Kavango west: The chairperson of the Kavango West Regional Farmers Union, Hausiku Johannes, has warned that grazing pressure in the region has increased as large tracts of communal land are being illegally fenced off and converted for private use. Johannes, in an interview with Nampa, highlighted that this practice sidelines ordinary community members, especially within the Ukwangali area, and undermines freehold and other legitimate land users.

According to Namibia Press Agency, the lack of a functional land use management plan has led to continuous grazing along corridors, overgrazing, and land degradation. Johannes noted that the current situation threatens livestock production, community access to grazing, and social cohesion in rural areas. He emphasized that illegal fencing and sales of communal land are driving urbanization, particularly among community members from villages such as Zigizi, Gava, Nepara, Nkasima, Nkambe, and Mbeyo.

Johannes identified overstocking, uncontrolled sales of communal land, exploitation of natural resources, and limited administrative power to stop irregular allocations as compounding factors. He urged that the law must protect the rights and dignity of the majority and secure communal land for future generations.

In response, Ukwangali Traditional Authority Spokesperson Kasiku Siteketa stated that the problem in Ukwangali is illegal grazing by individuals in open areas rather than by established farmers. She clarified that possessing cattle and grazing in open spaces does not qualify an individual as a farmer, noting that recognized farmers operate on their own designated farms. Siteketa further asserted that the traditional authority has no mandate to sell communal land, and challenged the farmers union to provide concrete proof of illegal transactions.

Deputy Director in the Division of Lands for Kavango West under the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Land Reform, Justin Milinga, revealed that the Kavango West Communal Land Board investigated 43 cases of illegal fencing in 2025. He mentioned that the majority of these cases stemmed from allocations backed by traditional authorities. Forty cases were referred to the Mbunza and Ukwangali traditional authorities for adjudication and resolution, while three were submitted to the minister for removal. Milinga assured that the ministry will continue to coordinate with the land board and traditional authorities to resolve the remaining cases.