STAFF
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Professor Witness Mojeremane
Head of Department
Faculty of Natural Resources (Department of Range and Forest Resources (RFR))
Name: Witness Mojeremane
Designation: Professor
Head: Department of Range and Forest Resources
Faculty Name: Natural Resources
Address: Private Bag 0027 Gaborone
Telephone: +267 3650130
Mobile: +267 76320640
Email address: wmojerem@buan.ac.bw;wmojeremane@yahoo.cocom
Biography
- PhD in Ecology and Resources Management, The University of Edinburgh, 2009.
- PhD topic: Effects of site preparation for afforestation on soil properties and greenhouse gas emission.
- MSc in Tropical Environmental Forestry, University of Wales, Bangor, 2002.
- BSc (Honours) in Forestry, University of Wales, Bangor, 1999.
- Diploma in Human Resources Management, Botswana College of Distance and Open Learning (2013).
- Diploma in Forestry, Lesotho Agricultural College, Maseru, Lesotho, 1989.
Forest and Range Policy and Administration
Forest Fire and Other Damaging Factors
Integrated Natural Resources Management.
Current Research Projects
- SASSCAL II SUSTAIN Subproject I: Sustainable Food Security and Woodland Utilization for Drought-Prone Communal Areas under Climate Change in SADC Countries (SUSTAIN). Subproject D: Assisted legume tree regeneration for sustainable forests and woodlands
- National survey of diversity, importance, host-specificity, and negative impacts of mistletoes in Botswana; and
- Livelihood diversifying potential of camel-based food security and climate-smart sustainable development in Botswana.
ResearchGate Link: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Witness-Mojeremane
Google Schoolar Citation Profile link: https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=CnE8YNEAAAAJ&hl=en&oi=ao
Semantic Schoolar Link: https://www.semanticscholar.org/author/W.-Mojeremane/87131367
Scopus Profile
Link: https://www.scopus.com/authid/detail.uri?authorId=26534787700
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Professor Demel Teketay Fanta
Professor
Faculty of Natural Resources (Department of Range and Forest Resources (RFR))
Professor of Forest Sciences
Dean, Faculty of Natural Resources
Botswana University of Agriculture and Natural Resources (BUAN)
Faculty of Natural Resources
Department of Range and Forest Resources (RFR)
Private Bag 0027, Gaborone, Botswana
Tel.: +267-3650140 (office) and +267-75220185 (mobile)
Fax: +267-3928753; E-mail: dteketay@buan.ac.bw, dteketay@yahoo.com
Skype: dteketay
Website: www.buan.ac.bw
Academic Qualifications
- PhD in Forest Vegetation Ecology (1996), Sweden.
- MSc in Plant Taxonomy (1986), United Kingdom
- BSc in Agriculture (Plant Sciences) (1982), Ethiopia.
- Ecology of Forests and Rangelands
- Forest and Range Botany/Dendrology
- Agroforestry
- Forest Seed Technology
- Forest Management and Certification
- General Ecology
Primary Research Areas
- Diversity, stand structure and regeneration ecology of woody species in forests.
Potential Research topics
- Sustainable/responsible forest management.
- Climate change and forest resources.
- Diversity, structure and dynamics of vegetation in the different forest types (diversity of forest species: trees, shrubs, herbs, epiphytes, parasites, etc., flowering and fruiting phenology, dispersal mechanisms and dispersal agents of forest species, seed rain and soil seed banks in the different forest species, seed predation, germination ecology of different plant species, longevity/viability of seeds both under natural and artificial storage conditions and seedling establishment, survival, growth and seedling banks of different trees).
- Role of fire in the regeneration of plants species
- Protection, conservation and restoration of forests and biodiversity.
- Invasive (Alien) Species
- Edible wild and medicinal plants.
- Ethno-botany and ethno-ecology.
Current projects
- Pathways of restoration of the degraded Kazuma Forest Reserve in northern Botswana - 2018 to 2021 (P872,396.00) – Originator and Principal Investigator (completed in 2021).
