The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Land Reform has intensified a nationwide campaign to remove illegal fences erected on communal land, saying the initiative is aimed at protecting communal grazing areas and ensuring equitable access to land.
The operation, carried out in partnership with regional councils, communal land boards and traditional authorities, is being implemented under the Communal Land Reform Act of 2002. The programme began in the Omaheke Region before expanding to Kavango East, Kavango West and, most recently, Oshikoto. Similar operations are planned for other communal areas across the country.
The ministry said the campaign has already yielded significant results. Since 2025, five illegal fences covering about 4 000 hectares have been removed in Kav
ango East, while two additional fence owners dismantled their structures voluntarily following consultations with authorities.
In Kavango West, three illegal fences covering almost 2 915 hectares have been removed, while two illegal fences were taken down in the Omaheke Region. A further two fences are expected to be removed in Oshikoto as the latest phase of the operation continues.
The ministry acknowledged the contribution of the Namibia Youth Service (NYS), whose members have carried out much of the physical work involved in removing the fences.
According to the ministry, illegal fencing restricts access to communal grazing land, limits opportunities for livestock owners and often leads to disputes within communities.
The Communal Land Reform Act prohibits the erection of fences on communal land without the required authorisation. However, fences around homesteads, cattle kraals, water points and crop fields are permitted where they comply with the law.
The ministry stressed that all removals follow legal procedures. Before any fence is dismantled, officials verify its legality, issue written notices to the owners and provide an opportunity for voluntary compliance or legal recourse. Removal only takes place if these steps are not followed.
The ministry commended land users who had voluntarily removed unauthorised fences and urged others to obtain the necessary approvals from traditional authorities and communal land boards before erecting fences.
It also thanked regional councils, traditional authorities, law enforcement agencies and local communities for supporting efforts to promote the sustainable and equitable management of Namibia's communal land resources.
