Topnaar livestock management in the Lower Kuiseb: Strategies, obstacles, and outcomes
The Topnaar people living in the Kuiseb River Valley of the Namib-Naukluft National Park (NNP) have farmed livestock for hundreds of years. In the face of changing circumstances in the Topnaar socio-ecological system, we seek to (1) understand current Topnaar livestock management strategies, (2) understand the challenges faced by Topnaar livestock farmers, and (3) the effects of Topnaar management practices on livestock health and abundance. Using systems theory as a framework for our research, we drafted and administered a 22-question survey to twelve Topnaar livestock owners about animal demographics, management practices, perceived threats to livestock, and NPP polices. We also conducted individual interviews with two key informants: the Chief Warden of the NNP and the head of the Topnaar Traditional Authority. To understand the challenges faced by Topnaar livestock farmers and the outcomes of their current practices, we focused on the relationships between perceived causes of livestock deaths and management practices including vaccinations, supplementary fodder, and herding. Our data identified predation as the most significant perceived cause of small stock mortality by number of farmers impacted. In addition, we found that there was no significant relationship between vaccinations or consumption of supplementary fodder and any source of small stock mortalities. There were also no statistically significant relationships between management practices and livestock body condition scores.
Dartmouth in Namibia
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Topnaar Livestock Management in the Lower Kuiseb.pdf | 1.59 MB |