- Livelihood diversifying potential of camel based food security and climate-smart sustainable development in Botswana (P626572.00) – Co-Originator and Co-Investigator.
- National Survey of Diversity, Importance, Host-Specificity and Negative Impacts of Mistletoes in Botswana – Originator and Co-Investigator
Google Citation Profile: http://scholar.google.com/citations?hl=en&user=itoxUrgAAAAJ
ResearchGate Profile: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Demel_Teketay
Publons Profile: https://publons.com/researcher/4272194/demel-teketay/
Scopus Profile: https://www.scopus.com/authid/detail.uri?authorId=7003930219
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Professor Ayana Angassa Abdeta
Professor
Faculty of Natural Resources (Department of Range and Forest Resources (RFR))
Professor A. A. Abdeta holds a Ph.D. in Range Ecology and Management from the Norwegian University of Life Sciences in 2007,
MSc in Animal Production and Range Ecology from the Alemaya University of Agriculture in 1999,
BSc in Animal Sciences from the same University in 1990, Ethiopia.
He was a Postdoctoral Research Fellow of the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation at the University of Cologne (2011 - 2013), Fellow of the Food Security Center of the University of Hohenheim (January - May 2010), and Assistant Scientist at the Centre for Ecological and Evolutionary Synthesis, University of Oslo (Nov 2007 - February 2008).
He is a Fellow of the Ethiopian Academy of Sciences. Professor A. A. Abdeta has published over 58 peer-reviewed journal articles, two book chapters, and many conference proceedings.
He has: (i) Google Scholar citation of 2228, h-index of 25; (ii) Scopus citation of 1150, h-index of 19 and (iii) ResearchGate Score (RGS) of 26.94, citations of 1,609, h-index of 22, and 28,107 reads of his publications; it is also stated that Professor A. A. Abdeta’s RGS is higher than 85% of all scores of ResearchGate members (accessed on 12/07/2022).
He has supervised and co-supervised more than 29 MSc and Ph.D. students and many undergraduate students.
He is also a recipient of the 2019 Dean’s Award of FNR in BUAN for his outstanding achievement in delivering the mandates of RFR and FNR in teaching, publications, and University services.
Range Ecology (undergraduate)
Range Plant Ecophysiology (undergraduate)
Range Grasses, Forbs and Woody Plants (undergraduate)
Range Resource Management (undergraduate)
Rangeland Management (undergraduate)
Camel Production (undergraduate)
Feeds and Feeding (undergraduate)
Forage and Pasture Crops Production and Management (undergraduate)
Pastoral and Socio-economic Transformation (graduate)
Climate Change and Pastoral Systems (graduate)
Range and Pasture Management (graduate)
Rangeland Management and fire Ecology (graduate)
Dryland Resource Management (graduate)
Livestock and Pastoral Development (graduate), and Integration of Indigenous Knowledge Systems
- Leader and principal investigator in the ILRI/ICARDA funded Project, Nairobi on “Impacts of rangeland management practices and land-use dynamics on carbon sequestration potentials in East African rangelands” Hawassa University, Hawassa, Ethiopia. Total grant USD 20,000.00.
- Leader and principal investigator in the IFS-funded project on the History of land use, impacts of long-term grazing, climate change on the pastoral ecosystem, and conservation of biodiversity (2010-2013). Hawassa University, Hawassa, Ethiopia. Total grant US$ 12,000.00.
- Co-leader and principal investigator from Hawassa University side in the BMZ funded ILRI Project, Nairobi on “Livelihood diversifying potential of livestock based carbon sequestration options in pastoral and agro-pastoral systems in Africa” Hawassa University, Hawassa, Ethiopia. Total grant Euro.1, 200,000.00.
- Initiator and principal investigator in a project entitled “Bush encroachment as a process of landscape change: Ecological and management assessment in southern Ethiopia funded by the Norwegian Government for my Ph.D. thesis.
