In Botswana, the term “buffalo” usually refers to the African or Cape buffalo — a wild species rather than a domesticated one. Their interactions with agricultural systems, particularly cattle farming, have significant ecological, economic, and disease-management implications.

Distribution and Ecology

Buffalo populations are concentrated in northern Botswana, especially within protected areas like Chobe National Park and the Okavango region. They are herbivorous grazers that rely on grasslands and consistent access to water. Seasonal movements often bring them close to livestock zones, particularly during dry periods when water and forage become scarce.

Disease Risks and Livestock Interface

The main challenge with buffalo in agricultural regions is their role as carriers of diseases that threaten livestock health and trade.

Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD): Buffalo are natural reservoirs of this virus. They can transmit it to cattle without showing symptoms themselves.

Control Measures: To prevent disease spread, Botswana uses extensive veterinary cordon fences—commonly called “buffalo fences”—to separate wildlife areas from cattle-grazing zones. These fences are vital for maintaining Botswana’s FMD-free status, which allows beef exports to international markets.

Other Diseases: Studies have also found evidence of other diseases, such as Rift Valley fever, circulating at the wildlife–livestock interface.

When fences are damaged by floods or elephants, buffalo can cross into cattle zones, leading to quarantine measures, livestock movement restrictions, and surveillance programs.

Conflicts and Management

Occasionally, buffalo stray into human settlements or farmlands, particularly in the northern regions. This can lead to conflicts with farmers and government-led control operations to protect livestock and communities. The government monitors these incursions closely, often repairing fences, removing stray herds, and enforcing disease-control zones to minimize risks.

Agricultural and Economic Impacts

Buffalo incursions can disrupt cattle production and trade. When FMD outbreaks occur or are suspected, the affected areas face temporary bans on livestock movements and exports, directly impacting farmers’ livelihoods. Maintaining and monitoring veterinary fences is also costly, and these barriers can disrupt wildlife migration and tourism ecosystems.