Note: This document may not always reflect the actual appropriations determined by Congress. Final budget allocations for USAID's programs are not determined until after passage of an appropriations bill and preparation of the Operating Year Budget (OYB).
NAMIBIA
FY 1997 FY 1998 FY 1999 Actuals Estimate Request Child Survival and Disease.......... $1,100,000 $2,800,000 $2,000,000 Development Assistance.............. $7,400,000 $5,200,000 $6,650,000
Introduction
Southern Africa is a growing market for U.S. exports and U.S. investment, but it can achieve its potential only if the region remains a positive environment for democracy, stability, and economic growth. Although small in terms of population, Namibia is important within the region. The United States played a strong diplomatic role in helping Namibia achieve independence and in helping it make a peaceful transition from minority domination to democratic majority rule. USAID is supporting Namibia to become a model for democracy and development in southern Africa and to become an even stronger constructive role in the region. Completion of the Trans-Kalahari highway will improve regional linkages with neighboring landlocked countries and will reduce transport time and increase trade. USAID support since 1991 has resulted in significant reforms in both education and in parliamentary operations. The primary education sector is being transformed through improved curriculum and training. There is already evidence of a positive impact at the first and second grade levels. Through USAID's assistance, the Namibian parliament is actively soliciting and using citizen input on pending legislation and promoting public debate on upcoming issues.
The Development Challenge
Eight years after independence, Namibia remains committed to removal of the last vestiges of apartheid's social and economic policies. Health and education have continued to receive an increasing share of the Government of Namibia's (GRN) development budget: up from 38% in 1996 to 42% in 1997. High student failure rates (40%), high unemployment (40%), high population growth rates (3%), and the growing incidence of HIV/AIDS (estimated 150,000 cases) are major development challenges. Although Namibia has a per capita income of $1,917, the richest 5% minority receives 70% of the national income. Approximately 60% of the majority black population live in rural areas in the north on communal lands, surviving on annual incomes of $100-200 per annum with limited access to basic social services. Namibia's fragile ecological base suffers from chronic drought. The strong 1997 rainy season which ended the multi-year drought is now threatened by prospects of another drought period caused by the El Nino phenomenon.
In 1997, Namibia's economy grew at the rate of 4.3% due to strong performance of the mining sector which accounts for 15.1% of gross domestic product (GDP). External debt is minimal and is only $75.8 million. Namibia's free market policies also resulted in increased U.S. investment. In 1997, the American-funded Southern African Enterprise Development Fund (SAEDF) approved $1 million in equity for an ostrich processing plant in southern Namibia, and SAEDF is negotiating with the Government of Namibia for credit guarantees for indigenous small and medium scale enterprises and for a regional airline. General Motors will open its new $33 million vehicle assembly plant in March, 1998.
Other Donors
In FY 1997, the U.S. Government provided $12 million in total assistance (including humanitarian demining and disaster relief). USAID was among the larger bilateral donors, along with Germany ($28 million), Sweden ($18.9 million), Norway ($15.1 million), France ($8.5 million) and China ($8.4 million). Bilateral donors provide 80% of all external aid, followed by multilateral organizations (18%) and the remainder (4%) by international non-governmental organizations (NGOs). Norway supports secondary education through NGOs. Sweden supports secondary education, Germany supports environment andvocational training, and the United Kingdom provides assistance for democracy and human rights as well as human resources development. Donor coordination meetings are held under the sponsorship of the United Nations Development Program.
FY 1999 Program
In FY 1999, the USAID program will continue to focus on strengthening Namibia's new democracy through the social, economic, and political empowerment of Namibians disadvantaged by apartheid. Support will continue to accelerate human resources development; improve basic education; replicate successful environmental income generation activities in natural resources management; and promote multi-party participation in the 1999 regional and national elections. USAID will also support activities to strengthen parliament and civil society organizations.
