The Agricultural Bank of Namibia’s Agri-Advisory Services Division provides training and resources to farmers through face-to-face sessions and the Agrilearn online platform, focusing on sustainable farming practices and essential farm infrastructure. In this video, livestock mentor John Finter emphasizes the importance of reliable water supply for livestock, gardens, and domestic use, detailing how to calculate water needs and design effective water management plans for farms.
Understanding Water Demand and Supply for Farming Enterprises
The Agricultural Bank of Namibia’s Agri-Advisory Services Division is dedicated to empowering farmers and bank clients through comprehensive training programs. Offering both face-to-face sessions and the Agrilearn online platform, we provide valuable production content on various farming enterprises across all 14 regions of Namibia. Join us on this virtual journey towards sustainable farming as we delve into the basics of farm infrastructure, focusing on the critical aspect of water demand and supply.
Water Demand and Supply: A Critical Resource for Farming
Hello, farmers! I am John Finter, a livestock mentor with the Agricultural Bank of Namibia. Today, I want to discuss the essential topic of water demand and supply on the farm. A reliable source of clean water is crucial for the success of your farming enterprise, especially during prolonged dry seasons. Water is a precious resource needed for livestock, gardens, domestic use, and crop planning. Understanding your water resources is vital for effective planning and ensuring the sustainability of your farming business.
Calculating Water Needs on the Farm
Livestock Water Requirements
When calculating water needs, consider future demand, drought conditions, water quality, and available resources. For livestock, the daily water requirements are as follows:
- Cattle: Approximately 40 liters per day per head.
- Sheep and Goats: Approximately 5 to 6 liters per day per head.For instance, if you have 50 cattle, you would need 2,500 liters of water per day. Similarly, for 100 sheep or goats, you would need around 600 liters per day.
Domestic and Garden Water Use
In rural areas, domestic use typically requires about 40 liters of water per person per day. For crop irrigation, water needs can vary, but it’s essential to provide sufficient water daily to ensure healthy crop growth. Gardens usually require around 15 liters of water per minute from a running tap.
Planning for Future Water Demand
When planning for future demand, consider potential increases in livestock numbers and crop production. Ensure your water infrastructure, including reservoirs and dams, can accommodate these future needs. Designing an efficient water plan from the start can save costs and ensure adequate water supply.
Infrastructure and Peak Demand
Water infrastructure can be expensive, so it’s crucial to plan adequately. Ensure your reservoirs, dams, and water pumps are large enough to meet your current and future needs. Also, consider peak demand times when all livestock may need water simultaneously. Having adequate water supply during these times can prevent damage to your water infrastructure.
Preparing for Drought and Maintaining Reserves
During drought planning, you might need to consider destocking to ensure a manageable water demand. Maintain sufficient water reserves to last 10 to 40 days to cover periods when your water supply might be disrupted. This buffer allows time for repairs and maintenance of water infrastructure.
Summary: Key Points for Effective Water Management
- Know Your Water Resources: Understand the capacity of your boreholes and other water sources.
- Calculate Water Needs: Determine the daily water requirements for livestock, crops, and domestic use.
- Plan for Future Demand: Consider potential increases in livestock and crop production.
- Ensure Adequate Infrastructure: Design water systems that can handle peak demand and future needs.
- Maintain Water Reserves: Keep sufficient reserves to cover periods of supply disruption.By following these guidelines, you can ensure a sustainable and efficient water management system for your farm.
Stay Connected for More Insights
Thank you for joining us in this discussion on water demand and supply. Make sure to subscribe to our YouTube channel and follow us on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram for more valuable insights and updates.
—
By following these steps and understanding the importance of water management, you can help ensure the success and sustainability of your farming enterprise.
