Range is the most important forage resource for wildlife, small ruminant and cattle production in Mozambique. Compared to neighboring countries, range is species rich and undergrazed since 40 years of continuous warfare have kept cattle numbers to a minimum. Most research on the range (also known as veld or natural pastures) has therefore focused on seasonal and biodiversity management of grasses and forbs.

Year-round forage selection by cattle herds in Manhica, Southern Mozambique, has provided insight into species preference and seasonal quality of alluvial plains, escarpment and sandy uplands.

• Faftine, O., A. Alage and J.P. Muir. 2001. Seasonal changes in range quality of forage selected by livestock on communal pastures of Manhica, Mozambique. Proc. XIX International Grasslands Congress, Sao Paulo, Brazil, 11-21 February 2001. pp. 947-949.

A Study to determine the herbaceous productivity of two very different range sites was conducted at the Chobela Research Station in Southern Mozambique over 6 years. Areas were harvested either seasonally, at 25% flowering or monthly. See the attached article for yield and species composition results as well as an idea of forage quality differences.

• Muir, J.P. and A. Alage. 2001. Seasonal herbage production from two range types in southern Mozambique. African J. Range & Forage Sci. 18:37-41.

This study indicated that herbaceous productivity under savannah tree canopies is as high as full sunlight. Under the canopies, however, species composition is different and quality tends to be higher. Bottom line? No need to clear-cut savannah range in order to improve grass and legume production for cattle.

• Muir, J.P., A. Alage and I. Maposse. 2001. Canopy influence of 3 open savannah trees on forage composition, biomass and quality. Proc. XIX International Grasslands Congress, Sao Paulo, Brazil 11-21 February 2001. pp. 655-657.

In addition, a USDA-funded effort is under way, in cooperation with Dr. Inacio C. Maposse of the Department of Forestry and Agronomy, Eduardo Mondlane University, to collect native herbaceous legume germplasm with potential for range reseeding and forage cultivation. Many genera show promise, including Crotolaria, Stylosanthes, Vigna, Rhynchosia, Macroptyloma, and Neonotonia.

• Muir, J.P. and I.C. Maposse. 2002. Collection of herbaceous range legumes in Mozambique with potential for range reseeding and cultivated pasture. GSSA Congress 37 Abstracts. GSSA, Christiana, RSA. Pg. 144.

• Stylosanthes fruticosa - Wild lucerne
• Crotolaria globifera - Round pod rattle bush
• Crotolria monteiroi - Broom bush
• Rhynchosia minima
• Rhynchosia totta - Yellow carpet bean
• Macrotyloma axillare - Lime-yellow pea
• Vigna vexillata - Narrow-leaved wild sweetpea
• Panicum maximum, Themeda triandra, Urochioa mosumicensis