ABSTRACT. Predictive models for large carnivore predation on livestock constructed from landscape ecological factors are critical in managing costs associated with mitigating human-carnivore conflict and carnivore conservation. Such efforts are relatively new and deficient in spatial coverage. We endeavored to establish livestock types and size killed by sympatric carnivores Lion (panthera leo), leopard (panthera pardus) and wild dog (lycaon pictus). We then distinguished significant landscape characteristics influencing livestock depredations and mapped risk using Regression-Kriging. Predation incident data was acquired from Department of Wildlife and National Parks. Line transects were surveyed to estimate carnivore, wild prey and livestock abundance. Satellite images were analyzed to extract vegetation productivity index and topographic variables. We employed regression kriging to isolate variables predicting probability of livestock being killed and to produce risk maps. Highest numbers of livestock killed were attributed to lion, leopard and wild dog, respectively. Lion mostly killed large livestock, leopard mostly killed mainly small livestock and wild dog killed both large and small livestock. Lion kills were predicted by lion abundance, terrain ruggedness index and normalized vegetation difference index. Only distance of cattle post from protected areas predicted livestock killed by leopard. Predictors for wild dog predation were distance of cattle post from protected areas, small wild prey, large livestock and small livestock abundances. Risk maps indicated spatial partitioning of predation risk among the carnivores. We suggest that comprehension of important carnivore specific landscape ecological predictors for predation will help prioritize conflict areas where appropriate mitigation measures should be directed.

ABSTRACT. De-bushing has widely been applied as a viable alternative to restore the diversity of bush-encroached rangelands. However, its effectiveness in restoring the abundance and diversity of small mammals has seldom been explored. This study aimed to document the effects of de-bushing on the abundance and diversity of small mammals by comparing the species abundance and diversity of small mammals between a bush-encroached habitat and de-bushed habitat in Okonjima Nature Reserve, Namibia. Small mammals were live trapped in four 50×50m plots using Sherman traps placed in a 5 × 5 grid for four consecutive nights in two seasons. A GLMM and GLM analysis revealed a significant difference in the abundance of small mammals between the two habitat types (t 25.439= -2.334, P< 0.05) but not diversity (W=11, P> 0.05). Furthermore, small mammals had a species-specific response to habitat types. While Gerbiliscus leucogaster, Gerbiliscus paeba and Mastomys natalensis were present in both habitat types, Aethomys chrisophylus, Elephantulus intufi and Mus indutus were exclusively trapped in the bush-encroached habitat and Micaelaemys namaquensis in the de-bushed habitat. The study postulates that the significantly higher abundance of small mammals in the de-bushed habitat was due to an increase in grass cover associated with de-bushing and that de-bushing might be ineffective in restoring the diversity of small mammals and therefore recommends the de-bushing of encroached rangelands. However, due to the ineffectiveness of de-bushing in restoring the diversity of small mammals, preventative approaches to bush encroachment should be considered as the first line of defence.

ABSTRACT. Bush encroachment poses significant threats to rangeland biodiversity and ecosystem services, leading to reduced environmental sustainability, economic returns, and livelihoods of livestock farmers and tourism sectors. Selective thinning of encroaching woody vegetation has the potential to mitigate these effects by fostering biodiversity, herbaceous vegetation recovery and enhance groundwater recharge. This study therefore evaluated the impact of mechanical bush thinning on vegetation structure and soil property of the 2012 and 2017s bush thinned rangelands and non-thinned site, with no bush control intervention. A complete randomized design was used to randomly select the sampling points using the ArcMap GIS tool. About 30 random plots (10 m x 10 m) were demarcated at each site, for woody, herbaceous vegetation and soil data collection. The data were analysed using one-way ANOVA and Kruskal Wallis test in IBM SPSS Statistics 30. The results indicate that bush thinning significantly (p<0.05) decreased woody density, height, canopy cover, and improved herbaceous layer. Soil properties were significantly (p<0.05) higher in the control and the 2012 thinned sites (N (0.10:0.26ppm:), P (3.13:10.49ppm), K (0.42:0.86me/100g), Ca (11.23:10.09 me/100g), Mg (1.14:1.22 me/100g), OM (0.94:0.89%), and SOC (0.54:0.51%) than that of 2017, respectively. The study concludes that, although high woody vegetation abundance decreases herbaceous cover, it significantly increases SOC, soil nutrients and OM. The study recommends that the selective thinning intervention should be followed by aftercare measures to prevent re-encroachment. Furthermore, a long-term soil monitoring is essential to track ongoing changes in soil characteristics over a long period.

