Reflections on the Concept of Centrality and Kwena Livestock Management in Botswana

Embracing indigenous knowledge in studying past farming ideologies contextualizes the past in the present. In the same vein, present farming traditions can decode the past as there is continuity even in change. Reference is made to other parts of the world regarding the relevance of contemporary traditional practices in generating future socio-economic strategies, although the main focus is the Kwena of Botswana. This chapter reflects on the aspect of centrality, as a socio-economic and political concept. It manifests differently through time and space and is impacted by evolving farming strategies. An ethnoarchaeological study of Kwena patterns of settlement illustrates subtle but critical issues in traditional livestock management practices. Decentralization of livestock management directly impacts livestock ownership, geographical distribution of kraals, and the conceptual value of livestock. Decentralization maximizes resource availability, sustainability of livestock and the environment, a process that eventually implicates the overall Kwena patterns of settlement.