PANAFRICAN CLIMATEUSTICE ALLIANCE

Gregory University,
Uturu - Nigeria

AFRICA
CLIMATECHANGEFU N DEMPOWERING LOCAL COMMUNITIES AND ENHANCING PUBLIC
AWARENESS FOR SUSTAINABLE NDCs IMPLEMENTATION IN NAMIBIA
African Technology Policy Studies Network (ATPS)TECHNOPOLICY BRIEF NO. 81
Nicholas Ozor
Joel Nwakaire
Cynthia Nwobodo
Alfred Nyambane

Empowering Local Communi es
and Enhancing Public Awareness for
Sustainable NDCs Implementa on in
Namibia

Nicholas Ozor
Joel Nwakaire
Cynthia Nwobodo
Alfred Nyambane

African Technology Policy Studies Network (ATPS)AFRICA
CLIMATECHANGE
FUND

The African Technology Policy Studies Network (ATPS) is atransdisciplinary network of researchers, policymakers, private
sector actors and the civil society promo ng the genera on,
dissemina on, use and mastery of Science, Technology andInnova ons (STI) for African development, environmental
sustainability and global inclusion. In collabora on with likeminded ins tu ons, ATPS provides pla orms for regional andinterna onal research and knowledge sharing in order tobuild Africa’s capabili es in STI policy research, policymaking
and implementa on for sustainable development.
Published by the African Technology
Policy Studies Network (ATPS)
P. O. Box 10081, 00100- GPO,
Nairobi, Kenya©2024
ISBN: 978-9966-124-58-6

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Empowering Local Communi es and Enhancing Public Awarenessfor Sustainable NDCs Implementa on in Namibia

Table of Contents
About the Project ....................................................................................... iv
About Africa Technology Policy Studies Network (ATPS)............................ vi
Acknowledgement...................................................................................... vii
Key Messages............................................................................................. viii
1. Introduc on ......................................................................................... 1
2. Ra onale for Stakeholder Par cipa on in NDC implementa on ........ 2
3. Methodology ....................................................................................... 3
4. Major Findings...................................................................................... 4
5. Conclusion............................................................................................. 9
6. Policy Recommenda ons..................................................................... 10
References............................................................................................ 12
ATPS Technopolicy Brief Series ............................................................ 13

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About the Project
The Na onally Determined Contribu ons (NDCs), with it’s condi onal anduncondi onal commitments, are key by-products of the Agreement andrequire all the countries to spell out their intended ac ons, to address climatechange over a ﬁve year period in terms of adapta on, mi ga on, and meansof implementa on as well as opportuni es arising therefrom and sustainable
development co-beneﬁts for the con nent. Despite the Paris Agreement providing
li le guidance on what and how climate change adapta on would be includedin the NDCs, most African NDCs highlight a number of cross-cu ng strategies
to address their mi ga on ambi ons as well as their adapta on needs. Thisis purblind considering the con nent is already dealing with increased severity
and frequency of climate risks and hazards due to its geographical posi oning,
overreliance on climate-sensi ve produc on sectors such as agriculture,
tourism, resource, and infrastructure deﬁcit, and the limited adap ve capacityof the people.
The African Technology Policy Studies Network (ATPS), in partnership with
the Pan-African Climate Jus ce Alliance (PACJA) and the West African Green
Economics Development Ins tute (WAGEDI), secured funding from the African
Development Bank (AfDB) through the African Climate Change Fund (ACCF) to
implement the “Building the Capacity of Selected sub-Sahara African Countries
to Eﬀec vely Measure Progress in their Na onally Determined Contribu ons’
Implementa on using Tracking Tools and Indexes” project aimed at enhancing
the capacity of selected sub-Saharan African countries to eﬀec vely monitor
and report on their Na onally Determined Contribu ons (NDCs). The selected
countries include Botswana, Cote d’Ivoire, Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Namibia,
Nigeria, Sierra Leone, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. The primary
goal is to develop and u lise tracking tools and indexes that will enable thesecountries to measure their progress in NDC implementa on accurately. Thisini a ve builds upon earlier collabora ons among ATPS, PACJA, and WAGEDI,
which involved the development of NDC implementa on monitoring andtracking tools in eight sub-Saharan African countries. The lessons learned fromthese earlier projects, as well as the networks and capaci es already established,
will provide a solid founda on for the current project. The collabora on aims toensure that par cipa ng countries can monitor their NDC progress and compare
their performance with other countries and regions in Africa.

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The project seeks to address a signiﬁcant gap in the capacity of sub-SaharanAfrican countries to track and report on the implementa on of their NDCs. The
ATPS operates through a network of Na onal Chapters in 30 countries, which
includes 27 African and 3 Diaspora chapters. These Na onal Chapters are led
by Focal Persons who provide intellectual and administra ve leadership at thecountry level. By leveraging this established network, the project aims to train
NDC implementa on focal persons and champions who will use the tracking andmonitoring tools developed through this ini a ve.

