Namibia invests N$15 million in human-wildlife conflict solutions

Environment minister Indileni Daniel handed over human-wildlife conflict management and alternative income related infrastructure and equipment valued at over N$15 million. The support benefits five north-central conservancies: Uukwaluudhi, Uukolonkadhi-Ruacana, Sheya Shuushona, Lipumbu ya Tshilongo and King Nehale. The project is funded by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development through KfW Development Bank.During the recent handover over the weekend to the five northern conservancies as part of efforts to reduce human-wildlife conflict and promote alternative livelihoods, Daniel said the investment forms part of the Poverty-Oriented Support to Community Conservation in Namibia (POSCCIN) project, which implements the Revised National Policy on Human-Wildlife Conflict Management (2018–2027).The support includes upgraded water points, new boreholes, predator-proof kraals, solar lights for households, uniforms and training for game guards, as well as community-based income-generating projects.Daniel said the interventions are aimed at reducing frequent conflicts with lions, elephants, hyenas, and other wildlife that threaten human lives, livestock, crops, and infrastructure in the north-central regions.Deterring predatorsAmong the key initiatives, 12 water points were upgraded and a new borehole drilled to ease competition for water between people and elephants. Predator-proof kraals were constructed in three conservancies -seven in Iipumbu ya Tshilongo, three in Sheya Shuushuna, and two in King Nehale. In addition, 200 households received solar lights for kraals, which have already proven effective in deterring predators at night.Seventeen game guards were also equipped with uniforms, tools, and training in first aid and wildlife monitoring to strengthen community conservation efforts.Beyond wildlife management, the project supports alternative livelihoods introduced during the Covid-19 recovery phase, including brick-making in Otshikutshiithilonde and Omundaungilo community forests, Ximenia oil processing in Ohepi and Oshaampula, and pig farming in Sheya Shuushuna Conservancy.“This support is more than infrastructure; it is an investment in Namibia’s future. It empowers communities, fosters coexistence with wildlife, and contributes to long-term conservation,” Daniel said.She urged beneficiaries to safeguard the infrastructure and equipment for continued benefit to both communities and wildlife.Long-term benefitsThe handover was made possible through partnerships with the Community Conservation Fund of Namibia (CCFN), international donors, and local stakeholders, including traditional authorities, NGOs, and conservancy representatives.Oshana governor Hofni Iipinge said the handover of infrastructure such as water points, predators proof kraals, and solar lighting systems is not merely an investment in physical structures, but an investment in peace of mind, in food security, in livelihoods, and in harmonious coexistence between people and wildlife. KfW Development Bank portfolio manager Nuria Stormer emphasised the importance of conservation that addresses community needs and called on conservancies to maintain the infrastructure for long-term benefits.King Nehale Conservancy Management committee member Martin Elago thanked partners for the support received and pledged that communities will take good care of the new infrastructure to ensure it lasts.

Namibia invests N$15 million in human-wildlife conflict solutions

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Namibian Sun 2026-03-26

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Namibia invests N$15 million in human-wildlife conflict solutions

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Namibian Sun 2026-03-26

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