Summary

In part fulfilment of the inputs determined during the First Workshop, conducted in Botswana, CAZS provided the services of Dr W Ian Robinson to assist in the identification of production data collection methodologies at the three sites.

Field visits to sites in Botswana (Matsheng Villages), Lesotho (Pelaneng-Bokong RMA) and South Africa (Paulshoek) were undertaken with local team members during a mission which lasted from 20th February to 8th March 1998.

The findings during the mission suggest that:

(a) local teams support the concept of self-recording

(b) levels of literacy are high enough to encompass the skills necessary

(c) details for recording should be worked out locally to include format, terms, analytical process and feed-back to farmers

(d) whilst regular discussion groups may form the basis of information exchange, the project should also embrace one-to-one exchanges with farmers if they are more appropriate to the culture/mores of the communities

(e) it is anticipated that the schemes will be prepared for initiation in the last quarter of 1998

(f) funds for the Lesotho component may not be available.

1. Introduction

In accordance with the general approach identified and adopted during the First Workshop of the project, held in Gaborone, Botswana, in October 1997, the services of Dr W Ian Robinson (the Consultant) were provided by the Centre for Arid Zone Studies (CAZS) to assist in the identification of a methodology to characterise the structure of the agropastoralist systems at each of the project sites.

It was envisaged that the input would be based around the assessment of the feasibility of introducing self-recording schemes. Such schemes would have the dual purpose of:

(a) providing a description of the systems used and the range of performance they encompass

(b) providing a management information service for participating farmers.

The former function would establish a detailed base-line data of inputs and outputs likely to be affected by global change. The latter function would form the basis for the identification of improvements at farm management level and, ultimately, relevant interventions at village or district level.

Such self-recording schemes have, for decades, formed the basis of agricultural development in commercial systems world-wide but have yet to be established in traditional systems.

Prior to the mission, it was felt that the introduction of such schemes might also help to introduce farmer literacy and numeracy skills into the development process.

Rather than disseminate a proforma for universal application, it was judged necessary for the Consultant to visit each research site with the local teams to hold discussions with interested parties in the field and with possible support groups, and, in consultation with local teams, assess the level of interest and probable capability of the communities.

2. Terms of Reference

2.1 To visit the team in Botswana and conduct relevant field visits to determine the feasibility of self-recording.

2.2 To visit the team in Lesotho and conduct relevant field visits to determine the feasibility of self-recording.

2.3 To visit the team in South Africa and conduct relevant field visits to determine the feasibility of self-recording.

3. Progress made on Terms of Reference

3.1 To visit the team in Botswana

Following a review of the biophysical and socio-economic features of the Matsheng Villages in the northern division of the Kgalagadi District and the work plan for the Botswana team, the Consultant, in the company of the following team members:

Dr Jaap Arntzen - Team Leader
Dr Raban Chanda - Human Geographer
Dr Otlogetswe Totolo - Social Scientist
Dr Moffat Setshogo - Botanist
Dr Lapologang Magole - Development Planner

travelled to the Matsheng Villages to participate in a reconnaissance survey of the area. The objectives of the visit were to:

(i) Introduce the team members to the villages

(ii) Identify probable sites for analysis

(iii) Introduce the concept of the project to potential stakeholders

(iv) Trace transects previously established in the southern ranges

(v) Assess interest in self-recording at administrative levels.

After arriving in Hukuntsi, the largest of the Matsheng Villages, initial meetings were held with the Sub-District Development Officer, Mrs K Balogi. As an ex-student of the University of Botswana, she was keen that the team was able to meet the targets of the visit. Arrangements were made to set up an audience with the tribal authorities as well as meetings with appropriate line agencies. With regard to the tribal authorities, in his official address to the team, Sub-Chief L K Leipego welcomed the overall project initiative and expressed pleasure in the contact with the University of Botswana. As the University had been partially established by the people through a programme of donations ("one person - one beast"), a sense of connection if not ownership was apparent which reinforced the acceptance of the project which was said to be "long overdue". This interest was repeated by the gathered members of the community (male and female) who variously expressed concerns related to:

(a) lack of assistance in developing tribal grazing lands

(b) water shortages in grazing areas

(c) diminishing presence of wildlife

(d) confusion over rights to graze and hunt

(e) low prices and lack of marketing opportunities

(f) adverse affects of safari companies

(g) deep concern about the severity of the penalties associated with hunting without a licence

(h) conflict between communities and legislators.

Discussions with line agencies included the Department of Wildlife and Natural Products (DWNP), the Department of Crops and Forestry (DCF) and the Department of Animal Production and Veterinary Sciences (DAPV)

In general, the conversations confirmed the information provided in the briefing notes on the Sub-District with regard to basic information and activities undertaken. However, certain contradictions were also evident which need to be followed up. In the context of wildlife, confusion reigns regarding the terms of trade between game-meat and meat from domestic animals. Information received suggests that game-meat may be as much as 3 times more valuable which places the income contribution/survival value of game-meat in a higher category than hitherto described.