- Initiator and team leader of Seed regeneration of invasive species: germination ecophysiology and woody vegetation encroachment processes in Borana, Southern Ethiopia (Jan 2015-July 2016).
Co-leader and principal investigator Livelihood diversifying potential of camel-based food security and climate-smart sustainable development in Botswana-Project Code: Camel Project (RPC 49). Funds Acquired from BUAN.
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Professor Ronnie Mmolotsi
Associate Professor
Faculty of Natural Resources (Department of Range and Forest Resources (RFR))
PhD topic: Potential use of Alnus rubra Bong. in silvopastoral systems
PhD in Agroforestry, University of Bangor (2004), Wales.
MSc in Forest Sciences, Edinburgh University, (1999). Scotland
BSc in Forest Management, Colorado State University of (1995), USA.
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Professor Joyce P. Lepetu
Associate Professor
Faculty of Natural Resources (Department of Range and Forest Resources (RFR))
Bsc (Hons) Forest Science, University College of North Wales, Bangor, UK
MSc Forest Science, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
PhD Forest Science, University of Florida, Gainesville, USA
Dr Joyce Lepetu has training in Forest Sciences and natural resources management. As a University lecturer, she has extensive experience in environmental and natural resources research. Her research focus is in forest socio-economic and stakeholder analysis, Protected Area Management and Community Based Natural Resources Management and Agroforestry. Her Teaching is presently focused in the following areas; Agroforestry, Natural Resources Management (CBNRM and Ecotourism) and Community Forestry.
CSD321- Community Forestry
CSP301- Agroforestry
CSP603- Cropping Systems
Development of book chapter on “Role of Forest Resources in Local community Livelihoods: Implications for conservation of Chobe Forest Reserve, Botswana” Abstract accepted for publication in: Lepetu J & PROPOSED BOOK TITLE: Natural Resources, Tourism and Community Livelihoods in Southern Africa: Challenges for sustainable development Editors: Moren T. Stone, Monkgogi Lenao, Naomi Moswete Publisher: Taylor and Francis (Environment and Sustainability).
She is experienced in grant writing proposal for NRM research as an awardee/fellow of the following; The Rufford Small Grant, The Compton Foundation and W.K.Kellogg Foundation Leadership Regional Network fellow, Southern Africa Science Service Center for Adaptive Land use Task 311(SASSCAL) and Building a Large Evergreen Network for Southern Africa (BLEANSA) supported by World Agroforestry Center (ICRAF). Have presently just completed the preparation of the Botswana National Forest Programme (NFP) in partnership with United Nationals Forest Programme (UNFF), (2019).
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Dr. Melusi Rampart
Senior Lecturer
Faculty of Natural Resources (Department of Range and Forest Resources (RFR))
- PhD in Forestry (eco-physiology of seeds) at University of Wales, Bangor, UK.
- MSc in Environmental Forestry at University of Wales, Bangor, UK. .
- Bachelor of Science in Forestry Management at Oregon State University, USA.
1. Beekeeping
2. Mensuration
3. Nursery Practices
4. Tree Establishment and Tending operations (Silviculture)
5. Plant water relations
6. Agroforestry
7. General Ecology
Primary Research Areas
Plant eco-physiology, stand structure and regeneration ecology of woody species in forests.
Research Areas of interest
- Climate change mitigation and adaptation
- Beekeeping and pollination
- Monitoring and sustainable use of natural environments.
- Plant ecology, habitat fragmentation and invasive species
- Ecosystem and ecological manipulation to suit available environments.
- Pathways of restoration of the degraded Kazuma Forest Reserve in northern Botswana - 2018 to 2021 (P872, 396.00)
- Chobe and Kasane forest Reserve Management Plan - 2019 to 2020
Mojeremane, W., Mathowa, T., Teketay, D., Stimela, T., Kopong, I and Rampart, M. (2017).
