Flagship project
The Wisdom Hub in NxauNxau village
NG3, western Okavango Delta · between Gumare and the Namibia–Botswana border.
NG3 has been increasingly experiencing human–wildlife conflicts and a lack of economic opportunities. A major cause is the loss and devaluation of Indigenous and local traditional knowledge — knowledge that evolved in tune with nature and is crucial for resilience in today's environmental and climate crisis.
Conversations with community representatives and the Kalahari Wildland Trust show that NG3 residents envision a space for empowerment and stewardship in their area, one that enables sustainable economic diversification and enhances community well-being by nurturing their broad sets of skills and knowledge.
In response, MIKODI is proposing to lease a 5,400 hectare range-land property near NxauNxau village to establish a community-rooted hub for wisdom exchange and training, and to operate wildlife-based and nature-positive economic activities.
Impact
NG3 communities develop a sustainable, diversified, wildlife-based and nature-positive economy led by strong local governance — reducing human–wildlife conflicts and boosting well-being.
Outcome
Community and individual capacities to plan, advocate for and implement a nature-positive local economy that mitigates human–wildlife conflicts are strengthened.
Outputs
A fully operational Wisdom Hub, and wildlife-based, nature-positive activities rooted in Indigenous knowledge implemented across NG3.
Output 1.1 — A fully operational Wisdom Hub
- 1
Conduct a participatory baseline study on community needs, challenges, skill sets and opportunities — with justice and gender lenses.
- 2
Meet with NG3 communities to validate the results and agree on ways forward.
- 3
Run a three-day participatory workshop to design the hub and a long-term modular wisdom exchange programme.
- 4
Build the hub units for exchange, training, accommodation, offices and utilities with local ownership.
- 5
Pilot at least two modules of the wisdom exchange programme, prioritising urgent knowledge at risk of loss.
Output 1.2 — Wildlife-based and nature-positive activities
- 1
Facilitate a four-day participatory workshop to design a long-term wildlife-based and nature-positive economy action plan.
- 2
Pilot short-term actions that support existing livelihoods, diversify the local economy and strengthen governance rooted in Indigenous knowledge.