Environment Protection and Sustainable Management of the...

Environment Protection and Sustainable Management of the Okavango River Basin Project (EPSMO)

Namibian summary projects along the Kavango River August 2010 1

Summary of Projects along the Kavango River linked to

Okavango Strategic Action Plan (SAP) development‐ Namibia

As part of the Environment Protection and Sustainable Management of the Okavango River Basin Project

(EPSMO)

21 September 2010

Final Report



Table of Contents

1. Introduction 3

2 Description of Namibian projects along the Kavango River in support of SAP 4 2.1 National Guiding Legislation 4 2.2 Transboundary Agreements 4 2.1 Water Sector 5 2.1.1. Research and Feasibility Studies in Water 6 2.1.3 Water Supply 6 2.1.4 Establishment of Basin Management Committees 7 2.1.5 Water quality monitoring 7

2.2 Agriculture sector 8 2.2.1 Greenscheme projects 8 2.2.2 Community irrigation (vegetable gardening) and poultry Project 9 2.2.3 Development of Agriculture Technology Centres 10 2.2.4 National Horticulture Development Initiative 10

2.3 Land 11 2.3.1 Country Pilot Partnership for Integrated Sustainable Land Management 11 2.3.2 Future Okavango‐ scientific support for sustainable land and resource management in Okavango basin 11

2.4 Wildlife, Tourism and Forestry 12 2.4.1 Kavango‐Zambezi Transfontier Conservation Area (KAZA TFCA) 13

2.5 Energy 15 2.5.1 Combating Bush Encroachment for Namibia’s Development (CBEND) 16 2.5.2 Solar Energy in un‐electrified areas in Namibia 17

2.6 Freshwater Fisheries 17 2.6.1 Mahahe fish farming project (Mashare constituency) 18

3. Synergies and Gaps with Strategic Action Plan (SAP) 19

4. Conclusion, Challenges and Recommendations 20

5. References 21 6. Annexures 25 6.1 Sources of information 22



1. Introduction The Okavango Strategic Action Programme (SAP) is a result of a basin‐wide consultation process under the auspices of OKACOM with financial support from the Global Environmental Facility (GEF) through the “Environmental Protection and Sustainable Development of the Okavango River Basin" (EPSMO) project. The SAP should have an integrated approach due to the diversity of issues to be covered, and should contribute towards achieving economic development and environmental sustainability in an equitable manner at local, national and basin levels. This can be attained if an integrated water resources management framework (IWRM) is adopted in the formulation of the Okavango SAP. Therefore it is necessary to understand the current state of the basin states to facilitate planning and informed decision making. In this regard, there is a need for coordination with national plans, projects and activities which demonstrate for and support implementation of the future SAP. The purpose of this report is to provide an overview of all projects currently (and planned) taking place in the boundaries of the "Namibian" Okavango Basin. The project overview provides a brief description of objectives, activities, implementing partners and cost implications1 accordingly.

The Namibian part of the basin (figure 1) , referred to as Kavango‐Omatako Basin comprises the surface catchments of the perennial Okavango River and its main tributary in Namibia, the Omuramba Omatako. In addition to the Omatako River, there are many virtually fossil ephemeral rivers which may contribute some flow following high rainfall. The Omatako River is not known to contribute anything other than local runoff.

The ephemeral Omuramba Omatako originates at the main watershed between west and east flowing rivers north of Okahandja. The course of the omuramba protrudes all the way through the Otjozondjupa region in north‐eastern direction and enters the Kavango Region approximately at the 19º latitude. The confluence with the Okavango River is at Ndonga, some 60 km east of Rundu.

Figure 1: Map of shared Okavango River Basin, indicating the hydrological demarcation in all basin states. For the purpose of the study, only the projects within the Namibian borders of the basin will be covered (source: IWRMP JV, 2010).

1 For international comparison purposes, funding for projects are reflected on 1 US$ = N$ 7.218 based on 20 August 2010 rate.



2 Description of Namibian projects along the Kavango River in support of SAP

2.1 National Guiding Legislation

Namibia’s Vision 2030 provides the long‐term development framework for the country, aiming at improving the quality of life of the people and achieving the status of an industrialised nation by the year 2030. The National Development Plans are seen to be the main vehicles to translate the Vision into action and make progress towards realising the Vision by 2030. In this regard, the third National Development Plan (NDP3), 2007/08‐2011/12, aims at “accelerated economic growth and deepening rural development.” NDP3 is based on eight Key Result Areas (KRAs), each corresponding to one of the eight main objectives of Vision 2030. Based on the overall guidance from the NDPs, various other sectoral strategic plans are being drafted to further implement the stipulated objectives. The following are the overarching legislative framework/guiding programmes for Namibia:

• Vision 2030 [in relation to the strategic goal 6: productive utilisation of natural resources and environmental sustainability]

• National Development Plans (NDPs) [in relation to the strategic goal 5: optimal and sustainable utilisation of renewable and non‐renewable resources]

• Poverty Reduction Strategy and National Poverty Reduction Action Programme [in relation to the people‐centred poverty reduction approach linking it to building sustainable livelihood efforts to regional needs)

• Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) [in relation to goal 7: ensure environmental sustainability]

• National Drought policy [in relation to national emergency and long term drought management policy and strategy to combat land degradation]

• Draft National Policy on Climate Change and implementation plan‐2009 [in relation to adoption and implementation of appropriate and effective climate change adaptation and mitigation measures of natural resources]

2.2 Transboundary Agreements

Since Namibia shares all its perennial rivers with its neighbouring countries, transboundary cooperation is important. In this regard, Namibia is a signatory and ratified (but not in force) following key international conventions:

• Convention on the Law of the Non‐navigational Uses of International Watercourses,

• Revised SADC Protocol on shared water systems

• Ramsar Convention

The Permanent Okavango River Basin Water Commission (OKACOM) was established on 15 September 1994. The main purpose of the OKACOM is to act as technical advisor and executing agent to the basin States on matters relating to the conservation, development and utilization of water resources of common interest. The OKACOM also performs other functions pertaining to the development and utilization of such resources as the countries may from time to time agree to assign to the Commission. In this regard, the mandate of the Commission extends beyond the water sector and includes all related resource sectors namely, agriculture, land, wildlife, tourism and



forestry, energy (renewable) and freshwater fisheries. For the purpose of this report projects under these sectors will be briefly discussed.

2.1 Water Sector

Water resources management and development is significant to the achievement of the Vision 2030 goals. In this respect, Vision 2030 provides the framework for the water sector policy, water sector objectives and strategies to achieve the required goals. Sector priorities are guided by a number of policies (figure 2) developed within the Ministry of Agriculture, Water Affairs and Forestry. The water sector vision was reviewed in 2006, as part of the strategic sector plan for 2007‐2011. The sector vision aimed “to achieve equitable access to sufficient, appropriate, safe, sustainable and affordable water for all Namibian users for improved quality of life” (MAWF, 2007: 3)

Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM) has been identified as an essential strategy for the development, sustainable utilisation, conservation and protection of the water resources in Namibia (IWRM JV, 2010). The Water Resources Management Act, Act 24 of 2004 (WRMA), based on IWRM principles, provides overall guidance, but is not yet fully implemented.

Figure 2. Transition of legal framework for water supply sector in Namibia.

Namibia categorises water use/requirement into 6 sectors as shown in figure 3 below. The irrigation and livestock sectors have the highest water requirements, both nationally and for the Okavango‐Omatako basin. A similar trend is expected by 2030, (IWRM JV, 2010).

Figure 3: Water requirements for 2008 (source: IWRM JV, 2010)

The Ministry of Agriculture, Water and Forestry is mandated to promote, develop, manage and utilise agriculture, water and forestry resources. Issues of agricultural production are critical for job



creation; income generation and in ensuring food security both at household and national level. Most of the water resource management projects are funded from Inside the State Revenue Fund as part of the development budget, other projects are funded within the recurrent budgets of various departments with support from international donors. The following projects briefly describe the water resource management activities taking place with the Basin.

2.1.1. Research and Feasibility Studies in Water

The major objective of this project is to determine the availability of water quantity, quality, and source in order to facilitate formulation of policies, laws and programmes for the sustainable utilisation and management thereof. Specific activities planned for this project involve collection of water resources data; groundwater investigations and water resources studies at basin level. Project duration: 2009‐2011 Budget: US$ 5, 000, 000 Funds from: MAWF Development budget 2.1.2. Development of an integrated water resources management plan

The Ministry of Agriculture, Water and Forestry is in the process of finalising an Integrated Water Resources Management Plan (consolidation of National Water Development Strategy and Action Plan), which focuses on five themes namely:

• Policy and legislation

• Institutional support and capacity building [proposed institutions to support implementation are Water and Sanitation Advisory Council; Water Regulator; Basin Management Committees and other water area management institutions; Irrigation Water Efficiency Groups; Performance Support Teams to assist Local Authorities and Regional Councils and Water Research Council

• Stakeholder involvement

• Water resources

• Financial investment Implementation is expected to commence in 2011, following a step‐wise implementation. Project duration: Jan 09 to August 2010 Budget: US$ 635,000 Funds from: Africa Water Facility through Africa Development Bank

2.1.3 Water Supply

As water sources in the interior of Namibia are becoming virtually fully exploited, the country’s future economic development will increasingly be dependent on long distance water transfers from shared watercourses and/or on development in or nearby these waters. Broad guidelines for water infrastructure development were proposed in the 1974 (and updated since) through the Water Master Plan for Namibia (DWA 1974). The Feasibility Study for the Development of Water Supply to the Central Namib Area of Namibia in 1996 (MAWRD/DWA 1996), recommended to construct an Eastern National Water Carrier (ENWC) from the Okavango River in the northeast to the highly industrialized central area. Any future adjustment to the broad National Water Master Plan should be carefully considered from a practical, financial feasibility and environmentally sustainable point of



view. The IWRMP is the third revision of national master water planning in the country to make provision for the accommodation of the latest trends in water resources development and will see Namibia through for at least the next 20 years until 2030.

In addition to the bulk water supply projects, several rural water supply projects are also taking place in the basin. The aim being to provide sustainable, accessible (and reliable) and safe water supply to rural communities in the communal areas to ensure water security to rural communities. Other components include construction of new pipeline networks in areas where groundwater quality is poor; attend to the water needs of displaced communities in Kavango; establish rural water management structures; establishment of water subsidy scheme and develop and implement cost recovery measures taking into account ability to pay.

Project duration: Budget: US$ 5, 000, 000 for rural water supply projects Funds from: MAWF Development budget

2.1.4 Establishment of Basin Management Committees

The Water Resources Management Act, 2004 provides for the establishment of Basin Management Committees (for each of the 11 water basins demarcated across the country), either at the initiative of the Minister or upon application by interested parties, and defines the functions of these committees. One of the functions is to prepare a water resources management plan for the basin which must be submitted to the Minister for consideration when developing the National Water Master Plan. The Okavango Basin Management Committee (OkBMC) was established in 2008 with a vision to ensure sustainable integrated resources management within the basin with the focus on socio‐economic benefit‐sharing of natural resources and sensitisation on sharing natural resources utilisation responsibilities. The OkBMC acts in an advisory capacity on all water related issues affecting the Namibian part of the Okavango River Basin and directly liaising with OKACOM programmes/project and key stakeholders. The major function of the Committee is to promote community involvement and participation in the protection, use, development, conservation, management and control of water and wetland resources, including groundwater in its water management area through awareness, education and other appropriate activities. Specific activities include OkBMC basin demarcation (profiling and data collection); familiarisation trips and meetings of OkBMC members; IWRM training and development of an operational plan. Project duration: Budget: A total of US$ 68,000 is budgeted (of which US$ 16,000 from MAWF and rest from GTZ) Funds from: Development budget and GTZ as part of the Namibia Water Resources Management Project.

2.1.5 Water quality monitoring

Continuous water quality monitoring has started along the Kavango River in 2008 and focuses on both physical/chemical and biological indicators of water quality. The initiative aims at strengthening the current database on monitoring the state of the river. The sampling takes place at 11 sites stretching from Katwitwi (at the Angola‐Namibia border) until Mahango National Park (Kwetze)



which marks the outflow to the Okavango Delta in Botswana. The chemical water quality survey measures total nitrates, phosphates and dissolved solids based on temperature, dissolved oxygen, conductivity, pH and turbidity parameters. The biological monitoring is done by using the South African Scoring System (SASS) tool which was translated into the Namibian Scoring System (NASS) after a trial success in 1997. This bio‐monitoring tool uses aquatic macro invertebrates for water quality assessments due to their visibility with naked eyes, ease of identification and rapid life cycles; and their sensitivity to water quality. This project is funded from the Division of Water Environment budget of approximately Project duration: Continuous from 2008 Budget: US$ 9,000 per annum Funds from: Development budget

2.2 Agriculture sector

According to the National Agricultural Policy, the sector offers the greatest potential to improve food security, expand income through export of products and to create employment. Commercial and subsistence agriculture is therefore seen as key in supporting the sustainable and equitable growth of Namibia’s economy, whilst maintaining and improving livelihoods at household levels. The government promotes irrigation through the Green Scheme; according to this scheme most new irrigation schemes will be concentrated along the perennial rivers. This is expected to increase water requirements significantly.

On livestock, the government has a policy of value addition within the meat industry. This will require an increase in abattoir which require high volumes of water and which may easily contaminate water resources if not carefully managed (IWRM JV, 2010).The biggest threat to water resources as a result of overgrazing is bush encroachment. The biomass of bush is much higher than grass and there are major declines in groundwater levels which may be attributed to bush encroachment. No scientific studies on the effect of bush encroachment on the recharge of aquifers are available in Namibia but similar studies in South Africa have proofed that it worthwhile to remove invasive plants from catchments. The following agricultural projects are taking place in the Kavango basin.

2.2.1 Greenscheme projects

The project aims to improve food security and nutrition at household level. To enhance food self‐sufficiency and contribute to poverty reduction through infrastructure development, employment creation and training. The Ministry of Agriculture, Water and Forestry plans to develop all potential irrigation land by 2030, with diversification of crop production and employment creation as through agro‐project and agro‐processing activities the major objectives. In this regard, table 1 shows projects that are currently taking place or planned and budgeted for:



Table 1: MAWF Current and potential irrigation projects

Project Size Purpose/ Crops Budget (2009‐2011), US$

Ndonga linena 400 ha Field irrigation, earth works and farm infrastructure including small packing and cooling facilities to enable the project to produce vegetables for the fresh market

8, 000, 000

Musese 300 ha Expansion of irrigation area to facilitate the placement of small scale farmers.

1, 000, 000

Vungu‐Vungu 300 ha Construction of new dairy facilities and equipment therefore

3, 000, 000

Shadikongoro 400 ha Renovation of project and replacement of equipment.

400, 000

Mpungu & Kahenge

Feasibility studies and soil investigations into irrigation project in the Mpugu & Kahenge

900, 000

Sikondo 1000 ha Preparing land for irrigation of vegetables 18, 000, 000

Project duration: Budget: Total budget: Funds from: MAWF Development budget In addition there are several green scheme agronomic projects which supports community vegetable gardens at Shankara, Shitemo Farming, Vunga Vunga Dairy ‐near Kaisosi.

2.2.2 Community irrigation (vegetable gardening) and poultry Project

The Mahahe irrigation project in the Mashari constituency is part of the Country Pilot Partnership horticulture initiatives aiming for improved integrated sustainable land management. 12 hectors of land have been allocated for garden development. Activities under this project includes connection of garden water tanks; connection of water pipes, preparation of land (manure/fertilizer application and fencing materials). A similar project is taking place at Katembo (Rundu‐urban constituency). NNF is supporting implementation of these project as part of the GEF‐funded CPP project.

Mahahe poultry project, constructed a chicken farm as a long term sustainable community project that integrates the integrated sustainable land management and generate income for improved livelihoods. NNF is supporting implementation of this project as part of the GEF‐funded CPP project.

Project duration: Budget: Funds from:



2.2.3 Development of Agriculture Technology Centres

The Ministry of Agriculture, Water and Forestry aims to promote the design, development and manufacturing of appropriate technologies for researching farming methodologies with the view to develop and adapt appropriate agricultural technology. This project also promotes technology adaptation, capacity building and transfer of skills in agricultural mechanization. Specifically, it aims at creating national capacity for the production of spare parts and maintenance of agricultural implements. This project involves development and construction of two technology centres at Ongwediva and Mashare in the Oshana and Kavango regions respectively. The feasibility studies and design of these centres are completed and construction is underway. Project duration: Budget: US$ 4, 000, 000 Funds from: MAWF Development budget

2.2.4 National Horticulture Development Initiative

With food security in mind, a horticultural production, processing, marketing and distribution project, which is earmarked for having a central market in Windhoek, and hubs in Oshakati and Rundu. The project activities involve:

• constructing physical infrastructure such as cold storage, sorting and packaging and to procure distribution equipments.

• promoting horticultural production, processing, branding and marketing

• assisting horticultural producers and creating forward and backward linkages across the value chain.

• promotion of Public Private Partnership Project duration: Budget: US$ 6, 000, 000 Funds from: MAWF Development budget 2.2.5 Land access and livestock support Project The objective of the agriculture project (includes land access and management and livestock support components) is to increase the total value added from livestock in the northern communal areas of Namibia and to increase income from indigenous natural products accruing to the poor nationwide. The activities under the land access and management component includes various activities such as outreach and public awareness campaigns on land rights, capacity building/training for local land administration institutions, community‐based rangeland management (CBRLM). The livestock support component activities are construction of veterinary service centres (2 quarantine stations in Caprivi region) and livestock marketing infrastructure to improve livestock marketing. The is being implemented by Namibia National Farmers Union and GTZ as the Namibian partners together with international consultants, Joint Venture of GOPA Worldwide and GRM International. Project duration: May 2010 until 2014 Budget: U$ 47, 000, 000 Funds from: Millennium Challenge Corporation by the US government



2.3 Land

Land degradation has been identified as the key challenge facing Namibia in achieving sustainable land use. The three main causes of land degradation are overgrazing which is often related to uneven distribution of water points, inappropriate agricultural practices that leads to the loss of nutrients in the soil and use of timber for building purposes, and as a source of energy. According the Country Pilot Partnership Programme, these causes are as a result of other fundamental barriers; which include poverty and lack of tenure and management rights over land and resources in communal areas. To address the latter issue on land tenure and rights, the Ministry of Lands and Resettlement (MLR) is entrusted with the responsibility of rendering services to eradicate the vast disparities in respect of land distribution, social reintegration, and rehabilitation of people with disabilities and resettlement of disadvantaged Namibians. In this respect, the government has adopted the following policies and legislation; Agricultural (Commercial) Land Reform Act, No.6, of 1995, National Policy on Disability National Land Policy, and Communal Land Bill (enactment pending).

Whereas the focus of the MLR is on land acquisition and distribution, the MAWF has the mandate to promote, develop, manage and utilize agriculture, water and forestry resources for improved livelihood, wellbeing and wealth for all. The following land related projects are taking place in the Basin.

2.3.1 Country Pilot Partnership for Integrated Sustainable Land Management

Five Ministries, namely the Ministry of Agriculture, Water and Forestry, Ministry of Environment and Tourism, Ministry of Lands and Resettlement, Ministry of Regional and Local Government and Housing and Rural Development, and the National Planning Commission‐ have agreed in conjunction with the GEF and its Implementing Agencies, the European Union, GTZ, and NGO community to address various land degradation related challenges through a Country Pilot Partnership (CPP) for Integrated Sustainable Land Management (SLM) programme. CPP programmme aims to built "capacity of systemic, institutional and individual level and sustain cross‐sectoral and demand driven coordination and implementation of SLM activities". The CPP ISLM programme has various components, implemented across Namibia. Of direct relevance to the Okavango‐Omatako basin are the demonstration projects in Kavango and Otjozondjupa regions, which are mainly to support establishment of community gardens, conservancies and minimising land degradation efforts through a wide range of stakeholders.

Project duration: 2008 to 2013 Budget: U$ 10,000,000 (this includes the sub‐projects) Funds from: Global Environment Facility (GEF)

2.3.2 Future Okavango‐ scientific support for sustainable land and resource management in Okavango basin

The project is aimed at improved scientific support for decision making with regard to sustainable use of land and ecosystem services within a particularly suited tropical region, the Okavango basin in Angola, Namibia and Botswana with its woodland savannas and wet‐lands. The project will (a) quantify and analyse ecosystem function and services, their dynamics and interactions with land use considering climate and land use change using inter‐ and transdisciplinary approaches, (b) develop



scenarios and tools based on the understanding of the system and its dynamics. These scenarios will show for each combination of land use strategies the benefits and tradeoffs for all actors involved (from the local farmer to the global agro‐industrial company or the urban dweller).

These products will (1) improve single land use practices and their interactive spatial patterns and arrangements at different scales (household, community, national and international), (2) provide utilisable information on the spatio‐temporal mixture of realistic land use options, including the tradeoffs in terms of gains and losses, for decision makers, (3) implement new management approaches through experiments and identification of best practice land uses in close cooperation with a broad range of stakeholders. The project is a network of partners from African and German Universities and Research centers. Research is being executed in close cooperation and partnership with institutions and organisations in all partner countries. The success of the trans‐disciplinary project is strongly dependent on communication and knowledge flows between scientists, stakeholders and decision makers in the study area. The proposal is submitted to for total amount of.

Project duration: September 2010‐2016 Budget: US$ 10, 000,000 (the specific budget for the Namibian Kavango Basin is unknown at reporting time) Funds from: BMBF (German Ministry of Education and Research)

2.4 Wildlife, Tourism and Forestry

The tourism sector was identified as one of the major growth sectors, and is supported by the National Tourism Policy which envisage "A mature, sustainable and responsible tourism industry contributing significantly to the economic development of Namibia and the quality of life of all her people, primarily through job creation and economic growth”, for which the Ministry of Environment and Tourism is directly responsible. Therefore the development of high quality, low impact consumptive and non‐consumptive tourism is encouraged. Tourism is dependent on the environment and it is therefore important to consider the environment when planning new developments. With this in mind, the Ministry of Environment and Tourism (MET) has also drawn‐up the Community‐based Tourism Policy. The policy explores ways in which communities can benefit from the tourism industry to promote social and economic development and conservation in communal areas. In recognition that the maintenance of the integrity of ecological processes, natural habitats and wildlife populations throughout Namibia is important, as well as the fact that the contribution of the direct use of biodiversity in Namibia to the GDP continues to grow, the MET has also put in place the following major supporting legal guidance: the Environmental Management Act, 2007, National Policy on human‐wildlife conflict management and Parks and Wildlife management bill. Indirect uses associated with natural ecosystems values (e.g. ecosystem functions that provide us with clean air, water and productive soils) are of even greater value and underpin our survival and thus are also considered in these documents. Forestry as a sector is guided by the Namibia Forest Act and Policy, which provides for enforcement mechanisms (licensing, certification, establishment of Forest management authorities) to protect forestry resources. Forestry falls within the mandate of the Ministry of Agriculture, Water and Forestry, however for the purposes of this report, it will be dealt with under this section (wildlife and



tourism) due to the nature of the projects in the basin, which are mainly community forests. These are closely linked/merged with conservancies and therefore its discussed under one project.

Several aquatic plants are eaten by people in Okavango (and Caprivi). These include tubers of water lilies, and water chestnuts, fruits and a variety of nuts. Reeds, sedges, grasses and trees are extensively used for building materials especially for houses, fences both bordering fields and as walls circling villages and individual houses, fishing equipment, boats sledges and tools. Although many of the materials are obtained from the floodplains and are annually renewable, there is an accelerating trend towards over exploitation of these resources because of population pressure. Many wetland animals other than fish are eaten, including snails, crabs, frogs, reptiles, birds and as well as the larger mammals. Projects related to wildlife, tourism and forestry in the Basin are briefly described below.

2.4.1 Kavango‐Zambezi Transfontier Conservation Area (KAZA TFCA)

This project includes Angola, Botswana, Namibia, Zambia and Zimbabwe with the major aim of establishing a Transfrontier Conservation Area for sustainable wildlife and tourism management in the Okavango and Zambezi river basin regions. The target beneficiaries of the KAZA TFCA are local communities, and public and private stakeholders in the wildlife and tourism sectors. From this joint venture, the five partner countries want to achieve sustainable improvements in the livelihoods of local communities, better protection of the region’s biological diversity, establishment of a premier African tourism destination, and the building of sufficient capacity for the ongoing management of the region’s wildlife and tourism resources. The project started with a feasibility study in 2005/6 funded by the Peace Parks Foundation (an NGO specializing in supporting Governments in the facilitation and development of TFCAs). The components of the feasibility study included the following activities:

• Institutional Development (US$ 2, 000,000) • Resource Mobilization (US$ 80,000) • Priority Conservation Development (including strategies for addressing human wildlife

conflict; engagement with communities and stakeholders, local socio‐economic development strategy) (US$ 19,000,000)

• KAZA TFCA Management Plan for Natural Resources (US$ 455,000) • KAZA TFCA Integrated Tourism Development Plan (including cross border tourist

movement, tourism marketing strategies) (US$ 390,000) • Determination of Infrastructural Requirements (US$ 1,000,000) • Community and Private Sector engagement (US$ 2,000,000)

On the Namibian site, development will take place at the following National Parks; Khaudom; Bwabwata, Mudumu, Mamili and the Caprivi State Forest Reserve and conservancies in between them. The current funding supports activities such as establishing human‐wildlife self reliance scheme, mitigation measures as well as developing the Integrated Development Plan on the Namibian Basin area. Project duration: 2007‐2011 Budget: Total of US$ 10, 000, 000 is budgeted for all countries, of which US$109,000 is specific for the Namibian Basin activities Funds from: Kreditantstalt fur Wiederaufbau (KfW)



2.4.2. Establishment of Integrated Conservancies and Community Forests This initiative is part of the CPP programme support to institutional capacity development of rural communities and thus assist Community Based Organisations in establishing conservancies. In the Kavango Basin the following conservancies have been supported:

• George Mukoya • Kahenge • Kapako • Mpungu • Muduva‐Nyangana • Rundu rural‐west and urban

The conservancies/community forests aim to have improved livelihoods and service delivery through improved land use management, utilization, manpower training, capacity building and adapting new technologies using locally available natural resources. This is achieved through the following income generating activities with assistance from various partners:

• Forest products‐ harvesting wild fruits to produce jam and juice. Partners involved are NNF; ICEMA; Conservancy working groups on indigenous products and the Ximenia harvesting group; MAWF‐DoF and MAWF‐DEES

• Tourism facilities: To establish a community campsite in the area. Involved partners: NNF‐CPP, MAWF, MET concession Unit

• Wildlife management: establishing productive wildlife guard with assistance from NNF‐CPP, ICEMA

• Thatching Grass: Establish community cooperative NNF‐CPP, DoF

• Bee‐keeping and poultry: scale‐up bee‐keeping and poultry activities in the area with assistance from NNF‐CPP, MAWF and DoF.

• Horticulture: establish community garden and vegetables for sale. NNF‐CPP, DoF

• Fish farming: establish village and community fish farming with assistance from NNF‐CPP, ICEMA, TA, CPP, Land Board, MAWF, MRLGHRD,

• Veld fires: To reduce possibilities of accidental uncontrolled fires. NNF‐CPP‐ Kavango

• Wetlands and river basin management: To restore and return wetlands and river basins in the area to their natural state. Involved partners: TA, CPP, Land Board, MAWF, MRLGHRD

• Land‐use planning: To establish a rotational grazing programme within the small scale farming areas in order to improve grazing quality, quantity and livestock production. Partners: CPP, MET, DoF, Regional Council, MLR, DVS, TA

• Palm basketry making: To help the community produce quality and marketable crafts in the region with assistance from Ms. Nyundu/ CDC, NNF‐CPP, Councillor's Office

• Brick‐making: To establish a community brick making project that will improve livelihood through sale of bricks, with assistance from CDC, NNF‐CPP

• Bakery: To establish/set up a community bakery that will produce homemade bread for sale. Partners involved: Mr. Mwambu / NNF‐CPP,

• Rebuilding of Kavango history: To promote cultural tourism antiquity in the region.



Partners: NNF‐CPP, CDC, Kavango regional Council Project duration: 2008‐2013 Budget: Funds from: GEF as part of the CPP programme

2.4.3 Lodge Development The Ministry of Environment and Tourism has received funds from the government to develop tourism facilities across the country. One of the projects selected is a new motel at the Ngoma border post. The Motel is envisaged to be a ten‐room chalets facility, which will be owned by the local community under the Iitenge community development foundation. Work has started in 2010 and construction is expected to commence later in the year. It will predominantly cater for tourists who arrive at the border post too late to make it through. Project duration: started 2010 Budget: US$ 554,000 Funds from: MET Development fund

2.4.4 Other wildlife and tourism related projects

• Shankara Crafts: small Community Based Organisation that buys and sells crafts mainly to Omba Art Trust. They also provide training to craft makers.

• FAWENA (Forum for African Women Educationalists in Namibia): are linked to Ministry of Education, they buy and sell baskets, and also focus on various issues linked to girls at schools.

• The CPP initiative in partnership with NNF are planning to build a Rundu Craft and Information Centre. Funding still has to be secured for this.

• DED with Directorate of Forestry (DED is German Development Trust) operate a craft centre between Rundu and Marani Gate supporting 2 of their Community Forestry Projects.

• Hamoyi Forestry Station is also involved in Community Forestry support work.

• 2 community campsites are under operation, one under NNF and one under IRDNC

• IWRM programme, supported and implemented by NNF

• Promotion of Indigenous natural products by NNF

• Kavango birds club under the auspices of NNF

• NNF supports Environmental education project

• Endangered species management under NNF guidance

• Disaster management project by NNF Rescue services project by NNF

• Wetland and River Basin Management by NNF

2.5 Energy

With regard to energy, Namibia relies to a great extent on imports from the Republic of South Africa (RSA). The neighbouring country provides 100 per cent of Namibia´s fuel and over 50 per cent of its electricity. As RSA is facing increasing energy needs, Namibia fears a reduction of supplies and higher prices. Electricity supply sources inside Namibia include a coal fired power station near Windhoek



and a hydroelectric plant at Ruacana. NDP 3 suggests several additional electricity sources in‐ and outside Namibia (NPC 2008). The rural population, however, is so far not fully served by the national electricity grid and has very limited access to fuel and energy resources. In consequence, 63 per cent of Namibian households rely mainly on fuel wood energy (Metzler 2006); (NPC 2008). There is enormous pressure on government agencies such as the Ministry of Mines and Energy (MME) to rectify this problem as the lack of electricity is hindering the country’s economic and societal growth. The government’s ‘Regional Energy Distribution Master Plan’ (REDMP) will connect a large number of rural settlements to Namibia’s main distribution grid over the next 20 years, but it is not economically feasible to electrify all off‐grid settlements. For those settlements that will remain un‐electrified, there is the ‘Off‐Grid Energisation Master Plan’ (OGEMP). The importance of renewable

energies are also underlined in the White Paper on Energy Policy of 1998, which set the goals for further documents. One of the goals is the security of energy supply through a diversity of reliable sources. Hereby, the Policy puts an emphasis on the development and sustainable use of Namibian resources (MME 1998). In 2000, the Rural Electrification Master Plan was completed and then revised in 2005. It identifies the need for the development of on‐grid and off‐grid infrastructure. Furthermore, NDP 2, identifies a number of sites for small‐scale power generation in rural areas (about eleven for the Caprivi and Kavango Regions) (NPC 2008). The following engergy related projects are taking place in the Namibian Kavango Basin area.

2.5.1 Combating Bush Encroachment for Namibia’s Development (CBEND)

The project aims at investigating opportunities and threats of Namibia´s bio‐energy potential for poverty alleviation, food security and pro‐poor rural development in Namibia. This involves analysing two bioenergy value chains most promising in the Namibian case: (a) Jatropha curcas production for biodiesel; (b) conversion of woody shrubs (bush) into bioenergy (charcoal, woodgas for electrification and woodfuel briquettes). The charcoal is sold screened or unscreened, packaged or loose to a retailer mainly for export and also for national sales. The major export markets are Europe and RSA. Under Namibia’s Forestry Act, farmers need a permit to debush their land and to export charcoal (for areas exceeding 15ha). In the Bush‐to‐Woodgas project, all investment costs are carried by an external funding agency. It is designed as a pilot project that tests feasibility and viability of gasification plants and electricity production in Namibia. The project is currently in the planning phase. Potential independent power producers have been identified and the tender for the gasifier are being reviewed.

The Desert Research Foundation of Namibia (DRFN), a local NGO, initiated this project that seeks to use bush to produce electricity. Other implementing partners are Namibia Agricultural Union and Namibia National Farmers Union. Strategic partners include Namibian Women’s Association, Electricity Control Board, NamPower, Ministry of Lands and Resettlement, Ministry of Agriculture, Water and Forestry ‐ Directorate of Forestry. The aim is to turn the bush encroachment problem into an economic opportunity and test the viability of electricity production using invader bush, rehabilitate rangeland as well as create employment opportunities for the unskilled labour force from rural areas. The full CBEND business model is currently being developed. The Ministry of Environment and Tourism plays a crucial role in Jatropha production in a large Jatropha schemes such as the Plantation and Contract Farming Models: The Department for Environmental Affairs is responsible for reviewing and approving Environmental Impact Assessments



for agricultural projects and currently preparing a Strategic Impact Assessment on Jatropha cultivation for Caprivi and Kavango.

Project duration: 2007 until mid 2010 Budget: US$ 1,939,401 Funds from: EU grant under the 9th European Development fund

2.5.2 Solar Energy in un‐electrified areas in Namibia

The OGEMP proposes installing solar powered energy shops in rural, un‐electrified areas throughout the country. Such energy shops would provide basic energy services such as cell phone charging and haircutting, and sell energy products such as paraffin gas, candles, and eventually solar panel systems. In this regard, the Desert Research Foundation of Namibia (DRFN), launched a program entitled ‘Business Opportunities with Solar Energy in Un‐Electrified Areas’. This program closely resembles the energy shop idea detailed in the OGEMP; however, the two programs are independent of each other. The project has as strategic partners the two Namibian organizations responsible for initiating and implementation of the OGEMP energy shops; namely the MME and the Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Institute (REEEI). The immediate objective of this project is to encourage rural and informal settlements entrepreneurialship, enhance off‐grid communities’ access to modern energy services and promote renewable energy technologies through establishing rural solar energy‐based businesses to provide basic energy services to unelectrified communities. The DRFN also hopes to use this program as a model to test certain aspects of the OGEMP. Specifically the project introduced solar business systems specifically designed to provide electricity for cell phone charging, hair cutting, battery charging and lighting. Furthermore the project assessed the viability of providing these businesses with energy efficiency stoves, such as the solar box cooker for baking bread and wood‐saving stoves for the cooking of kapana (cooked meat commonly sold by food vendors). By October of 2009, nine entrepreneurs (5 of which are in the Kavango basin, namely Enyana‐Okongo, Gam, Omboto, Koro village‐Rundu and Tsumkwe/Omatako) from 6 regions were selected, given basic business management and technical training, and nine energy shops installed with one entrepreneur receiving a solar box cooker and a wood saving stove. The assessment included factors such as economic success, social implications, technical capacity, and customer satisfaction. Project duration: April 2009‐2010 Budget: US$ 82,000 Funds from: Wuppertal Institute for Climate, Environment, Energy at the Science Centre North Rhine‐Westphalia Wuppertal, Germany (WISIONS)

2.6 Freshwater Fisheries Namibia’s arid climate means that inland freshwater fisheries sector is relatively small. Only in the north‐eastern and north western regions of Caprivi, Okavango, Omusati, Ohangwena, Oshikoto and Oshana are sizeable freshwater fisheries found, as a result of the perennial rivers which provide over 1 million hectares of flood‐plain wetlands with fisheries potential, consisting mostly of tilapias and catfish. About 50% of the rural population live in the northern regions and derive food, income and informal employment from inland fish resources. The inland fisheries are mainly subsistence based and typically labour intensive, with low catch per unit effort. In Kavango and Caprivi Region more



than 100,000 people depend on this resource for their daily protein needs. Freshwater fish consumption in the Caprivi region ranks over beef, game and poultry and also has a significant economic value for the communities. The importance of freshwater fish resources is emphasised especially during periods of drought when the crop fails and the people rely on fish catches from the river.

In support of inland fisheries, the Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources (MFMR) is in the process of finalising the draft White Paper on Aquaculture Policy and a Draft Aquaculture Bill, which is based on the White Paper on Inland Fisheries Policy, emphasising the importance of the involvement of communities in inland fisheries management. In this regard, the Ministry of fisheries and Marine Resources and the Ministry of Trade and Industry have developed six community‐based intensive freshwater aquaculture facilities in Omusati, Okavango and Caprivi region producing tilapia and catfish for local distribution. The long term strategy of this activity is to apply the lessons learned to other regions. Freshwater aquaculture, aimed at alleviating poverty, creating employment and satisfying local consumption needs. In addition, the Kamutjonga Inland Aquaculture Centre (KIFI) was established in the Basin to complement freshwater aquaculture activities. The projects below describes these initiatives in the Kavango Basin.

2.6.1 Mahahe fish farming project (Mashare constituency)

The needs assessment for the Mahahe fish farm project has been completed, ensuring that information and technical engineering procedures (conducted by the Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources) of implementing the development of the fish farm in the area are adequate. Fish farming implementation at Joseph Mbamba camp site, reportedly proved to be a challenging development due to flooding in the region. The Namibia Nature Foundation is implementing this project with community based organisations in the vicinity.

Project duration: Budget: Cost implications of this project is unknown at the time of reporting. Funds from: GEF funding as part of the CPP programme



3. Synergies and Gaps with Strategic Action Plan (SAP) It is clear that the Okavango SAP links well (figure 3) with the Namibian National framework and it is imperative that efforts be coordinated to avoid duplication of projects.

Convention to Combat

Desertification

Millennium Development Goals

Convention on Biodiversity

Climate Change Convention

SAP

SADC Protocol

Agricultural Land Reform Act &

Communal Land Bill

National Agricultural

Policy

Namibia Forestry Act and Policy

Water Resources

Management Act

White Paper on Energy Policy

Namibia Tourism & CBT

Policy

Aquaculture Policy

Socio‐economic

developmentApplied Research

Land use management

Water Resources Management

Basin development and management

framework

IWRM Plan

Energy Distri‐

bution& Off‐grid Master Plan

Integrated

Development Plan

Vision 2030 National Development Plans Poverty Reduction Strategy and Plan Climate Change Policy National Drought Policy

Regional

International

National Legislation

National Policy implementation level

Basin Manage‐mentPlans

Local Policy implementation level

Figure 3. Illustrates linkages at all levels of various legislative frameworks and implementation plans. Note: dash lines indicate that these items are still not finalised. The red line links are suggested by researcher.

At a national level, the sectoral legislative framework is drafted based on overall guiding policies and plans (eg. Vision 2030, National Development Plans etc). Implementation of these frameworks are further facilitated through various supportive plans such as the IWRMP which is in its final drafting stage. A strong recommendation from this research is thus to promote integrated planning, that all the national policy implementation plans be included in basin management plans (red line links in figure 3). Thus the SAP should strongly support development of basin management plans at local level. Furthermore, the EPSMO project is in an ideal position to learn lessons from previous/current projects and building upon it. However, the following gaps are noticed from the SAP components to complement the national framework and indicated projects:

• Urbanisation migration impacts on natural resource use: (link with focus of Vision 2030 towards industrialised country and increased population growth challenge). The idea is to assess the push and pull factors as well as area‐based impacts.



• Renewable Energy options: Explore further renewable energy options at community level. from figure 3, its evident that there is no clear link with SAP components with National legal frameworks and this aspect could be strengthened.

4. Conclusion, Challenges and Recommendations Namibia has an enabling policy framework, which supports IWRM implementation. IWRM is well incorporated in developmental processes such as in the 3rd NDP. The key challenges of the water sector are the operationalisation and implementation of various strategic plans by addressing the technical, institutional, financial and socio‐economic issues under a consolidated, national IWRMP within the time framework of Vision 2030. It was evident from this exercise that information sharing is the biggest challenge and therefore the SAP should consider developing an open access data and knowledge management component to ensure the vast amount of projects (past and present) are well documented and accessible when necessary. In this regard, the following aspects should be considered:

• What data and information is collected by whom?

• How is it stored, used and made available to other institutions

• What is the information used for? Specific challenges are:

• Limited capacity to gather, analyse, synthesise and manage

• Limited standardisation of database systems and data formats

• Limited data, information and knowledge exchange and learning Finally, a detailed assessment of current and future projects (similar to this exercise) should be incorporated as part of the OkBMC management plan to understand various activities taking place and partners working in the area for coordination and information sharing purposes.



5. References

DRFN, 2009. Review and update of national circumstances: in preparation for the second National communication to UNFCCC.

IWRM JV. 2010. Consolidated Strategy and Action plan. IWRM Joint Venture‐ on behalf of MAWF.

MAWF (2007), Water Sector Strategic Plan: 2007/8‐2011/12, Ministry of Agriculture, Water and Forestry, Namibia.

MAWF (2008), Water Supply and Sanitation Policy, 7/3/78/P, Ministry of Agriculture, Water and Forestry (MAWF), Namibia.

MAWF. 2010. Development Budget: 2010‐2013. PowerPoint presentation by PS of Ministry of Agriculture, Water and Forestry, Mr Ndishishi , October 2009

Metzler, J. (2006): Political Framework Conditions for the Sustainable Promotion of Biofuels. Case Study Namibia, SNRD – Working Group‚ Environment and Natural Resour‐ces Management (TG3).

MME (Ministry of Mines and Energy) (1998): Namibian White Paper on Energy Policy.

NPC (National Planning Commission) (1998): Poverty Reduction Strategy for Namibia. Windhoek: NPC.

NPC (National Planning Commission). (2007). National Development Plan 3. 2007/08‐2011/12. Office of the President. Volume 1. Republic of Namibia



6. Annexures

6.1 Sources of information

Date of contact (2010)

Interview method Name Institution

29 June Personal Laura Namene MAWF‐Water Environment

29 June Personal Greg Christelis MAWF‐Geohydrology

14 July Email/Telephonic Piet Heyns Heyns International Water Consultant

28 July Email John Mendelsohn RAISON

28 July Telephonic Mr Mwazi Mwazi NNF

28 July Telephonic/Email Dorherty Wamunyima NNF

2 August Telephonic Maria Amakali MAWF‐Water Environment

3 August Telephonic Christopher Munikasu MAWF‐Planning

5 August Email Andre Mostert NamWater

11 August Telephonic/Email Birga Ndombo CPP

12 August Personal Piet Liebenberg MAWF‐Agriculture

12 August Personal Shishani Nakanwe MAWF‐Water Environment

12 August Email Shirley Bethune PoN

17 August Personal Cynthia Ortman MAWF‐Water Environment

17 August Email Maxi Louis NACSO

18 August Email/Personal Rachel Malone NNF

18 August Email Guido van Langenhove MAWF‐Hydrology

19 August Telephonic/Personal Ndina Nashipili MAWF‐Water Environment

26 August Telephonic Fanuel Demas MCA

26 August Telephonic/Email Mr Thaniseb/Ms Olga MET‐Tourism

27 August Email/Telephonic Charlie Paxton Shamvura‐OkBMC

27 August Email/Telephonic Reinholdt Kambuli OkBMC

27 August Telephonic Mr Fryer/ Mr Slinger MAWF‐RWS

27 August Telephonic/Email Kenneth Uiseb MET‐Tourism

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