Empowering Local Communi es and Enhancing Public Awarenessfor Sustainable NDCs Implementa on in NamibiavAbout Africa Technology Policy Studies Network(ATPS)The African Technology Policy Studies Network (ATPS) is a transdisciplinary
network of researchers, policymakers, private sector actors and civil society
promo ng the genera on, dissemina on, use and mastery of Science,
Technology and Innova ons (STI) for African development, environmental
sustainability and global inclusion. The ATPS has over 5,000 members and 3000
stakeholders in over 51 countries in 5 con nents with ins tu onal partnerships
worldwide. We implement our programs through members in na onal chaptersestablished in 30 countries (27 in Africa and 3 Diaspora chapters in Australia, theUnited States of America, and the United Kingdom). In collabora on with likeminded ins tu ons, the ATPS provides pla orms for regional and interna onal
research and knowledge sharing in order to build Africa’s capabili es in STI policy
research, policymaking and implementa on for sustainable development.

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Acknowledgement
The African Technology Policy Studies Network (ATPS) and its Partners Pan-African
Climate Jus ce Alliance (PACJA) and West African Green Economic Development
Ins tute (WAGEDI) express our sincere gra tude to all individuals andorganiza ons who contributed to the study on the implementa on of Namibia’s
Na onally Determined Contribu ons (NDCs). We are also thankful to thevarious stakeholders from government agencies, civil society organiza ons, theprivate sector, and local communi es led by the Namibia ATPS Na onal Chapter
Coordinator for their invaluable insights and feedback. Their ac ve par cipa on
and collabora on have been instrumental in shaping a comprehensive andinclusive approach to climate ac on in Namibia. Special thanks to the project
team from all the partnering ins tu ons. Lastly, we acknowledge the ﬁnancial
and technical support provided by the African Development Bank (AfDB) throughits African Climate Change Fund (ACCF), without which this policy brief would
not have been possible.

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Key Messages
 Eﬀec ve collabora on among diverse stakeholders is essen al to achieve
Namibia’s NDC targets. Involving government bodies, interna onalorganiza ons, and local communi es ensures a comprehensive approach toclimate change mi ga on and adapta on. Stakeholder collabora on integrates
various perspec ves, resources, and exper se, facilita ng the implementa onof comprehensive and sustainable climate solu ons.
 Strengthening the capaci es of local ins tu ons and stakeholders is vital foreﬀec ve climate ac on. Training and knowledge transfer enable stakeholders
to implement and monitor climate ini a ves proﬁciently. Capacity building
equips stakeholders with the necessary skills and knowledge to address climate
challenges, ensuring the successful execu on of NDC-related ac vi es.
 Adequate funding and resource alloca on are cri cal to suppor ng Namibia’s
climate ini a ves. Financial support from interna onal donors and eﬃcient
resource management can drive signiﬁcant progress towards NDC goals.
Securing and eﬀec vely u lizing ﬁnancial resources enables the implementa onof planned climate ac ons, fostering sustainable development and resilience.
 Engaging local communi es in climate ini a ves fosters a sense of ownershipand accountability. Community involvement ensures that interven ons areculturally appropriate and address the speciﬁc needs of vulnerable popula ons.

