14 Jul 2025

In a recent stakeholder meeting, the innovative The Herding for Health model was highlighted for its potential in alleviating livestock-wildlife conflicts and boosting economic gains for farming communities.

The community-driven livestock management approach involves the deployment of professional eco-rangers who implement planned grazing routines. These routines aim to prevent overgrazing, eliminate invasive species that hinder grass growth and water access, and improve livestock quality. Additionally, the model seeks to reduce animal losses caused by wildlife predators, diseases, and market access challenges.

Dr Edwin Modongo, Senior Technical Manager at Conservation International, emphasised the model’s holistic benefits. “Herding for Health supports livelihoods, restores degraded rangelands, and conserves biodiversity through herding, capacity building, and collective governance,” he stated.

During the meeting, participants expressed concerns over ongoing human-wildlife conflicts, calling for increased funding to maintain and electrify existing buffalo protection fences, which are currently down, leading to wildlife encroachment into settlements. Some also advocated for extending the model’s benefits to commercial farmers, noting that challenges such as overstocking, exacerbated by limited beef markets and climate change also demand attention.

Eco-rangers form the backbone of this initiative, responsible for daily livestock management, executing grazing plans, and participating in land restoration and fire management activities. To equip them effectively, Botswana’s University of Agriculture and Natural Resources (BUAN) is set to deliver specialized training focusing on life skills, health and safety, record keeping, participatory rangeland mapping, bush management, human-wildlife interfaces, and animal husbandry.

Dr Modongo highlighted that “the success of this model depends on inclusive participation. Commercial farmers stand to benefit from adopting best practices learned through the program.”

Though primarily targeting communal rangelands, he said the the model also offered  insights relevant to commercial farmers. “There are lessons to be learned that can help improve production and sustainability,” he added.

Mr Phemelo Ramalefo, Ngamiland Area Field Manager from Conservation International, emphasised the programme’s potential to revitalise cattle farming and improve rural livelihoods. He said Pastoral farming remained a cornerstone of Ngamiland’s economy and effective implementation of the model could reinforce this amid challenges.

To ensure sustainable success, Mr Ramalefo proposed establishing a farmer facilitation team, a collaborative inter-agency unit comprising roughly one-third of the project staff. 

“This team will be responsible for technical training, goal setting, conflict resolution, communication, and adaptive management, supporting farmers and land boards in developing tailored grazing strategies and land stewardship agreements,” he said. ENDS