Case study of adaptive rangeland management by an innovative Kalahari farmer.
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Date
2008
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
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Abstract
Scientists can learn a great deal from innovative farmers who apply adaptive management principles based on experience
gained over decades. This paper records 31 observations that a farmer, Jan Labuschagne, made on his farm to the south of Gobabis. The observations relate to aspects such as animal behaviour and performance, animal trampling, and
applications of grazing and fire. They are tabulated together with their possible explanations and their management
applications. The conceptual model the farmer has built to aid his understanding and decision making is also shown as a diagram and explained. Of critical importance is the strategic timing of management interventions on different
parts of the farm in relation to rainfall events, texture and organic content of the soil and maturity of the vegetation. Data are presented to support some of the observations
Description
Keywords
Range management - Namibia, Agriculture - Namibia, Kalahari Desert - Agricultural aspects
Citation
Zimmermann, I., Joubert, D., & Smit, G. N. (2008). Case study of adaptive rangeland management by an innovative Kalahari farmer. Agricola, 7-16.