The OvaHimba [Himba] have held onto their traditional pastoralist lifestyle to this day despite many droughts, wars, and land grab attempts. They face new challenges as the government seeks to build dams on the Kunene River. Photo Credit: Hans Hillewaert
Category: Infrastructure
Large-scale infrastructure projects constitute another mode of dispossession of indigenous lands, territories and water resources. These are typically state-led modernization projects of enormous cost and involve appropriation of territory in the name of ‘public interest’.
Indigenous Peoples vs. Gibe III Dam
Pastoralists groups in Ethiopia risk losing access to water and land resources because of a dams being built along the Omo river. Photo Credit: Salini Impregilo
Mbenga vs. Development in the Dzanga-Sangha Forest
The Mbenga people have lived in the Dzanga-Sangha Forest of the Central African Republic for centuries. However, maintaining a traditional livelihood is now a challenge due to logging, poaching, poor health, and servitude to the majority Bilo who exploit local resources. Photo Credit: The Guardian
Grand Renaissance Dam vs. Berta and Gumuz
The Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam is a large hydroelectric dam constructed by the Ethiopian government in the Benishangul-Gumuz Region of Ethiopia, which borders Sudan. While expected to provide the country with many benefits, the dam also presents several harmful aspects, like the displacement of the indigenous people of the area, the Berta and the Gumuz.