How do livestock producers handle climate change in southern Africa? A recent report from the Institute of Poverty, Land and Agrarian Studies (PLAAS) at the University of the Western Cape offers valuable insights into small-scale livestock farmers in Zimbabwe and South Africa.
Edited by Tapiwa Chatikobo and Ben Cousins, the report looks at how these farmers deal with unpredictable weather and land management after land reforms. It focuses on areas like Namaqualand in South Africa and Matobo district in Zimbabwe. These regions face environmental shifts, where temperature and rainfall vary significantly, often leading to droughts. Climate change may worsen these challenges.
As the climate continues to shift, the report raises important questions: What can small-scale farmers learn from their experiences over the last few decades? The authors point out the importance of adaptability—farmers need to stay flexible. They recommend supporting their mobility and social networks, which are critical for managing livestock in changing conditions.
Adapting to Change in Zimbabwe
In Zimbabwe, the landscape for livestock producers has transformed due to land reform. Large ranches have been divided into smaller parcels, leading to “fragmentation” of rangelands. This change has significant implications for how livestock are managed.
Today’s farms are different in size and ownership compared to the old commercial ranches. Farmers employ various strategies to cope with climate variability, often influenced by their financial resources and social networks.
The study highlights that new arrangements like shared land use and traditional transhumance practices are emerging. These systems allow farmers to navigate the unpredictable climate effectively.
Climate Resilience in South Africa
In South Africa, ecologists Igshaan Samuels and Clement Cupido examine land redistribution’s role in improving climate resilience among pastoralists in Namaqualand. They outline the shortcomings of the current approach to land redistribution, such as elite control over land management committees that often marginalize smaller producers.
Fencing systems, which are expensive and not suited for the region’s variable environment, can hinder pastoralists from adapting to climate challenges. The authors propose an alternative model, suggesting that acquiring adjacent farms for summer grazing could enhance resilience.
A Range of Strategies
The report confirms that livestock producers use a mix of strategies to cope with changing climates. Some intensify their practices by using external inputs, while others revert to traditional forms of livestock management. Class relations heavily influence these strategies; those with fewer resources often rely on mobility and innovative grazing access.
Ben Cousins notes that while intensification strategies can be effective, they can also be too costly for many farmers. As a result, a range of adaptive practices has emerged, including short-term leases and return to communal lands.
In conclusion, Cousins sums up the findings, describing livestock systems in Southern Africa as complex and resilient. While they are still evolving, ongoing research is essential to understand these dynamics and their broader implications.
For a deeper look, you can download the full report here: PLAAS Report.
