Abstract

The savanna ecosystems support livestock production and livelihood of pastoral communities. The degradation of savanna ecosystems due to overgrazing had lead government commercializing communal grazing land to privately owned ranches. However, grazing policies in Southern Africa had recently been debated, and yet there are few studies comparing grazing management systems on ecological system. This article provides an overview of current knowledge on effect of grazing management systems on savanna ecosystems. Ranching and communal grazing do not necessarily affect soil, herbaceous and woody vegetation differently. Thus current management systems do not promote sustainability of savanna ecosystems and there is a need for further research and participation of local communities on addressing land degradation.

Key words: Fencing policy, rangeland degradation, sustainability, livestock production.