Strategies to manage human activity in deserts 7

[7]National Programme to Combat Desertification (NAPCOD) Location of the three Napcod pilot areas (dark yellow areas) where local level monitoring was first developed and implemented. Triangles show location of communities within the pilot areas. Black dots and unfilled area are communities where the system has been implemented by other service providers, i.e. Government extension services, Community- based Organisation (CBOs) and Non governmental Organisations (NGOs), Desertification is defined as land degradation in arid, semi-arid and dry sub-humid areas resulting from various factors, including climatic variations and human activities. Bush encroachment, deforestation, overgrazing, soil erosion, salinisation and deterioration of rangelands contribute to the desertification of Namibia. Established in 1994, NAPCOD aims to combat the process of desertification by promoting the sustainable and equitable development of natural resources suited to Namibia's variable environment for the benefit of Namibians both present and future.

Direct and indirect causes of desertification in Namibia include: * too many people and livestock in one place for too long, contributing to overgrazing and deforestation; * inappropriate provision of artificial water points; * absentee farm management; * inappropriate fencing in dry areas; * rapidly increasing human population; * lack of consideration for low and variable rainfall; * international policies and economics; * urban populations - directly and indirectly; and * social and socio-economic factors, especially poverty. Current projects Namibia ratified the Convention to Combat Desertification in NAPCOD currently operates in the Ohangwena, Omusati, Oshana, Oshikoto, Kunene,Erongo, and Hardap regions, and will shortly expand to the Omaheke and Otjozondjupa regions. See also Bush Encroachment Project. Linked partners and funding NAPCOD is co-ordinated by the DEA. The steering committee consists of representatives from the MET, MAWRD, MLRGH, DRFN, NNFU, NAU, NEPRU, Agronomic Board, Ministry of Finance, NPC, NAU and Polytechnic of Namibia. The programme is funded by the Namibian Government, DRFN, German Mission of Economic Co- operation and Development through GTZ, Sida, UNCCD Secretariat and the Government of Finland.

Angola Namibia Etosha Pan, dry salt lake, Namibia Nation boundary revealed because of differing grazing practices. Soil in Namibia is much more reflective because of de-vegetation due to overgrazing. 44