ABSTRACT. Many terrestrial ecosystems depend on fire to maintain their structure and composition, and unchecked fire can have detrimental effects on ecosystem functioning. Nowadays, fire is regarded as a threat to biodiversity. The impact of seasonal fire on tree density in Namibia's Kavango West Region was examined in this study. However, research on how fire regimes affect tree density is still ongoing, especially in Namibia. All tree densities varied significantly between the three burning seasons (late wet season, dry season, and late dry season), according to the study, which was carried out throughout four fire treatments. A One-Way ANOVA reveals that the late dry season has a lower tree density than the other two burning seasons (F= 180.488; df = 2; p= 0.000; P-value<0.05). The Kruskal-Wallis (H) test showed that there was no significant difference in the impact of fire season on species-specific tree densities (H (Chi2 > 0.05); Hc (tie corrected > 0.05); P-value > 0.05). One-Way ANOVA revealed a significant difference between the burnt and unburnt plots regarding the impacts of fire occurrence on all tree densities (F=290.712, df=1, p-value=0,000 (P<0.05)). The average density of (b, d-h, j-l) species specific level in the burnt and unburned plots did not differ significantly (Mann-Whitney (U) test, p-value>0, 05). Aside from that, average densities for Croton gratissimus (F= 8.476, total df=18, p-value = 0.010) and Baphia massaiensis (F= 7.317, total df=18, p-value = 0.015) were substantially higher in unburned plots than burned.

ABSTRACT. Climate change is expected to intensify droughts in semi-arid highland savannas like Namibia, severely impacting its already vulnerable vegetation. Drought can restrict herbaceous plant growth, productivity, and biomass allocation. Changes in biomass allocation due to drought can reduce the benefits derived from plants, such as medicinal products, livestock fodder, food sources, and disrupt nutrient cycling. This study aimed to investigate the effects of drought on biomass allocation in herbaceous plants and provide insights for sustainable land use and ecosystem management, essential for conserving Namibia's biodiversity and sustaining ecosystem services. Twenty fixed rainout shelters (4 m x 4 m) at Neudamm agricultural farm were used to simulate drought conditions with 4 treatments (0%, 20%, 40%, and 80% rainfall reduction) and 5 replicates each. Prior to biomass harvesting, environmental parameters were measured, including temperature using a mercury thermometer, chlorophyll content with a SPAD-502 Plus Chlorophyll meter, and soil moisture from soil samples collected from a 10 cm hole near the biomass collection area. Biomass was harvested from 0.5 m x 0.5 m quadrants, with aboveground biomass clipped at ground level and belowground biomass obtained through soil excavation. This study demonstrated that vegetative biomass allocation was more prominent than reproductive allocation, with both allocations declining under increased drought stress. Drought treatments were found to be significant predictors of reproductive biomass allocation, whereas temperature significantly influenced vegetative biomass allocation. Additionally, soil moisture content exhibited a weak positive correlation with biomass allocation, while chlorophyll content showed a weak negative correlation. These results highlight the significant impact of drought on biomass allocation and suggest the need for targeted interventions to mitigate its effects on plant growth.

ABSTRACT. Abstract This study investigates the movement patterns, home range size, and habitat use of Chacma baboons (Papio ursinus) in Tsaobis Nature Park, Namibia, using GPS tracking and observation data from May to November 2021. The paper examined the troop’s spatial distribution monthly and across two periods one starting from May to August (Winter) and the other September to November(Spring) in the Semi-arid regions at the edge of the Namib Desert. The study area was classified into two habitat types: the Swakop River and the Namib Hills and Plains. The average distance travelled during the winter months was approximately 21.14 km, while in the spring it was 21.16 km, with October having the maximum trip distance of 27.2623 km. The height of activity coincides with the fruiting of Salvadora persica, a crucial food source in the spring, resulting in greater travel distances, particularly along the riverbank. Turn angle examined revealed a more linear movement in Spring (mean angle of 25°) against more exploratory patterns in Winter (mean angle of 71°). Home range size increased significantly in winter, with KDE averaging 15.8 km² compared to 9.3 km² in spring . MCP showed a total home range of 55.8 km², with winter coverage almost twice that of spring, showing 55.3Km² for Winter and 29.2km² for Spring. These findings highlight the impact of resource availability on baboon migration and habitat usage, offering important insights for conservation and management efforts in Tsaobis Nature Park.

