---

Organic Farmer

Farm Olifantwater West – Hardap Region, Namibia

Eckhart Förtsch is an experienced organic farmer based in the Hardap Region of Namibia, where he has been practising regenerative agriculture for more than a decade. Working from Farm Olifantwater West, he focuses on building healthy soils, strengthening natural systems, and producing food in Namibia’s challenging semi-arid conditions.

His work centres on organic horticulture and livestock farming, with a strong emphasis on biomass production, soil building, holistic grazing, and seed saving. Eckhart’s approach is practical and grounded in real farm experience. Rather than relying on chemical inputs, he works with natural processes to restore soil life, improve fertility, and increase resilience against drought and climate variability.

Areas of Focus

Eckhart’s experience includes:

• Organic agriculture and soil regeneration
• Biomass production and long-term soil fertility
• Holistic grazing systems for livestock
• Seed saving and farm-based propagation
• Low-input farming systems suited to semi-arid Namibia

He works across a range of systems, including:

• Home gardens
• Smallholder farms
• Commercial farms
• Community-based projects

Practical Work on the Ground

Eckhart’s day-to-day activities include:

• Organic vegetable production
• Livestock management within regenerative systems
• Building soil organic matter through composting and biomass strategies
• Improving grazing patterns to support land recovery

Over the years, he has observed tangible results from this approach, including more consistent production through the seasons and visibly improved soil health.

Experience and Background

Eckhart has more than ten years of practical experience in organic and regenerative farming. He describes himself as largely self-taught, learning through experimentation, collaboration, and engagement with other practitioners. A key influence was attending an organic conference 2013 in Okahandja, where connecting with like-minded individuals started his commitment to this path.

He is also affiliated with the Hoachanas Backyard Garden Project, supporting community-based food production initiatives.

Guiding Principles

Eckhart’s work is guided by:

• Limited external inputs
• No chemical fertilisers or pesticides
• Embracing natural processes
• Working with nature rather than against it

His approach differs from conventional agriculture by refusing to depend on synthetic chemicals. Instead, he builds fertility from within the system, focusing on biological processes and long-term soil regeneration.

Collaboration and Advisory Work

Eckhart is open to:

• Selective consulting and advisory work
• On-site visits
• Short-term practical projects
• Training and mentoring

He believes in learning by doing and encourages others to begin, even if they do not have all the answers yet. As he puts it:

“Just get started and lean on the shoulders of others.”