Most agricultural lands in Namibia are situated in semi-arid to arid lands. In order to achieve sustainable management of these resources, it is essential to know and understand these resources available. With this in mind, the Desert Margins Programme in Namibia initiated a project to map and describe the resources available to communal farmers in the eastern communal areas of Namibia. The study area comprises the Otjinene district in the Omaheke region, as well as the Okakarara and parts of the Grootfontein and Tsumkwe Districts in the Otjozondjupa Region. The total study area covers 57 414.72 km2. It receives between 380 and 480 mm of summer rain annually. Most of the study area is covered by relatively homogenous sands of the Kalahari basin, with only in the far western parts some erosion plains of the Central Plateau being present. Some suboutcropping rocks are present in the far southeastern corner (Rietfontein area) as well as the far northeastern corner (Gam area). A survey of the landscapes and soils was done at a reconnaissance level. Most of the soils belong to the Arenosols (deep sands) of the Kalahari basin. These are mostly with poor horizon development due to the arid environment. Only in the drainage lines (omiramba) and in the areas with suboutcropping geological formations soils with a more distinct horizon development have been found - mainly Calcisols and Fluvisols. A phytosociological survey of the vegetation was done, also on a reconnaissance level. 20 different vegetation types were identified, grouped together as variants, subassociations and associations of the Terminalia - Combretum savannas and the Acacia savannas. The most widely distributed vegetation type is the Terminalia sericea - Combretum collinum shrubland association, covering roughly 80 % of the study area. Many of the Acacia savanna types are
related to shallow soils or wetland areas, i.e. special habitats. Characterising species, diversity indicators, the typical composition and structure of the various vegetation types is discussed in detail. An indication is also given of the grazing condition as well as potential threats through poisonous plants.