Local People’s Perceptions about Land Use Land Cover Change (LULCC) in Namibia: A Case of Kavango East and West Regions for Sustainable Human Wellbeing

摘要

Land use/land cover change (LULCC) has taken unprecedented shear rates in all corners of the world including Kavango River Basin. The accelerated rate of change has affected ecosystem functioning and human wellbeing at varying scales. It, therefore, warrants research and constant monitoring to provide crucial information for sustainable conservation especially in the semi-arid and fragile environments. The present study investigated local people's perception of LULCC in the Kavango River Basin of Namibia to identify affected areas and factors responsible for the observed change through a socio-economic survey. Key informants (20) and local communities (100 households), participated through interviews to gather relevant information about the change and associated causes. The study revealed that Kavango West and East key informants have different views on the witnessed changes in the Kavango area. The Kavango East people think that the establishment of protected and community forest areas has led to a decrease in land available for farming. This proclamation has created enclaves of communities in the middle of protected areas, with the continuous loss of crops and livestock to wildlife, which threatens their livelihoods. However, the Kavango West's attribute forest-land loss to agricultural activities and land abandonment is due to degradation. Therefore, the Kavango area presents contrasting factors responsible for LULCC, which has to be properly managed to ensure sustainable ecosystem functioning and communities co-existence. In reversing the negative changes, a holistic approach must be taken to include building asset bases, increased awareness, and creating opportunities outside this fragile ecological region.