Information needs of communal cattle farmers in conservation and transfrontier areas: Republic of South Africa

S Mngomezulu-Dube,M Chimonyo,M Green

doi:10.17159/2413-3221/2018/v46n1a442

S Mngomezulu-Dube, M Chimonyo + Show 1 more

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https://doi.org/10.17159/2413-3221/2018/v46n1a442

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Abstract

The study investigated information needs of communal cattle farmers located on conservation and transfrontier areas in the Northern part of KwaZulu-Natal Province, South Africa. For triangulation of findings, key informant interviews, focus group discussions and 241 structured questionnaires were used. During focus group discussions, key findings showed that cattle management and handling as well as veterinary information are the most needed information by farmers from both study sites. Odds ratio estimates showed that older males (odds ratios 1.906 and 1.488) and literate farmers with tertiary education required more information on cattle management (odds ratio 5.878). Both study areas had common information needs on veterinary matters, conservation of cattle feeds, cattle management and handling as well as stock theft and depredation. This excludes alien invasive species which were reported to be a challenge by dominating communal grazing lands, hence reducing forage on conservation areas. A comprehensive action plan addressing information needs for cattle farmers located in the conservation and transfrontier areas by relevant stakeholders is crucial to minimise substantial economic losses caused by cattle diseases. Keywords: Information needs, conservation, transfrontier cattle farmers

Highlights

Southern Africa has abundant and diverse wildlife, which are mostly concentrated on protected wildlife areas (Jori et al, 2011)
Most of the farmers in transfrontier were over 60 years of age, while in the conservation area, the majority of farmers who participated in the study were between 31 and 45 years of age
The use of various participatory methods such as key informant interviews, focus group discussions and semi-structured interviews using questionnaires facilitated the identification of key information needs of communal cattle farmers

Summary

Introduction

Southern Africa has abundant and diverse wildlife, which are mostly concentrated on protected wildlife areas (Jori et al, 2011). Most of these protected areas are found in remote locations with limited access to adequate health facilities for livestock leading to persistence of preventable diseases. These people occupy territory approximately 2.87 million km in extent, 75% of which is arid or semi-arid (Thornton, 2002). A key constraint to successful integration of wildlife conservation and livestock production systems in southern Africa concerns the abundance of wildlife (Bengis et al, 2004). The separation of livestock from wildlife to create zones free from diseases that constrain livestock production and market access such as Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) are seldom successful (Thornton et al., 2002)

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