The ASSAR project (Adaptation at Scale in Semi-Arid Regions) being implemented by the University of Namibia, University of Cape Town in collaboration with the DRFN and OXFAM-GB is a 5-year (2014-2018) collaborative research project focusing on climate change adaptation in Omusati Region.
As part of the project activities, Bernadette Shalumbu (ASSAR RIU Co-ordinator) and Ester Nangolo (ASSAR Research Assistant) accompanied by personnel from the Ministry of Environment and Tourism (MET), the Office of the Prime Minister (OPM) and RedCross Namibia kicked off the first of a three series training marathon on 5-9 February 2018; conducting training on Climate Change and Disaster Risk Management to the Onesi Constituency Development Committee (CDC).
Engagement on the local level with the CDC as well as the wider community have been identified as crucial towards the success of this project and as such these capacity building sessions will complement the projects impact pathway. Through these sessions the Onesi CDC will have an increased understanding of climate change and capacity to integrate adaptation responses into their local development planning. Furthermore, the Onesi community will have increased understanding of climate change and capacity to integrate adaptation responses into a changing environment.