Home Crops Government Expands Communal Lands to Alleviate Grazing Pressure

Government Expands Communal Lands to Alleviate Grazing Pressure

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In a move aimed at bolstering communal farming and addressing the perennial challenge of overgrazing, the Namibian government has acquired four farms across the Erongo, Omaheke, and Otjozondjupa regions. The acquisition, totaling 31,056 hectares, represents a significant expansion of communal land boundaries for communities in Otjimbingwe, Aminuis, and Ovitoto.

The purchased farms, acquired at a cost of N$70 million through the Ministry of Agriculture and Land Reform, will be integrated into existing communal areas. This strategic expansion aims to alleviate pressure on limited grazing resources and improve the livelihoods of communal farmers, who are responsible for managing over half of Namibia’s national cattle herd.

“The continuous acquisition of farms by government is aimed at easing pressure on the limited grazing space, and boosting the productivity of farmers,” stated Land Reform Minister Calle Schlettwein. “Where congestion and overgrazing are evident, measures to decongest by enlarging such communal areas is required.”

The minister emphasized that the expansion aligns with resolutions from the first and second national land conferences, which recognized the crucial role of communal areas in sustaining Namibian farmers. “The conferences concluded that communal areas be retained, developed and expanded,” he explained, citing the historical context of land concentration during the pre-independence era.

The newly acquired farms, ranging in size from 3,753 to 15,160 hectares, will be incorporated into the respective communal areas, with traditional authorities playing a pivotal role in land allocation and ensuring sustainable land use. This initiative is seen as a crucial step towards addressing the historical imbalances in land ownership and promoting equitable access to resources.

Namibia’s land tenure system, characterized by freehold, customary, and leasehold arrangements, presents a complex landscape. While freehold ownership offers secure rights, customary tenure, particularly in communal areas, often lacks formal registration, leading to tenure insecurity. Leaseholds, primarily used for commercial purposes, face similar challenges, limiting investment and hindering development.

The government’s expansion of communal lands reflects a commitment to addressing these challenges and empowering communal farmers. By providing access to larger grazing areas, the initiative aims to enhance productivity, improve living standards, and promote sustainable land management practices.