The paper presents empirical findings on the potential value of participatory
mapping for effective Integrated Land Use Plan (ILUP) by local communities
in Hardap Region. It reflects on how future participatory approaches should
be structured. The research applied a combination of approaches that include
sketch mapping, photo-mapping and consultative meetings. Both positive and
negative impacts of participatory mapping on ILUP were measured and local
communities’ knowledge of participatory approaches objectively tested on the
basis of this investigation’s findings. The research established that although
participatory mapping is known to the experts in the fields of Geography,
Geographical Information Systems (GIS) and Land Use Planning (LUP), it is
still not well known to local land users whose knowledge of other participatory
approaches that can support ILUP in Namibia is limited. Participatory maps
that were produced by local communities in Hardap region suggest that local
communities are willing to learn about participatory approaches and willing
to share their knowledge on land use. Sketch and photo-maps - although
not accurate and sometimes imprecise - were found to be satisfactory
approaches to capture and document local knowledge. Local communities
are motivated to improve their land use activities by the outcomes of their
knowledge input in participatory mapping. Key recommendations include
comprehensive participatory land use planning and better knowledge
gathering from local communities. The paper presents results of participatory
mapping and lessons learned from exploring participatory mapping.