ALM UNDP

Summary:

This report seeks to compile a current account of farming systems and the changes that farmers are experiencing in Namibia. This study seeks to enable adaptation to climate change based on the information gathered. The Ministry of Agriculture, Water and Forestry, were involved in assisting and executing the study. The Environmental Conventions and Related Programs Unit of the Ministry of Environment and Tourism were also involved. There were valuable comments and inputs to the report made by the members of the Namibian Climate Change Committee, and the United Nations Development Programme.

The overall purpose of the study was to assess and conduct research needs on farming systems change in Namibia to enable adaptation to climate change. Consultants to solicit data and views from relevant sources and principal stakeholders. Information was also obtained from a review of secondary sources. The information was to satisfy the following specific tasks:

a) Compile the farming system change through range of consultations and meetings; b) Support further quantification of the economic and social impacts due to predicted climate changes and provide guidance to coping strategies thereof; c) Support, through collaborating with the indigenous livestock breeds project, further development of indigenous livestock breeds by recommending appropriate selection, breeding and testing of genetic material; d) Provide technical expertise, indigenous germplasm collection and collaboration with the Plant Genetic Resources Centres; e) Assist the MAWF in development and use of agricultural models; f) Uphold the capacity building component through the use of students in implementation of tasks; g) Recommend the suitability of existing data and others suitable for inclusion in the Second National Communication; and h) Provide recommendations about procedures and institutional arrangements required to sustain data collection and archiving.

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