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

Environment, Forestry and Tourism Minister Indileni Daniel handed over infrastructure and equipment worth more than N$15 million to strengthen human–wildlife conflict management and support alternative livelihoods in five north-central conservancies.The beneficiaries are Uukwaluudhi, Uukolonkadhi-Ruacana, Sheya Shuushona, Lipumbu ya Tshilongo and King Nehale. The initiative is funded by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development through KfW Development Bank.Speaking during the weekend handover ceremony, 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 lighting for households, uniforms and training for game guards, as well as equipment for community-based income-generating projects.Daniel said the interventions are aimed at reducing frequent conflicts with lions, elephants, hyenas and other wildlife that threaten people’s safety, livestock, crops and infrastructure in the north-central regions.New infrastructure helps deter predatorsUnder the project, twelve water points were upgraded and a new borehole drilled to ease competition for water between elephants and local communities. Predator-proof kraals were built in three conservancies — seven in Lipumbu ya Tshilongo, three in Sheya Shuushona and two in King Nehale — while two hundred households received solar lights for kraals to deter predators at night.Seventeen game guards were equipped with uniforms, tools and training in first aid and wildlife monitoring to strengthen community conservation.Beyond wildlife protection, the project promotes alternative livelihoods introduced during the Covid-19 recovery period. These include brick-making in Otshikutshiithilonde and Omundaungilo community forests, Ximenia oil processing in Ohepi and Oshaampula, and pig farming in Sheya Shuushona 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 for the continued benefit of both people and wildlife.Partnerships drive long-term conservation benefitsThe project is a partnership between the Community Conservation Fund of Namibia (CCFN), international donors and local stakeholders, including traditional authorities, non-governmental organisations and conservancy representatives.Oshana Governor Hofni Iipinge said the new infrastructure represents more than a physical investment. “It is an investment in peace of mind, in food security, in livelihoods and in harmonious coexistence between people and wildlife,” he said.KfW Development Bank portfolio manager Nuria Stormer emphasised the importance of conservation initiatives that address community needs and urged conservancies to maintain the new facilities for long-term benefits.King Nehale Conservancy management committee member Martin Elago thanked the ministry and its partners for the support, pledging that the communities will take good care of the infrastructure to ensure it lasts.

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

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Namibian Sun 2026-04-16

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

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Namibian Sun 2026-04-16

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