A model to analyse the influence of resource management policies on the economic returns from a traditional African pastoral system

• Published in: Agricultural systems Vol. 33; no. 1; pp. 77 - 96
• Main Authors: Hearne, J.W., Buchan, A.J.C.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier Ltd 1990; Elsevier
• Series: Agricultural Systems
• ISSN: 0308-521X; 1873-2267
• DOI: 10.1016/0308-521X(90)90071-W

A mathematical model is presented of the subsistence pastoral system on the Makatini Flats surrounding the Pongola floodplain just south of the Mozambique border in north-eastern South Africa. The model takes into account the quality and quantity of the different vegetation types. With the impoundment of the Pongola river a number of management issues have arisen relating to the use of land and water resources. The model is used to analyse the effects on the economic returns from the pastoral system of reductions in water and traditional grazing land. It is concluded that, at a regional level, the expected returns from agriculture on irrigated land on the Makatini Flats will more than compensate for the consequential fall in returns from the pastoral system. Whether the cultivation of maize on the floodplain should be encouraged or not is less conclusive.