Mmolotsi, R.M., Obopile, M., Kwerepe, B.C., Sebolai, B., Rampart, M.P., Segwagwe, A.T., Ramolemana, G., Maphane, T.M., Lekorwe, L., Kopong, I., Kelatlhilwe, M. and Tiroesele, B. (2012).
Mmolotsi, R., Lumbile, A., Kwerepe, B.C., Kopong, I., Rampart, M. (2011).
Legwaila, G.M., Mojeremane, W., Madisa, M.E., Mmolotsi, R.M., and Rampart, M (2011).
Rampart, M., Cahalan, C., Mmolotsi, R., and Kopong, I. (2009).
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Dr. Koketso Tshireletso
Senior Lecturer
Faculty of Natural Resources (Department of Range and Forest Resources (RFR))
Book chapters
Mashungwa, G. and Mmolotsi, R. (2007). Trichilia emetica. In: van der Vossen, H. A. M. and Mkamilo, G. S. (eds). Plant Resources of Tropical Africa 14. Vegetable Oils. Prota foundation, Wageningen, Netherlands, Backhuys Publishers, Leiden, Netherlands/ CTA, Wageningen, Netherlands, pp172-175. ISBN 90-5782-191-2.
Van der Vossen, H. A. M, Mashungwa, G. and Mmolotsi, R. (2007). Olea europeae. In: van der Vossen, H. A. M. and Mkamilo, G. S. (eds). Plant Resources of Tropical Africa 14. Vegetable Oils. Prota foundation, Wageningen, Netherlands, Backhuys Publishers, Leiden, Netherlands/ CTA, Wageningen, Netherlands, pp121-126. ISBN 90-5782-191-2.
Articles in Refereed Journals
Mojeremane, W., Makobota, K., Teketay, D., Rampart, M., Mmolotsi, R., kopong, I., Monekwe, D., Makoi, T., Lepetu, J., Neo-Mahupeleng, G. and Obusitswe, K. (2020). Germination studies on seeds of Burkea africana and Erythropheleum africanum from Kazuma Forest reserve, Northern Botswana. Africam Journal of Biotechnology, 19(9), 675 – 683.
R. Mmolotsi and K. Kejekgabo, (2013). Physical properties of wood in lessor known tree species in Botswana. Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, 2(2), 105 -109.
R. Mmolotsi, I. Kopong and M. Rampart (2012). Bark thickness and diameter variation in Spirostachys africana, a multipurpose tree commonly used in households in in southern Botswana. 1: 539 doi: 10.4172/scientificreports.539
M. Race, O. Karabo, M. Obopile, B. Tiroesele, R. Mmolotsi, M. Rampart and A. B. N. Tshegofatso (2012). Effects of Moringa oleifera root and leaf powder on reproductive capacity and damage caused by stored cowpea seed by Callosobbruchus maculatus (F). Journal of Agricultural Technology, 8(7), 2319 – 2329.
Tshiamiso, L., M. Obopile*, R.M. Mmolotsi and M. Rampart, (2012). Variation in ground dwelling insect assemblages on five habitats at Sebele content farm in Gaborone, Botswana. 36(3), 0 - 0
R. M. Mmolotsi, M. Obopile1, B. C. Kwerepe1, B. Sebolai2, M. Rampart1, A. T. Segwagwe, G. Ramolemana3, T. M. Maphane1, L. lekorwe1, I. Kopong1, M. Kelatlhilwe1 and B. Tiroesele (2012). Studies on Mukwa (Pterocarpus angolensis, D. C.) dieback in Chobe forest reserves in Botswana. Journal of Plant Studies, 1(2), 154 - 157
O. Oagile, R. Mmolotsi, A. Segwagwe, and T. Babili (2012). African yam bean (Sphenostylis stenocarpa) nodulates promiscuously with Rhizobium indigenous to soils of Botswana. Journal of Plant Studies, 1(2), 109 – 113.
