At the heart of settlement upgrading is the community land Information Program (CLIP), a community-driven initiative led by local CLIP teams in partnership with SDFN/NHAG, local and regional authorities, and the Namibia University of Science and Technology (NUST). CLIP builds and maintains verified settlement databases that guide policy, strategic planning, and resource allocation. This data empowers low-income communities and authorities to make informed decisions grounded in real development priorities. Access to this information is critical for residents of informal settlements to plan for a more secure and sustainable future. As of 2025, CLIP has profiled 231,831 households across Namibia, documenting access to basic services, tenure security, and housing conditions. Federation members and local CLIP teams regularly update this data, ensuring it reflects on-the-ground realities. This decentralized approach roots upgrading in community ownership while being supported by NHAG, SDFN, and NUST. CLIP also creates valuable opportunities for student engagement. Each year, 3–6 NUST students in planning and land administration disciplines join NHAG for six months of in-service training. They participate in community enumeration, site analysis, and planning studios, contributing to participatory processes while gaining practical, hands-on experience.