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1. Introduc on
Namibia is dedicated to mi ga ng climate change impacts having signed theParis Agreement. The country has outlined ambi ous targets in its Na onally
Determined Contribu ons (NDCs). Namibia’s NDCs focus on both mi ga on
and adapta on, emphasizing the reduc on of greenhouse gas emissions
and enhancing resilience to climate change. Namibia aims to achieve a 20%
reduc on in emissions by 2030 compared to business-as-usual levels, con ngent
on receiving adequate ﬁnancial, technological, and capacity-building support
from the interna onal community. Key sectors targeted for emission reduc ons
include energy, agriculture, forestry, and waste management.
On the adapta on front, Namibia’s NDCs underscore the need to build
resilience in vulnerable sectors such as water resources, agriculture, health, andinfrastructure. The strategies involve improving water management, promo ng
climate-resilient agricultural prac ces, enhancing early warning systems, andintegra ng climate considera ons into na onal planning and development.
Addi onally, the NDCs highlight the importance of protec ng biodiversity andecosystems, which are vital for suppor ng livelihoods and enhancing climate
resilience.
Namibia’s climate goals are guided by na onal policies, including the Na onal
Climate Change Policy and the Na onal Climate Change Strategy & Ac on Plan
(NCCSAP). These policies provide a comprehensive framework for integra ng
climate ac on across various sectors and levels of government. They emphasize
mul -stakeholder engagement and coordinated eﬀorts to achieve the country’s
climate objec ves. Eﬀec ve stakeholder par cipa on is cri cal for the successful
implementa on of Namibia’s NDC and the achievement of its climate goals.
Engaging stakeholders such as government en es, civil society organiza ons,
the private sector, academia, and local communi es is essen al for inclusive andequitable climate policies. Stakeholder par cipa on enhances the legi macy
and acceptance of climate policies, fosters innova on, and builds capacity. It
also helps address socio-economic barriers, ensuring that climate ac ons areequitable and inclusive, par cularly for vulnerable groups such as women,
youth, and people with disabili es. The ac ve involvement of these groups is
crucial for designing policies that promote social jus ce and sustainable climate
outcomes.
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12. Ra onale for stakeholder par cipa on in
NDC implementa on
Stakeholder par cipa on in the implementa on of Namibia’s NDC is vital forseveral reasons. Firstly, it enhances the legi macy and acceptance of climate
policies. When stakeholders are involved in the decision-making process, they
are more likely to support and ac vely par cipate in the implementa on ofthese policies. This is par cularly important in a diverse society like Namibia,
where diﬀerent groups may have varying interests and concerns regarding
climate ac on.
Secondly, eﬀec ve stakeholder par cipa on ensures that climate policies
are more comprehensive and address the needs of all segments of society.
Namibia faces unique challenges, such as high levels of poverty, inequality, andvulnerability to climate impacts. By engaging stakeholders from various sectors,
including women, youth, and marginalized communi es, the government candesign and implement policies that are inclusive and equitable.
Thirdly, stakeholder par cipa on fosters innova on and capacity building.
Stakeholders bring diverse perspec ves, knowledge, and exper se to the table,
which can lead to the development of innova ve solu ons and approaches toclimate challenges. Addi onally, involving stakeholders in the NDC process helps
build their capacity to contribute to climate ac on, thereby strengthening theoverall resilience and adap ve capacity of the country.
In Namibia, there is a strong policy framework suppor ng stakeholder
par cipa on in climate ac on. The Na onal Climate Change Policy and the
Na onal Climate Change Strategy & Ac on Plan (NCCSAP) emphasize theimportance of mul -stakeholder engagement in achieving climate goals. These
policies recognize that eﬀec ve climate ac on requires the collec ve eﬀorts ofgovernment, civil society, the private sector, and local communi es.
Despite the strong policy framework, there are signiﬁcant gaps in the actual
implementa on of stakeholder par cipa on. Challenges such as limited
awareness, inadequate resources, and insuﬃcient mechanisms for engagement
hinder the eﬀec ve involvement of stakeholders. Addressing these challenges
requires targeted interven ons to enhance stakeholder capacity, improve
communica on and coordina on, and ensure that par cipa on mechanisms
are accessible and inclusive.
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3. Methodology
The development of this policy brief was based on a robust methodology
incorpora ng both qualita ve and quan ta ve research approaches. The
research process involved several key steps: literature review, data collec on,data analysis, and synthesis of ﬁndings. Each step was me culously designed toensure the policy brief was grounded in evidence, providing a comprehensive
understanding of stakeholder par cipa on in Namibia’s NDCs implementa on.
The literature review involved a thorough examina on of exis ng documents
and reports related to Namibia’s climate policies, stakeholder par cipa on,
and NDC implementa on. Key sources include na onal policy documents,
academic ar cles, and reports from interna onal organiza ons. This review
helped contextualize the study and iden fy key themes and issues related to
stakeholder par cipa on.
Data collec on was carried out using a mix of primary and secondary
methods. Primary data collec on included key informant interviews (KIIs) andfocus group discussions (FGDs) with a diverse range of stakeholders, such as
government oﬃcials, civil society organiza ons, private sector representa ves,
and community leaders. These interviews and discussions provided valuable
insights into the experiences, perspec ves, and challenges faced by diﬀerent
stakeholders in the NDC implementa on process. Secondary data collec on
involved desk studies of relevant documents, including na onal climate policies,
NDC reports, and stakeholder mapping and analysis reports, to supplement the
primary data and provide a broader understanding of the stakeholder landscapein Namibia. Data analysis involved narra ve methods to interpret qualita ve dataand quan ta ve methods to analyze secondary data, iden fying key themes,
trends, and gaps in stakeholder par cipa on. Finally, the synthesis of ﬁndings
integrated insights from the literature review, primary data, and secondary
data to develop a comprehensive understanding of stakeholder par cipa on in
Namibia’s NDCs implementa on, iden fying key challenges, opportuni es, andrecommenda ons for enhancing stakeholder engagement in climate ac on.

