Integrated Rural Development and Nature Conservation (IRDNC)

Integrated Rural Development and Nature Conservation (IRDNC) http://archive.benchmarkemail.com/IRDNC

IRDNC Trust strives to improve the lives of rural people by diversifying the socio-economy in Namibia's communal areas to include wildlife and other valuable natural resources. We believe this will, in turn, secure a long-term place for wild animals outside of national parks, and significantly reduce the pressure on these areas in the future. The Trust further aims to build up the capacity of rura

l Namibians, and to assist them to develop a civil society whose members can sustainably manage and benefit from their local natural resources.

You were not wrong.When we asked what community work looks like, you said:“Endless meetings.”“Impact driven.”“Sharing kn...
19/08/2026

You were not wrong.

When we asked what community work looks like, you said:

“Endless meetings.”
“Impact driven.”
“Sharing knowledge.”
“Progress over perfection.”
“Solving shared problems.”

And honestly, yes.

One of IRDNC’s earliest Lessons from the Field is simple:

Build real relationships with communities, not only relationships around conservation.

After 45 years, we have learned that community work starts with listening, showing up, moving at the community’s pace, and working through shared problems together.

It is not done for people.
It is built with people.

Follow along as we share more Lessons from the Field.

It may look like just another meeting…But this is where strong conservancies are built.Anabeb Conservancy is currently h...
13/08/2026

It may look like just another meeting…

But this is where strong conservancies are built.

Anabeb Conservancy is currently holding its AGM, a space for members to ask questions, raise concerns, and take part in decisions about their land, wildlife, livelihoods, and future.

These meetings may not always make the flashiest headlines, but for IRDNC, supporting conservation means being present in these moments too. Not only in the field, but also in the governance spaces where communities reflect, plan, and hold each other accountable.

This is Goal 1 of IRDNC’s Strategic Plan in action: stronger conservancies and accountable governance.

Photos by: Kephas Itaratjike

Growing food shouldn't mean losing it overnight.This year, maize harvests from IRDNC-supported community gardens in Kune...
05/08/2026

Growing food shouldn't mean losing it overnight.

This year, maize harvests from IRDNC-supported community gardens in Kunene reached 3.6 tonnes (3,680 kg)—600 kg more than in 2025. A promising step forward.

But the reality remains harsh: almost 2 tonnes of maize were still lost to elephants, destroying months of hard work in just minutes.

These photos tell the story of families working tirelessly to secure food for the year, only to see crops trampled or eaten before harvest.

You can help our Kunene Elephant Walk (KEW) Rangers protect both people and elephants. By donating gramophones or strobe lights, you'll help communities safely deter elephants from their gardens without causing harm.

Every harvest saved is another family with greater food security.

Photos by .schmielewski

In the early hours of 27 July 2026, one of Namibia's respected CBNRM icons, Muhonge uetu Gustav Tjiundukamba, passed on....
31/07/2026

In the early hours of 27 July 2026, one of Namibia's respected CBNRM icons, Muhonge uetu Gustav Tjiundukamba, passed on. We are still coming to terms with this sad news. On this World Rangers Day, it is only fitting that we honour his life, recognise his contribution to CBNRM, and pay tribute to his lasting legacy.

Long before communal conservancies became the foundation of Namibia's conservation success, Tate Uetu was bringing people together. A respected peacemaker, he dedicated his life to resolving disputes, strengthening communities, and building the trust that made community conservation possible.

Working alongside the late Garth Owen-Smith and many others, he helped lay the foundations of Namibia's internationally recognized CBNRM programme. His wisdom also helped peacefully resolve conservancy boundary disputes, including the historic reconciliation between Sesfontein and Anabeb, a lasting symbol of unity and reconciliation. He was the chairperson of Omatendeka Conservancy and also the Chairperson of Kunene Communal Conservancy Association (KRCCA)

As IRDNC Executive Director John Kasaona reflected:

"Without the work that Tate Uetu put in, there would be no CBNRM, no conservancies, and no People's Parks."

Roger Collinson remembers Muhonge Uetu Gustav Tjiundukamba as a born leader with a great passion for conserving wildlife. And Mendes Vinte recalled him as a "Fearless lion, a man who spoke his mind without hesitation or compromise"

Those who knew him will remember his wisdom, humility, unwavering faith, warm smile, and the quiet respect he commanded wherever he went.

Rest in eternal peace, Muhonge Uetu.

31/07/2026

15 second dopamine dose for your timeline.

