Climate-Smart Livestock Farming: Thriving in a Changing Southern Africa

As climate change continues to reshape the agricultural landscape across Southern Africa, smallholder farmers are facing the brunt of the challenges: rising temperatures, prolonged droughts, and unpredictable rainfall. In a region where livestock farming has traditionally played a vital role in livelihoods and food security, the effects of these climatic shifts have put added pressure on farmers to adopt more sustainable and resilient practices.

This article delves into climate-smart livestock farming—a strategy designed to help farmers cope with climate change while maintaining productivity and sustainability. We will cover key practices such as rotational grazing, water conservation, and breeding for drought-resistant livestock, highlighting successful projects and offering practical advice for young farmers. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to improve your current operations, these insights will help you build a more climate-resilient farm.

Key Climate-Smart Practices

To make livestock farming sustainable in the face of a changing climate, farmers in Southern Africa are turning to several key practices. These climate-smart methods help not only protect the environment but also boost productivity and profitability over the long term.

1. Rotational Grazing: Better Land, Healthier Livestock

Rotational grazing is one of the most effective ways to manage your pasture and keep your livestock healthy. Instead of letting animals graze on the same land continuously, rotational grazing involves dividing the land into paddocks and rotating animals between them. This allows overgrazed land to recover, leading to better-quality pasture, improved soil health, and more sustainable forage.

Isaac Mapfumo, a smallholder farmer from Zimbabwe, has been using rotational grazing on his 30-hectare farm for the past five years. He says the results have been remarkable:

"Before, my cattle used to graze wherever they wanted, and the land was starting to look barren. But after switching to rotational grazing, the grass has grown back stronger, and my cattle are healthier. I now get more milk from my cows because they are feeding on better-quality grass."

Rotational grazing also helps mitigate the effects of drought by ensuring that land is not overworked, which allows it to retain moisture longer. According to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), rotational grazing can increase pasture productivity by up to 50%, making it a must for farmers looking to cope with climate extremes.

2. Water Conservation: A Vital Practice in Drought-Prone Areas

Water is a critical resource in livestock farming, and with longer dry seasons and frequent droughts becoming the norm in many parts of Southern Africa, conserving water has never been more important. Simple yet effective water conservation techniques can go a long way in ensuring that livestock have adequate water supplies year-round.

One method is the use of water-efficient feeding systems, such as installing drip or gravity-fed water troughs. These systems reduce water wastage compared to traditional open water sources. Additionally, constructing water storage systems like small dams, tanks, and ponds allows farmers to capture and store rainwater during the rainy season for use during dry spells.

In Namibia, the Conservation Agriculture Project has introduced rainwater harvesting systems to smallholder farmers in semi-arid regions. Anna Kavita, a farmer from the Oshikoto region, explains how this has helped her farm:

"We now collect rainwater during the wet season and store it in tanks. It’s made a big difference for us because we can keep our goats hydrated even when there’s no rain for months."

Efficient water use also extends to better pasture management. By maintaining healthy, well-rotated pastures, farmers can improve soil water retention, reducing the need for supplemental irrigation and providing reliable forage even in dry periods.

3. Breeding for Drought-Resistant Livestock

Choosing the right breed of livestock is another key aspect of climate-smart farming. Drought-resistant breeds can thrive on limited water and low-quality forage, making them ideal for farmers in arid and semi-arid regions. In Southern Africa, several breeds have proven to be more resilient to climate extremes.

Nguni cattle, native to Southern Africa, are known for their ability to survive in harsh, dry conditions. They require less water than many other breeds and can feed on sparse vegetation without losing condition. Boran cattle, originally from Kenya, have also gained popularity in the region for their heat tolerance and efficient feed conversion, making them ideal for beef production in challenging climates.

