The unfenced ranges of Botswana support large cattle herds, which are operated on a commercial basis, and small herds, which are managed in order to meet family subsistence needs. The distinctive herding practices and sales strategies associated with large and small herds are suited to the variable amounts of human labour, cash and saleable animals at the disposal of herd owners. If they are to operate permanently on a commercial basis, small herds must grow in size. The process of commercialization will not, therefore, alleviate overstocking on communal rangelands and the majority of small herd owners are not likely to endorse any programme of voluntary destocking.
Journal articles from the Grassland Society of Southern Africa (GSSA) African Journal of Range and Forage Science as well as related articles and reports from throughout the southern African region.