What negative impacts does bush encroachment have on the economy of a country?

Answer 1

Bush encroachment definitely has a serious impact on the agricultural production and economy of most countries.

Bush encroachment in Namibia affects 26 million hectares and has led to a 60 percent decline of commercial livestock over the last 40 years, causing losses to the national economy. In South Africa bush encroachment affects the agricultural productivity and biodiversity of 10-20 million ha.

Bush encroachment suppresses grass in grazing areas and reduces the capacity for livestock. Some serious cases of bush encroachment is making large areas of land unusable.

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Answer 2

It depends on which side you look at it. From the flora perspective, it causes a decrease in grassland ecosystems and the diversity of grasses. It has been found to result in marked changes in grass species composition. In terms of the fauna, obviously the composition will change and some animals may have to relocate or adapt to the changes and new ones are introduced. It also increases competition among the animals that did not relocate since the grasses have decreased. Bush encroachment directly and indirectly affect agriculture since grassland ecosystems are the most productive ecosystem.