NEWS
by law for the commercial sale of meat . The aim is to supply local markets – tourism operations , small scale retailers and businesses with grass-fed , ethically raised meat ( cattle , goat and game ). The meat will be largely for niche markets , promoting the idea that consumers should know what they are eating and where it comes from .
After eight years in the Mnisi area , the first H4H eco-rangers are now becoming community leaders , pushing the H4H values , with years of local , applied knowledge . Perhaps one of the greatest testaments to the success of the H4H programme was that during the COVID lockdowns , people stuck to the H4H stewardship agreements because they have begun to see the benefits . The community and the programme just carried on with minimal , virtual support . This was a pivotal moment in the history of H4H in the Mnisi TA .
Now , with the experienced eco-trainers on the ground , mentorship can take place over the internet which means the programme can be expanded elsewhere because there is a critical mass of trained and passionate people on the ground in the Mnisi TA . As mentioned above , Cliff Nkuna and the Dixie community have a
great story to tell .
The future
Herding 4 Health is expanding and its current project sites include :
• Mnisi Community ( South Africa ) – Great Limpopo TFCA
• Limpopo National Park and surrounds ( Mozambique ) – Great Limpopo TFCA
• Greater Lebombo Conservancy ( Mozambique ) – Great Limpopo TFCA
• Succulent Karoo ( Namaqualand ) ( South Africa ) – / Ai / Ais-Richtersveld TP
• Mzimvubu Catchment ( South Africa ) – Maloti-Drakensberg TFCA
• Maputo Special Reserve ( Mozambique ) – Lubombo TFCA
• Habu & Eretsha communities ( Botswana ) – Kavango Zambezi TFCA
• Maramani communities ( Zimbabwe ) – Greater Mapungubwe TFCA
• Simalaha Community Conservancy ( Zambia ) – Kavango Zambezi TFCA
H4H allows the government to control the masses of rural cattle . They can mitigate disease and it is hoped that controlling disease will become much easier and with this , access to markets .
A number of major safari operators in Botswana have indicated a willingness to buy local , grass-fed beef as long as it can be shown that herders adhere to the H4H principles . Successful implementation of the programme may also see herds allowed onto wildlife concessions in tough times or for ecological reasons ( simulating the grazing effects of large wild animal herds ).
Conclusion
One of the greatest challenges facing wildlife conservation in Africa is the nexus between people and protected areas . Herding 4 Health is proving a viable way to improve the livelihoods of
a
b
people living in rural areas near conservation reserves . It is making a significant difference to the reduction of humanwildlife conflict .
Through effective herding methods , predators have far less impact on livelihoods which in turn reduces revenge killing and a general resentment for wild predators . At the same time , improved rangelands are increasing the number of cattle that land can support while improving rangeland health .
This is a hugely important project and it will be fascinating to see it rolled out further , hopefully with increased support from local people , NGOs and government .
Resources
For more about the H4H programme and the Peace Parks Foundation see
here .
The programme is expanding in Botswana with a multi-million dollar programme underway that will see Botswana funding and deploying 6000 eco-rangers . Over 20,000 unclaimed cattle have been found in parts of Botswana , some wandering several hundred kilometres from their owners – a direct result of ad hoc herding .
Figure 5a and b . In many parts of Africa , livestock animals are massively important to rural people . Yet increasing numbers of livestock , grazing without coordination close to villages has caused extensive rangeland degradation .
13 Grassroots Vol 21 No 4 December 2021