by Margaret N Angula and Dian Spear, Adaptation at Scale in Semi-Arid Regions (ASSAR) project
In the community of Onesi in north-central Namibia, bordering Angola, farmers and residents experience catastrophic effects of alternating drought and flood.
Published in:
Electricity+Control, July 2016 (pages 38 – 41)
Enquiries: Email Sheila.lashford@intasave-caribsave.org
In the community of Onesi in Omusati region in north-central Namibia along its border with Angola, farmers and residents know only too well the catastrophic effects of alternating drought and flood.
Much of Namibia's rural population ekes out a meagre existence on marginally fertile soil, almost wholly dependent on the arrival of rain at the right times. However, the agricultural output in Namibia, and especially in this Northern region, is seriously and increasingly impaired due to adverse climatic and soil factors.
During the past five years the people of Onesi, along with many of the neighbouring communities, have suffered recurring drought, floods, locusts, insects and outbreaks of various pests. Many of these communities have little access to utilities and services such as water, health and transport services and this makes them more vulnerable to these events.
The ASSAR team continues to work with the people of Onesi and similar communities to help them make the changes necessary to respond to their changing climate and to share this information with other communities that can learn from the experiences of Onesi.
Take note
• Floods in Namibia occur almost annually.
• Periods of drought are disruptive to power supply – as are the floods.
• Adapting to Climate Change is a long-term, collaborative process.
Read the full article on Helping communities adapt to Climate Change in PDF format.
