Dama settlement and subsistence along the Ugab Valley is discussed against the backdrop of an environmental framework. The subsequent conclusions should be seen as tentative, mainly because 1 was only able to observe part of the activities during the course of a year. Notwithstanding the marginality of the environment, it does offer the people a variety of resources that can be utilized. Settlements are small, and their location and length of occupation reflect conscious ecological choices. Keywords: Dama, Dama settlements, Ecology, Subsistence, Ugab Valley.