The primary objective of NILALEG is to enhance living standards in these rural areas by addressing land degradation and integrating sustainable agriculture and forestry practices. By providing communities with essential resources such as water tanks, pipes, infrastructure for an enclosed nursery, seeds and training on crop production, the project enables local farmers to grow food for themselves while also generating income. This approach not only improves food security but also builds resilience against the challenges posed by climate change and drought.

Gabriel Kajakurapo, a member of the Ongete Farmers’ Association, explains that the project has made a significant difference in their community. Through NILALEG, they received training on soil preparation, crop planting techniques and how to care for different types of crops. “We now grow food for our households, and the surplus is sold to nearby communities,” says Kajakurapo. “Previously, if we needed something like tomatoes, we had to travel to Ruacana, which is far from here and costly due to transport. Now, we can sell our produce locally, reducing the cost for everyone.”

In addition to traditional crops like tomatoes, green peppers, carrots, spinach and onions, the project emphasises the cultivation of indigenous trees such as moringa, bird plum and jackalberry trees. The trees are grown in the nursery from seedlings and replanted in the veld to repopulate the surrounding area with these species, which have become scarce. The project should prove valuable for future generations, as some of these trees also provide food for livestock, especially during droughts. The project not only helps preserve local biodiversity but also creates new opportunities for income generation, as trees are sold to the community.

Another important aspect of the NILALEG Project is its emphasis on community involvement and governance. Jeremia Katambo, secretary of the Etoto Farmers’ Association, highlights the role of the farmers’ associations in coordinating the project and serving as a link between NILALEG and the Ongete Farmers’ Association. “We engage with the community and traditional leaders to seek permission for what NILALEG intends to do on the land,” Katambo explains. “The farmers’ association is responsible for recruiting workers, such as nursery caretakers, and ensuring that the project is inclusive of everyone, including women, elderly people and individuals with disabilities.”

The nurseries, managed by six local caretakers, provide a vital source of income for these workers. Each caretaker receives a monthly allowance of N$1,000 which helps them support their families. In the long run, the goal is for the nurseries to become self-sustaining through the sale of fruit, vegetables and seedlings.

In addition to crops and trees, the project has also established a grass seed bank to address the needs of livestock farmers. Hardy perennial grasses have been identified as suitable for producing seeds, which will be planted in selected areas after the first rain to provide nutritious feed for animals, especially during dry seasons.

Overall, the NILALEG Project integrates agriculture, forestry and community governance to create a more sustainable future for rural Namibian communities. By reducing the distance to markets, restoring degraded land and fostering local food production, NILALEG is helping these communities build resilience in the face of environmental challenges while improving their quality of life.