In March 2025, Sol Plaatje University’s (SPU) Centre for Global Change (CGC) hosted a transformative training session at the Rietfontein Municipality Chambers on the ‘Mainstreaming Sustainable Land Management (SLM) for Large-Scale Impact in the Grazing Lands of Limpopo and Northern Cape Provinces in South Africa’ project. This initiative focused on equipping community members from Loubos, Philandersbron, Groot Mier, Klein Mier, Andriesvale, and Askham within the Dawid Kruiper Local Municipality with the knowledge and tools to combat land degradation, climate change, and invasive species (such as Prosopis), while promoting sustainable farming practices.
The training covered critical topics including land policy, water management, soil conservation, climate resilience, equipment maintenance, and invasive species management strategies within the Northern Cape province. A key focus was the impact of Prosopis invasion on local rangelands. The communities within the project area explored innovative solutions to turn this invasive species into an economic resource, including charcoal production, firewood, and fodder, upon eradication.
The training included team-building exercises, which were essential for fostering collaboration, enhancing problem-solving skills, and emphasizing the importance of collective action in addressing environmental challenges n and sustainable land management. Lessons from the team-building exercises, reinforced key principles of sustainability: strategic planning, resourcefulness, and long-term problem-solving.
The training also delved into climate change, resilience, and sustainability, highlighting the increasing temperatures and prolonged droughts in the Northern Cape. Discussions emphasised the importance of water conservation and sustainable agriculture. The participants raised concerns about water scarcity, particularly inequitable access to water tanks, with many expressing hopes that future projects would provide widespread benefits.
The CGC joined the trainees in a field visit to Skepkolk Farm, located in Petrusvries Mier, Rietfontein. Participants engaged in hands-on learning about livestock farming in arid regions, covering goat and sheep breeds, disease management, nutrition, tagging, and breeding cycles. Farmers shared insights on the challenges of crossbreeding, animal health, and the use of locally available resources to enhance livestock productivity. The impact of Prosopis encroachment on grazing lands was also a major discussion point, as it has significantly reduced mobility for livestock and led to digestive complications in animals consuming Prosopis pods.
Dr Doug Harebottle, Director for the Centre for Global Change affirmed the purpose of CGC’s involvement in communities. “The Northern Cape’s unique climate, characterised by extreme temperatures and prolonged droughts, demands a strategic approach to land and community engagement to ensure long-term resilience and sustainability. It is vital that we aim to empower communities through knowledge and collaboration. Equipping individuals with the tools to combat challenges like land degradation and climate change, shows that we are not only championing local resilience, but ensuring a greener, more sustainable future for generations to come.”
