Abstract

In 1973, the Special Rural Development Program (SRDP) was launched in four areas of Swaziland and was designed to increase production through inputs of improved seed varieties, animal stock, fertilizer, and agricultural extension. The Tribal Grazing Land Policy (TGLP) in Botswana was initiated in 1975 to allocate and regulate the tribal land where cattle graze. This project will attempt to evaluate the SRDP and the TGLP as rural development efforts and measure the effects and impacts of both schemes and examine the causes of difficulties met or progress attained.

Post-Project Summary

While both Botswana and Swaziland were to participate in this project, the Swaziland component was not initiated due to administrative circumstances. Research for the Tribal Grazing Land Policy (TGLP) in Botswana related to the serious problems associated with overgrazing and range degradation. As such, efforts were directed to the development of policy recommendations for more efficient range land management. Most of the research concentrated on a survey to collect data for local and national planning of arable lands development. Through a questionnaire, a total of 1650 rural households in nine representative areas were surveyed. Data was collected on household characteristics; implements and inputs; farming practices; draft power; extension services; labour demands; and land ownership. Other data pertained to production constraints; available water; and crop yields. Based on findings, researchers made suggestions that would be relevant to policymakers for future agricultural policies. A workshop to discuss results was held in Molepolole from 11-12 February 1980.

Recipient Institution(s)