Community Conservation Fund of Namibia

Handover of Infrastructure and Equipment in Zambezi Region

Handover of Infrastructure and Equipment for Human-Wildlife Conflict Mitigation and Conservation Agriculture in Zambezi Region


The Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism (MEFT), in partnership with the Community Conservation Fund of Namibia (CCFN) and the Kavango Zambezi Transfrontier Area (KAZA), successfully handed over vital infrastructure and equipment aimed at mitigating human-wildlife conflict and improving livelihoods in the Zambezi Region. This initiative, valued at approximately N$16.8 million, was funded by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) through KfW Development Bank.

The Zambezi Region is particularly vulnerable to human-wildlife conflict due to the presence of species such as lions, elephants, hippos, and crocodiles. Community members in this area frequently face challenges, including loss of livestock, damage to crops and infrastructure, and, tragically, in some instances, the loss of human life.

Recognizing these challenges, MEFT, alongside local and international partners, MAWLR and CBNRM Support Organisations continues to implement long-term solutions that strike a balance between conservation and community welfare. Germany remains a key development partner, providing funding and technical assistance to Namibia through projects such as “Poverty-Oriented Support to Community Conservation in Namibia (POSCCIN)” and “Community and Livelihood Development and Human-Wildlife Conflict Management (CLD-HWCM).”

At the handover, the following infrastructure and equipment were officially presented to the beneficiaries:

Predator-proof kraals to protect livestock from predators in the Mudumu landscape; Water infrastructure to minimize human-livestock contact with crocodiles and hippos by providing alternative water sources; Wildlife monitoring and patrol equipment for community game guards to enhance wildlife protection efforts; Human-wildlife conflict warning systems and safety gear to reduce dangerous encounters between people and wildlife; A response vehicle and equipment for the Chobe Lion Programme; Beekeeping equipment and water infrastructure to support alternative livelihoods for community forests.

In addition to these measures, the CLD-HWCM project handed over 10 conservation agriculture projects, which are designed to secure wildlife corridors while also providing income-generating opportunities for communities. Uniforms and fire protection gear for fish and forest guards, as well as camping equipment, were also provided to aid in veld fire prevention and fisheries management in the region.

The handover ceremony, officiated by the Honourable Pohamba Shifeta, Minister of Environment, Forestry and Tourism, marks a critical milestone in Namibia’s ongoing efforts to harmonize conservation objectives with the socio-economic development of local communities. Attendees included Honourable Lawrence Sampofu, Governor of the Zambezi Region, regional councillors, KfW Development Bank representatives, CCFN and KAZA officials, traditional authorities, and leaders from communal conservancies and community forests.

This event demonstrates the government’s continued commitment to improving community resilience while safeguarding Namibia’s rich biodiversity. The infrastructure and support provided will not only mitigate human-wildlife conflict but also foster sustainable livelihoods, ensuring the long-term well-being of the people and wildlife of the Zambezi Region.

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