The Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung Namibia-Angola and Women's Action for Development have launched a conflict resolution book for traditional authorities in the four north-central regions.
The book, which will also be distributed nationwide, provides guidance to traditional leaders on how to resolve disputes within the boundaries of the law.
The book launch coincided with a conference looking into strides made in implementing Germany's Federal Ministry of Economic Cooperation and Development's "One World, No Hunger" project, currently running in its sixth year in the Oshana, Oshikoto, Ohangwena, and Omusati Regions.
The project aims to improve security, provide just access to resources on communal land, and secure the rights of women, particularly widows and single mothers.
To date, it has interacted with up to four thousand men and women in the four regions, including traditional and political leaders.
In officially launching the book, Urban and Rural Development Minister Erastus Uutoni says the project has been vital in communicating social, economic, and legislative matters to the masses.
"We recognized that there were some critical issues that hamper the smooth operation of traditional authority affairs, particularly provisions made under sections 2, 4, 5, and 11 of TA Act No. 25 of 2000. Land disputes can be complex, costly, and contentious, and unfortunately are a common occurrence in our communal areas. They often cause distress and frustration and may require legal assistance to reach a solution."
Konrad Adenauer Stiftung Country Representative, Natalie Russmann, says the project has been a stepping stone for locals in ensuring that their decisions remain well within the parameters of the law.
She highlighted the importance of traditional authorities enforcing the law of equal rights in terms of gender.
"Widows are better protected, and they also know where to report if someone tries to take their land, and traditional leaders have improved their ability to administer or manage communal land and disputes."