On 30 October 2025, The Babanango Foundation, in partnership with Babanango Game Reserve (BGR), hosted the Lower Nsubeni Livestock Wellness Day — a pilot community-based livestock health and data initiative that marks a significant step toward balancing conservation priorities with local livelihoods. The session took place at the Machitshane community dip, drawing an impressive turnout of cattle owners from across the Western Concession.
A Collaborative Approach to Livestock & Conservation
The wellness day forms part of BGR’s wider Western Concession community engagement strategy, designed to promote animal health, responsible grazing practices, and transparent data management. Its central purpose was to tag cattle grazing along the reserve boundary to establish accurate population data and address ongoing concerns about cross-boundary livestock movements.
The community response was overwhelmingly positive with local cattle owners not only arrived in large numbers but volunteered their time to assist with handling and tagging.
The event attracted 40 cattle owners, who presented 933 cattle for tagging, dipping, and veterinary assessments. Farmers came from Lower Nsubeni, Machitshane, Mankankane, and Ngodweni.
Beyond livestock tagging and treatment, the Livestock Wellness Day stands as a powerful symbol of progress. This event demonstrates how conservation and community livelihoods can be jointly supported through transparency, partnership, and active engagement.
By laying the groundwork for shared management of people, livestock, and wildlife, this initiative reinforces The Babanango Foundation’s commitment to conservation that is inclusive, community-centred, and future-focused.
