The northern Kunene region, by the border of Angola, is inhabited by the Ovahimba people. They are nomadic people who still lead a traditional lifestyle and are often referred to as the Himbas. Settlements are scattered, the land is harsh and rugged - often called Africa’s last wilderness. The area is particularly dry, with yearly average precipitation around 300mm. Subsequently people have to move around with their herds in search of pastures and water. Droughts are frequent, threatening the livelihoods of the Himba communities—without water, life can not be sustained.

The objective of the project is to provide the Ovahimba communities with sustainable access to clean water for people and livestock. Access to clean water furthermore supports development goals in the areas of health and sanitation, education and gender equality. The project implements Community Based Management by training  water point committees at new water points.

The project is implemented in cooperation between ICEIDA and the Ministry of Agriculture, Water and Forestry. It started in 2007 and will come to an end in 2010. By then it is expected that 33 new water points have been established with well functioning and trained water point committees.