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4. Major Findings
4.1 Overview of key policies and ins tu ons
Namibia has established a robust policy framework to address climate change
and implement its NDCs. Key policies include the Na onal Climate Change
Policy and the Na onal Climate Change Strategy & Ac on Plan (NCCSAP). These
policies provide the strategic direc on for climate ac on and emphasize theimportance of stakeholder par cipa on in achieving climate goals. The NCCSAP,in par cular, outlines speciﬁc ac ons and measures to reduce greenhouse gas
emissions and enhance resilience to climate impacts.
Key ins tu ons driving climate ac on in Namibia include the Ministry ofEnvironment, Forestry and Tourism (MEFT), the Na onal Climate Change
Commi ee (NCCC), and various sectoral ministries and agencies. The MEFT playsa central role in coordina ng climate ac on and implemen ng the NDCs. The
NCCC serves as a mul -stakeholder pla orm for coordina ng and overseeing
the implementa on of climate policies and ac ons.
Despite the strong policy framework and ins tu onal arrangements, there
are signiﬁcant challenges in transla ng policies into eﬀec ve ac on on the
ground. Limited ﬁnancial resources, capacity constraints, and inadequate
mechanisms for stakeholder engagement hinder the eﬀec ve implementa onof climate policies. Strengthening the capacity of key ins tu ons and enhancing
coordina on among stakeholders is cri cal for addressing these challenges.
4.2 Best prac ces and impacts in NDC implementa on
Namibia has implemented several best prac ces in NDC implementa on,
par cularly in the areas of reforesta on, agroforestry, and promo ng urban
forests. These prac ces contribute to carbon sequestra on, enhance biodiversity,and support sustainable resource management. For example, reforesta on
projects in Namibia have successfully restored degraded lands, increased carbon
stocks, and provided livelihood opportuni es for local communi es.
Agroforestry prac ces, which integrate trees and shrubs into agriculturallandscapes, have also shown posi ve impacts on both mi ga on and adapta on
fronts. These prac ces enhance soil fer lity, reduce erosion, and improvewater reten on, thereby increasing agricultural produc vity and resilience toclimate impacts. Addi onally, urban forestry ini a ves in ci es like Windhoek
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have helped to improve air quality, reduce urban heat islands, and create green
spaces for recrea on and community engagement.
These best prac ces demonstrate the poten al for integrated and sustainableapproaches to climate ac on in Namibia. However, scaling up these prac ces
requires increased investment, technical support, and capacity building for local
communi es and ins tu ons. Enhancing collabora on among government,
civil society, and the private sector is also crucial for replica ng and expanding
successful ini a ves.
4.3 Challenges to stakeholder par cipa on in NDC implementa on
Despite the progress made, there are several challenges to eﬀec ve stakeholder
par cipa on in Namibia’s NDCs implementa on. The following key challenges
were iden ﬁed from the study:-Limited engagement of civil society and private sector actors: CSOs andthe private sector play crucial roles in climate ac on, yet their engagement in
Namibia’s NDCs implementa on has been limited. CSOs bring valuable local
knowledge, mobilize communi es, and advocate for vulnerable groups, while
the private sector can drive innova on and ﬁnance climate solu ons. However,there is o en a lack of awareness and understanding of climate issues within thesegroups, hindering their ac ve par cipa on. Addi onally, inadequate ﬁnancial
and technical resources further constrain their involvement. Strengthening
mechanisms for collabora on, capacity building, and awareness campaigns canenhance the engagement of these key stakeholders.
-Gender inequality and marginaliza on of vulnerable groups: Genderinequality and the marginaliza on of vulnerable groups, such as women, youth,and people with disabili es (PLWD), pose signiﬁcant challenges to inclusive
stakeholder par cipa on. These groups o en face socio-economic barriers that
limit their ability to engage in climate ac on. Women, for example, may have
limited access to resources and decision-making processes. Addressing thesechallenges requires targeted interven ons to empower these groups, including
gender-sensi ve policies, capacity building, and ensuring their representa on
in decision-making forums. Promo ng inclusive par cipa on can enhance theeﬀec veness and equity of climate policies.
-Insuﬃcient mechanisms for stakeholder engagement: Eﬀec ve stakeholder
engagement requires robust mechanisms for coordina on, communica on,
and par cipa on. In Namibia, the exis ng mechanisms are o en insuﬃcient,leading to fragmented eﬀorts and limited collabora on among stakeholders.
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There is a need for more structured pla orms and processes that facilitate
regular dialogue, informa on sharing, and joint decision-making. Enhancing
these mechanisms can improve the coherence and impact of climate ac ons.
Establishing mul -stakeholder forums, improving communica on channels, andpromo ng transparent and inclusive decision-making processes are essen al
steps towards strengthening stakeholder engagement.
-Limited ﬁnancial and technical resources: The availability of ﬁnancial and technicalresources is a cri cal factor in enabling eﬀec ve stakeholder par cipa on. Many
stakeholders, par cularly local communi es and grassroots organiza ons, lackthe necessary resources to engage in climate ac on eﬀec vely. This limita on
hampers their ability to contribute to NDCs implementa on. Addressing thischallenge requires innova ve ﬁnancing mechanisms, such as green bonds andclimate funds, to mobilize resources for stakeholder engagement. Addi onally,
providing technical support and capacity-building ini a ves can enhance theability of stakeholders to par cipate meaningfully in climate ac on.
-Challenges in data quality and availability: Accurate and mely data isessen al for planning, monitoring, and repor ng on NDCs implementa on.
However, Namibia faces challenges in data collec on, management, anddissemina on, impac ng the ability to track progress and make informed
decisions. Inconsistent data quality and gaps in data availability hinder eﬀec ve
stakeholder par cipa on. Strengthening data systems, improving data-sharing
prac ces, and building the capacity of stakeholders to collect and manage data
are cri cal steps towards addressing this challenge. Enhanced data quality
and availability can support evidence-based decision-making and improve thetransparency and accountability of climate ac ons.
-Limited awareness and understanding of climate issues: A signiﬁcant barrier tostakeholder par cipa on is the limited awareness and understanding of climate
issues among various groups. Many stakeholders, including local communi es,
policymakers, and private sector actors, may not fully grasp the importance ofclimate ac on or their role in NDC implementa on. This lack of awareness canlead to apathy and resistance to climate ini a ves. Addressing this challenge
requires comprehensive awareness campaigns, educa onal programs, andcapacity-building eﬀorts to enhance knowledge and foster a culture of climate
responsibility. Increasing awareness can mo vate stakeholders to engage
ac vely and support climate policies.