The United States, with its $1 million per annum degree level training program, as well as managerial training, is a lead donor in providing training and human resources development (HRD) support. USAID will accelerate the pace of its HRD efforts in order to ensure that there is a cadre of skilled and trained Namibians in place by Namibia's planned graduation from U.S. assistance in 2005. Interventions involve short-term management and skills training, long-term graduate level training in the U.S. and non-formal skills upgrading for adults, as well as strengthening the capacity of indigenous non-governmental and civil society organizations. More than 100 participants, from both private and public sectors, have benefitted from short-term management skills training and internships in the United States and the region.
The United States is the major donor supporting the GRN's lower primary education reform. This major program has produced a successful collaborative effort between USAID and Peace Corps to improve indigenous teachers' capacity to implement improved curricula. At the national level, USAID is providing technical assistance to improve the Namibian Government's planning and monitoring and evaluation capacity for primary education, as well as long-term training. USAID assistance will result in a more efficient and more sustainable education system for Namibia.
The United States is the major donor in natural resources management. USAID and the Namibian Government have implemented a number of successful pilot programs which will be replicated at the national level. The first fully operational U.S.-funded conservancies have been identified and are scheduled to be inaugurated by President Nujoma in February 1998. Major attention is devoted to income-generating activities at the local level, especially for women.
The United States is also the major donor providing assistance to the Parliament. The chairman of the National Council (the bi-cameral legislature) was exposed to U.S. legislative processes through USAID assistance and is now playing a more proactive role in leadership at Parliament. Continued USAID support will enable greater multiparty participation in planned regional and national elections and will continue support to NGOs and grassroots organizations. In 1999, support will include assistance to the proposed independent elections commission; work with parliamentary party caucuses to promote outreach and open public debates; and training of NGOs and the media to enhance their roles as watchdogs and advocates in the elections process.
U.S. funding to the Government of Namibia's Emergency Management Unit resulted in the development of a national drought task force and national drought mitigation plan to help improve Namibia's drought preparedness. U.S. assistance also led to the GRN's establishment of an inter-ministerial committee to improve the country's drought preparedness.
NAMIBIA
FY 1999 PROGRAM SUMMARY
(in Thousands of Dollars)
USAID
Strategic
ObjectivesEconomic
Growth &
AgriculturePopulation
& HealthEnvironment Democracy Human Capacity Development Humanitarian
AssistanceTOTALS S.O.1.
Enhanced roles for historically disadvantaged Namibians in key public sectors, NGO's and Private sector
- DA
3,900
---
---
---
---
---
3,900
S.O.2.
Impr. Delivery of Quality Primary Ed to Namibian learners in grade 1-4
- CSD
---
---
---
---
2,000
---
2,000
S.O.3.
Increased Benefits to
HDNs from sustainable local mgt of Natural Resources
- DA
---
---
2,000
---
---
---
2,000
S.O.4
Increased Accountability of Parliament to all Namibian Citizens
- DA
---
---
---
750
---
---
750
Totals
- CSD
- DA
---
3,900
---
---
---
2,000
---
750
2,000
---
---
---
2,000
6,650
USAID Representative, Edward J. Spriggs
ACTIVITY DATA SHEET
PROGRAM: NAMIBIA
STRATEGIC OBJECTIVE TITLE AND NUMBER: Enhanced roles for Historically Disadvantaged Namibians (HDNs) in key public, non-governmental organizations (NGO) and private sector organizations, 673-SO01
STATUS: Continuing
PROPOSED OBLIGATION AND FUNDING SOURCE: FY 1999 $ 3,900,000 DA
INITIAL OBLIGATION: FY 1995; ESTIMATED COMPLETION DATE: FY 2005
Purpose: To develop a critical mass of trained technicians and managers in both the private and public sectors, and the non-governmental organization (NGO) sector.
USAID Role and Achievements to Date: Because of the dire shortage of trained personnel in Namibia's private and public sectors, USAID's impact is felt in both the quality of training provided and in the numbers of people trained. To date, 75 candidates have undergone short-term management training courses in the U.S. and six in South Africa. In addition, 280 individuals have attended in-country workshops and seminars. USAID assistance supported a public workshop on the Government of Namibia's (GRN) draft equal employment opportunity legislation. Amendments proposed at the workshop are expected to meet the Namibian Government's approval. USAID also sponsored a delegation of white Namibian private sector Chief Executive Officers on a U.S. study tour to observe and learn from American companies which have strong workforce diversity management programs. This has resulted in a growing awareness and readiness on the part of conservative Namibian businesses to promote new roles for historically disadvantaged Namibians (HDNs). In addition, USAID studies of returned long-term training participants have shown that these individuals are making a difference in their organizations where they have assumed increased roles and responsibilities.
Description: The USAID program will support enhanced roles of historically disadvantaged Namibians through: a) the development of short-term management training programs which will produce well-trained, highly skilled and competent HDN managers in both the public and private sectors; and b) continued and accelerated degree-level training to create a cadre of Namibians who will become leaders in the twenty first century in critical disciplines. A new human resource development assistance program will continue work with businesses which are taking significant steps toward diversifying their management-level workforce. USAID expects the participating businesses to become industry leaders and role models for other businesses and public agencies in Namibia in workforce diversity. The bilateral program also will provide skills to disadvantaged Namibian training providers who operate outside the formal educational system, but require recognized credentials. Finally, USAID will assist businesses to establish personnel systems which will include formal hiring procedures and career development practices to support public and private sector performance.
The new USAID effort will assist: a) large, predominantly white family-owned enterprises, which currently collectively control a major segment of the economy, to restructure and incorporate more black Namibians into management; b) upscale, black-owned business with the potential to expand their market share in the economy; c) business and professional associations which are promoting increased employment and utilization of HDNs in private enterprises; d) government agencies that play key policy roles and which promote hiring and utilization of HDNs in public service and private business; and e) NGOs which have demonstrated potential for sustainability and capacity to be effective advocates for the economic and social empowerment of HDNs.
USAID's academic programs will continue the preparation of a limited number of individuals with the necessary depth and breath of background for employment at the more senior levels across all sectors.
Host Country and Other Donors: USAID has been working with the Namibian Government's National Planning Commission to develop a comprehensive human resource development strategy as part of the
country's National Development Plan for the five year period 1996-2000. Human resource development and investing in people are identified as high priorities in the plan. USAID also works with key economic institutions in the public sector and has set the prerequisite of having staff development plans in place prior to assistance. Namibia's Government is highly committed to human resource development. Under long-term training the host country pays the salaries of participants and travel costs. The Ford Foundation, a major donor, assisted the Namibian National Chamber of Commerce and Industry to establish an Affirmative Action Advisory Service that helps businesses increase their hiring of HDNs in management. The United Nations Development Program (UNDP) is assisting the GRN to identify its human resources development requirements. UNDP also entered into an agreement with a Namibian parastatal, National Development Corporation, to support small and medium enterprises.
Beneficiaries: Historically disadvantaged Namibians who represent nearly 70% of the population across all sectors of the Namibian economy. At least 35% of participants will be women.
Principal Contractors, Grantees, or Agencies: The current implementing partners for USAID-funded training are three U.S. private voluntary organizations, the African American Institute, Africare, and World Education, Inc. Other local partners include the GRN, the national chamber of commerce, private sector companies, and NGOs. Under the new activity additional partners will include the newly formed Indigenous People's Business Council, the Windhoek Chamber of Commerce, the Center for Public Service Training, the Namibia Trainer Network, and private training consultants.
Major Results Indicators: Baseline Targets Number of USAID trained HDNs assuming increased responsibilities 0 (1995) 251 (1998) Number of target organizations with enhanced roles for USAID trained HDNs 0 (1993) 41 (1998) Number of public sector units and private sector organizations with HRD plans that support HDN professional development 0 (1995) 37 (1998)
ACTIVITY DATA SHEET
PROGRAM: NAMIBIA
STRATEGIC OBJECTIVE TITLE AND NUMBER: Improved Delivery of Quality Primary Education to Grade 1-4 Learners in the Most Disadvantaged Schools, 673-SO02
STATUS: Continuing
PROPOSED OBLIGATION AND FUNDING SOURCE: FY 1999: $2,000,000 CSD
INITIAL OBLIGATION: FY 1995; ESTIMATED COMPLETION DATE: FY 2004
Purpose: To support the Government of Namibia's (GRN) educational reform policy initiatives, including strengthening of the Ministry of Basic Education and Culture (MBEC) and the Ministry of Higher Education, Vocational Training, Science and Technology while improving learning in the most disadvantaged schools.
