Drought Management Strategies among Agro-Pastoral Communities in Non-Equilibrium Kalahari Ecosystems

Citation:
Mogotsi K, Nyangito MM, Nyariki DM. "Drought Management Strategies among Agro-Pastoral Communities in Non-Equilibrium Kalahari Ecosystems." Environmental Research Joumal. . 2011; 5 ((4)):156-162.

Abstract:

Rural Kalahari communities whose livelihoods are heavily dependent on rain-fed agriculture are
exposed to increasing intensity and frequency of drought spells. Subsequently their resilience is gradually
being eroded and they are left increasingly vulnerable. This study unearths and higtrlights the myriad measures
employedby small scale agro-pastoralists to cope with and adapt to droughts. Such strategies include enrolling
in the govemment's Labour Intersive Public Works Programme, harvesting larvae of Imbrasia belina
(Westwood) moth for corsurnption and/or sale, supplementary feeding of livestock, providing water for
livestock and selling part of the livestock herd while some households moved livestock to better graz:rrg areas
within the commtmal area and sor:ght altemative sources of income or-rtside agriculture. This fluidity and
flexibility is necessary to manage the often harsh and unpredictable environment commr:nities operate under.
But more importantly, some of these currently used measures could be enhanced to buffer Kalahari
agro-pastoralists from anticipated future dry spells in the Southern African region.

Key words: Adaptation Botswana. coping, drought, Kalahari, semi-arid, strategies

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