Witbooi launches drive to transform Hai-//om livelihoods
Namibian Vice President Lucia Witbooi has announced a government initiative to improve the livelihoods of the Hai-//om community near Etosha National Park. The plan follows a consultative process aimed at addressing socioeconomic challenges and ensuring inclusive development for marginalized groups.
Why it matters
This highlights government efforts to address historical socioeconomic disparities and land-use conflicts involving indigenous communities in protected areas.
Vice president Lucia Witbooi has announced a government-led push to develop a comprehensive livelihood and development plan for the Hai-//om community living in and around Etosha National Park.
She says practical action is needed to address long-standing socioeconomic challenges.
Opening a high-level stakeholder meeting at Outjo on Thursday, Witbooi said the initiative follows concerns raised by the Hai-//om community over their living conditions.
She said the government convened a consultative meeting in February involving relevant ministries, where it was resolved that a coordinated plan would be developed to improve the community’s livelihoods.
A multidisciplinary technical team was subsequently deployed to assess conditions at Namutoni, Halali, Okaukuejo, Ombika and Hai-//om resettlement farms bordering the park.
Witbooi said she also visited Ombika and the resettlement farms of Serringkop, Bellalaika and Nuchas this week, alongside ministers, governors and technical officials.
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