Land use policy is often developed without regard to historical considerations, even though policy may fail because it is familiar to local people who have found it to be inaccurate and inappropriate. Between 1931 and 1981 officials consistently described north-eastern Botswana as severely overgrazed and in imminent danger of ecological disaster unless destocking took place. Over the same period the cattle population tripled, while enforced destocking caused hardship to local cattle holders. The contrast between local experience and official prescription over 50 years suggests why present-day residents are sceptical of official rangeland policy. The design of rangeland policy and range and livestock management projects would benefit from considering the history of local experience with official policy and advice.
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.