The CCB “Farming for Conservation” team recently paid visits to our four role model farmers. Through the facilitation of farmers’ networks, the organization has been able to attract and monitor the activities of farmers and have earmarked these four farmers — a woman and a man each from the Jwaneng and Ghanzi networks — to work as ambassadors within local farming communities. As part of their role as model farmers, these individuals will assist CCB in training livestock guarding dog puppies, with CCB assisting them in kraal renovations in exchange for this service. Kraal improvements commenced in November 2019 and involved, among other things, reinforcing perimeters to prevent carnivores from entering the kraals.


Selected based on their success in implementing desired husbandry practices in both regions, the farmers were tasked with developing their kraals so that they met high standards of safety. The kraals, which are now in use, are purpose-built to keep livestock safely inside and assist in withstanding any carnivore attacks which might be experienced in both areas. In addition to assisting our livestock guarding dog (LGD) training program, these farms empower members of the communities by serving as demonstration sites showcasing different livestock husbandry practices to minimize conflict with wildlife.


During our recent visit to these communities, our team spent time admiring the new kraals, and sat in on a community meeting that was convened by the farmers to map a way forward for the network members throughout 2020. Activities suggested by the network members included training workshops, stakeholder collaborations, agricultural show attendance to improve the uptake of smart husbandry practices, and promoting peer-to-peer learning. As an organization invested in community development, and through initiatives such as these model farmers, CCB hopes to see farmers develop their livestock health and size, thus improving their income streams and trading well kept, quality breeds. Furthermore, we hope the role model farmers continue practicing smart farming (such as using LGDs, timely health care, and attentive record keeping) to augment methods which have led to their success thus far. This visit was fruitful, and 2020 promises to be an eventful year for our farmers’ networks as we collectively strive to promote coexistence.

World Wetlands Day is observed every year on the 2nd of February and the Ministry of Environment, Natural Resources Conservation and Tourism (MENT) hosted an event to this end in Maun. CCB staff was among the 500 participants engaged in the festivities along with representatives from the village leadership, the District Commissioner’s Office, various government departments, parastatals and private companies. While the cause for the day was celebration, there were calls for meditation on solutions to curb harmful trends affecting the wetlands of the world.


The theme for this year’s celebrations was Wetlands and Biodiversity: Life Thrives in Wetlands. In her speech, Honourable Minister Phildah Kereng, highlighted that her ministry is continuously making sure that the Okavango Delta is preserved and conserved. This was stated in response to the harrowing fact that 64% of the world’s wetlands have disappeared, and we are faced with losing another 1% of those remaining soon. The impact of climate change on conservation efforts was also noted as a pressing challenge. Further challenges facing the government include the welfare and prosperity of communities within the Okavango Delta, whose livelihoods reflect the inverse of this year’s theme. Understanding that coexistence takes many forms, it is imperative that all who can contribute to improving the situations of people, wildlife and wetlands, get involved promptly.


For its part, the Ministry resolved to ensure that the annual celebrations continue to improve, along with amplifying the participation of communities that live in these wetlands. On a national level the government, through MENT, is presently working on policies, laws and strategies to try and preserve and conserve the environment. As an organization which works closely with communities across the country, CCB is bolstered in our efforts by the commitment from government agencies to promote coexistence and prosperity at all levels of our valuable ecosystems.