CBA Namibia: Adjusting Agricultural Practices to Reduce Climate Change Risk in Omusati Region (OIKE)

Namibia is the driest country in sub-Saharan Africa. Half of its population relies on subsistence agriculture, making it highly vulnerable to climate change and variability. In four communities in the Omusati region—Onkani, Okaankaa, Onakapya and Ondjungulume—70% of residents are subsistence farmers, growing rain-fed crops such as pearl millet, sorghum, bambara nuts, groundnuts, pumpkins, and indigenous vegetables. Animal husbandry in the region is non- commercial and includes sheep, goats, pigs, donkeys and poultry. Other livelihood activities include non-agricultural employment in nearby towns and the selling of locally-made alcoholic beverages.

The Omusati region is the country’s most densely populated and has high rates of HIV/AIDS infection. Other challenges include lack of water infrastructure and increased groundwater salinisation. The unsustainable use of pasturelands and native plants is degrading land resources. Reduced soil permeability and decreased water availability are contributing to poverty and environmental degradation in the region.

Namibia is likely to be adversely impacted by climate change, which is expected to alter rainfall patterns. Water availability has declined in recent years and climate change projections forecast increased aridity. Temperatures are projected to increase by 2-4°C and rainfall is expected to decline 10-20% by 2050, when compared to 1961-1990 baseline. The country is projected to face water scarcity by 2020 and is expected to experience more droughts and floods. Increased soil degradation threatens both local livelihoods, by reducing crop, meat and milk production, and the health of residents, through the increased prevalence of cholera and other water related illnesses. The reduction of natural resources in the project area is also leading to the adoption of environmentally damaging practices, such as encroachment into the Etosha National Park by farmers in search of better agricultural land.

This Community-Based Adaptation project has been prepared and implemented through a participatory process by OIKE, a local farmer’s organization working to improve agricultural and forestry practices. The project seeks to increase the adaptive capacity of communities through the development of resilient farming practices and improved natural resource management. Drought resistant tree species will be planted to increase forest cover and reduce land degradation pressures by improving soil permeability and reducing evapotranspiration. Fruit tree species will be selected during an awareness-raising process with the community and will provide alternative sources of income. Demonstrations of resilient and integrated soil-conservation methods will be undertaken, along with accompanying farmer training to monitor local soil, vegetation and livestock initiatives.

Sustainable water resource management strategies will be addressed, as well. Small-scale rainwater harvesting and storage methods will improve water conservation and usage while adapting to more erratic and heavy rains. Four local schools have already been equipped with water tanks and will be trained in rainwater harvesting, thereby raising the awareness of younger generations. The community’s capacity to maintain hand-made wells will be improved in order to prevent the construction of additional wells that would lower the water table.

Project objectives include both providing the community with practical tools for adaptation and increasing community awareness about climate change risks. The project seeks to integrate all community groups, including younger members, into activities. Lessons learned from project implementation will be shared regionally, nationally and globally, to encourage adaptive solutions at all levels.