Professor Lucas Ndlovu, an agricultural expert at the University of Pretoria, emphasizes the importance of selecting climate-adapted breeds:

"Choosing the right livestock breeds for your environment is one of the most important decisions a farmer can make. Breeds like Nguni and Boran are well-suited to Southern Africa’s tough conditions, and they are naturally resistant to many diseases, reducing the need for costly veterinary interventions."

Farmers can also look into crossbreeding programs that combine the hardiness of indigenous breeds with the productivity traits of commercial breeds. This approach allows farmers to raise livestock that are both resilient and productive.

Success Stories: Climate-Smart Farming in Action

Across Southern Africa, farmers are already seeing the benefits of climate-smart livestock farming practices. Here are a few examples of successful projects that offer inspiration for others looking to adopt sustainable methods.

1. The Matopos Research Institute in Zimbabwe

Located in southern Zimbabwe, the Matopos Research Institute has been running a program that focuses on improving the productivity of indigenous cattle breeds while promoting climate-smart grazing systems. By working with local farmers, the institute has helped introduce rotational grazing and drought-tolerant crops for livestock feed. The result has been increased milk production, healthier cattle, and improved pasture resilience.

2. The Livestock Climate Resilience Project in Namibia

In Namibia, the Livestock Climate Resilience Project has been working to support farmers in drought-prone areas by introducing drought-resistant breeds and water conservation techniques. Smallholder farmers in the Kunene region have reported reduced livestock mortality and increased profitability since adopting these practices. The project has also provided training in rotational grazing and rainwater harvesting, ensuring that farmers are better prepared for future droughts.

3. The Boabab Smallholder Cooperative in South Africa

The Boabab Smallholder Cooperative, based in Limpopo, South Africa, is a collective of young farmers who have embraced climate-smart farming practices to improve their goat farming operations. By using water-efficient feeding systems, rotational grazing, and crossbreeding Boer goats with drought-resistant Kalahari Red goats, the cooperative has seen a significant increase in herd size and meat quality. They now supply high-quality meat to local markets, and their model has inspired neighboring farms to adopt similar practices.

Tips for Young Farmers: Start Small, Grow Sustainably

If you’re a young farmer looking to enter livestock farming, you may feel overwhelmed by the challenges of climate change. But starting small and adopting climate-smart practices from the beginning can set you on the path to success.

1. Choose Hardy Breeds

Start with livestock that are naturally suited to your local environment. Breeds like Nguni cattle or Boer goats are great for smallholder farmers because they require less maintenance and can thrive in dry conditions. Starting with hardy animals means you’ll spend less on feed and veterinary care.

2. Use Technology

Technology can help you manage your farm more effectively, even if you’re just starting out. Many digital tools allow you to track animal health, monitor grazing patterns, and even predict weather conditions. Digital platforms like KraalSense offer valuable insights for young farmers, helping you make data-driven decisions that optimize your operation.

3. Plan for Water Conservation

Water shortages are a reality in Southern Africa, so plan ahead by installing simple rainwater harvesting systems or storing water in tanks. Ensure your pastures are well-maintained to retain moisture, and use water-efficient feeding systems for your livestock.

4. Focus on Reproduction

One of the best ways to grow your herd sustainably is through reproduction. Make sure your animals are well-fed, healthy, and have the right conditions for breeding. Crossbreeding drought-resistant animals with commercially productive breeds can increase your herd’s resilience while improving growth rates and meat quality.

A Call to Action: The Future of Farming in Southern Africa

Climate change is here, and it’s not going away. But by adopting climate-smart livestock farming practices, Southern African farmers can turn these challenges into opportunities. From rotational grazing and water conservation to choosing drought-resistant breeds, these practices help protect your land, improve productivity, and ensure that your farm is sustainable for future generations.

Now is the time to act. Whether you’re an experienced farmer or just starting out, adopting climate-smart techniques will not only safeguard your farm but also contribute to the larger goal of food security in Southern Africa. Take the first step today by assessing your current practices and finding ways to make them more resilient to climate change. The future of farming depends on it.

Thanks for reading ❤