Across Southern Africa, communally governed rangelands support wildlife, vast informal economies and millions of people.
There has been international interest in rangelands as spaces for landscape restoration and ecosystems management associated with ‘nature-based solutions’ (NbS). But these dynamic landscapes are often misunderstood.
Much of the evidence about NbS comes from very different settings in the Global North. This leads to assumptions and practices that do not take account of the histories of Southern African rangelands, and their changing social, ecological and political contexts.
REPAiR critically explores whether and how equitable, contextual, community-led approaches to NbS can support adaptability and resilience in Southern Africa’s rangelands.
Latest posts
9 January 2026 - Amber Huff
Myth: The tragedy of the commons is inevitable
As the International Year of Rangelands and Pastoralists calls attention to the global diversity, importance, and governance of the world’s rangelands, the myth of the tragedy of the commons is particularly relevant and illustrative of the power and dangers of universalising and reductive myths.
27 December 2025 - Amber Huff & Linda Pappagallo
Rethinking what we think we know about rangelands and pastoralism
In this introductory blog on ‘rangeland myths’ we emphasise the need to rethink what we think we know about rangelands and pastoralism in ways that are open to diverse perspectives, experience and knowledges.
HIGHLIGHTS
Understanding rangelands and grasslands
Rangelands are complex and productive landscapes, but have been neglected and misunderstood in agricultural policy.
Who we are
The REPAiR team brings together disciplinary and thematic research expertise spanning the social sciences, natural sciences and humanities, with partners based in the UK and South Africa. The team also includes people with practical experience in working with rangeland communities on conservation and market access.
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