ABSTRACT. This paper will focus on the theme Sustainable Tourism Development, Environmental Sustainability and Local Engagement It will focus on tourism and ecotourism initiatives undertaken in Zimbabwe under the auspices of the Communal Areas Management Programme for Indigenous Resources (CAMPFIRE). The programme aims to empower rural communities to sustainably manage wildlife and natural resources. The assumption was that proceeds from tourism and ecotourism ventures would provide incentives for communities to sustainably manage wildlife resources. However, the program faces numerous challenges, including poaching, weak governance, and limited community engagement attributable to the fact the cost of living with wildlife outweigh the benefits. Through a literature review and case studies, the study will assess the current state of tourism initiatives, identify barriers to effective community-based natural resource management (CBNRM), and evaluate the influence of governance structures on sustainable tourism and ecotourism. The research investigates potential policy frameworks to support local communities as stewards of natural resources and propose diversified income opportunities to reduce dependence on hunting and tourism. By analyzing existing studies, policy documents, and global case studies, the research will provide recommendations for strengthening CBNRM, promoting biodiversity conservation, alleviating poverty through tourism and ecotourism, and empowering communities in rural Zimbabwe.

ABSTRACT. The influence of future visions and plans on new path development remains underexplored in economic geography. This study addresses this gap by examining the case of the Kavango-Zambezi Transfrontier Conservation Area (KAZA) in Southern Africa, the largest conservation region on the continent, envisioned as a single premier cross-border tourism destination. This study employs a mixed methods approach, combining critical narrative analysis, long-term content analysis, focus group discussions, and a review of immigration data (tourist movements), to explore the evolution of the Kavango-Zambezi Transfrontier Conservation Area (KAZA) as a spatial imaginary. The research examines how this conceptualisation has facilitated the creation and growth of a cross-border tourism area. By focusing on the development of KAZA as a unified tourism destination, we analyse its governance structures and tourism flows. The study also identifies key successes and challenges through emerging trends, ultimately proposing a framework that links future-making with the development of transboundary tourism pathways. Given growing uncertainties and risks presented by geo-political and climatic change pressures, we also examine possible paths and futures that could compete with or replace conservation and tourism.

ABSTRACT. Wildlife tourism (WT) in communal conservancies has the potential to contribute significantly to sustainable rural development. However, understanding local perceptions, promoting participation, and addressing stakeholder concerns are all required for sustainability. This study looks at stakeholder perceptions of WT in conservancies near protected areas in Namibia's Zambezi region, specifically the Mudumu North Complex. A mixed-methods approach was employed to collect data from 356 household surveys using stratified sampling. Qualitative data was gathered through six focus group discussions and 22 key informant interviews. Quantitative analysis, using descriptive statistics and Spearman correlation, investigated socio-demographic influences on WT perceptions, while qualitative data were subjected to thematic analysis to identify key themes. Results revealed high awareness and generally positive perceptions of WT, particularly in Mashi Conservancy, which benefits from diverse tourism activities and joint ventures with lodges. Kwandu and Kyaramacan, which rely heavily on consumptive tourism, had lower awareness and perceived benefits. Human-wildlife conflict emerged as a persistent issue, especially in Kwandu and Mashi, where crop damage and wildlife interference undermined community support for WT. Individuals who were younger, more educated, and employed held more positive attitudes towards WT. The study highlights the importance of recognising community heterogeneity and tailoring WT strategies to meet diverse needs, including HWC mitigation. Policy implications include increasing community engagement, ensuring equitable benefit distribution, and implementing inclusive tourism strategies that promote long-term sustainability. These findings are critical for developing long-term WT models that address local challenges, encourage community participation, and contribute to both socioeconomic development and conservation goals.

