Wildlife and Livelihoods: Harmonious Coexistence at Dimbangombe
Regenerating Our Future: Stories from Dimbangombe – Newsletter 4
Dear Friends of ACHM,
Welcome back to "Regenerating Our Future: Stories from Dimbangombe." In our last newsletter, Dive Deep into Water: Unveiling ACHM's Innovative Water Management Strategies we explored the crucial role of effective water management in sustaining our land and community. Today, we shift our focus to another vital aspect of our work: wildlife management and the harmonious coexistence of humans and wildlife.
Introduction
At the Africa Centre for Holistic Management (ACHM), we understand that managing wildlife holistically is inseperable from managing our land and livestock. Our unique position at Dimbangombe Conservancy allows us to employ innovative techniques that promote balance and sustainability in an environment shared by both livestock and diverse wildlife, including ferocious pack-hunting predators.
One of the key elements of our approach is herding livestock, relying on the deep knowledge and expertise of our skilled herders. This method, covered in detail in our previous newsletter, "Grasslands to Gold: Discover Our Journey of Land Restoration!" enables us to control grazing offtake and animal impact more precisely. However, it also presents challenges, especially in a region where predators like lions, hyenas, and African Wild Dogs
Our commitment to holistic management places us at the forefront of the global conversation on human-wildlife conflict. We face the ongoing challenge of protecting both our livestock and the surrounding wildlife, striving to create a balanced ecosystem where all can thrive. By managing wildlife holistically, we aim to foster a sustainable coexistence that benefits the environment and the local communities that depend on it.
Human-Wildlife Conflict Mitigation
Our grasslands evolved over millions of years, shaped by large herds of ruminants kept bunched and moving by ferocious pack-hunting predators. This ‘Predator Prey Relationship’ is one of Allan Savory’s key insights, and is a cornerstone of our work at ACHM. We strive to harmonize with these natural processes rather than interfere with them. A wonderful presentation by Etienne Oosthuizen for the Zimbabwe Professional Guides Association illustrates this concept beautifully, and we encourage you to view it here.
When ACHM took control of Dimbangombe, the land was severely degraded. The previous owner had eliminated all the predators and left 70 head of cattle to their own devices, resulting in both overgrazing and overresting, which devastated the land. We addressed this issue by increasing the cattle herd by 400% and working in conjunction with nature instead of against it.
To mitigate human-wildlife conflict, we employ several strategies:
Predator-Friendly Boma/Kraal Systems:
We use specially designed bomas (or as we call them, kraals) that protect our livestock while allowing predators to remain part of the ecosystem. These structures are reinforced to keep livestock safe at night, reducing the risk of predator attacks, and are designed to be low impact, and easily moveable, leaving minimal trace on the landscape
Experienced Herders:
Our skilled herders play a crucial role in managing livestock movements and ensuring they graze in a way that benefits the land. They are trained to work with natural patterns, moving the herds strategically to mimic the behavior of wild ruminants, calling on their deep intrinsic knowledge of the land and it’s habitats which we need to keep regenerating for the wildlife and for the ecosystem processes to do their magic.
Working Dogs:
A pack of trained dogs serves as an early warning system, alerting herders to the presence of predators. This allows us to take proactive measures to protect the livestock without harming the predators. Once a contact is underway, the dogs are securely penned away to keep them as safe as we can in the conflict phases.
Game Scouts:
Our network of game scouts monitors wildlife movements and supports herders in preventing conflicts. They play a vital role in maintaining the balance between livestock and wildlife.
Mobile Power Plant:
In partnership with the German Embassy, we are constructing a mobile, trailer-mounted solar plant. This innovative project will provide power to our kraal sites, enabling us to enhance security and communication systems. The mobile power plant will also allow us to experiment with low-cost electric fencing to deter predators, reducing the risk of livestock attacks and further supporting our human-wildlife conflict mitigation efforts which will be invaluable in our wider community work, giving the best information to local community members who likewise run their cattle in a holistic manner, mitigating their exposure to the devastation that the conflict with wildlife can present. There is a powerful clip taken from an upcoming documentary by Sanjay Soekhoe, ‘Beyond the Fence’ which illustrates the heartache that can be presented by poor Human Wildlife Conflict Strategies ….
Wildlife Management Techniques
At ACHM, we utilize a variety of wildlife management techniques to maintain a balanced ecosystem where livestock and wildlife can coexist harmoniously. Our approach involves careful monitoring and innovative strategies to ensure both cattle and wildlife thrive.
Holistic Planned Grazing:
By using Holistic Planned Grazing, we mimic the natural movement of wild herbivores in our cattle herd, which helps maintain the health of the grasslands and provides sufficient cover and food for wildlife. This technique reduces soil erosion, enhances water infiltration, and promotes biodiversity.
Water Management:
Strategic placement of water points, as discussed in our previous newsletter, Dive Deep into Water: Unveiling ACHM's Innovative Water Management Strategies, is crucial for both livestock and wildlife. These water points are designed to minimize conflict and provide essential resources to all species.
Success Stories and Community Impact
Our holistic approach has led to numerous success stories and significant positive impacts on the local community: Currently we are working through the final stages of a Phase 1 community engagment programme in which we are seeding local communities with knowledge and resources in Zimbabwe, Zambia and soon to be expanded into Botswana and Namibia in a phase 2 moblilisation, a journey we will be inviting you to take with us!
Grassland Restoration:
Areas that were once overgrazed and barren are now lush and thriving. This transformation has improved the habitat for our wildlife and increased the productivity of our cattle operations.
Community Empowerment:
Through our training programs, local farmers have gained valuable skills in sustainable land management. These skills have enabled them to improve their livelihoods and contribute to the health of the environment.
Human-Wildlife Conflict Mitigation:
The implementation of predator-friendly kraals, the use of working dogs, and the support of game scouts have drastically reduced livestock losses due to predator attacks. This success has fostered a more positive relationship between local communities and wildlife.
Looking Ahead
In our next newsletter, we will explore the topic of economic resilience and sustainable livelihoods. Stay tuned to learn more about how ACHM is fostering economic growth and sustainability in the region.
Support Our Mission
Your contributions help us continue to innovate and apply holistic solutions to environmental challenges. By supporting ACHM, you're investing in a future where humans and wildlife can coexist harmoniously, and where sustainable practices benefit both the environment and local communities.
Thank you for being part of our journey to regenerate and protect our natural resources.
Warm regards,
Lao Watson-Smith
General Manager
Africa Centre for Holistic Management (ACHM)
Lao- I'm liking learning about the different roles that are involved in this effort. Thanks for sharing. Hope you're well this week. Cheers, -Thalia
Beautiful, Lao!!