Rangeland Ecology & Management

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Game cropping and wildlife conservation in Kenya : A dynamic simulation model with adaptive control
Author
van Kooten, G Cornelis
Bulte, Erwin H
Kinyua, Patrick
Publisher
Agricultural Systems
Publication Year
1997
Body

We use a dynamic stochastic simulation model of forage, herbivores, predators and domestic livestock in the Machakos District of Kenya to address policies related to the multiple use of rangeland resources. The particular policy examined is that of switching from a traditional system, where commercial ranchers do not harvest wildlife herbivores, to one where ranchers are provided economic incentives to adopt multiple-use management of the range resource. Simulations using an adaptive controller indicate that the effects of the policy change on wildlife populations depend on the conditions of the ecosystem and, importantly, on ranchers' attitudes to risk. When forage is abundant, and game and livestock do not compete for food, the policy change leads to reduced wildlife populations, especially of the relatively more valuable species. This indicates that game cropping may not be more compatible with nature conservation than standard pastoralist practices. However, in periods of drought when competition for forage occurs, the policy change may dampen the decline in game populations, as risk-averse ranchers may decide to sell more cattle and harvest wildlife instead. Game cropping reduces wildlife populations, but increases their stability.

Language
English
Resource Type
Text
Document Type
Journal Issue/Article
Journal Volume
54
Journal Number
4
Journal Pages
439-462
Journal Name
Agricultural Systems
Keywords
policies
grazing
livestock
land use
rangelands
Traditional management
commercial agriculture
conservation
pastoralism
Forage Quantity
drought
Africa