02 Feb 2020

United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Sustainable Land Management of Ngamiland (SLM Ngamiland) project has been hailed as a significant initiative.

That was observed by Minister for Environment, Natural Resources Conservation and Tourism, Ms Philda Kereng at the handover ceremony of the Ngamiland SLM project assets by the UNDP in Maun January 31.

Ngamiland SLM project was a five-year project by UNDP aimed to improve range management and improve livelihoods in the Ngamiland.

The piloting of the project targeted three areas of Tsodilo Hills, Lake Ngami and Haina Veldt farms.

Ms Kereng said the SLM Ngamiland project was commendable since it encouraged preservation of natural resources found in the Ngamiland region, which had a sensitive ecosystem in its water bodies.

The SLM Ngamiland project, she said, demonstrated that it was possible for communities to benefit from natural resources in their communities through livelihood activities.

The project, she said, was successfully implemented and enhanced ecosystem management, environmental conservation and helped in job creation.

Further, Ms Kereng observed that it was critical for the country to have partnership with UNDP since Botswana had a few chances of getting other sponsors as a middle income country.

In her remarks, UNDP resident representative, Ms Jacinta Barrins observed that the SLM Ngamiland project was for implementation of sustainable land management practices and reducing poverty.

Ms Barrins also observed that the project was therefore aimed at addressing challenges affecting farmers such as bush encroachment and animal diseases.

On the success of the project, Ms Barrins noted that the project managed to address and reduce range fires around the Tsodilo Hills as well as Tsodilo Hills Heritage challenge walk initiative to help improve livelihoods.

For Lake Ngami community, the project addressed bush encroachment by turning the dead acacia trees found in the area to charcoal as a livelihood project led by Lake Ngami Conservation Trust in Sehithwa.

“Other communities of Nxaraga, Toteng and Legothwana have been trained in charcoal production to incept in the future,” she said.

For Haina Veldt ranches, she said three commercial farmers were trained in appropriate herding systems to address acacia sprouting, which negatively affect the grazing land.

The other successful project, she said, was that of Shakawe women alias ‘Matute’ who were trained in oil production using Mongongo fruits. 

Ms Barrins therefore said handing over of the project assets to the ministry signified handing it over for continuity. ENDS