Agriculture
Karas is the driest region of the country. The average annual rainfall varies from less than 50 mm in the southwest (Namib Desert) up to 250 mm in the northeast of the region. The average rainfall per year in Keetmanshoop is 142 mm (this was measured over 54 years). Not only is the average rainfall low, rainfall is also very unpredictable and localised, to the extent that average figures are a 
poor guide of the rainfall situation.. For example, at Keetmanshoop it is common for rainfall to vary as much as 50 per cent from the average. Also, while one farm might receive good rainfall, the neighbouring farm might not receive any. In the hottest months temperatures climb to over 40°C (105°F), while in the coldest months temperatures can drop below freezing point at night.
Soils of the Karas region
The soils in Karas originate from the ancient Karoo and Nama sediments, which underlie the whole southern area of Namibia. For the most part these soils are shallow, stony, and contain little organic matter. They are low in fertility and do not support much vegetation. They have a clay content of less than 5%, and thus have a very low water holding capacity.
Vegetation types of the Karas region
Rainfall, temperature, soils and water flow, all play a part in determining the variety and number of plants growing in different parts of the region. The main vegetation type in the Karas Region is dwarf shrub savannah. It is known as the dwarf shrub savannah where Thigozum trichotomum, Catophractes alexandri and Eriocephalus species are very common. Parkinsonia africana, Acacia nebrownii, Boscia albitrunca and Boxcia foetida will only appear in certain areas. A wide range of grasses appear in the area and the distribution will depend on the soil types. Stipagrostis uniplumis, S. brevifolia, S. obtuse and S. anomala are available in most of the area. More to the West Panicum arbusculum, Setaria appendiculata, Anthephora pubescens, A. ramose and Digitaria eriantha are more common and these species are very important for good animal production. Trees are only confined to the riverbanks (Muller, 1983).
Vegetation types consist of desert-adapted plants towards the west, where rainfall is low. In the east, where rainfall is higher, you will find a 
mixed tree and shrub savannah. The largest part of this area is covered by sand dunes lying parallel, stretching along a northwest-south eastern direction. In the sandy parts Acacia haematoxylon are common in the shrub form. The harder soil areas between dunes are called streets and are mostly covered with Rhigozum trichotomum. Other trees and shrubs found in this area are: Acacia erioloba, Boscia albitrunca, Boscia foetida, Acacia mellifera subsp. Detinens, A. reficiens, A. hebeclada subsp. Hebeclada, grewia flava, G. deserticola and Rhus tenuinervis. The perennial grasses that are common in undisturbed veld are: Asthenatherum glaucum, Anthephora argentea, Eragrostis lehmanniana, Stipagrostis uniplumis and S. ciliata. In veld that was disturbed and not in a good condition Schmidtia kalariensis are very prominent. On the top of the dunes Stipagrostis amabilis are found and this specie is known to prevent sand erosion by the wind.
Stock Farming
The principal agricultural activity across much of this semi-arid region, begun centuries ago by Namibia’s nomadic peoples, is still the lifeblood for many citizens of the Karas region at both subsistence and commercial level - sheep, goats and cattle. In recent years, however, this has grown in scope to include commercial ostrich and game farming operations.
Stock farming occurs generally across the interior from Bethanie to Tses in the north, from Aroab to Karasburg in the south and across the central areas of Karas, with the recognised ostrich, karakul, sheep, and beef ‘capital’ of the region at Keetmanshoop. Traditionally, goat farming is found among the rural populations of the region and although 'ceremonial' markets exist in South Africa, the on-the-hoof export levy to be imposed by Government remains a challenge for farmers, who are looking for alternative markets.
Irrigated Crop Zones
Despite its dry, seemingly waterless geography, there are some surprisingly well-watered agricultural zones across the region, thanks to major irrigation feeds from large rivers such as the Orange and Fish and water catchments such as the huge Naute Dam.
Principal among these zones is an astonishing agricultural oasis at Noordoewer and Aussenkehr, which produces large quantities of high quality table grapes and dates, as well as fruits and vegetables of many kinds. Further along the Orange, just 8 km from the river, the area around Rosh Pinah has been earmarked as another major area for greenhouse and conventional type production of a variety of high-value food crops.
In the central part of the region near Keetsmanshoop, the Naute Dam nourishes projects currently growing table grapes and dates, with huge potential for irrigated produce such as potato, onion, watermelon, citrus and other cash crops.
Other fertile zones blessed with seasonal rivers or accessible groundwater, such as Berseba, provide opportunities for crops such as animal fodders like lucerne, dates, onions, grapes, olives and cotton, while community gardening and processing-type projects, such as those mooted for communities like Fonteintjie outside Keetmanshoop are indicative of the region’s availability of a keen and reliable local agricultural workforce.
An Ideal Climate
Noted for the stability of its climate, with dry, hot summers and cold winters, the region is less prone to tropical disease and crop-damaging pests, making it an ideally unpolluted environment for the cultivation of organically pristine products favoured by consumers abroad.