Remembering Andrew? That walked 11/36 km before getting a lift? That's him on the left. And if you know Kunene Elephant Walk then you definitely have seen Edward (on the right).

These are only 2 rangers you see in a video but in total, IRDNC supports about 500 elephant rangers, rhino rangers, lion guards and community game guards. 40% of them female and 80% of them youth under 35. One story resonates through them all "This work is not easy, but to see nature in balance is what keeps us going" - Andrew !Used, Anabeb Community Game Guard and Lion HWC ranger.

Traditional leaders and representatives from 31 conservancies from North-West Kunene are currently sitting together (Day...
24/07/2026

Traditional leaders and representatives from 31 conservancies from North-West Kunene are currently sitting together (Day 4/5), to talk about their achievements and challenges in the past 6 months, and to strategically plan for the remainder of the year, TOGETHER. Discussions, arguments, lessons, advice, laughter, sandstorms, planning and everything in between is how conservancies learn, improve and operate. This is the foundation of our achievements throughout the past 44 years. More details to follow.

The great Moo-vement!A tradition of courage, teamwork, and resilience.Every year, hundreds of farmers in Namibia's Zambe...
20/07/2026

The great Moo-vement!

A tradition of courage, teamwork, and resilience.

Every year, hundreds of farmers in Namibia's Zambezi Region come together for an extraordinary seasonal cattle migration. As floodwaters rise, they work side by side to guide their herds safely across the mighty Zambezi River from the floodplains to higher grazing areas.

This is more than just a river crossing, it's a carefully coordinated effort built on generations of experience. By moving together, farmers help reduce the risk of losing cattle to crocodiles and hippos, while ensuring their livestock reach safer grazing grounds.

This year, the IRDNC team had the privilege of assisting with the migration, and we were inspired by the remarkable level of organisation, cooperation, and local knowledge demonstrated by the farming communities.

Witnessing this incredible tradition sparked an exciting idea: could this seasonal migration one day become a community event that visitors can experience? Done thoughtfully, it has the potential to generate income that helps cover the costs farmers incur each year while celebrating a unique cultural and conservation story.

Some traditions deserve to be seen, appreciated, and supported.

📷 Ba Julia Nchindo

Here's a small review of what we've been able to do in the past year with your donations, partnership and assistance. An...
06/07/2026

Here's a small review of what we've been able to do in the past year with your donations, partnership and assistance. And how you can help keep things going. A big thank you to all donors, partners and stakeholders, a little bit helps alot. Here's to another year of impact 👏🏿👏🏾👏🏽👏🏻

**Ranger Spotlight** He had no vehicle available.So he packed his bedroll, carried his bag, and started walking.This is ...
25/06/2026

**Ranger Spotlight** He had no vehicle available.
So he packed his bedroll, carried his bag, and started walking.

This is Andrew Kharuxab, a Community Game Guard from Anabeb Conservancy, based in Khowarib. During the hottest part of the day, Andrew received a call about livestock losses caused by lions in the Otjondumbu area. Three goats had been killed two days earlier, and the area was about 36 km away.

With no conservancy vehicle available, Andrew set off on foot, carrying what he needed for the journey. After walking about 11 km, a passing vehicle stopped and gave him a lift.

When he arrived, he found that another 10 goats had also been killed. He recorded the cases and gathered the information needed to support the affected livestock owners.

This is the work that often happens quietly.
The walking.
The heat.
The distance.
The limited resources.

The commitment to show up when communities need support.
Community Game Guards are often the first people called when human-wildlife conflict happens. Their work is not always easy, but it is deeply important.

Thank you, Andrew, and thank you to the many Community Game Guards And rangers who continue to serve both conservation and their communities under difficult conditions.

Story shared by Chief Lucky Kasaona, Advocacy Manager for IRDNC Kunene, traditional chief for the Kasaona Traditional Community from Anabeb to Purros and community representative for Arid-Eden's People's Park.

Behind every post, report, meeting, field visit, community engagement, and conservation success, there is a team constan...
10/06/2026

Behind every post, report, meeting, field visit, community engagement, and conservation success, there is a team constantly moving, adapting, problem-solving, and showing up.
This is the side of conservation work that people do not always see.

The travel.
The heat.
The poor signal.
The waiting.
The tired faces.
The small wins.
The teamwork.
And still, the work continues.

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7 Rossini Street, Windhoek West
Windhoek
9000

Telephone

+26461228506

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