The role of the state and the environment in indigenous livestock farming : case study of Debe Marela, Middledrift area, Eastern Cape
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Date
2011
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Publisher
University of Fort Hare
Abstract
The study focused on the role of the State and the environment in indigenous livestock farming in Debe Marela in Middledrift. Although communal farmers in the area used ethnoveterinary medicines to treat and prevent animal diseases, they also widely used conventional medicines, as these often provided a remedy to animal diseases. The livestock farmers believed in indigenous knowledge which empowered them in using herbs to a certain extent, but the latter was preferred. The Department of Agriculture has featured as a support institution and although livestock farmers in the area have participated in and benefited from state programmes, they believe that they needed more interventions such as visits from veterinary surgeons, Extension Officers and Animal Health Technicians. The study therefore attempts to address the gaps highlighted in the work of other researchers.
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Keywords
Farmers--South Africa--Eastern Cape., Livestock--South Africa--Eastern Cape., Traditional farming--South Africa--Eastern Cape., Agriculture and state--South Africa--Eastern Cape., Agriculture and politics--South Africa--Eastern Cape.