Namibia improves information access in remote villages

Thirty-seven villages in northeast Namibia's remote areas in the Nyae Nyae Conservancy will be able to communicate and have access to information following the distribution of new solar powered Lifeline radios.

The European Union (EU), who funded the radios through their EU Climate Change Adaption Grant, is providing support in building the capacity of the local San communities to diversify livelihoods and adapt to the impacts of climate change.

The radios will be used to share information on conservation agriculture to improve food security and climate change resilience, information about fire management as well as general conservancy information and notifications of meetings.

Lara Diez of Nyae Nyae Development Foundation, who is leading the EU Climate Change Adaptation project, on Monday said sharing information and improving communications is vital for any remote community and their development.

According to Diez, the large solar radios are designed and purpose built for group listening, so work perfectly in the 37 villages around the conservancy, where distance and lack of transport limits communication.

"This will help with general communication as well as improving the reporting of illegal grazing and fencing in the area," she added.

The Nyae Nyae Conservancy is one of the most well-known elephant hunting areas in Africa. The total hunting area is close to 1 million hectares. The conservancy usually has activities that include traditional hunt with local bushman, elephant tracking and visiting traditional villages. Endit