The pressing realities of climate change and persistent droughts have rendered traditional hydropower energy sources increasingly unreliable. As we seek alternatives to sustain our energy needs, it becomes imperative to integrate the voices and knowledge of indigenous communities, particularly the Ovahimba people of the Kunene region.
These communities, often labelled anti-developmental, are not merely rejecting progress but calling for a more inclusive and respectful approach to energy development that honours their cultural heritage and environmental stewardship. Media publicity has stereotyped the Ovahimba people in a negative way, such as being illiterate, aye: “they don’t want to change” the narrating that has completely migrated to a Western culture. I call the Ovahimba people the few nationalists who sustainably preserve their culture, and I applaud them wholeheartedly.
I call for a round table discussion and understanding the proposer’s and the rejecters’ perceptions before we label each other or name-calling.
Alternative energy solutions
The looming crisis of climate change necessitates a shift away from hydropower, which has historically been a cornerstone of energy-generation in the region. The Baynes hydropower project, while intended to promote development, has faced significant resistance from local communities. Let me put it into perspective, this resistance stems from a fear of losing cultural identity, land and traditional ways of life.
I am equally supporting the project, as there is a need for energy in the southern part of Angola at Iona and surrounding areas. However, I am currently not supporting the hydropower due to recurrent drought. Therefore, it is crucial to explore alternative green energy solutions that not only meet the energy demands of the region but also align with the values and practices of indigenous peoples.
The sacrosanct sites will no longer be a bone of contention. I am trying to zero out the fact that Baynes must divert from hydropower to Baynes’ green energy solution. Regarding the cost estimate, I leave the accountancy to determine the viability but from my layman’s calculations, I think it will be cost effective given the geographical location of Orokawe. It will demand billions to construct the road cutting through the mountains landscape and I deem it a waste of resources.
Education, integration of indigenous communities
To facilitate this transition, targeted educational initiatives are essential. Programmes designed to engage the Ovahimba people and other marginalised communities in discussions about energy conservation and sustainability can foster understanding and collaboration.
These initiatives must be tailored to the unique cultural contexts of these communities, acknowledging their traditional knowledge and practices as valuable assets in the search for viable energy alternatives.
Omuhonga Combined School, which was constructed with the help of the African Development Bank, can integrate subjects such as Solar Installations and Maintenance, Biomass, and Wind Energy to address the need for manpower. When the inhabitants start to ask why skilled workforce are sourced elsewhere, they are perceived as being tribal, hell no! That is a blunt reality which some critics are not comfortable with.
Moreover, it is vital to consider the three stages of development primitive, advanced, and technological not as linear progressions, but as complementary phases that can co-exist.
Indigenous knowledge systems, rooted in centuries of environmental stewardship, can inform and enhance modern technological solutions. By valuing these diverse perspectives, we can develop energy strategies that are both innovative and culturally sensitive.
Avoiding a one-size-fits-all approach
The challenges faced by the Kunene region cannot be addressed with a one-size-fits-all solution. Sustainable energy development must consider the specific needs and values of local communities.
The Ovahimba people, with their deep connection to the land and commitment to conserving their culture, provide invaluable insights into sustainable practices. Engaging them in the planning and implementation of energy projects will lead to solutions that are not only effective but also culturally respectful and environmentally sound.
We tend to put short-term beneficiation above board without thinking about the long-term consequences. Two negotiators differ as follows: the one who wants fast implementation focuses on benefits and the other one takes time to comprehend concerns about the repercussions.
Let me use the case study of SME Bank to justify my philosophical analysis of two negotiators. It is high time we moved to corporate citizenship and MTC is a good example of that by offering unwavering services to almost every citizen and, they become shareholders. When the Ovahimba people were interrogated about the benefits of the project, we asked who told them? as if they were not independent thinkers.
Agra Firia’s role in sustainable development
One promising initiative is the Agra Firia project, which aims to develop a harbour in Kunene, alongside viable green energy solutions, desalination plants, and agricultural green schemes.
This multifaceted approach holds the potential to create a sustainable energy ecosystem that benefits local communities while preserving their cultural heritage. By prioritising energy conservation and sustainable practices, Kunene can become a model for integrating indigenous knowledge into modern development. Kunene’s northwestern segment has the potential to host for instance Omusati, Oshana and even Ohangwena regions with possible barren land due to the desert. However, sustainable mitigation strategies can rejuvenate the areas to retain its former glory of being a unique fauna and flora heritage.
As we navigate the complexities of transitioning to sustainable energy solutions, it is essential to include the voices of indigenous communities like the Ovahimba.
By fostering dialogue, respecting cultural practices and developing tailored educational programmes, we can create a pathway for sustainable development that honours both tradition and innovation. The success stories of conservancies in the Kunene region illustrate the potential of collaborative approaches. Moving forward, let us prioritise energy conservation and inclusivity, recognising that true progress lies in unity rather than division.
Together, we can pave the way for a sustainable future that respects our shared heritage and the environment. I will rest my case by quoting my maternal uncle Chief Hikuminue Kapika, who said: “I join the ruling party, and it must not step on my toes because, I will feel the pain. Equally when I step on the toes of the ruling party, it must act quickly and caution reciprocally. Let’s reach one another for a common purpose, for true prosperity but not lip service.”
*Mawiipi Hartley is a scholar with a Master’s degree in Public Policy and Management from the International University of Management.