The role of human factors in the degradation of natural resources in and around the Okavango Delta, Botswana

Abstract

This paper draws on archival information, anecdotal evidence from local communities, in situ observations during field investigation and multi‐date remotely sensed satellite imagery. The authors investigated the role of human factors in the degradation of natural resources in and around the Okavango Delta. Their study concerned a period slightly in excess of 140 years between 1860 and 2001. Environmental changes in this sub‐region appear to be the convergent outcome of interaction between natural and non‐natural factors. A sustained decrease in rainfall appears to have instigated downward trends from a wide range of factors whose adverse effects were aggravated by human agency. The evidence points to progressive deterioration in the form of sustained contraction of surface water sources and grazing resources. Mistakes of the past need to be avoided by formulating appropriately informed human response and adaptation strategies.

Keywords:

• Environmental change
• Okavango Delta

Acknowledgements

The authors would like to thank START International, the Canon Collins Educational Trust for Southern Africa (CCETSA) and the Southern Africa Regional Science Initiative (SAFARI 2000) through Prof. Harold Annegarn, Rand Afrikaans University and Prof. Susan Ringrose, Harry Oppenheimer Okavango Research Centre, for co‐funding research work leading to this paper. We sincerely thank the anonymous reviewers for their useful comments and suggestions.