The Nyae Nyae Conservancy (NNC) and Community Forest recently held their Annual General Meeting (AGM) in September 2017 where is provisions where made to distribute N$1700 in cash each adult San- member.
November and December 2017 saw N$2,538,100, being distributed to 1493 individual members in 36 villages around the conservancy. In addition to this huge cash injection the community will receive further conservancy benefits in the form of contributions to local schools and the Traditional Authority as well as payments towards coffins in the event of a member’s death. These funds will also further support water infrastructure development and agricultural activities with equipment and seed.
Members were able to spend the money how they saw fit, but many bought food staples as well as essentials like clothing and pots and pans.
Nyae Nyae was the first gazetted conservancy and is the second largest in Namibia. It is also one of the highest earning conservancies in Namibia through its Trophy Hunting Concession. With this income it employs 25 local people in permanent positions from Rangers to Craft and Agricultural Officers. It is a good example of the way in which conservancies are benefiting impoverished and marginalised rural communities. The vital cash that is earned through the activities directly benefit the community and will ensure a steady increase in access to facilities, education and stimulate empowerment for the community members further.
Xoan//’an /Ai/ae, the Nyae Nyae Conservancy Chairperson, said; “We have many challenges, but each year at our AGM we come together to decide how our activities and projects can benefit the community.”
Windhoek – January 23 2018