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.
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.
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