O. Oagile, R. Mmolotsi, Mothei, MN and Motshwari, O. (2011). Germination and emergence of seeds of Mimusops zheri. International Journal of Tropical Agricultre, 29, (3-4), 189 192.
G. M. Legwaila, Mojeremane, W., Mmolotsi, R. and Madisa, M. E. (2011). Potential of indigenous food crops on poverty alleviation. Journal of Agriculture and Forestry, 3(6) 171 – 177.
R. Mmolotsi, A. Lumbile, B. C. Kwerepe, I. Kopong, M. Rampart, A. Segwagwe, B. Sebolai, L. Lekorwe, and T. Maphane (2011). Effect of phloem sap deposition on properties of sapwood in Pterocarpus angolensis (Mukwa) following bark stripping by elephants. Botswana Journal of Agriculture and Applied Sciences, 7(1), 107 - 111
M. Rampart, C. Cahalan, R. Mmolotsi and I. Kopong (2009). Effects of fire and elephants on diameter and height growth of Pterocarpus angolensis (Mukwa) seedlings/saplings in the Chobe Forest Reserves (Botswana). Botswana Journal of Agriculture and Applied Sciences, 5, 65 – 72.
R. Mmolotsi and Z. Teklehaimanot (2008). Organic matter contribution to soil fertility improvement and maintenance in red alder (Alnus rubra) silvopastoral systems. Journal of Forestry Research, 19 (1). 49 – 52.
Z. Teklehaimanot and R. Mmolotsi (2007). Contribution of red alder to soil nitrogen input in a silvopastoral system. Biology and Fertility of Soils, 43, 843 - 848.
R. Mmolotsi and Z. Teklehaimanot (2006). The Effect of initial tree planting density on timber and wood fuel properties of red alder (Alnus rubra, Bong) and sycamore (Acer pseudoplatanus). Canadian Journal of Forest Research, 36, 1475 – 1483.
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Dr. Lawrence Akanyang
Lecturer
Faculty of Natural Resources (Department of Range and Forest Resources (RFR))
PhD topic: Pastoralists, Free-Ranging Livestock and Wildlife Interactions: Adaptation to Land Use Change and Grazing Resources Variability in Kalahari North, Botswana
Degrees
- PhD in Range Ecology/GIS (2019), United Kingdom.
- MSc in Environmental Science (2007), University of Botswana
- BSc in Forestry management (1998), Colorado, USA.
Professional Societies
- Tsholofelo/UB Boxing club
Short Courses on GIS
- Advanced GIS (ARCGIS) for Environmental Planning, Monitoring and Management (16th June – 4th July 2008 at UB)
- Geographic Information System (GIS), University of Botswana (UB). 1 month (June 2004).
- Geographic Information System (GIS). University of Botswana (UB), one month (June 2003).
Teaching interests
- Range Plant Taxonomy
- Range Analysis
- Range Survey and Monitoring
- Game Farming and Ranching
- Wildlife ecology and management
- Range Animal Management
Primary Research Areas
Pastoralists, Livestock and Wildlife Interactions: Adaptation to Land Use Change and Grazing Resources Variability
- Spatial distribution of Kalahari small to medium sized wild herbivores in relation to free-ranging livestock grazing gradient and land use, Botswana
- Spatial distribution of Kalahari carnivores in relation to free-ranging livestock grazing gradient and land use, Botswana
- Forage availability in relation to land use and free-ranging livestock grazing gradient in the Kalahari rangelands, Botswana
- Pastoralists, free-ranging livestock, wildlife interactions and the possibility of co-existence in communal grazing areas in Kalahari rangelands, Botswana
Consultancy
- Socio-Economic Study for Nxaraga Farm (Feasibility Study for a Dairy Project), under BCA Consult, Client – Local Enterprise Authority (LEA) – 5 months.
- Feasibility Study for Dairy Project in Leupane Farm (Phalapye), under BCA Consult, Client – LEA – 4 months.
- Detailed Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Study for the Proposed Lodge in Nata (Owner – Mr. Mokoka) – 6 moths.