In the context of crop production, the Consultant observed very good cow-pea crops (regular occurrence) and received contradictory anecdotes regarding production of cereals in the area. Yields of 700 kg plus per hectare for sorghum and millet in 1996/7 were reported by the sole farmer interviewed, which differed greatly from the 50 kg per hectare quoted in previous reports. Higher yields had also been obtained on the research plots run by the DCF although no figures were available to substantiate the claim.

Regarding survival mechanisms, discussions with the Coordinator of the Remote Area Development Programme (RADP), which assists Busarwa living in organised settlements, revealed that a range of support programmes, involving drought relief, goat-stocking, welfare and cash for work under the economic promotion fund, were on-going in each settlement for the active population of around 1,500 people.

Literacy and numeracy levels amongst the younger generation were improving due to regular school attendance at each settlement to Grade 3.

Support for the introduction of self-recording schemes for the Matsheng Villages and the RADS was strongly received from the Regional and District Senior Livestock Officers and the RADP Coordinator respectively. In consequence, it was decided by the team that self-recording of production data was both desirable and possible.

During the proposed period of detailed field investigations by students from the University of Botswana, (June - August, 1998), a lexicon of terms should therefore be developed, and a draft format for daily input/output analysis prepared.

Further, it was agreed that the inputs and outputs should encompass not only the details relating to animal production but also arable crop production and hunting/gathering parameters.

Following rapid surveys of the area, the village of Tshane was selected by the team as the sample village to be the centre for socio-economic surveys. However, self-recording should be initiated at a number of sites. Its introduction may be eased through assistance from livestock extension agents and the RADP livestock monitor. (Such services were offered to the project during the mission).

Team members located the beginning of a previously-used, north-south transect in the northern Kgalagadi District near Tshane, which will be used as a basis for monitoring ecological change. However, as well as the north-south transect, it would seem that east-west transects, incorporating different domains, will also be necessary.

Final mission debriefings were held with the Team Leader and two members of the Botswana team that had been unable to travel, viz, Dr Happy Fidzani and Dr Gubungano Tacheba. Both parties expressed support for the self-recording scheme and were willing to participate in its implementation. It is therefore anticipated that a pilot scheme could be introduced in the project area in the last quarter of 1998.

3.2 To visit the team in Lesotho

Following a review of the summary of the state of subsistence rangelands in Lesotho, the Consultant travelled to the Pelaneng-Bokong Rangeland Management Association (RMA) on a reconnaissance mission to discuss the possibilities of introducing a self-recording scheme. Accompanying team members were:

Dr Moeketsi Majoro - Team Leader
Dr None Mokitimi - Agricultural/Livestock Specialist

Discussions with RMA staff members revealed that the association encompassed 17 villages, of which some 30% of the families were not members, pursuing their own grazing options within the area. The remaining 70% were said to conform to a transhumant grazing pattern involving 3 distinct zones, grazed in rotation. Specific advantages gained by the participating families over the 10 years that the RMA has existed include access to improved bulls which have upgraded the stock, improvement in wool quality (cleaner), and improved access to the State Veterinary Assistant, who is based in the RMA.

Discussions with RMA staff confirmed that self-recording would be theoretically possible as the farmers were literate and numerate. The preparation of a lexicon and an appropriate recording format is the next logical step, which will be undertaken by the team at the University of Lesotho. However, it is unclear as to who will complete this task or from where the funding will be obtained.

Given sufficient funds, self-recording should be introduced so that comparisons can be made by recruiting self-recorders not only from the RMA membership but also from the non-members within the 17 villages and from villages outside the scheme.

It was not clear which non-scheme village should be approached. Access by vehicle was deemed to be most important so it was left to the local team to seek advice from the paramount Chief in the area and to develop a programme of operations.

3.3 To visit the team in South Africa

Following a review of the relevant project literature and discussions with Dr Rick Rohde (Anthropologist) and Ms Anastelle Solomon (Botanist) at the National Botanical Institute (Kirstenbosch), the Consultant travelled to Paulshoek (the project site), Namaqualand with:

Dr Timm Hoffman - Team Leader
Mr Simon Todd - Botanist
Ms Ashia Petersen - Botanist
Mr Peter Carrick - Botanist.

Paulshoek, the chosen site, is a designated community grazing area. It has been an area of activity for the team for several years. In consequence, good relationships between NBI and the community have been established, and the area is well understood. The project has a local full-time staff member present in Paulshoek, recruited from the community of 135 households.

Presently, grazing/browsing of the veld is based on individual herder utilisation of hefts associated with 31 stock-posts. Stock-posts are recognised kraals, where owner-herders or employees establish their base camp for variable periods depending on the availability of fodder.

At this state of knowledge, there does not seem to be an identifiable, universal pattern to the movements between stock-posts. A vacated post may just as easily be taken up by a herder moving in from another stock-post within the area. Similarly, although water-points such as wells or springs may have been established and maintained by individual families, their utilisation seems freely available to all.

As part of the Consultant’s introduction to the community, a general meeting was held with the Paulshoek Development Council. At the meeting, the concept of self-recording was mooted, and advantages to the community identified. The scheme received their support.

