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\begin{document}

\title{Identifying and describing the impact of gully erosion in the
livelihoods and properties of traditional Himba communities in Kaokoland
(Namibia) as a driver of regional migration}



\author[1]{Miguel Vallejo Orti}%
\author[2]{Bernhard Höfle}%
\author[1]{Olaf Bubenzer}%
\author[3]{Kaleb Negussie}%
\affil[1]{Heidelberg University}%
\affil[2]{3DGeo Research Group, Institute of Geography, Heidelberg University, Germany}%
\affil[3]{Namibia University of Science and Technology}%


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  \date{May 25, 2024}


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\begin{abstract}
Gully erosion is an accelerator of land degradation and one of the most
critical agents threatening the environment in Namibia's north-western
region. Large gullies dominating alluvial valleys expand each year
during the short but intense rains, leading to a reduction of arable
land and grazing areas, destruction of roads, cattle paths, agricultural
facilities, and houses, prompting territorial fragmentation and the
geographical isolation of local communities. In contrast, gullies can
also act as a linear oasis while providing several benefits to their
inhabitants. This research aims to describe the mutual influences
between a large gully and the local communities in a valley extended
towards the south from Opuwo, inhabited by the same native Himba
families for several generations. In-situ surveys show that the gully is
a general concern in the area due to the insecurity and direct physical
risk it poses to humans and their domestic animals. The second factor of
distress is the accelerating land degradation in the valley, leading to
the disappearance of grazing areas, forcing local shepherds to travel
further in their transhumance. Ortho-imagery and spatial analysis show
that 10\% of the houses, 25\% of the Kraals, and 50\% of the gardens are
less than 50 meters away from the gully border, and therefore they are
in current or potential risk of abandonment, forcing eventual
re-settlements and migrations. Moreover, indigenous knowledge arises
that the gully also offers a few advantages, like its ability to store
water during the dry season. These benefits are frequently seen as a
trap or an associated risk for the animals and children getting in the
gully. To this end, it is noticeable that as the gully affects the
communities and its livelihoods, it also acts as a driver of development
for the gully through its agricultural and livestock practices. This is
evident by the appearance of the gully heads on paths, ditches, and
domestic animals' routes, along with endemic overgrazing for decades. In
summary, this research identified these prevalent human-nature dynamics
and attempted to provide recommendations that can reverse accelerated
degradation in the long term while describing the present and potential
future of the Himba people inhabiting these fragile lands in Kaokoland.%
\end{abstract}%



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