Okavango Region

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Okavango region, Namibia

Area:

43,418 km² (16,764 mi²)

Population:

201,093 (2001), 116,830 (1991)

Population density

4.6/km² (12/mi²)

Capital:

Rundu

Time Zone:

South African Standard Time: UTC+1

Okavango is one of the thirteen regions of Namibia. On account of its rather higher rainfall than most other parts of Namibia, this region has definite agricultural potential for the cultivation of a variety of crops. There is also potential for organised forestry and agro-forestry, which should stimulate furniture making and related industries.

In the north, Okavango borders the Cuando Cubango Province of Angola, and in the southeast it borders the North-West District of Botswana. Domestically, it borders the following regions:

Caprivi - east
Otjozondjupa - south
Oshikoto - west
Ohangwena - northwest

[edit] Population

The region is characterised by an extremely uneven population distribution. The interior is very sparsely inhabited, while the northernmost strip, especially along the Okavango River, has a high population concentration. Subsistence fishing is important, and the possibility of expanding this on a sustainable commercial basis in order to supplement local incomes should be investigated. The promotion of tourism, perhaps in conjunction with the Caprivi Region, also deserves attention. This would stimulate local art and wood carving.

[edit] Transportation

There is a particular dearth of north-south roads in the region, apart from the Rundu-Grootfontein main road. Rundu has an average type airstrip to handle medium-sized airplanes in daylight only. The establishment of a control tower may permit the handling of passengers and airfreight in all-weather circumstances. The poor condition of the roads and the long distances have a negative effect on tourism; this situation has been improved by the completion of the Trans-Caprivi Highway.

The region comprises six constituencies: Mpungu, Kahenge, Kapako, Rundu, Mashari, and Ndiyona.