By Kefiloe Kajane
Burning of pastures and grazelands has serious environmental effects such as eroding soil which is swept into river systems and clogs them.
This, according to the ministry of forestry’s range management officer Manti Makha, impacts negatively on the country’s farming and agricultural practices.
In an interview with theReporter this week, Makha explained that when the soil surface is washed away into river systems it results in reduced water levels.
He said when pastoral land is burned, it has to be left for three years to ensure that the grass grows and become consumable to animals.
He indicated that such wild fires destroy bio-diversity and thus kill the habitats of wild animals. This, he added, has drastically reduced the number of wild animals and birds as their habitats are damaged by running fires.
“Lesotho is known for its abundant swamps and water sources which is why we are able to provide other countries with water. Burning of range lands will lead to loss in grasslands.
“We hold public gatherings to create awareness among the communities to discourage such practices. We campaign against burning of grass. The campaigns are meant to protect the environment and increase the pastoral land as the grazing ranges are also protected against destruction by fire.
“The grass can be burned but in a controlled manner. Normally when it is burnt, we need to ensure that there are fire-belts. We need to ensure that only a specific area is burned so as to leave some pastures for livestock to graze,” he said.
“One of the reasons put forward for burning of pastures is pest control, due to climate change, we no longer have such. Fire also eliminates old hay that can slow or stunt the growth of native grasses,” he added.
However, he discouraged the practice which in most cases is done during the winter season.
He observed that some people go on to burn their surroundings, an act that may lead to burning of property.
According to the Rangelands Protection Draft Bill of 2021, rangelands shall be monitored and any other actions detrimental to rangeland health will also be dealt with.
It will further protect rangeland against unprecedented issues such as unsuitable grazing, encroachment and exploitation of illegal harvesting of range resources.
