Environmental research

The livestock sector accounts for half of the agricultural Gross Domestic Product (GDP), which in 1994 was only 4% of the national GDP. This compares with a contribution of more than 50% at independence. There is evidence that the increase in the concentration of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, as a result of human activities has resulted in global warming and the associated climate changes. The objective of the project is to assist the Serorome Valley Farmers Association in adopting measures to reduce the impact of climate change on their farming operations through increasing awareness of climate change issues by training in appropriate animal husbandry management systems. Adaptive measures such as sustainable herd management (support for strategic destocking), promotion of hardy breeds, improved water conservation, feed supplemnts, range management, energy efficiency, harvesting of palatable grass during good years and control of veld fires.

Botswana