Abstract

Most of Botswana is a semi-arid Kalahari sandveld, fragile ecosystems marginal for rain-fed agriculture and highly vulnerable to mismanagement. Traditional management based on local customs and kowledge has been weakened in many areas. Land degradation is increasing around many villages. At the same time, products of the sandveld have important nutritional, social, and economic roles, especially for the poor and in times of drought. In this project, researchers will work with local communities to build on existing knowledge to develop and strengthen management practices that are environmentally sound, sustainable, and improve food security. The project will emphasize South-South collaboration. Environment and Development Activities (ENDA) - Zimbabwe pioneered the concept of village-based researchers, community members trained in participatory research appraisal (PRA) methodologies living and working with communities. ENDA will assist Veld Products Research in implementing this unique concept in two rural Botswana communities.

Post-Project Summary

The project was carried out in three communities containing two ethnic groups and having overlapping harvest areas. Participatory research appraisals were carried out in March and again in August 1996. Women participants showed more knowledge of and interest in veld products. They emphasized that the seasonal availability of veld products was highly unpredictable due to rain and other factors, while limited access to markets and low prices were of concern. They also noted that veld product resources had declined in recent years. Veld product interest groups were established in each community and worked with researchers to developed a tool for quantifying the harvest potential before harvesting takes place. A local nongovernmental organization (NGO) bought P10 000-worth of grapple root (Harpagophytum procumbens) from the three groups, and Veld Products Research & Development (VPR) began test marketing the Kalahari Desert truffle (Terfezia pfeilii) using a revolving fund. The potential for conflict over resources did not arise, possibly because the commercialization of veld products was not sufficiently developed during the life of the project. The most important research results generated by the project concerned indigenous fruit trees. Superior phenotypes of six species of indigenous fruit trees were identified in the wild as the result of a competition among school children to identify the tree that produced the biggest and sweetest fruit in their area. Some trees were found that produce fruit up to four times the average size, as well as heavy-bearing trees. For example, the competition resulted in the identification of several superior phenotypes of Strychnos cocculoides trees that produce over 800 fruit per season for a value of P1 200 (US $320) per year. Efforts were made to improve germination and propagation techniques, and planting trials were carried out in different ecosystems. Preliminary results indicated that two species - Vangueria infausta and Azanza garckeana - fruit at 18 months after planting. The project's senior horticultural research officer wrote a PhD thesis on the effect of mycorrhizae on certain fruit trees. Visitors from other countries in Eastern and Southern Africa came to VPR to learn techniques used in indigenous fruit tree domestication.

Recipient Institution(s)