ABSTRACT. This study evaluates Namibia’s relative tourism performance by analysing inbound and outbound tourism data across 88 countries. The analysis employed Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) to examine the differences in tourism performance, followed by Duncan's Multiple Range Test to categorize countries based on statistically significant mean differences. Both inbound (IA) and outbound (OE) tourism data showed substantial variation among countries (p < 0.001), underscoring the global disparities in tourism engagement. For inbound tourism, Namibia registered a mean value of 1,052, placing it in a cluster with Uganda (844), Zambia (765), and Sri Lanka (1,043). However, it significantly lagged behind top tourist destinations such as Poland (67,103) and Hungary (41,620), reflecting Namibia's moderate position in the global tourism landscape. For outbound tourism, Namibia recorded a mean value of 69, comparable to Botswana (234), Mozambique (222), and Seychelles (71). In contrast, countries like France (49,708) and Germany (86,616) displayed far higher outbound tourism levels, illustrating the considerable gap between Namibia and global tourism leaders. These results indicate that while Namibia has a solid foundation in tourism, it faces significant challenges in competing with more established tourist destinations. The findings suggest that strategic interventions, such as targeted marketing, infrastructure development, and policy reforms, are necessary to enhance Namibia's inbound and outbound tourism performance. Additionally, focusing on niche markets, such as eco-tourism and cultural tourism, could offer Namibia a competitive advantage and attract a broader international audience. Overall, the study emphasizes the need for a coordinated national tourism strategy to improve Namibia’s global tourism profile and leverage its unique tourism assets to close the gap with leading international destinations.

ABSTRACT. This study examines the impact of stagnant water sources on mosquito populations and malaria transmission in Katima Mulilo, Namibia. The area comprises both formal (Ngweze and Cowboy) and informal (Makaravani East and West) settlements, with varying water sources contributing to mosquito breeding. In formal settlements, malfunctioning sewage systems increase mosquito densities in localized areas, while informal settlements are affected by natural water bodies like swamps and canals, leading to broader mosquito distribution. The research utilized CO2 light traps, BG-Sentinel traps, and ovibuckets, strategically placed to capture diverse mosquito species over five days in each area.Results indicated a clear positive correlation between stagnant water sources and mosquito abundance. Formal settlements had higher mosquito counts (2,239 mosquitoes) compared to informal settlements (2,152 mosquitoes), although fluctuations were greater in formal areas due to inconsistent water management. Additionally, a strong correlation (r = 0.99) was observed between mosquito population density and malaria cases, with settlements near stagnant water showing significantly higher transmission rates. Intervention strategies, including sewage repairs and swamp drainage, resulted in a statistically significant reduction in mosquito counts, dropping from 120 to 76.25 (p = 0.0014).The study concludes that improving infrastructure in formal settlements and managing natural water bodies in informal areas are critical to reducing mosquito populations and controlling malaria transmission. These findings aim to guide local authorities in implementing effective, localized interventions.

ABSTRACT. Pitfall trapping is a widely used method for surveying ground-dwelling invertebrates, yet several factors, including the distance between traps (inter-trap spacing), can influence catch results. This study evaluated the effects of three pitfall trap spacing (1m, 5m, and 10m) on the abundance and diversity of ground-dwelling insects in Makanga, Zambezi Region, Namibia, and investigated potential interactions with environmental variables. The analysis revealed that Coleoptera (beetles) abundance increased with wider trap spacing: 30 beetles at 1m spacing, 75 at 5m, and 136 at 10m. This trend suggests that wider spacing may enhance trap coverage and effectiveness. However, statistical tests, including Kruskal-Wallis and ANOVA, showed no significant differences in overall insect abundance across the different spacing. Diversity metrics, such as Simpson’s and Shannon’s indices, indicated varying levels of diversity and evenness, with no significant differences among trap spacing. The study highlights the importance of trap design and spacing in invertebrate surveys and suggests that while wider spacing may increase the catch of certain taxa like beetles, overall abundance and diversity measures may remain unaffected. Understanding these factors is crucial for designing efficient invertebrate monitoring strategies.

ABSTRACT. Forest fire is common occurrence in many terrestrial ecosystems and significantly affects the dynamics of such ecosystem. It leads to loss of biodiversity, land degradation and ecological imbalance. Bwabwata National Park in the Kavango-Zambezi region of Namibia is one such area that experience high fire occurrence. However, environmental drivers that contribute to fire occurrence remain poorly understood. This study was carried out to map fire severity (to determine severity) and assess environmental factors that influence fire severity in the park. Google Earth Engine (GEE) was used to process high-resolution multispectral Landsat 8 satellite images to compute fire severity using DNBR index over a period of seven years. Base maps (presented as spatial maps) covering biophysical factors such as NDVI, NDWI, elevation, slope and aspect were computed in GEE and were later incorporated in the regression model as covariates. Data analysis was done using ordinal logistic regression in Jamovi. Overall results showed 7 classes of burn severity: High severity, Moderate-high severity, Moderate-low severity, Low severity, Unburned, Low-enhanced regrowth and High-enhanced regrowth. The results indicate that low severity dominate in year 1 with 52.43%, moderate-low severity becomes the leading class reaching 52.63% in year 4 and year 6 was the highest with the unburned areas of 63.04%. Results revealed that fire severity in Bwabwata NP is significantly (p<0.05) associated with factors such as pre-burn NDVI, pre-burn NDWI and elevation. Findings demonstrate the importance of ecological memory in influencing the dynamics of the ecosystem.