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4.4 Opportuni es for Stakeholder Par cipa on
Despite the challenges, there are signiﬁcant opportuni es for enhancing
stakeholder par cipa on in Namibia’s NDCs implementa on. The following are
the key opportuni es available:-Leveraging development partnerships: Interna onal development partnerships
present signiﬁcant opportuni es for enhancing stakeholder par cipa on in
Namibia’s NDCs implementa on. Collabora ons with development agencies,
mul lateral organiza ons, and donor agencies can provide ﬁnancial support,
technical exper se, and capacity-building resources. These partnerships canhelp to bridge resource gaps, facilitate technology transfer, and enhance local
capabili es. By leveraging these partnerships, Namibia can foster a more
inclusive and eﬀec ve approach to climate ac on, ensuring that a broader rangeof stakeholders are involved and supported in their eﬀorts to contribute to NDC
goals.
-Promo ng innova ve ﬁnancing mechanisms: Innova ve ﬁnancing mechanisms,
such as green bonds, climate funds, and public-private partnerships oﬀer new
avenues for mobilizing resources for climate ac on. These mechanisms cana ract private sector investments and unlock addi onal funding streams for
NDC ini a ves. By promo ng and implemen ng these innova ve ﬁnancing
solu ons, Namibia can ensure that ﬁnancial resources are available to support
stakeholder par cipa on at all levels. This approach can also incen vize private
sector involvement, driving innova on and sustainable prac ces that contributeto the country’s climate objec ves.
-Enhancing public awareness and educa on: Raising public awareness andproviding educa on on climate change and NDCs implementa on are crucial
for fostering stakeholder engagement. Awareness campaigns, educa onal
programs, and community outreach ini a ves can help to inform and mobilize
various groups, from local communi es to business leaders and policymakers.
By enhancing understanding of climate issues and the importance of collec ve
ac on, these eﬀorts can mo vate stakeholders to par cipate ac vely andsupport NDC ini a ves. This increased awareness can also lead to more informed
decision-making and stronger public support for climate policies.
-Strengthening ins tu onal mechanisms: Improving ins tu onal mechanisms
for stakeholder engagement can enhance coordina on, communica on, andpar cipa on in NDCs implementa on. Establishing mul -stakeholder pla orms,
advisory commi ees, and inclusive decision-making processes can facilitate
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regular dialogue and collabora on among stakeholders. Strengthening thesemechanisms ensures that diverse voices are heard and that climate ac ons are
more coherent and eﬀec ve. By fostering an environment of transparency andinclusivity, Namibia can build trust and encourage more ac ve involvement fromall stakeholders in achieving its climate goals.
-Empowering local communi es: Empowering local communi es to takeownership of climate ac ons is essen al for sustainable and context-speciﬁc
NDCs implementa on. Providing technical assistance, funding, and capacitybuilding support to local actors can enhance their ability to contribute eﬀec vely.
Engaging community leaders and local organiza ons in planning and decisionmaking processes ensures that climate ac ons are locally relevant and address
speciﬁc needs and challenges. Empowered communi es are more likely toadopt and sustain climate ini a ves, leading to more resilient and adap ve local
environments.
-Integra ng gender and social inclusion: Integra ng gender and social inclusion
into climate policies and prac ces can enhance the eﬀec veness and equity of
NDCs implementa on. Targeted interven ons to empower women, youth, andmarginalized groups can address socio-economic barriers and promote theirac ve par cipa on. Inclusive approaches ensure that the diverse needs andperspec ves of all stakeholders are considered, leading to more comprehensive
and just climate solu ons. By priori zing gender and social inclusion, Namibia canleverage the strengths and contribu ons of all segments of society, enhancing
overall resilience and adap ve capacity.
-U lizing technology and innova on: Technology and innova on oﬀer valuable
tools for enhancing stakeholder par cipa on in climate ac on. Digital pla orms,
remote sensing technologies, and data analy cs can improve communica on,data collec on, and monitoring of NDC ini a ves. Leveraging technology canalso facilitate more eﬃcient and transparent processes, enabling stakeholders
to contribute more eﬀec vely. By embracing technological advancements,
Namibia can enhance its capacity to implement and track climate ac ons,
engage a broader range of stakeholders, and ensure that climate policies are
informed by accurate and mely informa on.

