Game Ranching [Botswana]
- Creation:
- Update:
- Compiler: Wanda Mphinyane
- Editor: –
- Reviewers: Fabian Ottiger, Alexandra Gavilano
Thuo ya diphologolo (Wildlife Ranching)
technologies_1386 - Botswana
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Expand all Collapse all1. General information
1.2 Contact details of resource persons and institutions involved in the assessment and documentation of the Technology
Key resource person(s)
SLM specialist:
SLM specialist:
Perkins Jeremy
University of Botswana
Botswana
1.3 Conditions regarding the use of data documented through WOCAT
The compiler and key resource person(s) accept the conditions regarding the use of data documented through WOCAT:
Yes
2. Description of the SLM Technology
2.1 Short description of the Technology
Definition of the Technology:
To conserve/sustain rangeland through controlled grazing of wildlife enterprise
2.2 Detailed description of the Technology
Description:
This is a community project that proposesto farm wildlife in a ranch. The community will seek the land through the Land-board authorities. Department of wildlife (which is incharge of wildlife) will be consulted on animal species to ranch or to bring in. The main inputs will include fencing the ranch, water provision and labour to run the enterprise (a to be incurred by the community). The proposal has to be approved by the Department of Wildlife and National Parks who are incharge of all wildlife in the country. This will be done after the Rang Ecologists have surveyed the vegetation of the area; its suitability for game ranching. The purpose of this technology is to utilize some of the the available resources in the area so as to reduce poverty among the community members through returns gained from the enterprise and to conserve rangeland because wildlife species are more efficient users of semi - arid ecosystems. The community will seek land for game ranching from the land-board. Fencing is a pre-requisit in game faming for the purpose of rangeland conservation through controlled grazing. Water provision is also anecessity of which whould be well distributed within the ranch. Local wildlife species will be used to stock the ranch and if necessary some may be brought in from elsewhere. All the expenses will be the responsibility of the community. Day to day work in the ranch will be done by the community while technical advise will be provided by relevant expertise. Thetechnical knowledge from the community is very limited or low, professional advice would be needed time and again. The SLM technology is located on the fringes of the Makgadikgadi Salt Panswhich are prone to salty water, dusty locations because of bare ground and very fine soils. The community is of rural type where livilihoods are subsistence farming. The community is oriented more to livestock farming than to crop farming. Rangeland degradation is evident in the regionbecause of overstocking. Rainfall in the area is unpredictable and erratic with a mean of 450 - 500 mm per annum
2.3 Photos of the Technology
2.5 Country/ region/ locations where the Technology has been applied and which are covered by this assessment
Country:
Botswana
Region/ State/ Province:
Boteti
Further specification of location:
Central District
Specify the spread of the Technology:
- evenly spread over an area
If the Technology is evenly spread over an area, specify area covered (in km2):
10.0
If precise area is not known, indicate approximate area covered:
- 10-100 km2
Comments:
Total area covered by the SLM Technology is 10k m2.
