Assessing land degradation through a participatory approach in selected villages of the Kunene region, Namibia: Bridging scientific and local knowledge bases
| dc.contributor.advisor | Imnan, Ndeinekela Emilia | |
| dc.contributor.author | Hasholo, Ndapanda | |
| dc.date.accessioned | 2026-03-24T08:00:45Z | |
| dc.date.available | 2026-03-24T08:00:45Z | |
| dc.date.issued | 2025 | |
| dc.description | A thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the Degree of Master of Science in Environmental Science | |
| dc.description.abstract | While scientific methods for assessing land degradation are well established, they often overlook indigenous knowledge provided by local communities. This study utilized a participatory approach to assess land degradation in Otjamaungu and Otjimbundu villages in Kunene region, Namibia, which is among the regions considerably affected by land degradation. Communities identified sites that they perceived to represent five distinct degradation categories: very low, low, moderate, high, and very high. For each category, three sites were selected, and within each site, three plots measuring 20 m × 20 m were established. Vegetation assessments in each plot included measurements of species richness, species diversity, plant density, total basal area, regeneration capacity, and herbaceous cover. Soil assessment included compaction, soil erosion and fertility. Furthermore, local perceptions on land degradation was captured. Ecological results were compared with opinions and perceptions by the communities regarding degradation. The results indicated that community-defined degradation categories were strongly influenced by visible vegetation cover, with denser vegetation typically associated with lower degradation levels. Overall, scientific data largely aligned with community classifications. Quantitative data were analysed using R Studio, while qualitative data were analysed using thematic analysis. Significant differences in species richness, diversity, density, total basal area, herbaceous cover and regeneration capacity were observed between degradation categories in both villages (P<0.05). Interviews revealed that communities primarily perceived land degradation through its impact on livestock, central to their livelihoods, rather than through broader ecological consequences.. Perceptions of degradation varied within villages, with some individuals demonstrating limited understanding of its causes and manifestations . By combining scientific expertise with local knowledge, this study enhances the understanding of land degradation in the Kunene region, paving the way for more effective conservation and restoration efforts | |
| dc.identifier.uri | http://hdl.handle.net/11070/4223 | |
| dc.language.iso | en | |
| dc.publisher | University of Namibia | |
| dc.subject | Land degradation | |
| dc.subject | Degradation category | |
| dc.subject | Local knowledge | |
| dc.subject | Scientific knowledge | |
| dc.subject | Pastoralists | |
| dc.subject | Rangelands | |
| dc.subject | Livestock | |
| dc.subject | Namibia | |
| dc.subject | University of Namibia | |
| dc.title | Assessing land degradation through a participatory approach in selected villages of the Kunene region, Namibia: Bridging scientific and local knowledge bases | |
| dc.type | Thesis |