Kashongwi B.S 211008850

Omusati region

Omusati region is one of the thirteen regions of Namibia, the name ‘Omusati’ is an Oshiwambo word which means ‘mopane tree’. There are 12 Constituencies in Omusati Region namely: Elim, Etayi, Ogongo, Okahao, Okalongo, Onesi, Oshikuku, Outapi, Otamanzi, Tsandi and Ruacana. Mopani tree is the dominant species; the Makalani palms decrease rapidly westwards from the border with Oshana region. The change in vegetation type reflects ecological conditions forming a natural boundary between the two regions. Uutapi at Ombalantu forms a natural centre for this region.

The northern part of this region is far more densely populated than the south, where the grazing is of poor quality and the water generally saline. This is predominantly an agricultural region in which mahangu is cultivated successfully. With intensive fertilisation and tilling of the soil, self-sufficiency should be attainable. A canal carries water from the Ruacana river to Oshakati, passing through Uutapi. Water from this canal has been used to irrigate a large, government-run farm at Etunda where crops from maize to watermelon to bananas are grown. Non-agricultural employment opportunities will need to be created, however. The electrical network is expanding; while the rural areas may still lack electricity, towns including Uutapi, Ruacana, Tsandi, Oshikuku, and Okahao all have electricity.

The region is traversed by a high standard trunk road which provides a direct link to adjacent regions and the rest of the country. Although passenger and freight transport along this route is easy, the rest of this road network, in common with all the communal areas of northern Namibia, is of poor quality. Okahao and Uutapi both have small hospitals, and a network of clinics provides basic services. The provision of schools is also inadequate and improvement in the position is expected. In the north, Omusati borders the Cunene Province of Angola. Domestically, it borders the following regions:

• Ohangwena Region northeast
• Oshana east
• Kunene Region south and west

Heritage, People & Culture

Omusati Region like the rest of Namibia is home to many cultural groups from various parts of Africa, Asia and Europe. The rich variety and distinct cultural values and traditions render a unique character to the Namibian society that is a human resource to be proud of and a heritage that needs to be protected and enhanced. Culture shapes the destiny of people and stabilizes the lives of the respective groups on the local level. However, in a country like Namibia, with different ethnic and cultural groups and with the country’s past of division and discrimination still fresh in the national psyche, the possibility of culture becoming a stumbling block or obstacle to nation building is a very real one. Having recognized this, the Namibian government, since Independence in 1990, has adopted a policy of national reconciliation to foster tolerance amongst the different cultural groups. Omusati Region is proud that it has exceeded all expectations in this regard.

The Town of Outapi which is the Capital and Administrative Center of the Omusati Region is the one chosen to host Olufuko Festival for the whole region. Omusati Region is the 3rd largest region in Namibia (242 900) according to the 2011 Census Report. The festival sees three towns from Omusati taking part namely, Okahao, Oshikuku and Ruacana. The Omusati Regional Council is also playing an active role. The official ceremony, which lasts about seven days, although pre-ritual preparations can take up to six months, is also a event to publically announce to the community that the girl has adopted the stature of a woman full of dignity and grace and is eligible for marriage.

Population

Omusati region is one of the most populated region in the country. Omusati is the second highest populated Region in Namibia after Khomas. It has a population of 228 842 people and a density of 17 people per square kilometer. The region's landscape was dominated by mopane trees during the 1960s. However, as the rural population increased and more land for mahangu (pearl millet) was required, the number of mopane trees decreased. Its also the same tree used to construct houses and fencing poles in the region.

Environmental Projects

The proposed project to study the movement, population distribution and social dynamics of the elephants in the Omusati Region of Namibia is the first of its kind in this Region. The project will work in conjunction with established conservancies, communities and the Ministry of Environment and Tourism. The proposed study would be an extension of a study currently underway in the northwestern Kunene region. The project was initially based in the Kunene Region, but in May 2005, the MET requested that NEGT undertake a detailed study of the elephants in the Omusati Region of Namibia. This project is the result and is designed to be a collaborative research effort between NEGT, MET and the Uukwuluudhi Conservancy. The region has also proposed a Tree planting, nature conservation, salt pans projects that have tremedous development potential in the Region.