The aim of this paper is to review the policy and legal framework guiding regional and local level institutions in the sector. The functions and powers of these will be briefly discussed and assessment provided on how these are likely to impact on access to land. This assessment requires a critical review of land related policies and laws in order to obtain an understanding about the extent to which the rights to natural resources conferred in these two sectors are similar or perhaps contradictory. Also available from: UNICEF Namibia Information Centre, P.O. Box 1706, Windhoek. Tel: +264 61 204 6275, E-mail: gkolling@unicef.org.