- Development of Environmental Management Plan for Kasane and Chobe forest Reserves (2019).
- Tshireletso, K. and Akanyang, L., (2011). Use of global positioning system and geographic information systems technology in animal and range resources management. Uniswa Journal of Agriculture 15 (1) 99 – 103.
- Omphile, U.J., Aganga, A. A., Akanyang, L. and Ramotlopi, P. (2010). An evaluation of the foraging strategies of goats in kweneng Districts, Botswana. Botswana Journal of Agriculture and Applied Sciences 6: 115 – 122.
- Perkins, J., Reed, M., Akanyang, L., Atlhopheng, J., Chanda, R., Magole, L., ... & Kirkby, M. (2013). Making land management more sustainable: experience implementing a new methodological framework in Botswana. Land Degradation & Development, 24(5), 463-477.
Abstract
It is increasingly recognised that tackling land degradation through more sustainable land management depends on incorporating multiple perspectives by using a variety of methods at multiple scales, including the perspectives of those who manage and/or use the land. This paper reports experience implementing a previously proposed methodological framework that is designed to facilitate knowledge sharing between researchers and stakeholders about land degradation severity and extent, and sustainable land management options. Empirical findings are presented from the Botswana site of the EUâ€funded Desertification Mitigation and Remediation of Land project. The paper reflects upon the challenges and benefits of the proposed framework and identifies a number of benefits, notably related to insights arising from the integration of local and scientific knowledge, and the ownership of the sustainable land management strategies that emerged from the process. However, implementing the framework was not without challenges, and levels of poverty and formal education may limit the implementation of the framework in some developing world contexts. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
- Andrew J. Dougill, Lawrence Akanyang, Jeremy S. Perkins Frank D. Eckardt Lindsay C. Stringer Nicola Favretto Julius Atlhopheng Kutlwano Mulale. Land use, rangeland degradation and ecological changes in the southern Kalahari, Botswana. First published: 09 February 2016, https://doi.org/10.1111/aje.12265.
Abstract
Dualâ€scale analyses assessing farmâ€scale patterns of ecological change and landscapeâ€scale patterns of change in vegetation cover and animal distribution are presented from ecological transect studies away from water points, regional remotely sensed analysis of vegetation cover and animal numbers across the southern Kalahari, Botswana. Bush encroachment is prevalent in semiâ€arid sites where Acacia mellifera Benth. is widespread in communal areas and private ranches, showing that land tenure changes over the last 40 years have not avoided rangeland degradation. Herbaceous cover is dominated in intensively grazed areas by the annual grass Schmidtia kalahariensis Stent and in moderately grazed areas by the perennial grass Eragrostis lehmanniana Nees. Nutritious perennial grass species including Eragrostis pallens Hack. Ex Schinz remain prevalent in Wildlife Management Areas. Other ecological changes include the invasion of the exotic Prosopis glandulosa Torr. and dense stands of Rhigozum trichotomum Kuntze. in the arid southwest. Regional patterns of wildlife species show that the expansion of cattleposts and fenced ranches has led to large areas of low wildlife conservation value even in areas where cattle production is not practiced. Findings show the need for integrated landscapeâ€scale planning of land use if the ecological value and biodiversity of the southern Kalahari is to be retained.
- Akanyang L., Carver, and Benton T. G. Spatial distribution of Kalahari Common Eland, Gemsbok and Blue Wildebeest in relation to free-ranging livestock grazing gradient and land use, Botswana.
Abstract
Large herbivores distributions within pastoralism areas and surrounding protected areas are restricted by changing land use. We studied the spatial distribution of three large herbivores in relation to livestock grazing gradient during the wet and dry seasons, using spoor information, roads side counts, and vegetation surveys. Most livestock grazing distribution were mainly closer to settlements, cattle posts in Communal Grazing Areas, with very few observations in Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs). Large herbivores were sensitive to livestock grazing intensity and human-induced risk hence concentrated in WMAs. Suggesting that human-induced risk, such illegal hunting, human disturbance are most significant factors influencing large herbivores distribution.
KEYWORDS: large herbivores, spatial distribution pattern, Pastoralism, Kalahari, human-induced risk
- Mugabe, W., Akanyang, L., Nsinamwa, M., Moatswi, B., Matthews, N., Dipheko, K., ... & Shah, A. A. (2017). Fodder Tree Species Composition and Density in Grazing Gradients of Fenced and Unfenced Grazing Areas of the Gaborone North, Botswana. Sarhad Journal of Agriculture, 33(2).
Abstract
The extent to which degradation or changes in fodder tree species composition caused by grazing pressure is critical since fodder trees form the base diet for browser such as goat as well as maintenance purposes for cattle in the dry season. Thus understanding the dynamics on rangeland response to grazing could prove worthy in finding an equilibrium point for optimizing animal productivity, with limited range degradation. Therefore, the current study was aimed at determining and comparing fodder tree species composition along grazing gradient in fenced and unfenced grazing area in the Gaborone North Region. For each study area, two parallel transects measuring 1000 m radiating from the water points (borehole) were established. Sampling plots of sizes 10m x 10m were systematically placed along each transect at intervals of 50m for the first 500m and the last 500m the spacing interval was increased by 100m. The botanical composition (P<0.05) of fodder trees along grazing gradients was composed of 20 and 12 species for fenced and unfenced areas, respectively. The grazing gradient in fenced area recorded the highest mean density (P<0.05) of tree species (1928 units ha−1) as compared to the unfenced area (968.3 units/ha−1). Individual tree species exhibited random patterns of distribution along grazing gradients in both grazing gradients. The composition for fodder trees was composed mainly of low value species of which most were encroaching species which have spread and established throughout the gradients.
- Mugabe, W., Moatswi, B., Nsinamwa, M., Akanyang, L., & Dipheko, H. (2017). Dry Matter Biomass Productivity and Composition of Grasses along Grazing Gradient in Fenced and Unfenced Grazing Areas of the Gaborone North. Botswana. J Anim Res Nutr Vol, (2).
Abstract
Objective: The present study was aimed at assessing and comparing grass species composition and biomass productivity along fenced and unfenced grazing gradient.
Methods: For each study area 2 × 1000 m transects radiating from the water points (borehole) were used and sampling plots of size a total of 15 quadrants of size 1 m2 were systematically placed along each transect at intervals of 50 m for the first 500 m and the last 500 m the spacing interval was increased by 100 m. The total biomass of the selected plots was clipped, weighed; oven dried at 65ËšC for 48 h and weight again in order to express the weight by dry matter.
Results: The grazing gradient in fenced area exhibited the highest dry matter biomass (P<0.05) for the grass species at 644.7 g/m2) as compared to the unfenced area at 155.9 g/m2. High-value species (341 g/m2) significantly dominated the dry matter biomass composition in the fenced gradients while in the unfenced it was dominated by medium value species (66.8 g/m2). Despite the fluctuation of biomass from one interval to another, logarithmic trend line estimations suggested an increasing plant biomass relative to the distance from the water point in both grazing gradients. Areas of high biomass were demonstrated at 900 m in both fenced (915 g/m2) and unfenced (433 g/m2) gradients. Dry matter biomass declined in areas close to and furthest from the watering points. The high biomass of the intermediate grass species dominated by E. rigidior suggests that it was highly unutilized.
Conclusions: Our findings indicate that dry matter biomass productivity of fenced gradients was higher as compared to that of unfenced grazing area. Dry matter biomass in fenced was mainly composed of high value species especially U. trichopus Meanwhile E. rigidior mid value species contributed the largest share to the biomass in the unfenced gradient.
- Akanyang, L., Waugh, E., Batisani, N., & Mothubane, O. (2013). The geographical prevalence and potential epidemiology of heartwater in.
