Bush encroachment is the suppression of palatable grasses and herbs by encroaching woody species often unpalatable to domestic livestock. Therefore, bush encroachment reduces the carrying capacity for livestock. The reduction in carrying capacity is of great significance because savannas in southern and central Africa contain a large and rapidly growing proportion of the world’s human population, including many pastoralists whose livelihood is threatened by this process. (D Ward, University of Stellenbosch)
Bush encroachment thus affects the agricultural productivity and biodiversity
A study was done in Uganda to determine the affects of bush encroachment on livestock farming.
Results indicated that cleared farms had higher herbage dry matter, Heifers on these cleared farms reached puberty earlier, had a higher calving rate, yield higher milk, and had better body conditions. The annual cross income per cow on cleared farms was higher then those on bushy farms. Cleared farms were thus more profitable then bushy farms.
To read more about this study, visit Economic Implications of Bush Encroachment.
Bush encroachment thus affects the agricultural productivity and biodiversity
A study was done in Uganda to determine the affects of bush encroachment on livestock farming.
Results indicated that cleared farms had higher herbage dry matter, Heifers on these cleared farms reached puberty earlier, had a higher calving rate, yield higher milk, and had better body conditions. The annual cross income per cow on cleared farms was higher then those on bushy farms. Cleared farms were thus more profitable then bushy farms.
To read more about this study, visit Economic Implications of Bush Encroachment.
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