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5. Conclusion
Achieving Namibia’s NDC targets requires a collec ve and inclusive eﬀort
involving all stakeholders. Eﬀec ve stakeholder par cipa on is crucial for
ensuring that climate ac ons are comprehensive, equitable, and sustainable.
While Namibia has made signiﬁcant progress in establishing a strong policy
framework and implemen ng best prac ces, there are s ll challenges thatneed to be addressed. Strengthening stakeholder engagement mechanisms,
enhancing capacity building, and leveraging innova ve ﬁnancing models are key
strategies for overcoming these challenges. By fostering collabora ve eﬀorts
and ensuring that all voices are heard, Namibia can build resilience, reduce
emissions, and achieve its climate goals.

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6. Policy Recommenda ons
The following policy recommenda ons are proﬀered:
Recommenda on 1: Enhance capacity building for stakeholders involved in
NDC implementa on: There is need to provide con nuous training and capacity
building for stakeholders involved in NDCs implementa on. This includes
training on data collec on, management, and repor ng to improve data
quality and ensure that stakeholders have the necessary skills and knowledge
to contribute eﬀec vely to climate ac on. By enhancing the capabili es ofvarious stakeholders, including government agencies, research ins tu ons, andcommunity organiza ons, the country can ensure that its NDCs implementa on
is more eﬃcient, accurate, and impac ul. Con nuous capacity building will also
help in adap ng to evolving climate data requirements and methodologies.
Recommenda on 2: Promote and implement innova ve ﬁnancing models for
NDC ini a ves: The actors should explore and implement innova ve ﬁnancing
models, such as green bonds and climate ﬁnance mechanisms, and a ract
private investments in NDC ini a ves. Developing suppor ve policies andregulatory frameworks is essen al to ensure transparency and accountability
in the use of these ﬁnancing models. Innova ve ﬁnancing can unlock signiﬁcantprivate sector investments, providing much-needed resources for large-scale
climate projects. Through the promo on of green bonds and other ﬁnancial
instruments, Namibia can diversify its funding sources and reduce reliance on
tradi onal ﬁnancing, thereby accelera ng the implementa on of its climate
goals.
Recommenda on 3: Strengthen collabora ons with interna onal development
partners and donor agencies: There is a need to foster development
partnerships to secure ﬁnancial and technical support for NDCs implementa on.
Namibia needs to strengthen collabora ons with interna onal development
partners and donor agencies to secure ﬁnancial and technical support for NDCs
implementa on. Leveraging these partnerships can provide the necessary
resources and exper se to enhance stakeholder engagement and capacity
building. Interna onal partners can oﬀer technical assistance, share bestprac ces, and provide access to cu ng-edge technologies, thereby enhancing
Namibia’s ability to meet its NDC targets.

10 Empowering Local Communi es and Enhancing Public Awarenessfor Sustainable NDCs Implementa on in Namibia

Recommenda on 4: Empower local governments, community leaders, andNGOs to lead climate ac ons: Local governments, community leaders, andNGOs should be enabled to take ownership of NDCs implementa on throughtargeted support and resources. This includes providing technical assistance,
funding, and capacity building to ensure that local actors are empowered tolead climate ac ons that are locally relevant and eﬀec ve. Decentraliza onof climate ac on and suppor ng local ini a ves can ensure that solu ons are
tailored to speciﬁc community needs and are more sustainable. Local actors thatare empowered, can drive grassroots movements, foster community resilience,and ensure that climate ac ons have a broader impact.
Recommenda on 5: Strengthen gender mainstreaming to ensure ac ve
involvement of women, youth, and people living with disabili es (PLWD) in NDC
planning and implementa on: All relevant stakeholders should be inten onal
about mainstreaming gender into all stages of NDCs planning and implementa on
to ensure that women, youth, and people with disabili es are ac vely involved.
This includes crea ng inclusive pla orms for par cipa on, providing targeted
capacity building, and ensuring that climate policies and ac ons address the
speciﬁc needs and contribu ons of these groups. Mainstreaming gender andsocial inclusivity in Namibia NDCs implementa on can ensure that its climate
ac ons are equitable and eﬀec ve, leveraging the unique perspec ves and skillsof all members of the society. This approach not only promotes social jus ce but
also enhances the overall resilience and sustainability of climate ini a ves.

Empowering Local Communi es and Enhancing Public Awareness 11
for Sustainable NDCs Implementa on in NamibiaReferences
Act 7 (2007). Environmental Management Act, 2007 - NamibLII.
h ps://namiblii.org/akn/na/act/2007/7/eng%402007-12-27
Namibia Sta s cs Agency. (2019). Namibia Census of Agriculture 2013 2104 Communal Sector Report (Revised Report) (Issue November).
Namibia Sta s cs Agency. (2019). Namibia Census of Agriculture 2013 2104Communal Sector Report.
(Revised Report) Issue November.
Pohamba, P. S. (2021). Namibia Updated Na onal Determined Contribu on[Organization].
https://unfccc.int/sites/default/files/NDC/2022-06/
Namibia%27s%20Updated%20NDC_%20FINAL%2025%20July%202021.pdf
UNDP. (2010). Na onal Policy on Climate Change for Namibia [Organiza on].
h ps://www.adapta on-undp.org/sites/default/ﬁles/downloads/namibia_
na onalclimatechangepolicyfornamib.pdf
UNDP. (2021). Namibia. UNDP Climate Promise. h ps://climatepromise.undp.
org/what-we-do/where-we-work/namibia
UNEP. (2013). Na onal Climate Change Strategy & Ac on Plan 2013 –2020.
h ps://leap.unep.org/countries/na/na onal-legisla on/na onalclimate-change-strategy-ac on-plan-2013-2020
World Bank Group. (2021). Climate Risk Country Proﬁle—Namibia. h ps://climateknowledgeportal.worldbank.org/sites/default/ﬁles/2021-08/15931WB_Namibia%20Country%20Proﬁle-WEB.pdf

