CCB set up an information stall which included a miniature demonstration farm, complete with two sheep, five goats, one fully trained LGD and six puppies in training. The demonstration farm exhibit showcased the practicalities of using dogs as a possible non-lethal predator control strategy in livestock farming. When CCB began work in the Kalahari, only 5% of smallstock (goat and sheep) farmers were using LGDs. A similar survey conducted in 2022 found that number has increased to 40%. This technique is growing in popularity amongst farmers and their effectiveness at reducing human-wildlife conflict drives us to promote their use to farmers whenever possible.
CCB gave a brief speech about carnivore-smart farming, outlining the relevance and importance of the working in partnership with various other stakeholders towards effective conservation of Botswana’s wildlife species and the natural environment. The event was graced by the Honourable Member of Parliament for Ghanzi North, the Ghanzi District Commissioner, the Department of Wildlife and National Parks Director and US-Embassy Representatives.
In addition, CCB’s team hosted a stall at the Southern Beef Farmers’ Field Day, which was held on the 31stMarch and the 1st April in Jwaneng, the first time it has been held since COVID-19. The theme for this year’s event was “increasing the national herd – unpacking the beef value chain”. The event was attended by over 500 farmers, and key government officials, including the President of the Republic of Botswana Dr. M.E.K. Masisi. In addition to the CCB staff delegation, CCB sponsored 22 members of the Southern Livestock Farmers Network to attend the event, all of which had the opportunity to learn about advancements in the industry and share their coexistence knowledge with other farmers.