Fire, wealth and access to wetland resources in the panhandle of Botswana's Okavango delta

Abstract

Every year anthropogenic fires burn in the wetlands of the Okavango, consuming resources on which people depend. This study explores how resource use varies according to the occurrence of fires and socio-economic characteristics of households. Spatial and livelihoods analyses show that the percentage burnt within the villages' plant collection and grazing areas is small. The timing of burning is central to its impact. Fires that occur outside of the harvesting or grazing seasons have less overall impact. Instead, access to wetland resources is governed more by wealth and the ability to mobilize labour and equipment. Wealthier households collect plant resources before most fires are set and are more likely to keep livestock, an incentive to set fires to promote grazing. Female-headed households and ethnic minorities are adversely affected by fires because they are less able to complete collection before the start of the burning season.