all the tools to get online. |
In relation to this interesting question I would like to know if anybody can fill me in on the amount of thorn tree wood that is finding its way
onto the market as braai and firewood. We have seen a sharp increase in it here in Cape Town since the increased eradication of invasive alien
trees. Is this trade having impact in Northern Namibia. I see Namibian charcoal yet remain unsure if the thorn wood and charcoal are of the same
source, if they are sustainably harvested, if there is any oversight by any authority or any trans boundary regulation and if impacts are being
picked up in harvest areas? Thanks for all of your interesting contributions on this subject.
Glenn Ashton |
Hi Glenn,
The Namibian charcoal is generally produced from so-called invader bush, the
harvesting of which actually improves rangeland quality for grazing, as the
various invader bush species are actually pests that grow so thick as to
prevent more nutritious grasses from establishing and bar livestock from
entering the invaded areas.
The harvesting of invader bush is also a source of employment to a host of
workers (independent contractors) over large parts of the central/northern
commercial farming areas.
With regard to the thorn tree you mention as being sold in Cape Town for
braai wood (camelthorn?), it would be useful to establish the exact species
and the source in Namibia. There may be compliance issues here that the
authorities would like to pursue.
Kind regards,
Frank Löhnert
Access Property Innovations CC
flohnert@iway.na
Cell: ++264 - 81 - 129 4770
Fax: ++264 - 64 - 200156 |
Dear Glenn Ashton and all participants,
At the most parts of the northern Namibia that I have seen, thorn trees are not so commond and or literaly (generaly) not there. In cases that thye are present, they are not well received as firewood because of their strong smoke smell that tends to scent the food. This scent is so not well received to an extend that one may prefare to cook with palm leaves tham these thorn woods (sounds funny but true). Ofcourse I am not speaking for the entire North and other areas may have thorn woods that they utilize.
I have seen these type of wood (mostly acacia genus) used/sold in the central and southern town, I just don't know to what extend. To think of it now, it seemed as those are collected from very old deadwood, but someone might have a better knowledge on this and how it is harvested. In central northern Namibia, it is the mopane/mopani trees that seem very endengared, and trans boundary issues (Namibia/Angola) are energing.
Regards
Hilkka
ekogaia <ekogaia@iafrica.com> wrote:
In relation to this interesting question I would like to know if anybody can fill me in on the amount of thorn tree wood that is finding its way
onto the market as braai and firewood. We have seen a sharp increase in it here in Cape Town since the increased eradication of invasive alien
trees. Is this trade having impact in Northern Namibia. I see Namibian charcoal yet remain unsure if the thorn wood and charcoal are of the same
source, if they are sustainably harvested, if there is any oversight by any authority or any trans boundary regulation and if impacts are being
picked up in harvest areas? Thanks for all of your interesting contributions on this subject.
Glenn Ashton
|
Thanks Hilde for raising this issue of environmental degradation happening in Namibia. Basically, this is a problem throughout sub-Saharan Africa, due to the low standards of living(poverty) in rural areas, as people lack alternatives.
I will only assume that the plant Samuel is referring to is the Jatropha curcas, which originates from Mexico. This plant is being researched in most southern African countries, I reckon in Namibia as well. Hilkka, this plant is said, to be able to sustain bio-fuel production with its oil-producing seeds. International reports claim that a tonne of the Jatropha seed oil can yield up to 1100litres of bio-diesel. It is hoped that developing countries can increase their use of renewable energy sources, by making use of Jatropha.
The oil-producing seeds of this plant are inedible (toxic) to humans(I know it from experience when I was growing-up), and most animals and birds. This tree can grow in arid areas, and can be used for natural fencing; the oil from the seeds can be used for soap making or as lantern fuel in rural areas. The seeds also produce a high grade fertiliser after being crushed.
The plant can also improve the quality of the land, because of their shallow spreading root system.
Visit the Jatropha Tree Planting Community Enterprise Development: http://www.asapafrica.org/jatropha.htm
Some people question the whole idea of introducing an alien species into the environment, even if it could potentially contribute to rural employment and poverty alleviation and an alternative source of biofuel, which is not an easy consideration.
Regards
Melusile
|
Thanks very much Melusile, you are right, I am referring to the Jatropha
plant. There are different species, we need to identify the right
specie. Also it is not completely an alien plant in Namibia because we
have come across some trees somewhere further north of Namibia. Our
model is aimed at addressing the poverty issues through integrated
renewable energy solutions; so we are not looking at bio-fuel only but
also other sources of renewable energy in synergy. I for one do not
believe in having large plantations of Jatropha but to have a model that
is community based. I know for example that some people have tried to
have it in large commercial plantations, but what about food farming. A
community that cannot feed her people is in a serious problem. We hope
to avoid this problem and empower the communities themselves.
Samuel (Polytechnic) |
Man-made deforestation is a serious problem in
Sub-Saharan Africa. It is maily caused by the need of
man to fulfil his/her needs. There are different
solution to this problem. Education is of paramount
solution. Residents should be taught the repurcation
of deforestation.
Tree planting is another solution. Unguja, Zanzibar
has succeded to change the area in to green after the
Finnish initiated tree planting programe in Zanzibar
in 1980s. Before that time deforestation was serious a
problem in that area.
Alternatives to fuelwood should be sought. It is a
time for the Government to subsidize cost of using
electricity, so that many people can afford to use and
pay electricity bills rather than firewood and
charcoal.
|
Thanks Toivo. I think the best people to look after the resources are people who use them but only through environmental education.we need to conserve nature for the future generation.
As you said poverty is the main contributing factor to this, if the local community works together with the government, i think we might find a solution to reduce this problem.
|
Yes, i agree - i think Nobel Prize Winner and Greenbelt movement
initiator Wangari Mataai provides exactly the sorts of solutions we need
here, and are especially relevant as they are African solutions for Africa.
Glenn
Hilde Shekupe wrote:
>
> Thanks Toivo. I think the best people to look after the resources are people who use them but only through environmental education.we need to conserve nature for the future generation.
> As you said poverty is the main contributing factor to this, if the local community works together with the government, i think we might find a solution to reduce this problem.
|
I think the cultural norms of doing things is the main contributing factor,
and this will make it difficult for people to manage the resources
themselves person will never sacrifices hunger for the love of nature unless
there is another alternative sash as fully rural electrifications and
affordable/ cheaper sale of wires and poles to construct crawls and houses.
officials from the forestry must be placed in the remotest areas to
specifically do site inspections/educating in all districts and give
reports. Of course there will be cases of illegal harvesting as the
officials might not be at all places.
The planting of trees is a good idea but with our water problem (rural water
are paid per liter used ) it will still be a problem.
|
|
|
|
