Bush encroachment, the excessive expansion of bush at the expense of other plant species, results in an imbalance of the grass-to-bush ratio, decreased biodiversity, and decreased carrying capacity. It is estimated that about 30-45 million hectares in Namibia are affected by bush encroachment. Through the Bush Control and Biomass Utilization Project (2014-2021), the GIZ is supporting the Government of Namibia to counter bush encroachment, ensure restoration of degraded land, and utilize bush-based biomass resources economically. Various studies also allude to the climate mitigation impact of bush control. In this context, UNIQUE was committed to analyzing and substantiating the climate change mitigation benefits and related impacts of bush control and biomass utilization in the framework of the project.

• Analyze and quantify the climate change mitigation impact of bush control and biomass utilization.
• Analyze and quantify the impact of changes in land use, including productivity after bush thinning.