ABSTRACT. Development corridors are regional strategies meant to integrate regions and enhance economic development. Despite the increasing popularity of development corridors, doubts have been raised about their promised outcomes concerning the promotion of regional development, especially when compared to the potential benefits of investing in regional roads. As the impacts of different types of roads on land use changes remain inadequately understood, this study utilized Landsat and Planet scope satellite imagery to compare land use transformation along the Walvis Bay - Ndola - Lubumbashi Development Corridor (WBNLDC) and other regional roads in the Zambezi Region, Namibia. Overall, the Zambezi Region experienced a strong increase in built-up areas and cultivated land (+236% and +69%) between 2000 and 2023 at the cost of forest and grasslands (-15% and -15%). Interestingly, the detected land use changes occur much closer to road infrastructures, but vary depending on the road type. Cultivated land and built-up areas consistently expanded across all roads, but most intensively along the regional roads where the majority of the inhabitants live, instead of the WBNLDC. The results clearly suggest that local communities profit more from regional roads than development corridors. Understanding these changes is crucial in assessing the effectiveness of infrastructure development and offers insights into policy development for fostering economic growth in rural areas. Building on these findings, the next phase of research will apply econometric methods using nighttime light data to provide more evidence on the relationship between development corridors, regional roads and economic growth.

ABSTRACT. Managing natural resources pose challenges to conservancies that are insufficiently facilitated and informed. Sustaining natural resources helps reduce costs, increase efficiency, and protect the environment. However, it also presents some challenges to addressed through strategies like reducing consumption, improving resource management practices, and investing in renewable energy sources. Lifelong learning (LLL) implies education and training activities while sustainable development implies the concepts of growth and development. Both have social, environmental and economic effects. Therefore, both concepts have commonalities and in the form of complementary and supportive to each other. This study presented a qualitative case study of Sikunga Conservancy in the Zambezi Region of Namibia, which focused on enhancing natural resources management knowledge, skills and attitudes through LLL programmes. A purposive sampling was used to select 30 Sikunga Conservancy community members that included staff members, manager, bookkeeper, enterprise officer and secretary. The sample also included staff members of the MEFT and staff members of IRDNC. A semi-structured and focus group discussion guides were used as data collection instruments. Narrative analysis and thematic technique were used to analyse data. The main findings are that the management of natural resources has multiple challenges and calls for interventions that include adult education programmes. The conclusions, include wrong facilitation methods of training and information sharing, illegal fishing, poaching, cutting of trees, lack of manpower and resources to be used by staff, corruption, and negative attitudes among community. It is recommended that the management, staff and community of Sikunga Conservancy, and the MEFT, mitigate the challenges through LLL programmes that recognize that adults have their own way of learning and thus materials used in the training and other related programmes recognizes that difference. The facilitators should be trained to understand the learning environments of adults vis-à-vis the challenges facing the conservancy to sustain natural resources.

