In the semi-arid rangelands of the Oshana ecosystem in Northern Namibia, there are general concerns that artificial water points for domestic use contribute to the processes that lead to desertification. The processes begin in piospheres of artificial water points. Among the processes suggested to correlate with radial distance and age of water points are loss of perennial grass species, an increase in annuals, and general loss of herbaceous species richness, herbaceous biomass and grass cover, as well as an increase in forb cover and in bare ground and litter cover. Key Words: artificial water points, desertification, herbaceous biomass, herbaceous species richness, mopane, Namibia, Oshana ecosystem, piosphere.