FEATURE
swift change from the open savanna to
a shrubland state. Through observation,
is it evident that this area is heavily en-
croached with a high density of woody
species.
This safely answers the question that
bush encroachment is a threat in the
North West province. Above all, re-
search might need to look into the per-
ception of farmers on bush encroach-
ment. Furthermore, a scientific study
can be done to look at the canopy layer
and species diversity.
And again, we might as well look at the
veld condition assessment to determine
the grazing/carrying capacity of these
areas.
Figure 1: Vachellia spp. and Dichrostachys cinerea are some the of the most domi-
nant woody plant species in the areas
Control measures Way forward
Though these areas have small live-
stock which can assist in reducing bush
encroachment, browsing is often only
effective within the 1.5 m height class.
Furthermore, chemical control is limited
due to financial constraints in commu-
nal areas. Though density of woody vegetation
cover might be low in these villages, the
encroachment of woody species is in a
There can be also an introduction of
programmes (such as farmer’s day, in-
formation days and some training work-
shops) where the local farmers rearing
livestock and the relevant authorities
can participate so that there will be a
unified method for bush control.
Controlling encroaching plants through
integration effects of fire, browsing and
cutting can hinder the succession of
woody species, and forage production
of herbaceous vegetation can increase
with reduction of woody species.
Taking into consideration the National
Environmental Management Biodiversi-
ty Act (Act 10 of 2004) for certain plants
that have been listed as endangered
species (e.g. Vachellia erioloba (Tietema
et al., 1990; Barnes et al 1997; Orwa et
al., 2009; Hauwanga et al., 2018), reduc-
tion of these species should be done in
consultation with the state’s authorities.
Considering the height of the woody
trees, biological treatment (browsing
goats and sheep) can be used to reduce
or control bush encroachment. Addi-
tionally, good veld management princi-
ples such as stocking rate and ratio of
grazers to browsers can be considered
too.
Figure 2: A map showing the Makgobi-
stadt and Luporung villages in the North
West province (Ravhuhali, 2018).
Grassroots
Vol 19
No 4
Figure 3a and 3b: Bush encroachment (Senegalia mellifera, Vachellia erioloba and
Dichrostachys cinerea) has challenged livestock production in communal grazing
areas hence, farmers have not managed to maximise production and have made
financial losses.
November 2019
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