ABSTRACT. Large cichlids of the genera Oreochromis, Tilapia, Serranochromis and Sargochromis are the backbone of the gillnet fishery of the Zambezi River, but Oreochromis species. is currently over-exploited and at risk of local extinction. As a result, the Sikunga Fish Protected Area was established in 2012 to restore a decline in fish stocks of the Zambezi River, but its efficiency has never been assessed. The aim of this study was to compare fish assemblages, abundance and mean sizes between a fish protected area (Sikunga Fish Protected Area) and non- fish protected areas (Sikunga Buffer Zone and the Lisikili Fished Area) on the Zambezi River. Monthly gillnet surveys, using commercial gillnets, were conducted from July to December 2020. The findings indicate that the overall catch rate (CPUE) by weight of all species differed significantly among the sampling sites (Kruskal–Wallis H-test, rangeχ2(2) = -27.95, p = 0.0001). The highest CPUE was recorded at Sikunga Fish Protected Area (2.85 kg/set ± 0.42 (SE)), followed by the Sikunga Buffer Zone (0.93 kg/set ± 0.16 (SE)) and the Lisikili Fished Area (0.61 kg/set ± 0.14 (SE)). Further analyses showed that the mean sizes of Oreochromis andersonii, Coptodon rendalli, Serranochromis and Microcephalus were significantly larger at the Sikunga Fish Protected Area than at the Lisikili Fished Area. A particularly interesting observation pertains to a lack of variation in catch rates of Serranochromis macrocephalus and mean sizes of Clarias gariepinus between the protected and non-protected areas, signifying that fish protected areas can be species-specific, and not all species in a water body will respond positively to protection.Generally, the study support the innovation of fish protected areas as a fundamental tool in attaining sustainable management of fishery resources in inland waters of Namibia.

ABSTRACT. Rabies is an acute, invariably fatal zoonotic disease of mammals, that is endemic in Namibia. Wild animal species have been identified as reservoirs of rabies infection around the world. In this retrospective study, wild animal rabies surveillance data for Namibia from 2001 to 2019, was retrieved from the Directorate of Veterinary Services and analysed. Prevalence, spatio-temporal epidemiology, and clinical presentation of cases were assessed. The overall prevalence of rabies infection in wild animals was 64.8% (1059/1635). Thirty-three wild animal species were infected with rabies. Majority of rabies cases were in kudu (71.3%, n = 755/1059), followed by jackal (17.1%, 181/1059), eland (5.1%, 54/1059), and 30 other species with low infection rates. Rabid animals presented with the typical clinical signs of the disease. Most rabies-positive cases (72.8%, 771/1059), and wild animal species (n = 26) were from commercial farms. Rabies cases were detected in 12 of the 14 regions of Namibia, but the cases were clustered in the north-central and western regions (Otjozondjupa, n = 373; Khomas, n = 210; Erongo, n = 123; Omaheke, n = 105; and Kunene, n = 154). Most bites on humans and domestic animals were inflicted by jackals (80%, 76/95). The total number of rabies cases fluctuated per year, but a decline in rabies cases was apparent between 2014 and 2019. The months of January to June had consistently higher rabies cases than July to December. Results of this study show that a high proportion of wild animals tested were infected with the rabies virus. Therefore, a multisector, one-health approach to rabies control that is anchored on pet vaccination at human-wildlife-livestock interfaces is recommended. Our findings highlight the need to identify wild animal reservoirs of the rabies virus using molecular typing to improve the understanding of the epidemiology of the disease and its control.

ABSTRACT. Vegetation is essential for maintaining biodiversity and ecosystem functions, providing food, shelter, oxygen, and regulating the water cycle. However, human activities like deforestation, overexploitation, and land conversion are causing rapid vegetation loss globally, including in Africa. As climate change accelerates, there is a growing need for fast, efficient, and reliable methods to monitor vegetation. Environmental DNA (eDNA) metabarcoding has emerged as a promising non-invasive tool for rapid biodiversity assessments. Despite its potential, the adoption of soil eDNA metabarcoding in Africa remains limited due to financial constraints and a lack of awareness. This study includes both a systematic review and an empirical investigation. The review analyzed 36 studies on soil eDNA metabarcoding, of which 29 focused on vascular plants and 11 on broader biodiversity assessments in Africa. Notably, only two studies specifically addressed vascular plants within African ecosystems, revealing significant research gaps. The most commonly used genetic markers in plant studies were trnL, ITS, and rbcL, with the majority of research concentrated on vascular plants in Europe, and within Africa, in South Africa. This highlights a geographical research gap across the continent. The empirical study, currently underway, is assessing the efficiency and reliability of soil eDNA metabarcoding for monitoring vegetation in Namibia. A spatially balanced sampling design is being used, with samples collected from five 25 x 25 km grids along a 1,500 km transect along a rainfall and vegetation gradients. Soil and plant samples will be analyzed using trnL markers and Illumina sequencing to identify plant species and estimate their abundance. Preliminary results suggest that soil eDNA metabarcoding holds significant promise as a rapid biodiversity assessment tool. However, its broader application in Africa requires more research, funding, and awareness-building to overcome current challenges.