CCB and the Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute, in collaboration with regional partners including the Africa Centre for Holistic Management, hosted a capacity building training workshop at the CCB Training Facility in Ghanzi from August 22nd - 26th 2011. The 5 day training course was aimed at providing skills and training to service providers in southern African region working with farming communities to sustainably manage livestock and the rangelands. Healthy, productive rangelands and sustainable livestock management are essential in promoting better livelihoods in the rural economy and maintaining wildlife populations and ecological balance. Empowering communities with management techniques can also go a long way in reducing human wildlife conflicts and poverty levels.
Course participants benefited from training in rangeland management skills, livestock husbandry, predator conflict mitigation and community empowerment techniques that will be replicated back in their communities for ecologically sustainable rangeland and livestock management. Furthermore, the training course included practical’s in Ghanzi locations, including the CCB livestock guarding dog demonstration site, Oasis Farm in Ghanzi where holistic rangeland management techniques are being effectively applied and Tiisa Kalahari ranch where various methods are being tested to mitigate and reverse bush encroachment. These sites were used to demonstrate the theory of the sustainable management practices learnt during the course.

The CCB Community Outreach department held a veterinary care initiative for dogs in Grootlagte village near Ghanzi. This was done in collaboration with the Maun Animal Welfare Service (MAWS) who travelled down to Ghanzi for the clinics. . The activity aimed to strengthen and promote the use of dogs as livestock guarding animals. The health of a dog determines their performance so proper care, feeding and overall well being of working dogs is essential. 41 dogs were treated and sterilised over the 3 day visit. Many thanks to MAWS and the Grootlagte community for their participation in promoting the use of this effective technique.