USAID's Role and Achievements to Date: USAID's intervention in basic education continues to provide technical assistance, training and commodity support for the development of an improved curricula at lower primary grades one through four. A series of USAID-funded teacher training modules have been accepted in the National Instructional Skills Certificate Program which will be required for all teachers within the next five years. The incorporation of these training modules by the Namibian Government has positive long-term implications for higher educational standards and project impact and sustainability. Activities assist teachers to test and apply better curriculum and teaching methods. There is evidence already that the quality of education provided to students in grades one and two in targeted schools has improved from some of these education reform policy initiatives. USAID, as the major donor at the primary level, has played a key role in assisting the GRN to refocus its resources and personnel on primary education and the lower primary level in particular. This will result in fundamental, long-term benefits for Namibia with respect to reduction of illiteracy, improved quality of education provided, and increased efficiency of the entire education system.
Description: Over the next four years, USAID will build upon the lessons learned and successes of its earlier support for basic education. USAID will: (a) support the Ministry of Basic Education in coordinating in-service training modules for primary teachers at the national level in concert with the National Institute for Educational Development (NIED), (b) increase regional education staff capacity and skills, and (c) expand support to the Ministry of Higher Education in the areas of planning and policy strengthening. In addition, USAID will support Namibian efforts to carry out educational reforms at the primary level to ensure continuation of in-service training for lower primary teachers nationwide through FY 2000.
At present, USAID is supporting curriculum development, reproduction and distribution. As the program progresses, this operation will become more sustainable as key staff at NIED return from long- term training and assume direct responsibility for the curriculum program. Additional long-term training will result in increased capacity at the Ministry of Higher Education to plan for vocational training, research and other priority areas. A linkage will be established between University of Namibia (UNAM) and U.S. universities which will increase UNAM's capacity to offer a wider range of courses in critical technical areas. Further USAID support will result in an increased institutional capacity for monitoring and evaluation (M&E) at both the Ministry of Higher Education and the University of Namibia.
USAID will continue to support the GRN education reform program. Curricula for grade three will be developed and implemented and instructional curricula for grade four will be completed during 1998 and 1999. USAID will assist in building the capacity of the Ministry of Basic Education to manage monitoring systems and to establish a nationwide M&E system for tracking results at the primary grade levels. Other capacity building efforts include specialized long-term training for ministry officials involved in the areas of curriculum development, assessment, policy planing and research. This long- term training employs distance education methods with both U.S. and South African institutions and will ensure sustained pursuit of the MBEC's reform agenda, while at the same time providing training
to ministry officials and building local capacity and partnership for sustaining MBEC's advanced training in the long term.
Host Country and Other Donors: USAID is the principal donor providing assistance at the lower-primary education level. Other donors supporting the GRN in primary education include the United Nations Children's Fund, Great Britain, Finland, Norway, Denmark, Sweden, the Netherlands, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, the European Union, and the United Nations Development Program.
Beneficiaries: All Namibian school children and teachers, principals and inspectors in grades one through four, as well as staff and officials from the Ministries of Basic and Higher Education and the University of Namibia.
Principal Contractors, Grantees, or Agencies: Key U.S. implementing partners include the Institute for International Research, Ohio University, Harvard Institute for International Development, Peace Corps, University of Montana. Additional regional and Namibian institutions are University of Western Cape University of Namibia, and Rossing Foundation (Namibia).
