Thirteenth International Conference on Interdisciplinary Social Sciences

Abstract

Large parts of the Eastern Cape are made up of former homelands which have a long history of economic neglect. The greater part of former homelands are rural and the ability of the rural people to make a living is linked to agricultural practices including livestock farming. Livestock is described as a key commodity for human well-being and provide benefits such as food, income, employment, tractions and others. However livelihood sustainability through livestock production relies greatly on the quality of the rangeland. Government efforts to prevent or counteract overgrazing through prescribed methods have been unsuccessful because they ignore engagement with social and economic dimensions that influence rangeland management. This study assesses the effectiveness of engaging communal farmers in an effort to find sustainable and locally adaptable rangeland management strategies. Using focus group discussions, structured interviews, and participatory GIS (PGIS) to establish indigenous knowledge about the current condition of the rangelands, its effects on quality of livestock and people’s lives. Results revealed that communal farmers are aware of their surroundings. Secondly livestock has financial, social and to them economically, socially and spiritually. It also emerged that the challenges face by communal farmers are ecological (decrease in rangeland quality characterised by soil erosion, alien plant invasion, and grass species composition change), social (lack of unity, trust, community rules, and youth involvement) and governance (limited support from the agricultural extension office) related. These challenges have played a negative role in livestock performance and mortality and thus the quality of rural people’s lives.