In the arid landscapes of Namibia’s Kunene Highlands, water is the lifeline that carves the narratives between people, livestock, and wildlife. The scarcity of this vital resource often leads to competition and conflict, particularly around vegetable gardens and water points. It became clear to communities that building partnerships for water security in Namibia would be crucial for community conservancies to afford the upgrades needed to prevent recurrent elephant damage.
Through their partnership with Conserve Global and targeted interventions and infrastructure improvements, the Ekoto vegetable garden in Orupupa Conservancy is emerging as a model of peaceful coexistence and resilience.
Innovating for peaceful coexistence
The presence of elephants in the region, while ecologically significant, has also posed a major challenge for community conservancies in Namibia. This is particularly true during droughts, which are becoming increasingly common. During very dry periods in the Orupupa Conservancy in the Kunene Highlands, elephants would raid gardens for their rich nutrients and moisture, as well as water storage facilities, causing extensive damage to reservoirs and tanks that supplied the village’s water, forcing people to walk kilometres to fetch water for their households and food gardens, a big blow to water security in Kunene. For more background, read this article published in Conservation Namibia in September 2023.
When we signed a partnership with Orupupa, one of the first things we did with the community was upgrade the water storage facilities and boreholes. Then, to protect the garden and ensure food security, we supported the installation of an electric fence enhanced with ‘Elephant Whiskers’. The original stock fence around the Ekoto vegetable garden was no match for these hungry giants, but this innovative solution successfully deters elephants while maintaining a wildlife-friendly approach.
Drilling for life
With the garden secure, attention turned to water security. The garden previously relied on a pipeline from a spring located 3 km away – an inefficient and unsustainable source, even when the existing infrastructure was intact. Additionally, traditional flood irrigation practices wasted significant amounts of water.
Recognising these limitations, Kunene Conservation and its partners took a bold step toward long-term water security solutions.
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A dedicated source: A breakthrough came in April 2024 with the drilling of a borehole within the garden.
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Sustainable power: In October 2024, solar panels were installed to power the borehole pump, providing a consistent and eco-friendly water supply.
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Shared resources: To further alleviate pressure on natural springs, a livestock watering trough was constructed near the village.
This strategic move ensured that vital natural springs remained accessible for wildlife, supporting the local community while enhancing tourism potential.
Project facilitating further partnerships for water security
Regenerative agriculture: the next chapter
As the project evolved, so did its ambition. Recognising the potential of climate-resilient farming, Kunene Conservation partnered with the NGO Tourism Supporting Conservation (TOSCO) to introduce regenerative agriculture techniques.
With limited tourism in this remote area, sustainable garden production became the backbone of the local economy. The strategy includes integrating support trees with fruit trees to improve yields, reduce dependence on external fertilisers, and provide fodder for livestock during droughts.
A thriving future
The journey toward a self-sustaining agricultural model gained momentum in March 2025. The specialist team returned to train local farmers in techniques like mulching, permaculture, alley cropping, and bio-fertiliser production.
We are cocreating solutions for lasting impact:
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Harmonious agroforestry: Integrating support trees with fruit-bearing varieties to boost soil health and create natural windbreaks.
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Smart resource use: Reducing reliance on external fertilisers and optimising water usage.
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Building drought resilience: Providing valuable livestock fodder to help communities thrive even during dry periods.
Collaborating for a transformed future
The transformation at Ekoto Garden showcases how strategic partnerships can turn challenges into opportunities. By enhancing water security, reducing human-wildlife conflict, and championing regenerative agriculture, Orupupa Conservancy is leading the way toward a more sustainable and harmonious future.
Originally published on LinkedIn on 30 April 2025