New regional programme for southern Africa

GDF is broadening its global program of research, training and action to include Namibia and Botswana. Our aims are to promote local ecological knowledge and natural resource management initiatives and contribute to an integrative approach to conservation and development among marginalised, displaced and impoverished indigenous communities.† Hattie Wells, newly appointed regional coordinator for southern Africa, will be responsible for developing the following activities:

• Applied research on the contribution of ethnobiology to local livelihood options among San and Bakgalagadi people in the Central Kalahari of Botswana
• Training and assistance for the development and maintenance of home gardens as a means of improving food security, nutrition and horticultural knowledge for San communities in the Omaheke south, Namibia.