Down home, on a different range

How can you manage rangelands when 'from one season to the next you cannot know what will happen next'? This is the fundamental dilemma of livestock politicians. Living with uncertainty is the challenge for the rangeland manager in sub-Saharan Africa, and the techniques and practices which have been developed elsewhere in the world do not necessarily apply. This book, originating from the University of Dschang in Cameroon, introduces the practical aspects of rangeland management in the special conditions which apply to different parts of Africa. It is aimed at ranchers, range technicians, public administrators, educators and students. Touching on the four major grazing areas (humid, sub-humid and semi-arid savanna, and river bank and wetland areas), the book takes us through forage resources and their nutritive values, before discussing the conditions and constraints for livestock production. These include climate, soil, vegetation, types of animal, land use and policy and institutional issues. The detailed overview of range management practices provides the basis for future priorities which include close cooperation with pastoralists (see also p 3). Much is made of the well-established methods used by pastoralists in keeping track of key grazing areas, and their traditional and effective weather forecasting techniques. Blending these skills with properly organised support services, conflict resolution and scientific tracking provides a sound way forward. Introduction to Range Management in Free and Open Access Environments of Sub-Saharan Africa. E Tedonkeng Pamo and R D Pieper. Sitmex, Express-Services and CTA co-publication. 2000. 152 pp. CTA number 1023. 20 credits points.Introduction to Range Management in Free and Open Access Environments of Sub-Saharan Africa. E Tedonkeng Pamo and R D Pieper. Sitmex, Express-Services and CTA co-publication. 2000. 152 pp. CTA number 1023. 20 credits points