Major Results Indicators: Baseline Targets Materials Production Unit distribution Production and distribution of Grade 1 0 (1995) Complete (1997) instructional materials and assessment tools complete. Production and distribution of Grade 2 0 (1995) Complete (1998) instructional materials and assessment tools complete. Trained cadre of Namibian 0 (1995) Complete (1999) specialists in NIED Classrooms in target schools meeting established criteria for improved quality education inputs and services 0 (1996) 448 (1998)
ACTIVITY DATA SHEET
PROGRAM: NAMIBIA
STRATEGIC OBJECTIVE TITLE AND NUMBER Increased benefits to historically disadvantaged Namibians from sustainable local natural resource 673-SO03
STATUS: Continuing
PROPOSED OBLIGATION AND FUNDING SOURCE: FY 1999; $2,000,000 DA
INITIAL OBLIGATION: FY 1995; ESTIMATED COMPLETION DATE: FY 1999
Purpose: Increase benefits to historically disadvantaged Namibians who live in communal areas by ensuring they have rights to manage their natural resources including wildlife.
USAID Role and Achievements to Date: USAID's presence in Namibia supports the Ministry of Environment and Tourism's (MET) community-based natural resource management (CBNRM) program. The key to this program is the establishment of conservancies in communal areas which provide for sustainable use and management of wildlife and other natural resources. USAID has achieved outstanding results in this activity over the past five years. The Namibian Government has one of the most progressive policy environments for supporting CBNRM in the southern African region with the passage of Namibia's 1996 Conservancy Development Policy. To date, one conservancy agreement has been signed by the MET minister, two more are ready for signature, and two others are in the final stages of being submitted to MET's Conservancy Committee for review. These five conservancies will put over 1,692,000 hectares of communal land under the direct management of Conservancy Management Committees. Once the management plans are initiated, over 21,000 individuals living in the targeted areas will begin to receive benefits. Even as the conservancies are being developed some income-generating activities have already begun. To date, ten activities in the target areas have produced positive net economic benefits for the communities amounting to a total of $142,200. It is expected that this income will increase significantly once conservancies have full user rights over their natural resources, including tourism concessions.
Description: USAID is focusing on improving natural resource management and conservation in targeted communal areas in northern and eastern Namibia. The most important components of these efforts are: a) policy dialogue to facilitate timely improvement in the enabling environment for CBNRM in the communal areas; b) support to MET and non-governmental organization (NGO) efforts to establish viable pilot CBNRM activities involving sustainable use and management of wildlife and other natural resources, generation of income from such resources and development of community management and income distribution structures that support broad participation in decision making on benefits; and c) working with conservation NGOs and Government of Namibia (GRN) entities to develop a sustainable support base for eventual expansion of CBNRM nationwide.
The policy environment still continues to be a priority for USAID, even after passage of the 1996 conservancy legislation. Now, as other ministries develop policies, particularly land policies, it is important that all new policies comply with the current conservancy law. Therefore, activities related to policy development continue to be given priority. USAID will support additional environmental efforts which will take the lessons learned from the targeted areas and apply them in a national CBNRM program.
Host Country and Other Donors: In support of CBNRM activities, contributions from the GRN remain on target. In addition to host country contributions, Namibia and the USAID activity have been able to attract and mobilize an additional over $4,000,000 from among 20 different donors to support CBNRM activities in Namibia. Germany is supporting natural resources management, fisheries, and water management along with range and livestock activities. Sweden is supporting natural resource accounting and community-based tourism. The other major donor in this sector is Austria, which supports the MET in planning for community-based tourism.
Beneficiaries: The ultimate beneficiaries are the historically disadvantaged Namibians located in targeted communal areas. The intermediate beneficiaries are NGOs and the Ministry of Environment and Tourism that work together to carry out conservancy development in targeted communal areas.
Principle Contractors, Grantees or Agencies: USAID supported activities are implemented by the World Wildlife Fund, a U.S.-based NGO, and the Rossing Foundation (a local NGO).
Major Results Indicators: Baseline Target Community income (gross) from program-supported natural resource management activities 0 (1993) $383,720 (1999) Number of individuals in target communities that benefit from program supported CBNRM activities 0 (1993) 21,000 (1999) Hectares of communal land under local management 0 (1993) 1,215,000 (1999) Number of conservancies created 0 (1993) 5 (1999) National policies, legislation and regulations adopted that promote environmentally sustainable resource management practices 1 (1993) 5 (1999)
ACTIVITY DATA SHEET
PROGRAM: NAMIBIA
STRATEGIC OBJECTIVE TITLE AND NUMBER: Increased Accountability of Parliament to all Namibian citizens, 673-SO04
STATUS: Continuing
PROPOSED OBLIGATION AND FUNDING SOURCE: FY 1999: $750,000 DA
INITIAL OBLIGATION: FY 1995; ESTIMATED COMPLETION DATE: FY 2000
Purpose: Support the establishment of stronger linkages between citizens and their elected representatives as a means of strengthening Namibia's fragile democratic institutions.
