Community Based Adaptation Project Pilot Sites: Onamulunga School Garden Project

Abstract: The Community Based Adaptation Programme (CBA) is a five-­‐year United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) global initiative funded by the Global Environmental Facility (GEF). UNDP works with a number of partners including the United Nations Volunteers and the GEF Small Grants Programme (SGP). Initial CBA investments have been made in 20 communities in the northern parts of Namibia (i.e. Omusati, Oshana, Ohangwena, Oshikoto and Kavango Regions). Climate models suggest that these areas are particularly vulnerable and face significant climate change risks, both at present and in future.

To facilitate uptake of CBA strategies the Onamulunga Combined School project is focused on integrating adaptation to climate change into school curriculum. The pilot programme at Onamulunga Combined School in the Oshikoto region involves training grade 9 and 10students in adaptation farming methods such as conservation tilling, water harvesting, and micro-­‐drip irrigation and planting drought resistant crops. These methods are subsequently taken up by the students’ native communities. This project directly contributes towards Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) 2 and 7 and, through a special focus on the inclusion of young women and girls, to MDG 3.The project also indirectly contributes to the realization of other MDGs.