Across Southern Africa, communally governed rangelands and grasslands 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.

Beginning in 2024, REPAiR is a research project that critically explores whether and how equitable, contextual, community-led approaches to NbS can support adaptability and resilience in Southern Africa’s rangelands.

Latest posts

sunset over grasslands
12 November 2024 - Farai Mtero

Creating equitable pathways in South African rangelands: why history and politics matter

History

To understand the challenges of landscape stewardship in South Africa, we need to appreciate how rangelands have been shaped by history, and how this continues to affect the way rangelands are governed today.

20 November 2024 - Amber Huff

Introducing REPAiR

Project Updates

Across Southern Africa, rangelands support a large amount of small-scale, communal livestock farming. The REPAiR project explores the potential and challenges of context-sensitive and community-led approaches for stewardship of these rangelands.

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.

Meet the team

Project Partners