Presently, NBI have initiated a monthly recording sheet which has been distributed to herders in all stock-posts as a way of monitoring livestock numbers. The monthly data are collected by Mr Mervyn, the NBI local team member. During discussions with the team, it was agreed that a monthly input sheet would be added to the scheme, and that the output sheet would be adjusted to include other outputs, such as milk, dung used for agricultural purposes and days of draught power (donkeys).

It was also agreed that, by September 1998, the format for a daily diary, designed to produce details of daily inputs and outputs for the monthly summary sheets, would be prepared for introduction in the last quarter of 1998. Such a diary should also include arable farming inputs and outputs where such enterprises are undertaken by the farmers.

Discussions with the School Teacher and the Adult Literacy Trainer suggest that the capability to maintain a daily diary exists amongst the herder community. Further, as the Consultant was able to meet and discuss with two herders whilst they were herding their goats and sheep, it is clear that management practices differ greatly. In consequence, it is felt that a range of performance data exists that will offer avenues for immediate improvement by the adoption of improved techniques appropriate to the pastoralist situation, and present an opportunity to identify meaningful interventions of a more general nature.

In the company of Simon Todd and Peter Carrick, the Consultant visited a commercial farmer, Mr G E Visser (also known as "Steenbok") whose land is contiguous with the Paulshoek settlement. He expressed interest in the programme and a willingness to cooperate. His involvement in the process would offer an interesting comparison which might also include other neighbouring farms in due course.

Issues and Concerns

One major issue emerged. Whilst it seems likely that field activities will be undertaken with alacrity in Matsheng and Paulshoek, it is not altogether clear how the Lesotho group will proceed given a probable shortage of funds.

WIR/mlp

18th March 1998

mlp:rgwj:sa-98:wir-rep1

Date	Activity	Persons
20 Feb	Depart Bangor for Gaborone
21 Feb	Arrive Gaborone
22 Feb	Review of literature - Botswana Briefing	Dr Jaap Arntzen
23 Feb	Depart Gaborone for Matsheng	Dr Jaap Arntzen Dr Raban Chanda Dr Otlogetswe Totolo Dr Moffat Setshogo Dr Lapologang Magole
24 Feb	Discussion with District Officer Group discussion with Tribal Authority Discussion with Development Officer Discussion with Department of Wildlife Discussion with Department of Crops & Forestry Visit Research Farm	Ms K Balogi Chief L K Leipego Mr Amos Mr Koorapetse (D.A.O) Nthobatsang Mr Terire
25 Feb	Discussion with Assistant RAD Officer, RADP Discussion with Senior Livestock Officer Discussion with Farmer Visit to Farm selling cow-peas/maize Visit to wood lot and nursery Visit to Tshane Village	Mr Bojosi Mr T Mosweli Mr Otazusitse Mosidinyene Mr Willi Solomon Mr Terire Dr Jaap Arntzen & Dr Raban Chanda
26 Feb	Depart Matsheng for Gaborone	UB Team
27 Feb	Debriefing at UB Discussions at UB Discussions at Department of Agricultural Research, MoA	Dr Jaap Arntzen Dr Happy Fidzani Dr Gubungano Tacheba
28 Feb	Depart Gaborone Arrive Maseru, Lesotho
1 Mar	Review of documents, University of Lesotho. Briefing	Dr Moeketsi Majoro
2 Mar	Field trip to Pelaneng-Bokong RMA and final briefing RMA staff	Dr Moeketsi Majoro Dr None Mokitimi Mr Thabo Jane Mr Mpho Jabare
3 Mar	Depart Maseru Arrive Cape Town Briefing Discussions Discussions	Dr Timm Hoffman Dr Rick Rohde Ms Anastelle Solomon
4 Mar	Depart Cape Town for Paulshoek	Dr Timm Hoffman Mr Simon Todd Ms Ashia Petersen Mr Peter Carrick
5 Mar	Stock-post, Leopards Cliff - discussion and observations Stock-post, Tiekas, discussion and observations Meeting with Paulshoek Development Council	Mr Suki Mr Coenerad Dirkse
6 Mar	Discussions re adult literacy Visit and discussions with commercial farmer	Mr Derek Mr G E Visser
7 Mar	Depart Paulshoek for Cape Town Debriefing	Dr Timm Hoffman
8 Mar	Debriefing Depart Cape Town for Manchester	Dr Rick Rohde
9 Mar	Arrive Bangor

Annex 2

Monthly Input Sheet

	Supplementary Feed Daily Ration x No. of days Straw,Pods,Leaves,Grain	Labour Hrs per day x No. of days Man, Woman, Child	Grazing Hrs per day x No. of days Good, Medium, Bad	Water Appetite or < appetite Well, Pond, Spring, Other
Goats
Kids
Yearlings
Does
Castrates
Bucks
Monthly Total
Sheep
Lambs
Yearlings
Ewes
Castrates
Rams
Monthly Total
Donkeys
Young Adult Male Adult Female
Monthly Total
Grand Total