It appears you don't have support to open PDFs in this web browser. To view this file, Open with your PDF reader
Abstract
Rangeland productivity in semi-arid areas is adversely affected by increased variability in precipitation and frequency of droughts, coupled by increased livestock numbers. Knowledge on key rangeland resources that have capacity to increase resilience of livestock based rural livelihoods is critical for ensuring their sustainability. In this study, we identified key browse species used by livestock during the dry season, and determined their multiple uses in a semi-arid rangeland of Zimbabwe. Random sampling was used to select 138 respondents for participating in individual qualitative questionnaires, and seven key informants for a focus group discussion. The Cultural Significance Index was calculated to determine the importance of the key browse species identified. An index to determine risk associated with competitive use of key browse species based on individual species uses and relative abundance as an indicator for species sustainability was also introduced. Twenty-eight key species used as browse by livestock and wildlife, and for ethnoveterinary and human medicines were identified. Species that were common to all uses constituted 25% (n = 7) of the total. No species (n = 0) had a single purpose only or, were used for both medicines and firewood/timber. Therefore, screening key browse species facilitates their sustainability.
You have requested "on-the-fly" machine translation of selected content from our databases. This functionality is provided solely for your convenience and is in no way intended to replace human translation. Show full disclaimer
Neither ProQuest nor its licensors make any representations or warranties with respect to the translations. The translations are automatically generated "AS IS" and "AS AVAILABLE" and are not retained in our systems. PROQUEST AND ITS LICENSORS SPECIFICALLY DISCLAIM ANY AND ALL EXPRESS OR IMPLIED WARRANTIES, INCLUDING WITHOUT LIMITATION, ANY WARRANTIES FOR AVAILABILITY, ACCURACY, TIMELINESS, COMPLETENESS, NON-INFRINGMENT, MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE. Your use of the translations is subject to all use restrictions contained in your Electronic Products License Agreement and by using the translation functionality you agree to forgo any and all claims against ProQuest or its licensors for your use of the translation functionality and any output derived there from. Hide full disclaimer
Details
1 Department of Geography and Environmental Science, University of Zimbabwe, P. O Box MP 167 Mount Pleasant, Harare, Zimbabwe; Department of Research and Specialist Services, Division of Livestock Research, Grasslands Research Institute, P. Bag 3701, Marondera, Zimbabwe
2 Department of Geography and Environmental Science, University of Zimbabwe, P. O Box MP 167 Mount Pleasant, Harare, Zimbabwe
3 School of Agricultural Sciences and Technology, Department of Animal Production and Technology, Chinhoyi University of Technology, Pvt. Bag 7724, Chinhoyi, Zimbabwe