12 Empowering Local Communi es and Enhancing Public Awarenessfor Sustainable NDCs Implementa on in Namibia

ATPS TechnoPolicy Briefs Series• Empowering Stakeholders for Inclusive and Sustainable Na onally Determined
Contribu ons (NDCs) Implementa on in Botswana (ATPS TechnoPolicy Brief
No. 80)• Uni ng for a Sustainable Future: Boos ng Stakeholder Engagement in Sierra
Leone’s Climate Goals (ATPS TechnoPolicy Brief No. 79)• Stakeholder Par cipa on in the Implementa on of Nigeria’s Na onally
Determined Contribu ons (NDCs): Best prac ces, challenges and opportuni es(ATPS TechnoPolicy Brief No. 78)• Stakeholder Par cipa on in Ghana’s Na onally Determined Contribu ons(NDCs) Implementa on: Challenging issues and opportuni es (ATPSTechnoPolicy Brief No. 77)• Stakeholder Par cipa on in the Implementa on of Na onally Determined
Contribu ons (NDCs) in Côte d’Ivoire (ATPS TechnoPolicy Brief No. 76)• Collabora ve Climate Ac on for Sustainable Development: The case of NDCs
Implementa on in Uganda (ATPS TechnoPolicy Brief No. 75)• Advancing Tanzania’s Na onally Determined Contribu ons (NDCs) Goals
Through Inclusive Stakeholder Engagement (ATPS TechnoPolicy Brief No. 74)• Enhancing Stakeholder Par cipa on in the Implementa on of the Na onally
Determined Contribu ons (NDCs) in Ethiopia (ATPS TechnoPolicy Brief No. 73)• Paving the Way for Climate Ac on: Kenya’s Journey towards Implemen ng the
Na onally Determined Contribu ons (NDCs) (ATPS TechnoPolicy Brief No. 72)• Quelle Est La Place De La Science, De La Technologie Et De L’innova on Dans
L’emploi Des Jeunes Au Sénégal ? (ATPS TechnoPolicy Brief No. 71)• Using Science, Technology, and Innova on to Enhance Skills Development, Job
Crea on, and Entrepreneurship in Zimbabwe (ATPS TechnoPolicy Brief No. 70)• Fostering the future and livelihood of young people in Uganda through Science,
Technology, and Innova on (ATPS TechnoPolicy Brief No. 69)• What is the place of Science, Technology, and Innova on in Youth Employment
in Senegal? (ATPS TechnoPolicy Brief No. 68)• Understanding Rwanda’s Science, Technology, and Innova on Landscape in
Youth Employment Crea on (ATPS TechnoPolicy Brief No. 67)• Leveraging Science, Technology, and Innova on for Enhanced Youth
Employment in Nigeria (ATPS TechnoPolicy Brief No. 66)• Unlocking the Poten al of Educa on and Skills for Suppor ng Youth
Employment in Kenya (ATPS TechnoPolicy Brief No. 65)• Harnessing Science and Technological Innova on for Youth Employment andSkill Acquisi on in Ghana (ATPS TechnoPolicy Brief No. 64)• Is Ethiopia’s Science, Technology, and Innova on Policy Landscape Eﬀec vely
Empowering Local Communi es and Enhancing Public Awareness 13
for Sustainable NDCs Implementa on in Namibia

