the role of tourism in natural resource management in the okavango ...

Table 5.3: Crop Production Estimates by Farming System in Ngamiland
District (70kg bags/household)
Crop Dryland Molapo
Maize 1-3 3 -10
Sorghum 1-6 2-6
Millet 1-8 -
Cowpeas 0-5 -
Source: Makhwaje et aI, 1995, p.25.
Most of the harvest is used for home consumption but in some cases it is also used
for trade and bartering. Much of the maize and sorghum yields are used for the
brewing of beer, making porridge and occasionally sold to the Botswana Agricultural
Marketing Board (BAMB) or other farmers. Secondary crops such as groundnuts
and melons are used for both home consumption and sold (Makhwaje et aI, 1995).
5.3.6.1 Agricultural Production Constraints
In the Okavango Delta region, the major problem faced by farmers regarding the
production of crops is low yields. These low yields are the result of a number of
production constraints. Low rainfall levels are generally stated as the major
constraint, especially within the dryland farming system. In the Molapo system the
growth of weeds is the major constraint facing farmers. Damage caused by birds,
although cited as a cause of yield losses, is more pronounced in the dryland farming
system due to sorghum and millet being the main crops grown there. Poor soil
fertility is also a problem generally associated with the dryland farming system.
Within the Molapo and dryland farming systems, damage to crops caused by wildlife
such as elephants and antelope is often experienced. Elephants tend to damage
fences allowing smaller animals to gain access to agricultural fields (Makhwaje et aI,
1995).
5.3.6.2 Horticultural Crops
In the Okavango Delta and Ngamiland district as a whole, horticultural production is
very limited. There is a large horticultural project in Seronga, owned by a local
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