Chiefs urged to promote climate-smart practices
Zambezi regional governor Dorothy Kabula-Simushi says traditional authority leaders must use their influence within local communities to strongly advocate for climate-resilient adaptation and natural resource management. She made this call during the regional stakeholders consultation on the review of the National Policy on Climate Change (NPCC) and update of Namibia’s third Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC […] The post Chiefs urged to promote climate-smart practices appeared first on The
Zambezi regional governor Dorothy Kabula-Simushi says traditional authority leaders must use their influence within local communities to strongly advocate for climate-resilient adaptation and natural resource management.
She made this call during the regional stakeholders consultation on the review of the National Policy on Climate Change (NPCC) and update of Namibia’s third Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC 3.0) at Katima Mulilo on Monday.
Kabula-Simushi says that climate change is no longer a distant reality and therefore, traditional leaders remain invaluable in strengthening community-based climate adaptation and natural resource management.
She adds that the region is highly exposed to climate-related risks, making communities vulnerable to seasonal floods, dry spells, drought conditions, rising temperatures, and changing rainfall patterns.
“These climate pressures are particularly significant for communities whose livelihoods depend directly on natural resources. Smallholder farmers, livestock keepers, fishers, natural resource-dependent communities, and tourism operators are all affected when climatic conditions become increasingly unpredictable. Climate change therefore presents both an environmental and an economic challenge, requiring us to strengthen the resilience of communities and ecosystems while creating sustainable economic opportunities,” she says.
Kabula-Simushi adds that farmers and local communities must be supported to adopt climate-smart agricultural practices, improve water management, diversify livelihoods, and strengthen food and nutrition security.
“We should also expand opportunities around non-timber forest products, including indigenous fruits, medicinal plants, thatching materials, honey, and other natural products.
Adding value to these resources can provide alternative sources of income while reducing pressure on forests,” she says.
Kabula-Simushi also emphasises that the region has great potential for renewable energy, as expanding access to clean and affordable energy can support rural development, reduce dependence on traditional biomass, and contribute to Namibia’s greenhouse gas emission reduction targets.
“There is also significant potential to strengthen climate-resilient tourism and nature-based enterprises, ensuring that our rich biodiversity and natural landscapes continue to contribute to employment, local economic development, and community livelihoods,” she says.
