The bioeconomic implications of various drought management strategies for a communal cattle herd in the semi-arid savanna of KwaZulu-Natal

Abstract

Outlines a modelling approach to assess the influence of four drought responses on post-drought herd dynamics and productivity in the semi-arid savanna of KwaZulu/Natal. Examines sensitivity of outputs to assumptions about cost inputs. Illustrates with graphs and tables.

Keywords: Drought management strategies; Herd structures; KwaZulu/Natal; Labour costs; Net present values; Simulation modelling; drought; drought management; management strategy; cattle; semi-arid; savanna; south africa; net present value; simulation model; domestic stock; economics

African Journal of Range & Forage Science, Vol. 14, Iss 1, p.17-25