Oshana

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Oshana region, Namibia

Area:

5,290 km² (2,043 mi²)

Population:

161,977 (2001), 134,884 (1991)

Population density

30.6/km² (79.3/mi²)

Capital:

Oshakati

Time Zone:

South African Standard Time: UTC+1

Oshana is one of the thirteen regions of Namibia. The name Oshana lends itself well to this region as it describes the most prominent landscape feature in the area, namely the shallow, seasonally inundated depressions which underpin the local agro ecological system. Although communications are hindered during the rainy season, the fish which breed in the oshanas provide an important source of dietary protein.

The Oshakati-Ongwediva-Ondangwa complex has experienced dramatic urban growth in recent years and forms an important commercial and potential industrial focus. As a whole, it forms the second largest population concentration in Namibia after Windhoek, but it still lacks basic infrastructure and most of the services and facilities normally found in urban areas of this size. The majority of businesses in northern Namibia are located here, providing a significant amount of employment. However, urbanisation is continuing and unemployment has risen since the withdrawal of the South African Security Forces. Creation of non-agricultural job opportunities will therefore need to receive urgent attention.

Omahangu is the principal staple crop grown in Oshana, which is suitable for agriculture. However, the soil is exhausted over much of the central area and requires substantial fertilisation in order to maintain reasonable productivity. Cattle also do well here and herds are extensive. The southern portion of Oshana is an extensive savannah plain stretching as far as the Etosha Pan, but the generally high salinity of soil and water render it unsuitable for grazing or cultivation.

The area is far more densely populated in the north, which is linked to Tsumeb and other regions by the high quality trunk road; this also facilitates the transport of freight. However, a significant improvement in the rest of the road network and in other forms of telecommunications are required. Oshakati and Ondangwa have airstrips which handle medium-sized airplanes in daylight only and provision can be made for both passengers and airfreight. The establishment of a control tower may contribute to the improvement of all-weather air and transport. Reasonably good hospitals are situated at Oshakati and Onjiipa, which supports a number of clinics. Although both primary and secondary schools are spread across the region, there are still too few.

Oshana is one of only three regions without either a coastline or a foreign border. It borders the following regions: