It’s a day of celebration as members from Peace Parks Foundation and IKI, otherwise known as the International Climate Initiative, who operate under the leadership of the German Government, are visiting communities in the Simalaha Community Conservancy to learn more about the Herding 4 Health programme. But before they chat business and visit the cattle, the group is warmly welcomed by members of the local Magumwi Community with traditional song and dance.
Clouds of dust rise over the group of onlookers, transfixed by the dancers moving rhythmically to the beat of bells, whistles and beautiful singing. After their incredible performance, the team heads off to see some of the Herding 4 Health practices in person.
Their first stop is the predator-proof bomas, or kraals, used to keep the farmer’s cattle safe at night. Peace Parks’ Community Development Manager in Simalaha, Kabika Kumoyo, takes us along to get a close-up glimpse of the structures. As cattle are often used as a form of currency throughout Africa, their value is extremely high. Keeping them safe from lion and hyena helps reduce any human-wildlife conflict.
With the ability to house 600 cattle, these temporary pieces of infrastructure are placed in carefully chosen areas that have already been degraded through bad land-use practices. Their nutrient-rich dung and urine help fertilise the land, and their sharp hooves break the surface, allowing these nutrients and rainwater to penetrate deeper into the soil. This approach replicates what is found in the wild, whereby large herds of ungulates, such as wildebeest, move through an area, having the same impact on the landscape.
The Herding 4 Health programme has already been successfully rolled out in South Africa, Botswana and Mozambique and aims to support community development whilst achieving conservation outcomes. The programme is a result of dedicated efforts by Peace Parks Foundation in partnership with Conservation International, implementing organisations and individuals, as well as the vital contribution of governments and communities and continues to make a significant impact within southern Africa.
Peace Parks Foundation is incredibly thankful for the dedicated support from the Swedish Postcode Lottery that has made all of this possible.