Crea ng Jobs and Fostering Skills for the Youth? (ATPS TechnoPolicy Brief No.
63)• University-Led Ecosystems for Sustained Innova on and Entrepreneurship
Development in Kenya (ATPS TechnoPolicy Brief No. 62)• Eco-innova on Policies for Sustainable Development in Africa (ATPSTechnoPolicy Brief No. 61)• Ins tu onal Landscape for Eco-innova on Development in Africa (ATPSTechnoPolicy Brief No. 60)• Policy and Ins tu onal Framework for Ecological Organic Agriculture in Benin(ATPS TechnoPolicy Brief No. 59)• Ins tu onal Framework for Ecological Organic Agriculture in Kenya (ATPSTechnoPolicy Brief No. 58)• Policy and Ins tu onal Framework for Ecological Organic Agriculture in Senegal(ATPS TechnoPolicy Brief No. 57)• Advancing Ecological Organic Agriculture in Nigeria (ATPS TechnoPolicy Brief No. 56)• Policy and Ins tu onal Framework for Ecological Organic Agriculture in Rwanda(ATPS TechnoPolicy Brief No. 55)• Bridging Climate Informa on Gaps to Strengthen Capaci es for Climate Informed
Decision (ATPS TechnoPolicy Brief No. 54)• Embracing Open Contrac ng in Africa (ATPS TechnoPolicy Brief No. 53)• The Digital Revolu on, Open Science, and Innova on for Open Science Developmentin Sub-Saharan Africa (ATPS TechnoPolicy Brief No. 52)• Nouvelles approaches de ﬁ nancement de la recherché et de L’innova on en Afrique(ATPS TechnoPolicy Brief No. 51)• New Approaches for Funding Research and Innova on in Africa (ATPS TechnoPolicy
Brief No. 50)• Towards Eﬀec ve Public-Private Partnerships in Research and Innova on: A
Perspec ve for African Science Gran ng Councils (ATPS TechnoPolicy Brief No. 49)• Innova ve Prac ces and Policies for Promo ng Biodiversity Informa cs in SubSaharan Africa (ATPS TechnoPolicy Brief No. 48)• Improving the Relevance of University Training to Labour Market Demands in Africa(ATPS TechnoPolicy Brief No. 47)• Developing Policies for Biodiversity Informa cs in sub-Saharan Africa (ATPSTechnoPolicy Brief No. 46)• ICTs role in Agricultural Development: Prospects of Land Poten al Knowledge System(LandPKS) (ATPS TechnoPolicy Brief No. 45)• Mainstreaming Gender in the Na onal Science, Technology and Innova on (STI)
Policy of Kenya (ATPS TechnoPolicy Brief No. 44)• Social Innova on: An Untapped Resource for Inclusive Green Growth (ATPSTechnoPolicy Brief No. 43)
14 Empowering Local Communi es and Enhancing Public Awarenessfor Sustainable NDCs Implementa on in Namibia

• Policy Axes that Can Uphold Agricultural Innova ons for Climate Change Adapta on
and Food Security in Central Africa: Case of Cameroon, Equatorial Guinea and Central
African Republic (ATPS TechnoPolicy Brief No. 42)• Frameworks for Intellectual Property Protec on of Tradi onal Knowledge in Tanzania(ATPS TechnoPolicy Brief No. 41)• Assessment of Possible Intellectual Property Protec on Op ons of Tradi onal
Knowledge System in Ethiopia (ATPS TechnoPolicy Brief No. 40)• Towards inﬂuencing Na onal Legisla on, Policies, Strategies and Programmes forappropriate Protec on and Beneﬁt-Sharing of Tradi onal Knowledge (TK) with andby Tradi onal Herbalists in Uganda. (ATPS TechnoPolicy Brief No. 39)• Tradi onal Healers and their Provision of Mental Health Services in Cosmopolitan
Informal Se lements in Nairobi, Kenya. (ATPS TechnoPolicy Brief No. 38)• Policy Implica ons for Intellectual Property Systems for Tradi onal Healers in
Lesotho. (ATPS TechnoPolicy Brief No. 37)• Incidence of Indigenous and Innova ve Climate Change Adapta on Prac ces for
Smallholder Framers’ Livelihood Security in Chikhwawa District, Southern Malawi.
(ATPS TechnoPolicy Brief No. 36)• Machobane Farming System and its Relevance to Climate Change Policy in Lesotho.
(ATPS TechnoPolicy Brief No. 35)

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16 Empowering Local Communi es and Enhancing Public Awarenessfor Sustainable NDCs Implementa on in Namibia

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The African Technology Policy Studies Network(ATPS) is a transdisciplinary network of researchers,
policymakers, private sector actors and the civilƐŽĐŝĞƚǇƉƌŽŵŽƟŶŐƚŚĞŐĞŶĞƌĂƟŽŶ͕ĚŝƐƐĞŵŝŶĂƟŽŶ͕ƵƐĞĂŶĚŵĂƐƚĞƌǇŽĨ^ĐŝĞŶĐĞ͕dĞĐŚŶŽůŽŐǇĂŶĚ/ŶŶŽǀĂƟŽŶƐ(STI) for African development, environmentalƐƵƐƚĂŝŶĂďŝůŝƚǇ ĂŶĚ ŐůŽďĂů ŝŶĐůƵƐŝŽŶ͘ /Ŷ ĐŽůůĂďŽƌĂƟŽŶǁŝƚŚ ůŝŬĞͲŵŝŶĚĞĚ ŝŶƐƟƚƵƟŽŶƐ͕ dW^ ƉƌŽǀŝĚĞƐƉůĂƞŽƌŵƐĨŽƌƌĞŐŝŽŶĂůĂŶĚŝŶƚĞƌŶĂƟŽŶĂůƌĞƐĞĂƌĐŚĂŶĚknowledge sharing in order to build Africa’sĐĂƉĂďŝůŝƟĞƐ ŝŶ ^d/ ƉŽůŝĐǇ ƌĞƐĞĂƌĐŚ͕ ƉŽůŝĐǇŵĂŬŝŶŐ ĂŶĚŝŵƉůĞŵĞŶƚĂƟŽŶĨŽƌƐƵƐƚĂŝŶĂďůĞĚĞǀĞůŽƉŵĞŶƚ͘

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