The objective of this case study is to assess how land degradation in former Ovamboland (Northern Namibia) has negatively impacted on the Uukwaluudhi community rendering it vulnerable to poverty, food insecurity and reduction in standards of human livelihood. The area is semi-arid and experiences variability in rainfall (300-500mm per annum) with high evaporation rates. Keywords: deforestation, woodland degradation, land rights, resources management, overstocking, poverty.