Farming is a Profession of Hope

My name is Johannes Kweyo, and I have always loved farming and I always wanted to study something that has to do with nature. After completing my high school, my sister encouraged me to enroll for an agriculture course at the Namibia University of Science and Technology (NUST), which I did. During my first and second year at NUST, I was exposed to different types of farms through practical excursions. I knew right away that farming is a profession with lots of potential and hope in Namibia.

In January 2020, Cheetah Conservation Fund (CCF) offered me an internship for 6 months, which I applied for. It was a unique experience to work at CCF in the field of my interest. I conducted a project on the effects of compost made from encroacher bush on radish bioassay. My supervisors Mr David and Mr Matti from the Biomass Department here at CCF provided me with all the support and guidance I needed to complete my research project. I’ve also met a lot of amazing people at CCF who have inspired me to new levels.

Bioassay Project

After completing my project and presenting it at my university, CCF asked me to come back to assist in the Small-stock Department as a full time small-stock intern. I was excited to come back as this is also part of agriculture, and I have always wanted to work with animals to better my knowledge and skill on small-stock farming. I also assist with other general tasks such as helping to care for CCF’s resident cheetahs and livestock guarding dogs. I sometimes get to help in the vet clinic which further helps to build on my knowledge on our to successfully become a small-stock farmer, and every day I am inspired!

I am really very grateful for this opportunity to learn about conservation agriculture while contributing to cheetah conservation. I look forward to learning more from the wonderful team of conservationists here at CCF.