Bush encroachment is an increase in woody plants that results in the loss of grazing capacity, causing considerable productivity losses for both commercial (freehold) and communal (non-freehold) farmers in Namibia. The expansion of certain opportunistic indigenous shrubs in both density and area happens in response to various global and local drivers. Of these, favourable rainfall, disruption of the grass:bush balance of a savanna and the suppression of hot fires are probably the most important. There are a few positive effects as well, such as increased soil stability and fertility. Bush is an integral and valuable component of a savanna that provides invaluable services to the soil and animals. Encroacher bush should therefore never be eradicated, but merely thinned to a more natural (acceptable) density.