Local people’s perceptions about Land Use Cover Change (LULCC) for sustainable human wellbeing in Namibia

Abstract

Land use/land cover change (LULCC) has taken unprecedented rates in all corners of the world. The accelerated rate of change has affected ecosystem functioning and human well-being. It, therefore, warrants research and constant monitoring to provide crucial updated information for sustainable conservation, especially in semi-arid environments, and the current changing climate. This study investigated local people's perception of LULCC in the Kavango River Basin of Namibia. Coupled with relevant literature, the key informants and local community members were interviewed to provide primary information about the observed changes and also to supplement the existing secondary data. The study revealed that Kavango West and East, key informants, have different perception about the changes they have witnessed. The Kavango East people think the establishment of protected and community forest areas led to decrease in available land for farming. This created enclaves of communities in the middle of protected areas that continue to lose crops and livestock to wildlife. However, the Kavango West attribute forest-land loss to agricultural activities and land abandonment due to degradation. This implies the area is undergoing fragmentation from LULCC which is a threat to ecological biodiversity. This study presents the perception of local communities about LULCC's offering vital information needed in designing targeted interventions for land degradation. Therefore, all stakeholders should work together to ensure the sustainable co-existence of communities and natural resources for sustainable human well-being.