The Topnaar people, also known as the ǂAonin clan of the Nama tribe, continue to navigate traditional ways of life, including safeguarding the famous !Nara plant.

However, unemployment is still a challenge for the community, which predominantly settled along the Kuiseb River in the Erongo region after first occupying the mouth of the Swakop River before moving southwards.

The Topnaar community, also referred to as Namibia's forgotten people, depends on natural resources for survival, with the primary staple food being the !Nara melons that grow on the !Nara plant along the banks of the Kuiseb river. 

The !Nara plant is a leafless, thorny, melon-bearing bush that is endemic to the Namib Desert.

It has various medicinal uses and has been in existence for over 1000 years. 

Herman Areseb The traditional leader at Utuseb Settlement says livestock farming and old age grants are also important sources of income for the community.

The Topnaar people sell products made from the !Nara plant to tourists and a shop owner in Swakopmund.

The Topnaar community is said to be benefiting from the processing of the !Nara plant, but unemployment remains a challenge, particularly for the youth.

This story highlights the resilience of the Topnaar people as they navigate their traditional way of life, safeguard the !Nara plant, and strive for a brighter future.