The relationship between cattle and savings: A cattle‐owner perspective

Abstract

Using data from the Dryharts area in the Taung district of Bophuthatswana, the advantages and disadvantages of keeping cattle are explored using a cattle‐owner perspective. It is argued that storing wealth in the form of cattle is a rational investment decision. This has certain implications for strategies aimed at conservation of grazing resources. While providing rural inhabitants with alternative forms of storing wealth and helping towards alleviating the pressure on grazing land. It is at best a partial solution. Policy measures addressing the land question and rural‐urban balance could have a bigger impact.

Notes

The author acknowledges the advice received from Prof Venter (PU for CHE) on probability theory and S Rankin, who made some valuable comments on the draft paper.

Development researcher, Agricor, Mmabatho.