Abstract
Heartwater caused by Ehrlichia ruminantium is a widespread animal health problem in Botswana. Although long known to be endemic, its current distribution and possible future occurrence in new areas within the country requires updating to help guide planned control in the midst of climate change. Thus an understanding of the spatial occurrence of the disease and its environmental risk factors is essential for control and management planning. The goal of this paper was to explore the current and potential spatial occurrence of heartwater across Botswana and its associated environmental factors. To reach this goal, geographical information systems were used to map the distribution of heartwater infection and also overlay infection data with interpolated environmental surfaces. The derived maps indicate both a widespread occurrence of infection and a marked variability in infection prevalence, with the south east and north eastern parts of the country having the highest incidence rates while the western part has the highest potential for disease occurrence. The results revealed the occurrence of heartwater in the east but absence in the west and also potential areas for disease outbreak, in which climate change alteration of environmental factors could trigger its establishment.
- Mphinyane, W. N., Akanyang, L. K., Mulale, K., Van Deventer, F., Magole, L., Perkins, J. S., ... & Chanda, R. (2018). Firewood Utilisation and Its Implication on Trees around Mopipi Village in Boteti Sub-District of Botswana. Asian Journal of Environment & Ecology, 1-10.
Abstract
A household survey was done to assess the number of people using firewood in order to determine the amount of available firewood, its rate of utilisation and the distance travelled per selected household. There are a total of 383 households in Mopipi village with an average household size of eight (8) people. A sample size of seventy-nine (79) households were interviewed for the study on their use of fuelwood. Four transects of 14 km radiating from the Mopipi village were used to measure the biomass of both live and dead trees. Five sampling points at different distances along the transect were located. At each sampling point, three 50m x 10m quadrats were demarcated. Firewood biomass was determined by measuring the basal area at ankle height and adjusted by using regression curves formulae. Biomass of live trees was dominated by Colophospermum mopane woodlands, but its standing dead wood was only available at further distances. Most households gathered firewood by head-loads within a range of 4-6 km from the village. Trade-offs were clearly involved when people collected less preferred species at near distances. Consumption rate per household was estimated at 10 kg per day per household. Reasonable biomass of live trees occurred near the village, concurring with household claims that they do not chop live trees.
https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-lawrence-akanyang-589b3258?originalSubdomain=uk
https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Lawrence_Akanyang
https://scholar.google.co.uk/citations?hl=en&user=sErHS1IAAAAJ
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Ms. Matshidiso Letsholo
Chief Technician
Faculty of Natural Resources (Department of Range and Forest Resources (RFR))
![Staff](/common_up/buan/Staff1695030877_.jpg)
Mr. Ishmael Kopong
Senior Technician
Faculty of Natural Resources (Department of Range and Forest Resources (RFR))
![Staff](/common_up/buan/Staff1695041718_.jpg)
Mr. David Monekwe
Technician
Faculty of Natural Resources (Department of Range and Forest Resources (RFR))
Forestry Engineering
Not applicable
None
None
![Staff](/common_up/buan/Staff1695043269_.jpg)
Ms. Gofaone Rammotokara
Technician
Faculty of Natural Resources (Department of Range and Forest Resources (RFR))
![Staff](/common_up/buan/Staff1695043553_.jpg)
Mr. Kamogelo Makgobota
Technician
Faculty of Natural Resources (Department of Range and Forest Resources (RFR))
![Staff](/common_up/buan/Staff1695044786_.jpg)
Mr. Isaac Makoi
Senior Instructor
Faculty of Natural Resources (Department of Range and Forest Resources (RFR))
![Staff](/common_up/buan/Staff1700547712_.jpg)
Mr. Sipho Majaga
Senior Instructor
Faculty of Natural Resources (Department of Range and Forest Resources (RFR))
![Staff](/common_up/buan/Staff1695045176_.jpg)
Ms. Summer Mabula
Instructor
Faculty of Natural Resources (Department of Range and Forest Resources (RFR))