SLM technology area (Ranch) still to be idntified through consultation with Land-board authorities
Map
×2.6 Date of implementation
If precise year is not known, indicate approximate date:
- more than 50 years ago (traditional)
2.7 Introduction of the Technology
Specify how the Technology was introduced:
- as part of a traditional system (> 50 years)
Comments (type of project, etc.):
This area is traditionally a wildlife area, and these people have been living with wild animals and hunting to supplement their food for many years
3. Classification of the SLM Technology
3.1 Main purpose(s) of the Technology
- reduce, prevent, restore land degradation
3.2 Current land use type(s) where the Technology is applied
Land use mixed within the same land unit:
Yes
Specify mixed land use (crops/ grazing/ trees):
- Agro-pastoralism (incl. integrated crop-livestock)
Cropland
- Annual cropping
Annual cropping - Specify crops:
- cereals - maize
- cereals - sorghum
- legumes and pulses - beans
- vegetables - melon, pumpkin, squash or gourd
Number of growing seasons per year:
- 1
Specify:
Longest growing period in days: 140 Longest growing period from month to month: Oct - Mar
Grazing land
Extensive grazing:
- Semi-nomadic pastoralism
- Ranching
Comments:
Major cash crops: Sorghum, beans, melons, sweet- reeds
Major food crop: Sorghum, maize, beans, Bambara beans
Major land use problems (compiler’s opinion): Communal land use with limited management. Saline water, droughts, overgrazing by livestock
Major land use problems (land users’ perception): Low formal education among members of the community
Semi-nomadism / pastoralism: With permanent place of residence
Ranching: Fenced grazing area with water borehole
Grazingland comments: Residents have cattle posts, crop-land and residential homes and move to these places each time. Game ranching is not applied in the Boteti area at the moment
Type of cropping system and major crops comments: Mixed cropping is traditional practice but government extension advise promote monocropping of which the majority find expensive and risky
Livestock is grazing on crop residues
Livestock density: 1-10 LU /km2
3.4 Water supply
Water supply for the land on which the Technology is applied:
- rainfed
3.5 SLM group to which the Technology belongs
- area closure (stop use, support restoration)
3.6 SLM measures comprising the Technology
vegetative measures
- V1: Tree and shrub cover
- V2: Grasses and perennial herbaceous plants
- V3: Clearing of vegetation
management measures
- M1: Change of land use type
- M2: Change of management/ intensity level
Comments:
Main measures: vegetative measures
Secondary measures: management measures
3.7 Main types of land degradation addressed by the Technology
soil erosion by water
- Wt: loss of topsoil/ surface erosion
soil erosion by wind
- Et: loss of topsoil
Comments:
Main type of degradation addressed: Et: loss of topsoil
Secondary types of degradation addressed: Wt: loss of topsoil / surface erosion
Main causes of degradation: overgrazing, land tenure (Communal grazing land)
Secondary causes of degradation: deforestation / removal of natural vegetation (incl. forest fires), over-exploitation of vegetation for domestic use, poverty / wealth (limited employment and income generating employment activities), population density (more animinals - overgrazing)
3.8 Prevention, reduction, or restoration of land degradation
Specify the goal of the Technology with regard to land degradation:
- prevent land degradation
- reduce land degradation
Comments:
Main goals: prevention of land degradation
Secondary goals: mitigation / reduction of land degradation
4. Technical specifications, implementation activities, inputs, and costs
4.1 Technical drawing of the Technology
Technical specifications (related to technical drawing):
Technical knowledge required for field staff / advisors: high (Very important)
Technical knowledge required for land users: moderate (Should have knowledge)
Main technical functions: increase of biomass (quantity), promotion of vegetation species and varieties (quality, eg palatable fodder)
Secondary technical functions: increase in organic matter, increase in nutrient availability (supply, recycling,…), increase of infiltration
Change of land use type: Game Ranching
4.2 General information regarding the calculation of inputs and costs
other/ national currency (specify):
Pula
If relevant, indicate exchange rate from USD to local currency (e.g. 1 USD = 79.9 Brazilian Real): 1 USD =:
7.0
Indicate average wage cost of hired labour per day:
8.00
4.3 Establishment activities
Activity | Timing (season) | |
---|---|---|
1. | Fencing Material | 1 |
2. | Construction of Fences | 1 |
3. | Borehole drilling (water source) | 1 |
4. | Handling facilities | 1 |
4.4 Costs and inputs needed for establishment
Specify input | Unit | Quantity | Costs per Unit | Total costs per input | % of costs borne by land users | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Labour | Labour | 1.0 | 4.29 | 4.29 | ||
