Dr Marandure is also currently putting his studies into practice as part of an international research group that is investigating the trade-offs between novel rangeland management with livestock production and livelihood outcomes in the Eastern Cape.
To this end, he has been based in Matatiele since the beginning of the year, where he is a research assistant to a research and development programme run by United Kingdom-based Coventry University. He is currently busy assessing so-called human-environmental tradeoffs through low-tech intensification of livestock management in communal grazing systems in and around Matatiele. The assessment studies include the use of corralling, intensified planted pastures and the eradication of invasive woody plants.
“I am investigating whether improved grazing management is benefiting the availability of water, and consequently improving vegetation, animal production and livelihoods,” he explains.
His research interests lie in ways to sustainably intensify livestock production, and how to assist smallholder livestock farmers to be more resilient and adaptive to the challenges they face in a livestock production environment.
Taking a holistic approach
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