Niël Terblanché
Namibia is committed to regional climate research and adaptation by hosting the latest Southern Africa Science Service Centre for Climate Change and Adaptive Land Management (SASSCAL) Thematic Workshop in Windhoek.
The workshop that started on Tuesday brought together scientists, students, farmers, and policy experts to exchange knowledge and shape practical responses to the region’s escalating climate challenges.
The deputy minister of agriculture, fisheries, water and land reform, Ruth Masake, officially opened the workshop and stressed the urgency of evidence-based, collaborative solutions.
“Namibia continues to experience increasing climate variability, ranging from severe droughts to extreme rainfall, flash floods, and outbreaks of pests and diseases. Just last year, President Nangolo Mbumba declared a State of Emergency because of the prolonged drought,” she said.
The SASSCAL Regional Secretariat has played an instrumental role in its development since its founding.
According to Masake, Namibia was the first to sign and ratify the SASSCAL Treaty and has continued to meet its financial obligations to the institution.
She encouraged remaining member states to finalise ratification processes and said that doing so would elevate SASSCAL to the status of an international organisation, strengthening its governance and global standing.
SASSCAL, a partnership between Angola, Botswana, Namibia, South Africa, Zambia and Germany, has over the years led research in agriculture, biodiversity, water, and climate resilience.
Under SASSCAL 1.0, Namibia implemented 18 national research projects with a combined value of EUR 1.8 million.
In the current phase, SASSCAL 2.0, Namibia is responsible for projects worth N$58 million, with broader funding from Germany’s Federal Ministry of Education and Research totalling N$200 million.
Masake praised initiatives such as the Graduate Studies Programme at NUST, the installation and upgrade of automatic weather stations, and the scholarship schemes, which have benefited over 100 students across the Member States.
“SASSCAL’s achievements extend beyond research,” she said while citing the development of Africa’s first Green Hydrogen Village in the Erongo region and associated youth scholarships.
With a theme focused on strengthening resilience through food and water security, the workshop is expected to produce actionable recommendations.
“Adaptive and science-based solutions are not just necessary—they are urgent. The research presented and deliberated during this workshop must be translated into practical interventions that improve the lives of our people,” Masake urged.
