The Minister of Lands and Agriculture, Dr. Micus Chimbombi, has defended the new government’s decision to place the Community-Based Natural Resources Management (CBNRM) program under his ministry from that of Tourism and Environment, citing its alignment with land administration.
He explained that the foundation of CBNRM services is closely linked to land tenure and management, making it logical for the program to fall under his portfolio.
Chimbombi was responding to a question from Maun West Member of Parliament, Caterpillar Hikuama who sought clarity on the rationale behind placing CBNRM within the Lands Ministry and the anticipated benefits.
He also wanted to know the anticipated strategies to enhance productivity in community trusts, and the formation of a Technical Advisory Committee to provide technical expertise.
In his response the minister highlighted that secure land tenure is critical for accessing and utilising natural resources. He noted that his ministry oversees the issuance of head leases for community trusts, which must also obtain approval from land authorities for sub-leasing or other land-related transactions.
By situating CBNRM under the lands ministry, he stressed that government aims to streamline these processes and ensure seamless operations for trusts.
“The ministry will prioritise inclusivity, independence, capacity building, and fostering broader partnerships. Inclusivity means ensuring that previously marginalised groups within communities are actively involved in CBNRM activities,” Chimbombi stated.
He further stressed that accountability, collaborative efforts, and well-structured research would be key pillars in ensuring the success of CBNRM and community-based organisations (CBOs).
Chimbombi also revealed that a draft CBNRM bill is currently undergoing stakeholder consultations and is expected to be presented to parliament in 2025. The bill’s purpose is to establish a regulatory framework for CBO operations, enhance accountability standards, and formalize CBNRM governance.
“The bill will propose the creation of a dedicated department for CBNRM, replacing the current unit arrangement. It will define the roles of stakeholders and improve CBO management to ensure security and sustainability,” he added.
Hikuama has however urged the minister to go beyond discussing accountability within the bill and address broader concerns. He noted that discussions about the draft CBNRM bill date back to 2019 during the 12th parliament and questioned whether the delays would lead to repeated explanations in subsequent sessions.
Hikuama requested a clear timeline for the bill’s presentation to avoid prolonged delays, as seen during the previous parliament. Chimbombi acknowledged the uncertainty surrounding the bill’s presentation, stating that the next parliamentary sitting in February 2025 would focus on the national budget. He however indicated that discussions on legislative bills are scheduled for July 2025.
