EXTRACTS ON BUSH BURNING IN TROPICAL AFRICA ( by Chukwubike OC)

 EXTRACTS ON BUSH BURNING;

Restrict bush fires used in animal hunts:

 Controlled small-scale fires are traditionally used in the African savannah to flush out small mammals for hunting. Poachers in Zimbabwe are carelessly deploying crude versions of this practice, causing unmanageable bush fires and large-scale destruction. For generations, experienced local hunters have ensured that the impact of burning on the environment and nearby communities is minimal (see J. G. Pausas and J. E. Keeley BioScience 59, 593–601; 2009). According to locals, however, 

African hunting-party demographics have changed. Such parties now often comprise men who are younger and from outside the community. This may tie in with the emigration  of older men from their villages, enticed away by illegal mining operations, for example. In their absence, the ethos of controlled-fire hunting is no longer instilled into youngsters. If they are not locals, even experienced hunters have no vested interest in small-scale burning that could yield less quarry but maintains the nearby area. In our view, mitigating the alarming spread of hunting related bush fires calls for collaborative efforts by communities, government and non-governmental organizations.

Mwazvita T. B. Dalu, Tatenda Dalu Rhodes University, Grahamstown, South Africa. Ryan J. Wasserman Monash University Malaysia, Bandar Sunway, Malaysia. smazvita@gmail.com

https://www.nature.com/articles/

Girls High Sch Nenwe gutted by fire 21/01/2021

BUSH BURNING;

A typical example of bush burning in Nigeria is when farmers burn their harvested fields to prepare their farms for the next planting season, or during dry seasons when farmers organise hunting parties for popular game often called 'bush meat'. The bush is deliberately set alight to trap small animals during hunting

What are the causes of bush burning?

Reasons for bush burning

The bush is deliberately set alight to trap small animals during hunting. Other fires are caused by accidents during the dry season when most bushes and forests have dried up and are very combustible; cigarettes, matches, campfires etc.

Effects of bush burning

Destroys soil organisms, soil texture and soil fertility. Destroys vegetation cover leading to soil erosion. Causes air pollution. Destroys; insects and animals habitats.

How do you prevent bush burning?

Things you can do to help include:

• ·       regularly mowing the grass and raking up leaves.
• ·       removing weeds and pruning bushes and trees.
• ·       keeping garden beds moist through mulching or other non-flammable ground covers like pebbles.
• ·       regularly clearing leaves from gutters, roofs, downpipes and around the base of trees.

By Charles  O. Chukwubike

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