By Erastus Ngaruka
Rangeland productivity is affected by several factors, including rainfall, soil condition, fire, herbivory, and other ecological forces such as plant competition. In addition, human activities can have a significant effect on rangeland conditions. Ultimately, the adverse influence of these factors can disturb the normal ecological processes, leading to rangeland degradation.
One of the recurrent factors that shape rangeland ecosystems is fire (commonly known as veld fires or wildfires), which can occur naturally or can be manmade. Many farmers have negative perceptions about veld fires due to their dangerous and destructive nature. However, natural veld fire eventsserve a critical ecological function. For example, burning moribund materials to allow regrowth or tillering, stimulating seed germination by cracking seed coats, and largely maintaining vegetation structures in terms of spacing and balance (e.g., controlling bush encroachment). On the other hand, artificial or man-made fires are either started for a purpose (prescribed fire) or out of negligence.
Prescribed fires are planned for rangeland management purposes to mimic natural influences. These types of fires can also become uncontrolled and devastating if poorly planned and managed. Veld fires damage farm infrastructure (e.g., fences, pipes), the environment (habitats, soil, plants), and result in injuries and deaths in animals (livestock and wild animals), and humans as well. In addition, a fire burns the available forage materials, leaving animals with little or nothing to survive on. Generally, natural veld fires are caused by lightning strikes, and mainly occur during the spring months or at the onset of the rainy season (September – November) when thunderstorm activities begin.
Therefore, farmers should already prepare to avoid huge losses during this critical period. In some parts of Namibia, fire activities have already started, and most of these unplanned or accidental fires can be attributed to human activities including charcoal production, campfires, cigarettes, vehicles, hunting and poaching activities, empty glass bottles, or glass pieces that are able to magnify the sun’s heat and ignite dry grass. The intensity of a veld fire is mainly influenced by the amount of fuel loads, such as dry grass or other moribund plant materials, such as dead wood. The more fuel there is, the greater the fire’s intensity and impact. Additionally, wind affects the direction, speed, and spatial scale of the fire. Fighting veld fires is a difficult and exhaustive exercise that can be costly and devastating. It is therefore important that farmers prepare well in advance by acquiring firefighting equipment and ensuring that they are accessible, ready, and functional.
The farm roads and fire breaks should be well maintained, cleared and accessible in the event of firefighting. Most importantly, all persons must be well informed and trained in firefighting and lifesaving. Moreover, the neighbouring farmers and all relevant authorities should be informed. Thus, an effective communication channel should be established to ensure coordinated efforts. It is therefore important that a fire management plan is developed and adopted in the whole farm management plan under the risk management components. In addition, the plan should include aspects of fodder reserves for the animals if the forage resources are burned. Veld fires occur annually, and farmers must continuously prepare, whether in communal or commercial farming areas.
Erastus Ngaruka is Technical Advisor: Livestock & Rangeland at Agribank