ICRISAT Archival Report 2006 - The seedlings of success in the ...

grazing (in the still grazed plots) and the possible restoration (recovery) potential in the exclosure is being
demonstrated to farmers, extension officers and scientists, as well as the effect of different land uses. Rainfall, one
of the main drivers of rangeland dynamics and management, is also monitored at each of the sites.
The research data (vegetation, soil, bio-indicators, etc) serves as evidence of how these plots react to different
grazing and management strategies and is used to demonstrate the effect on both the soil and vegetation.
Demonstration plots are used in awareness, training and education workshops held with farmers and extension to try
to convince the land users/farmers to implement and adopt better rangeland management strategies.
Active restoration demonstration sites are also implemented. These include areas that have been cultivated with a
tractor and implement, and re-seeded with high productive, palatable and climax type of species to increase
vegetation cover, and improve the production potential for grazing animals. Other areas that are characterized by
increased thickening or encroachment of shrubs and/or bushes, causing a decrease in grass cover, active
interventions have been implemented by the application of herbicide to control the woody species. The restoration
and recovery of these areas, after the implementation of bush/shrub control mechanisms, are carefully monitored.
These sites also act as demonstration sites to other farmers, as well as extension staff and researchers, in order to
promote better rangeland and livestock management practices. In areas that have passed the threshold of self
(natural) recovery and are characterized by open and denuded areas, such as the open dunes of the Kalahari or bare
patches in the savannah, shrub and grassland areas, different active restoration technologies have been implemented
over the short and long term. These include the cultivation of the area to break the hard crust of the degraded soil,
followed by the re-seeding of species adapted to the environmental conditions of the region, or just the application
of brush-packs (branches of woody species) on the open and denuded areas.
2.1.3 Up-scaling the technology
Demonstration sites have been used in up- and out-scaling activities targeted to all stakeholders, including land
users, farmers, researchers, extension and policy makers. Workshops and farmers’ days are being held at the
different sites. The success of this approach resides in the fact that they are “on-site” or “on-farm” in the areas where
they have to be implemented by others. Courses by trained personnel on rangeland management and livestock
improvement strategies, restoration technologies, biodiversity aspects, farm planning, soils, vegetation and other
ecosystem aspects are presented at the demonstration sites. These workshops and courses are being attended by
farmers and other land users/managers. Documentation and course material is also given to farmers.
2.1.4 Contribution to the overall DMP project goal and objectives
Nearly all project outputs are being addressed through this approach discussed above. These include monitoring and
evaluation (Output 1), testing and implementation (Output 2), capacity building (Output 3), improvement of
livelihoods (Output 4), up- and out-scaling of natural resource management (NRM) options (Output 5), policy
frameworks (Output 6) and especially stakeholder participation (Output 7). Many activities are also being covered
by the use of demonstration sites.
2.1.5 Projected potential impact
The impact of this approach is expected to be widespread. It will contribute to an increased income or a reduction in
poverty of the farmers and contributing communities, increased bio-diversity in degraded rangelands, increased
capacity of all stakeholders involved (farmers, extension, researchers, policy makers, etc.), as well as the
implementation of improved rangeland management systems and combating of desertification. Thousands of
hectares will be improved and will contribute to an increase in biodiversity and better NRM options.
2.2. Environmental education
According to popular belief, desertification only affects people living directly from natural resources. The fact
however is -- desertification of natural resources affects a large number of the population of South Africa. People,
especially the youth, are often unaware and mostly ignorant about the threats to biodiversity and ecosystem stability.
Environmental education has a huge impact on information transfer concerning faunal and floral existence and
biodiversity in the country. This information especially favors youth groups from previously disadvantaged areas
(mostly in rural areas) who had very limited access to formal environmental education in the past. According to
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