Nearly six decades of grazing research published by the Grassland Society of Southern Africa: trends, recommendations and gaps

Abstract

We reviewed research on grazing in extensive rangelands published by the Grassland Society of Southern Africa’s (GSSA) flagship journal, founded in 1966. We aimed to identify and synthesise emerging themes, trends, key recommendations and research gaps. From 1966 to 2023, we identified 396 articles covering 469 study sites across 25 countries. Most studies addressed livestock production and sustainable rangeland management on working farms. Key themes included rotational or continuous grazing, and burning, while intensive grazing approaches and evolving techniques (e.g. pyric herbivory and herding) were less frequently covered. No significant thematic trends emerged over time. Global conceptual advances in ecosystem models have influenced our understanding of the socio-ecological nature of regional rangelands. We recommend clarifying management goals; using adaptive management; diversifying livestock with wildlife where appropriate; aligning stocking rates with ecosystem carrying capacity; maintaining appropriate fire regimes; and robust monitoring for productivity, biodiversity and soil organic carbon. Despite 94% of articles being from Africa, expanded research in the Southern African Development Community is necessary to integrate indigenous knowledge, quantify grazing impacts on biodiversity, evaluate rewilding strategies, and explore climate change interactions with fire and grazing. Overall, the GSSA has made significant contributions to rangeland science in southern Africa and globally.