Over the past few days, N-BiG, in collaboration with iED and NACSO under the ESS-OBPS project, has been actively working in the Otjituuo Community Forest (OCF). The mission focused on engaging key stakeholders and fostering inclusive participation in the community’s role within the project’s fuel supply chain.
The engagement began with a meeting with the Okakarara Constituency Councillor to introduce the project, secure political support, and ensure alignment with local development priorities. This was followed by a session with the newly appointed Otjituuo Management Committee, where the project’s business model was presented and their crucial role in upcoming assessments was discussed.
Field activities included visits to inventory plots across the conservancy to assess biomass harvesting potential and site suitability. In parallel, the team met with small-scale firewood and charcoal producers to evaluate their production capacity and potential supply to OBPS. The mission concluded with a technical work session at the Directorate of Forestry in Okakarara, where ministry needs were discussed and a roadmap for future capacity building discussed.
These collaborative efforts mark an important step toward building a sustainable and inclusive biomass sector that safeguards the environment while enhancing the livelihoods of local communities.