USAID Role and Achievements to Date: USAID support to increase the accountability of Parliament has exceeded expectations to date. USAID support for the National Assembly Committee system, established only in 1995, has enabled it to actively scrutinize legislation and solicit public input on key public interest bills. To date, both houses of Parliament have held hearings on 12 issues; input from these hearings resulted in amendments to nearly all bills. Another benchmark achievement has been public input on the national budget and for the first time, an amendment by Parliament of the national budget. Members of Parliament are being supported in their work by the effective operations of the Parliamentary Research Information and Library Service, a focal point of USAID assistance. Non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and interest groups are clearly taking advantage of opportunities created by the Parliament for public input, including providing direct input on over 40% of public interest bills. USAID assistance has enabled a public interest law firm to produce and distribute bill summaries that have enhanced citizen understanding of legislative activities. Since the implementation of this activity, NGOs and interest groups have initiated over a dozen long-term, comprehensive public education campaigns on development and social reforms.
Description: USAID will support upcoming regional and national elections in 1998 and 1999, and will also consolidate progress with Parliament and non-governmental organizations. In May 1997, USAID conducted an assessment that identified aspects of the parliamentary strengthening activity that could be consolidated or expanded. Although USAID assistance has resulted in increased public hearings, increased public participation and enhanced skills of legislators, the Parliament's capacity to operate effectively is not yet institutionalized. Continued USAID support will aim to institutionalize training and promote sustainability of parliamentary and NGO programs; train local and regional government officials, media and NGOs in legislative skills such as bill and budget analysis; and support the development of ethics and anti-corruption policy and legislation. USAID also will work with the newly formed Parliamentary Women's Caucus and NGOs that are working to bring policy and legislation in line with the constitutional provision of gender equality and improved rights for women. The activity will support Namibia's second round of regional elections to be held in December 1998, as well as the third round of Presidential and Parliamentary elections, slated for the end of 1999. Support will include assistance to the proposed independent elections commission; work with parliamentary party caucuses to promote outreach and open public debates; and training of NGOs and the media to enhance their roles as watchdogs and advocates in the elections process.
Host Country and Other Donors: The Namibian Parliament has committed itself to establish fora for public participation in the legislative process and to strengthen the operation of library, research and public outreach units. This support will include provision of computer equipment and infrastructure, in-kind staff support, and implementation of institutional programs. USAID remains the principal donor providing direct assistance to the Parliament; however, in 1997, other donors, including Germany and Australia, provided equipment and staff training opportunities on an ad-hoc basis, and a German NGO is supporting some of the activities of the Standing Committee on Economics. The German government is providing core assistance to the Namibia Institute for Democracy, an indigenous NGO, for voter and civic education program and the European Union is assisting the GRN in the same areas. The United Kingdom is supporting public-service reform.
Beneficiaries: All Namibian citizens.
Principal Contractors, Grantees and Agencies: Currently, USAID is implementing its democratic institution building program activities through U.S. private and voluntary organizations, including the National Democratic Institute for International Affairs (NDI) and World Education International, as well as through GRN partners and local NGOs.
Major Results Indicators:
Baseline Targets
The extent to which the legislative process
meets criteria for representing the concerns
of different citizen groups. Measured by a
qualitative index indicator comprised of the
following:
- citizen input into review of legislation
- citizen input into formulation of legislation
- responsive and deliberative budget process
- responsive and deliberative committee(s) review/s
- Influence of backbenchers (non cabinet parliamentarians)
Number of issues on which public hearings,
including committee hearings are held 0 (1995) 25 (1999)
Number of open public debates by party
candidates in national and regional election
campaigns 2 (1944) 5 (1998)
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