Art exhibition highlights Namibian communities’ climate change challenges

Posted on August 24, 2023

Once again, the team at Omeva Consulting has gone an extra mile to highlight the work of villages in Namibia to overcome the challenges of climate change. For that an art exhibition with the title “Okondjatu: The Pursuit of Climate Resilience” will be launched on the 24th of August at Gwesty Cymru in Aberystwyth. The photographs intend to draw attention to the efforts of the Okondjatu community and neighbouring villages to restore their eco-systems and improve living standards.

Namibia is known for having the most arid climate in Sub-Saharan Africa, with erratic rainfalls and recurring droughts posing major challenges to local communities. Bush encroachment, the overgrowth of grassland by woody species, is impacting arid savannah ecosystems around the globe, threatening their biodiversity and local communities’ livelihoods. In Namibia alone, 45 million hectares of agricultural land is affected. The Otjozondjupa region, home to the Ovaherero people, is one of the worst affected of the countries.

Together with the academics, community members are trying to use the bush as a feed for livestock and other products. A special mention deserves the work conducted by the University of Namibia (UNAM), the country's leading institution in tertiary education. Trough the project "Enhancing Livestock Community Adaptation through Climate Resilient Agriculture: Encroacher bushes value chains initiative in Otjozondjupa Region, Namibia", they have helped to generate income, enhance food security, and combat bush encroachment and climate change impacts in the area. For that, they have partnered with the Okakarara Vocational Training Center (OVTC), who is responsible for the technology component. This three-year initiative has been funded by the Mastercard Foundation through their Community Action Research Programme (CARP+).

Aberystwyth University has supported the effort with research grants organised by the Centre for International Development Research at Aberystwyth, especially on the evaluation of the feeding values of indigenous plant species and their potential to reduce methane emissions.

The pictures shown in the exhibition highlight the characters, wildlife and challenges faced by the community.

One of the organisers is Maria de la Puerta, a PhD student at Aberystwyth University who has been working in the area for over 7 years. As part of her PhD research, she has been looking at nutritional values of local bushes as well as their greenhouse emissions. She said: “We’re aiming to use the power of art to raise awareness of the effects of climate change and bush encroachment, and the threats they pose onto local communities. But also, to draw attention to the local communities and the researchers working with them to overcome the challenges by using a range of innovative strategies and technologies. We also want to promote cooperation so we can work together on these and other issues affecting Namibia and Southern Africa.”

Aberystwyth University graduate Monika Fraczek took the exhibition photos on a trip to Namibia in her role as Omeva Consulting’s Chief Communications Officer. She said: “I use my art to raise awareness and educate about critical issues such as food security, drought relief or climate change. I’m just passionate about people and their stories.”

Mr Salomo Kauari, Chairperson of the Conservancy has been involved throughout. “I am extremely happy to see our hard work has been noticed, I hope this serves as an opportunity for us to attract other partners and projects”- said this visionary community leader, who has very ambitious plans for the area.

The exhibition has garnered significant attention from both local and international audiences. Visitors have expressed their admiration for the resilience and ingenuity of the Namibian communities depicted in the photographs. The compelling visuals and accompanying narratives have sparked meaningful conversations about climate resilience and the vital role of local knowledge in combating climate change.

In addition to raising awareness, the exhibition aims to inspire action. By showcasing successful community-led initiatives, the organisers hope to motivate other regions facing similar challenges to adopt innovative and sustainable practices. The exhibition serves as a reminder that local communities, when equipped with the right tools and support, can lead the way in addressing global environmental issues.

As part of the exhibition, several interactive sessions and workshops have been planned. These sessions will provide attendees with the opportunity to engage directly with the researchers and community members featured in the exhibition. Topics will include sustainable agriculture, climate adaptation strategies, and the integration of traditional knowledge with modern technology. These workshops aim to foster a deeper understanding and collaboration among participants.

The exhibition also highlights the critical role of education in empowering communities to tackle climate challenges. By providing educational resources and training programs, the project aims to equip local youth with the knowledge and skills needed to drive sustainable development in their regions. Educational institutions like UNAM and OVTC play a pivotal role in this effort, fostering a new generation of environmentally conscious leaders.

The collaborative spirit of the exhibition extends beyond Namibia and the UK. It underscores the importance of international partnerships in addressing global environmental issues. By sharing experiences, knowledge, and resources, countries can learn from each other and implement best practices that benefit both local and global communities. The exhibition serves as a beacon of hope, demonstrating that through unity and collaboration, significant strides can be made in combating climate change.

In addition to raising awareness, the exhibition aims to inspire action. Attendees are encouraged to take part in ongoing conservation efforts and to support policies that promote environmental sustainability. By showcasing the resilience and ingenuity of the Okondjatu community, the exhibition hopes to motivate individuals and organizations to contribute to similar initiatives in their own regions. The ultimate goal is to create a network of informed and proactive citizens dedicated to protecting the environment.

The exhibition will be on display at Gwesty Cymru, 19 Marine Terrace, Aberystwyth, until the end of September. The restaurant is open from 8.30-11.30 am and from 1.00 – 9.00 pm. For more information do not hesitate to contact info@omevaconsulting.com.