Chief Ruben Uazukuani remembers a time when the land around Okamatapati was open savanna, rich with grasslands. Today, dense and thorny bushes have taken over, making it difficult for livestock to graze — a direct result of bush encroachment, worsened by climate change and decades of overgrazing.
However, what was once seen as a major threat is now being turned into a valuable resource.
Through the Bush Control and Biomass Utilisation Project, supported by GIZ in partnership with the Namibian government, farmers like Chief Uazukuani are transforming invasive bush into nutrient-rich animal feed. This innovative approach not only sustains livestock through drought periods but also creates local employment and strengthens the resilience of small-scale farms.
With over 45 million hectares of land affected, Namibia is taking bold steps to manage bush encroachment while unlocking new economic opportunities , including renewable energy, biochar, and sustainable building materials.
This is more than just land restoration. It’s a story of adaptation, sustainability, and community-driven innovation.
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