Nopal Carbon Farming is advancing its plan to convert Namibia’s arid lands into productive carbon sequestration and bioenergy sites.
Phase 1 of the project started in May 2024, and the company is poised to expand its operations by next year.
Nicole Maske, a partner at Nopal said by 2027, Nopal aims to cultivate 5,000 hectares of nopal cactus, with the total reaching 17,500 hectares by 2028.
“The Maltahohe area offers an unparalleled opportunity for regeneration through nopal cactus cultivation, and we anticipate acquiring and planting additional land in line with our growth strategy,” Maske told The Brief.
The next phase of the project, scheduled to begin in early 2025, will focus on expanding the plantation by 500 hectares using new cladodes from Phase 1.
She said this strategic expansion is part of Nopal’s long-term vision to enhance Namibia’s renewable energy sector while also addressing land degradation issues.
“We aim to have a total of 17,500 hectares fully planted by 2028, establishing Nopal Carbon Farming as a significant contributor to Namibia’s bioenergy and carbon sequestration landscape,” Maske added.
Nopal’s approach is not limited to its plantations as the company is actively exploring partnerships with farmers across Namibia who are eager to revitalise degraded lands.
“These collaborations will enable us to transform tens of thousands of additional hectares into productive agricultural lands, further bolstering Namibia’s renewable energy sector and contributing to national food security and job creation,” she said.
She added that these collaborations are expected to extend the project’s impact nationwide, potentially transforming tens of thousands of additional hectares into productive agricultural land.
“Our current operations are based in the Maltahohe area, where there is significant arid land ideal for nopal cactus cultivation. The location was chosen for its suitability for large-scale farming and its potential for substantial environmental and socioeconomic impact,” she said.
This expansion is crucial not only for achieving the company’s environmental goals but also for creating jobs and uplifting local communities.
“The planned expansions will ensure that Nopal continues to play a vital role in Namibia’s agricultural and energy sectors, contributing to national food security and job creation while tackling the pressing issue of climate change through effective carbon sequestration,” she said.
