Sarudzai Zishiri

Last update: 6 September 2013

Title: Understanding Socio-Economic Factors that Influence Local People’s Capacity to Access and Manage Cattle in Sengwe Communal Land.

Summary

The South East Lowveld (SEL) is characterized by harsh climatic conditions, low population density and human communities lack technical skills to support productive activities. However, the area has several opportunities, including fertile alluvial soils, a flat topography and high temperatures that are necessary for livestock and crop production. Shortage and unpredictability of rainfall has resulted in crop and livestock production being conducted at subsistence levels.  

Animal husbandry continues to contribute significantly to local people’s livelihoods. The study area’s proximity to a wildlife protected area (Gonarezhou National Park) and its location within the Great Limpopo Trans-Frontier Conservation Area presents another challenge to agricultural activities. In terms of livestock production, proximity to wildlife means occasional interfacing of domestic and wild animals which results in transference of diseases such as Foot and Mouth (FMD), Bovine Tuberculosis (BTB), Rift Valley Fever, among others.

Research Questions

  • Has the introduction of a multi-currency system brought about opportunities for farmers to own and manage cattle?
  • What  are the social, economic, technological and financial  opportunities and constraints farmers are facing in relation to livestock ownership and management?
  • What are the past and current institutional arrangements (gender and political interests included) related to veterinary service provision for livestock owners in the study?
  • What are the perceptions of livestock diseases in relation to the proximity of GNP and being in the GLTFCA by farmers?

This study will contribute to knowledge in terms of understanding dynamics of livestock ownership and management in relation to the improving economic conditions brought about by the introduction of a multi-currency system. Survey results indicate that livestock ownership is skewed along gender and age lines, with elderly men owning most of the livestock.Little is known about social, economic, financial and technical aspects of livestock management that have implications on cattle ownership and management on local people. The centrality of livestock production in the local economy has implications on local institutional arrangements. Therefore, an investigation of local institutional arrangements surrounding livestock production and management is necessary. Since the area is located near a wildlife conservation area, it is important to investigate the relation between the wildlife/livestock interface and the spread of diseases.

Last update: 6 September 2013