Human-wildlife conflict remains one of the most pressing challenges facing Namibia’s communal conservancies, particularly in regions where communities live in proximity to predators such as lions, hyenas, and leopards. Livestock losses not only threaten household incomes but also undermine community support for conservation. In response to this challenge, the Poverty-Oriented Support to Community Conservation in Namibia (POSCCIN) Project continues to deliver practical, community-driven solutions that promote coexistence.
Since its inception, the POSCCIN Project, an initiative of the Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism (MEFT), implemented by the Community Conservation Fund of Namibia (CCFN), and funded by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) through KfW Development Bank, has made significant strides in mitigating human-wildlife conflict through the construction of predator-proof kraals.
To date, a total of 279 predator-proof kraals have been constructed across key conservation landscapes. These include:
- 120 kraals in the Zambezi Region
- 147 kraals in Kunene North
- 102 kraals in Kunene South
- 12 kraals in the North Central regions
Predator-proof kraals are specially designed livestock enclosures that provide enhanced protection against nocturnal predators. Built using durable materials and reinforced structures, these kraals significantly reduce livestock losses by preventing predators from accessing animals at night, when attacks are most common.
The impact of these kraals has been profound. By safeguarding livestock, they directly protect rural livelihoods, ensuring that farmers do not suffer devastating economic losses. This, in turn, reduces retaliatory killings of wildlife, which often occur when communities seek to defend their livelihoods. As a result, predator-proof kraals contribute to both conservation outcomes and socio-economic resilience.
In landscapes such as Kunene and Zambezi, where human-wildlife interactions are frequent, the kraals have become an essential tool in fostering peaceful coexistence.
Communities are increasingly recognizing the value of conservation when their livelihoods are secured, strengthening the broader Community-Based Natural Resource Management (CBNRM) framework.
Beyond infrastructure, the POSCCIN Project also emphasizes community engagement, training, and ownership. Beneficiary communities are actively involved in the construction and maintenance of the kraals, ensuring sustainability and long-term impact.
This participatory approach not only builds local capacity but also reinforces a shared responsibility for conservation.
As Namibia continues to champion innovative conservation models, the success of predator-proof kraals under the POSCCIN Project stands as a testament to what can be achieved through strong partnerships, targeted investment, and community-led solutions.
By protecting both livelihoods and wildlife, the project is helping to secure a future where people and nature thrive together.
