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National Programme to Combat
Desertification (NAPCOD) |
Desertification is
defined as land degradation in arid, semi-arid and dry sub-humid areas
resulting from various factors, including climatic variations and
human activities. Bush Encroachment,
deforestation, overgrazing, soil erosion, salination and deterioration
of rangelands contribute to the desertification of Namibia.
Established in 1994, NAPCOD aims to combat the process of
desertification by promoting the sustainable and equitable development
of natural resources suited to Namibia's variable environment for the
benefit of Namibians both present and future.
Direct
and indirect causes of desertification in Namibia include:
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too many people and livestock in one place for
too long, contributing to overgrazing and deforestation;
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inappropriate provision of artificial water
points;
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absentee farm management;
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inappropriate fencing in dry areas;
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rapidly increasing human population;
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lack of consideration for low and variable
rainfall;
-
international policies and economics;
-
urban populations - directly and indirectly;
and
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social and socio-economic factors, especially
poverty.
The
main objectives of the current phase of programme are to:
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establish national-level and local-level
monitoring systems to track desertification
-
strengthen the capacity of selected community
based organizations that support them to implement sustainable
natural resource management
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improve the frame conditions for sustainable
natural resource management practices
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share NAPCOD experiences with regional, SADC
and international desertification partners
-
develop the capacity to operate and manage
NAPCOD
Current projects
Namibia ratified the
Convention to Combat Desertification in 1997. NAPCOD currently
operates in the Ohangwena, Omusati, Oshana, Oshikoto, Kunene,Erongo,
and Hardap regions, and will shortly expand to the Omaheke and
Otjozondjupa regions. See also Bush
Encroachment Project.
Linked partners and funding
NAPCOD
is co-ordinated by the DEA. The steering committee consists of
representatives from the MET, MAWRD,
MLRGH, DRFN, NNFU,
NAU, NEPRU,
Agronomic Board, Ministry of Finance, NPC, NAU and Polytechnic of
Namibia. The programme is funded by the Namibian Government, DRFN,
German Mission of Economic Co-operation and Development through
GTZ, Sida, UNCCD
Secretariat and the Government of Finland.
Online Publications
Staff
The
programme is run by Namibians with one technical advisor provided by
GTZ.
Contact:
Helmut Woehl, GTZ advisor or
Sem Shikongo, National Co-ordinator. |
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