Combating desertification in the southern Kalahari: connecting science with community action in South Africa

Abstract Recent political changes in South Africa have required a new approach to project management, one that includes community involvement at all levels of project planning, decision-making and execution. This paper describes the challenges encountered and the lessons learned during the development and execution of a project addressing rangeland degradation and rehabilitation in the Mier Rural Area, South Africa. Discussed are difficulties encountered during the participatory execution of the project, many resulting from the conflict between community social requirements on one hand and ecological principles and financial constraints on the other. Another problem has been the community's apathy to threats of desertification. Because of higher priority problems such as medical care, education and the provision of water, sections of the community are questioning the applying of scarce financial resources to ‘lower priority’ projects such as rangeland research and restoration. Furthermore, political and ideological differences within the community have resulted in various degrees of project acceptance and participation. A holistic approach to project management, with complete and open flow of information and joint decision-making, is vital to ensure full participation of all stakeholders affected by desertification.