Escaping cruel irony in Ngamiland

Days numbered: Various sub- types of antelopes are on the decline in Ngamiland
Days numbered: Various sub- types of antelopes are on the decline in Ngamiland

For decades, it has been one of life’s cruel ironies that the people of Ngamiland’s love for cattle-ranching has coincided with the area’s propensity for Foot and Mouth Disease outbreaks. Thanks also to frequent wildlifes, over-grazing and wildlife/livestock conflicts, the pastoral district has continually featured among the country’s top three poorest. Mmegi Correspondent, BONIFACE KEAKABETSE reports on a change in the wind

United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) administrator, Helen Clarke came bearing gifts for the battle-weary residents of Ngamiland during her recent visit. Namely a shiny, new Sustainable Land Management (SLM) project which aims to defuse the ticking timebomb that is Ngamiland’s deteriorating ecosystem. At the heart of the district’ woes is an expanding population whose numbers are weighing on the finite natural resources. The resources themselves are divided between the tourism and pastoral sectors with frequent turf wars between the two.

Being a semi-arid region, Ngamiland’s grazing land is historically limited and cattle farmers who cannot afford to buy feed for the livestock have frequently been accused of leading their beasts to pastures beyond the buffalo fence.

Editor's Comment
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