There are presently 14 settlements located along the Kuiseb River housing 350-380 people. These people belong to the "Topnaars" an indigenous tribe belonging to the Nama. The Topnaars have been living along the Kuiseb for more than 300 years and depend on the vegetation of the river. In the past, the Topnaar community relied on two sources: livestock farming (especially small stock) and the !nara plant. To some extent they also depended on marine resources for food supplements. The! nara fruit has long served as a major food source for the Topnaar. Today, their dependence on the !nara has decreased with the introduction of western lifestyle. Nevertheless subsistence farming still plays a role within the Topnaar community and by selling the livestock the Topnaars gain income to support their families and pay school fees. Keywords: Namibia, Namib Desert, Kuiseb River, riverine vegetation, desert vegetation, arid ecosystems, arid environment, monitoring system, animal husbandry, livestock grazing, intensity foraging activity, goats.