Construction material | Fencing material | 1.0 | 3883.0 | 3883.0 | ||
Other | Borehole | 1.0 | 12.36 | 12.36 | ||
Total costs for establishment of the Technology | 3899.65 | |||||
Total costs for establishment of the Technology in USD | 557.09 |
Comments:
Duration of establishment phase: 9 month(s)
4.5 Maintenance/ recurrent activities
Activity | Timing/ frequency | |
---|---|---|
1. | Labour looking after the ranch | Permanently based at ranch |
2. | Engine fuel | 2,000 litres per year |
3. | Borehole maintenance | once per year |
4. | Fence Maintenance | once in 10 years |
4.6 Costs and inputs needed for maintenance/ recurrent activities (per year)
Specify input | Unit | Quantity | Costs per Unit | Total costs per input | % of costs borne by land users | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Labour | Labour | 1.0 | 2.51 | 2.51 | ||
Construction material | Fencing material | 1.0 | 158.0 | 158.0 | ||
Other | Borehole | 1.0 | 0.54 | 0.54 | ||
Total costs for maintenance of the Technology | 161.05 | |||||
Total costs for maintenance of the Technology in USD | 23.01 |
Comments:
Calculations are based on a Game Ranch of 6 km x 6 km or 3600 hactres
4.7 Most important factors affecting the costs
Describe the most determinate factors affecting the costs:
Labour and Fencing material affected the cost of the ranch
5. Natural and human environment
5.1 Climate
Annual rainfall
- < 250 mm
- 251-500 mm
- 501-750 mm
- 751-1,000 mm
- 1,001-1,500 mm
- 1,501-2,000 mm
- 2,001-3,000 mm
- 3,001-4,000 mm
- > 4,000 mm
Specify average annual rainfall (if known), in mm:
450.00
Specifications/ comments on rainfall:
Seasonal summer rains
Agro-climatic zone
- semi-arid
Thermal climate class: subtropics. Wet and dry season - subtropical. Open tree savannah (length of growing period = 75 - 179 days)
5.2 Topography
Slopes on average:
- flat (0-2%)
- gentle (3-5%)
- moderate (6-10%)
- rolling (11-15%)
- hilly (16-30%)
- steep (31-60%)
- very steep (>60%)
Landforms:
- plateau/plains
- ridges
- mountain slopes
- hill slopes
- footslopes
- valley floors
Altitudinal zone:
- 0-100 m a.s.l.
- 101-500 m a.s.l.
- 501-1,000 m a.s.l.
- 1,001-1,500 m a.s.l.
- 1,501-2,000 m a.s.l.
- 2,001-2,500 m a.s.l.
- 2,501-3,000 m a.s.l.
- 3,001-4,000 m a.s.l.
- > 4,000 m a.s.l.
Comments and further specifications on topography:
Altitudinal zone: 501-1000 m a.s.l. (Part of Makgadikgadi Basin)
Landforms: Plateau/plains (Flat plains with pans)
Slopes on average: Flat (ranked 1, low to flat land dominated by pans) and gentle (ranked 2, gentle topography (plains))
5.3 Soils
Soil depth on average:
- very shallow (0-20 cm)
- shallow (21-50 cm)
- moderately deep (51-80 cm)
- deep (81-120 cm)
- very deep (> 120 cm)
Soil texture (topsoil):
- coarse/ light (sandy)
- fine/ heavy (clay)
Topsoil organic matter:
- medium (1-3%)
- low (<1%)
If available, attach full soil description or specify the available information, e.g. soil type, soil PH/ acidity, Cation Exchange Capacity, nitrogen, salinity etc.
Soil depth on average: Deep (ranked 1, sandy areas away from pans) and very shallow (ranked 2, cacareous - generally soils - about 40cm deep)
Soil texture: Coarse/light (ranked 1, away from depressions or pans - bacground soils) and fine/heavy (ranked 2, found in depressions)
Soil fertility: Very low (ranked 1, sandy soils - Arenosols) and medium (ranked 2, molapo farming - farming on flood plains)
Topsoil organic matter: Low (ranked 1, sandy areas are low in OM) and medium (ranked 2, flood plains - farming area)
Soil drainage/infiltration: Good (ranked 1, sandy soils are good in drainage) and medium (ranked 2, flood areas are medium)
Soil water storage capacity: Very low (ranked 1, sandy areas are low) and medium (ranked 2, flood areas)
5.4 Water availability and quality
Ground water table:
> 50 m
Availability of surface water:
poor/ none
Water quality (untreated):
poor drinking water (treatment required)
Comments and further specifications on water quality and quantity:
Ground water table: > 50 m (ranked 1, boreholes) and 5-50 m (ranked 2, and dug Wells)
Availability of surface water: Poor/none (unreliable river flow. Available from pans during rainy sesons)
Water quality (untreated): Poor drinking water (treatment required, salty water in most areas)
5.5 Biodiversity
Species diversity:
- low
Comments and further specifications on biodiversity:
Biodiversity:
Low (ranked 1, low in communal grazing rangeland)
High (ranked 2, protected areas - game reserves)
5.6 Characteristics of land users applying the Technology
Off-farm income:
- less than 10% of all income
Relative level of wealth:
- very poor
- very rich
Individuals or groups:
- groups/ community
Level of mechanization:
- animal traction
- mechanized/ motorized
Gender:
- women
- men
Indicate other relevant characteristics of the land users:
Land users applying the Technology are mainly common / average land users
Population density: < 10 persons/km2
Annual population growth: 2% - 3%
30% of the land users are very rich and own 20% of the land (Cattle ranchers).
