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.