Adding economic and ecological value to communal pastoralism: lessons from implementing a Herding for Health model in the Okavango Delta, Botswana

Abstract

The Herding for Health (H4H) model integrates ecosystem restoration with improved livestock management to address rangeland degradation, livestock losses, and market constraints in pastoral communities. This four-year case study evaluates the implementation of H4H in Eretsha, Botswana, where annual cattle losses exceeded 30%, primarily due to predation, disease, straying and unknown causes. Compared to free-roaming (FR) systems, H4H significantly reduced overall herd losses to 11% vs 32% in FR, primarily mitigating predation (1.6% vs 8.1%), disease (2.7% vs 7.9%), and other husbandry-related losses. Despite FR producing more calves (214 vs 161 in H4H), H4H retained a slightly larger net herd size (739 vs 727) and generated substantially higher revenue (US$30 780 vs US$4 574.64). Rangeland assessments showed increased herbaceous biomass and ecological value in planned grazing areas (F(2,21) = 20.4, p < 0.001). Biomass peaked in abandoned corrals, but veld condition was highest in grazed plots due to palatable perennials. While H4H offers clear ecological and economic advantages, limitations such as reduced nighttime grazing and drought-related stress indicate the need for adaptive management. This research highlights that structured grazing management, under favourable conditions, enhances rangeland restoration and livestock productivity, with a progressive market serving as a key driver for improved pastoral practices.