60% of the land users are average wealthy and own 30% of the land (Average farmes).
10% of the land users are poor and own 50% of the land (Subsistance farmers).
Off-farm income specification: Income opportunities for everyone in the area
Level of mechanization: Animal traction (ranked 1, draft animals such as oxen and donkeys) and mechanised (ranked 2, tractors)
Market orientation of production system: subsistence (self-supply), mixed (subsistence/ commercial), commercial/ market (tourism)
5.7 Average area of land used by land users applying the Technology
- < 0.5 ha
- 0.5-1 ha
- 1-2 ha
- 2-5 ha
- 5-15 ha
- 15-50 ha
- 50-100 ha
- 100-500 ha
- 500-1,000 ha
- 1,000-10,000 ha
- > 10,000 ha
Is this considered small-, medium- or large-scale (referring to local context)?
- small-scale
Comments:
Average area of land owned or leased by land users applying the Technology on grazing land:
5-15 ha (ranked 1, land is tribal owned - no individual household grazing of land - communal grazing)
1,000-10,000 ha (ranked 2, for fenced farms - rich farmers)
Size of grazing land per household. The land tenure system is that ofcommunity grazing- tribal land. Individual grazing land is very limited (private leasehold ranches). Most of the land is communal owned and the community graze their animals extensily, which means, there is no cotrol of grazing, no individual ownership of land but the tribe. Individuals can keep as many animals as they wish. However, each individual looks after his /her own animals for management purposes (water provision, castration, deworming, guard agaist predators etc)
Average area of land owned or leased by land users applying the Technology oncropland: 5-15 ha: On average is small fields
5.8 Land ownership, land use rights, and water use rights
Land ownership:
- communal/ village
- individual, not titled
Land use rights:
- open access (unorganized)
- individual
Water use rights:
- open access (unorganized)
- individual
Comments:
Land is open access for use. Some individual own water wells. Dual grazing rights for private ranchers
5.9 Access to services and infrastructure
health:
- poor
- moderate
- good
education:
- poor
- moderate
- good
technical assistance:
- poor
- moderate
- good
employment (e.g. off-farm):
- poor
- moderate
- good
markets:
- poor
- moderate
- good
roads and transport:
- poor
- moderate
- good
drinking water and sanitation:
- poor
- moderate
- good
financial services:
- poor
- moderate
- good
6. Impacts and concluding statements
6.1 On-site impacts the Technology has shown
Socio-economic impacts
Production
crop production
crop quality
fodder production
fodder quality
animal production
wood production
forest/ woodland quality
non-wood forest production
risk of production failure
product diversity
production area
land management
energy generation
Water availability and quality
drinking water availability
drinking water quality
water availability for livestock
water quality for livestock
irrigation water availability
irrigation water quality
demand for irrigation water
Income and costs
expenses on agricultural inputs
farm income
diversity of income sources
economic disparities
workload
Socio-cultural impacts
food security/ self-sufficiency
health situation
land use/ water rights
cultural opportunities
recreational opportunities
community institutions
national institutions
SLM/ land degradation knowledge
conflict mitigation
Comments/ specify:
Increased economic inequity
situation of socially and economically disadvantaged groups
Improved livelihoods and human well-being
Comments/ specify:
Technology not yet applied in Boteti
Ecological impacts
Water cycle/ runoff
water quantity
water quality
harvesting/ collection of water
surface runoff
excess water drainage
groundwater table/ aquifer
evaporation
Soil
soil moisture
soil loss
soil accumulation
soil crusting/ sealing
soil compaction
nutrient cycling/ recharge
salinity
soil organic matter/ below ground C
acidity
Biodiversity: vegetation, animals
Vegetation cover
biomass/ above ground C
plant diversity
invasive alien species
animal diversity
beneficial species
habitat diversity
pest/ disease control
Climate and disaster risk reduction
emission of carbon and greenhouse gases
