De-Bushing Activities & the Use of Bush Biomass in Namibia

Strengthening research and production capacity of health sector in Namibia and developing a new sector for the use of bush biomass.

The project aims to connect the Namibia University of Science and Technology (NUST) with experts in companies/research institutes/universities that can support the university in developing their research and development capacities. Furthermore, it provides business trainings to support university students and graduates in developing their bush biomass business ideas into a practical business model.

Proliferating bush biomass destroys farmland

Bush encroachment impacts Namibia on a large scale. Up to 45 million hectares of farmland in nine of the country's 14 regions are affected. This equals about one third of Namibia's land area. Bush encroachment has negative impacts on livestock, groundwater recharge, tourism and biodiversity. On the other hand, bush biomass can be used for the easy and cost-effective production of ethanol, which is mainly used for producing disinfecting agents for combatting the corona virus. The virus has spread rapidly in the country.

Strengthening both research and development capacities of NUST and the start-up sector in Namibia

The project invites entrepreneurs with scientific backgrounds and students of NUST university who are interested in starting a business in the bush biomass sector. These entrepreneurs (up to 100 interested) are going through a business development program to help them implement their ideas in a professional way.

Simultaneously, online meetings are arranged between professors of Namibia University of Science and Technology (NUST) and German experts to strengthen research capacities at the University and develop a new curriculum for producing disinfecting agents from bush biomass.

Duration: July 2022 until March 2023

 

Funding: