Opuwo

In Namibia’s northern regions, environmental degradation and poverty are closely linked. Irregular rainfall, declining soil fertility and limited water access continue to threaten livelihoods in densely settled rural areas. Without integrated landscape management, these pressures deepen inequality and erode the natural systems communities depend on. In and around Opuwo, NILALEG is addressing these challenges by supporting community-driven projects that connect environmental restoration with sustainable livelihoods.

In Omaiopanga, a small village near Opuwo surrounded by sand and scattered vegetation, a NILALEG-supported waterhole has become a lifeline. From its edges, narrow man-made channels carry water into nearby community gardens. Built and maintained by residents, these gardens grow carrots, cabbages, red chillies, spices, sugar cane, watermelon and other crops. The steady flow of water allows the gardens to remain productive even when their owners are away. Families use the produce to feed themselves and sell surplus for income. The waterhole also serves livestock and wildlife, reinforcing the connection between human livelihoods and the surrounding ecosystem.

A few kilometres away in Okavare, livestock forms the backbone of survival. Brian Katundu became a beneficiary of NILALEG’s goat programme in 2024 when he received eleven goats. Although disease and harsh conditions claimed some of them, the remaining goats have significantly improved his quality of life. Erratic rainfall and poor grazing often force him to buy feed, and access to veterinary supplies remains a challenge, especially during breeding seasons. Despite this, the goats provide milk, food and income. Brian no longer needs to buy milk, is able to support his family and carefully records his livestock, treating them as both responsibility and security.

Water access remains critical in Okavare. The Okavare borehole, supported by NILALEG, draws hundreds of goats and cattle each day. In an area with only two boreholes and largely dry riverbeds, these water points are essential. To address erosion and manage seasonal flooding, NILALEG installed gabions in the riverbeds. Gabions – structures made from stone-filled wire cages – slow the water flow, prevent soil erosion and encourage groundwater recharge. In Okavare, two gabions were built with stones, while others were constructed by community members using sticks from nearby trees, secured with wire provided by NILALEG.

These structures have reshaped how water moves through the landscape. Areas once deeply eroded have stabilised, allowing water to flow in controlled paths rather than spreading destructively. When water levels rise, the gabions also create safer access routes for the community.

By slowing runoff and retaining water, they contribute to long-term water conservation – a benefit the community deeply values.

Beyond water and livestock, NILALEG also supports restoration and future food security through the Okovingava Nursery outside Opuwo. The nursery grows guava, mango, lemon, bird plum and other trees, selling it to the community. Covered by a green shade net, the nursery protects young plants from harsh sun, wind, pests and heavy rainfall, creating a stable growing environment. The nursery also allows workers to grow fruits and vegetables for personal use, strengthening self-sufficiency. According to Regional Councillor Ueutjerevi Ngunaihe, NILALEG’s strength lies in its approach. Projects are not imposed – communities define their needs, leadership helps guide priorities and NILALEG responds with funding, infrastructure and skills training. Just as importantly, communities are encouraged to take ownership by maintaining and protecting what has been built.

Across Omaiopanga, Okavare and Opuwo, NILALEG’s work shows how integrated landscape management can restore ecosystems while improving lives. By aligning water, land and livelihoods, these interventions offer a practical model for sustainable rural development, rooted in community participation.