Research and Training Strategies for Goat Production Systems in ...

The condition, productivity and sustainability of communally grazed rangelands in
the central Eastern Cape Province
Theunis D de Bruyn
Department of Livestock and Pasture Science, University of Fort Hare
Private Bag X1314, Alice 5700
Introduction
It has been predicted for many decades that the Ciskei - similar to other communally grazed
rangelands (CGR’s) - will soon end up in the Indian Ocean. Despite the many popularly
held perceptions about the poor productivity and sustainability of communal systems, all
we know for certain is that very little empirical research has been done on these systems
(Shackleton, 1993).
The amount of debate and controversy surrounding the subject testifies to our lack of
understanding. Recently the sacredly held links between overstocking and degradation in
arid environments (also known as disequilibrium systems) and communal systems have
been questioned (Behnke, Scoones and Kerven, 1993).
For resource poor rural people, the rangeland constitutes a valuable yet inexpensive
resource. Utilising it in a sustainable manner is the social responsibility of the land users
although concepts such as soil erosion and maintenance of biodiversity have very little
emotional appeal. Even to a lesser degree does the proposed solution of destocking
(overstocking being the prime evil of communal rangeland use) warm the hearts of the
communal livestock owners. It is the responsibility of rangeland scientists to clarify the
matter.
I present two case studies from CGR's in the central eastern Cape with some data which
will hopefully contribute to clarify the murky waters. The broad objectives of the research
were to (i) describe differences in vegetation structure and (ii) quantify rangeland
productivity as affected by range condition (species composition) between communal and
commercial systems.
Materials & Methods
Introduction
The ideal would be to apply the treatments and collect samples where as many as possible
of the variables can be controlled, such as on a Research Farm. However, since the CGR’s
of the Eastern Cape have been subjected to continuous grazing under high stocking rates
for perhaps 140 years or more (Manona, this issue and Pers. comm.: M.C. Coleman, Döhne
Agricultural Development Institute, Stutterheim, Department of Agriculture and Land
Affairs, East Cape Provincial Government), more realistic results can be obtained when the
work is done in CGR’s. It is argued that the "treatments" applied in the CGR's can not be
replicated elsewhere.
Study sites
The studies were conducted in the former Ciskei homeland of South Africa that has a long
18