6.2 Off-site impacts the Technology has shown
water availability
reliable and stable stream flows in dry season
downstream flooding
downstream siltation
groundwater/ river pollution
buffering/ filtering capacity
wind transported sediments
6.3 Exposure and sensitivity of the Technology to gradual climate change and climate-related extremes/ disasters (as perceived by land users)
Gradual climate change
Gradual climate change
Season | increase or decrease | How does the Technology cope with it? | |
---|---|---|---|
annual temperature | increase | well |
Climate-related extremes (disasters)
Meteorological disasters
How does the Technology cope with it? | |
---|---|
local rainstorm | well |
local windstorm | well |
Climatological disasters
How does the Technology cope with it? | |
---|---|
drought | not well |
Hydrological disasters
How does the Technology cope with it? | |
---|---|
general (river) flood | well |
Other climate-related consequences
Other climate-related consequences
How does the Technology cope with it? | |
---|---|
reduced growing period | well |
Comments:
Drought/long dry spells are very risky to the survival of game animals because of decreased forage production and drinking water. Therefore, flexiblestockng rates and water sources are needed
6.4 Cost-benefit analysis
Comments:
Project not yet started, but once established the project can run and maintain itself
6.5 Adoption of the Technology
Comments:
Comments on acceptance with external material support: All interested persons are whle heartedly wishing to have a ranchto farm wildlife. Problem is that the venture costs a lot of funds
Comments on spontaneous adoption: Project not yet started
There is a strong trend towards spontaneous adoption of the Technology
Comments on adoption trend: This is the technology that rated at the top of the list. The community is really interested and want to do the project, but unfortunately funds do not permit
6.7 Strengths/ advantages/ opportunities of the Technology
Strengths/ advantages/ opportunities in the land user’s view |
---|
Need more land How can they be sustained / enhanced? Need a sponsor to establish the ranch |
Need hands from the government |
To stock more diverse animal species How can they be sustained / enhanced? Supplement animals with hay and fodder |
Strengths/ advantages/ opportunities in the compiler’s or other key resource person’s view |
---|
Technology can enhence the livilihoods of the community How can they be sustained / enhanced? Addition of extra animal species to attract the tourists |
Less management compared to livestock production How can they be sustained / enhanced? Good management |
Wildlife is more adapted to the grazing conditions |
Returns from the enterprise is faster How can they be sustained / enhanced? Good management and commitment |
6.8 Weaknesses/ disadvantages/ risks of the Technology and ways of overcoming them
Weaknesses/ disadvantages/ risks in the land user’s view | How can they be overcome? |
---|---|
Secure land from land-board authorities | Community project given preference |
Wildlife and livestock competition/conflict for grazing areas | Some mediation needed from authority - compromise |
Predators |
Weaknesses/ disadvantages/ risks in the compiler’s or other key resource person’s view | How can they be overcome? |
---|---|
Very expensive to extablish a game ranch | Source for a sponsor |
Productivity of the area is low (13 - 16 ha per livestock unit) | More land needed to stock more animals |
Poor plant diversity | Land rehabilitation through use of correct stocking rate |
Predator problem | |
Conflict between wildlife and livestock production |
7. References and links
7.1 Methods/ sources of information
7.2 References to available publications
Title, author, year, ISBN:
Wire Fences: VanRooyen, JB Du Toit & Van Rooyen. 2001
Available from where? Costs?
Book available in Web
Title, author, year, ISBN:
Overview of Game Ranching in Southern Africa: D. Grossman and PL Holden
Available from where? Costs?
Report
Title, author, year, ISBN:
Upfront cost of Game ranching
Available from where? Costs?
Book available in Web
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