Govt invests N$66 million to grow communal areas

Four commercial farms spanning a combined size of 31 056 hectares have been acquired at a cost of more than N$66.9 million for the intended expansion of communal land in the Erongo, Omaheke and Otjozondjupa regions.This was announced in parliament last week by agriculture minister Calle Schlettwein, who spoke about the plan to expand communal land of Otjimbingwe in Erongo Region, Aminus in Omaheke Region and Ovitoto in Otjozondjupa Region in terms of the Communal Land Reform Act, 2002, as amended.The minister pointed out that a majority of Namibians live on communal land, which supports their livelihoods.“Furthermore, slightly more than half of Namibia’s national cattle herd is kept by farmers living on communal land," he added.Because of this, grazing in communal areas must be managed sustainably, he said.However, congestion and the resulting overgrazing are evident, and measures to address this by expanding communal areas are necessary.He added that the ministry frequently receives requests from traditional authorities and individuals for settlement and/or the expansion of communal areas due to a lack of grazing land for their livestock.“However, the expansion of communal land can only happen when the ministry has acquired commercial arms and added them to Schedule One of the Communal Land Act, Act 5 of 2002, as amended," he explained.In line with national objectives Schlettwein said the ministry has responded positively to these requests by acquiring several commercial farms to ease grazing pressure on communal areas.These farms include the remaining extension of Portion A of Farm Okongava No. 72, measuring 15 160 hectares, which will be added to the Otjimbingwe communal area.Farm Osema No. 63, measuring 537 hectares, will be added to the Ovitoto communal area, along with Farm Gusinde No. 197, which measures 3 753 hectares.In the Aminuis communal area, Farm Alpha No. 628, which measures 6 767 hectares, will be added.The expansion of communal areas is in line with the first and second national land conference resolutions, the minister said.“The said conference therefore concluded that communal areas be retained, developed and expanded. This was due to the fact that the majority of the Namibian people live in overcrowded communal areas with limited grazing areas.”Schlettwein said the expansion of communal land represents a form of restorative justice for Namibians.“We believe that through the expansion of these communal areas, land has been given back to the Namibians.”He underlined the important role of traditional authorities in allocating the land and ensuring it is utilised for its intended purpose within the allowable carrying capacity.

Govt invests N$66 million to grow communal areas

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Namibian Sun 2025-04-03

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Govt invests N$66 million to grow communal areas

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Namibian Sun 2025-04-03

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