Contested Karoo: Interdisciplinary Perspectives on Change and Continuity in South Africa’s Drylands,” edited by Professor Timm Hoffman from the University of Cape Town and Professor Cherryl Walker from Stellenbosch University, offers a deep dive into the Karoo, traditionally seen as an expansive, barren region.
This open access book assembles contributions from a wide range of disciplines including sociology, botany, anthropology, ecology, and agriculture, aiming to unveil the complex realities of a region that spans almost a third of South Africa.
The text explores various interpretations of the Karoo, influenced by different academic and practical viewpoints, from its biomes and historical land uses to geological characteristics and governance challenges. These discussions highlight the intricate and often contested nature of the Karoo, providing a nuanced portrayal of its environment.
Historically marginalized, the Karoo is increasingly viewed as a “resource frontier,” with debates around fracking foregrounding potential economic benefits against environmental and social risks. Environmentalists express concerns about the sustainability and hidden costs of extracting resources. The region is also significant for global astronomy due to its ideal conditions for the Square Kilometer Array (SKA), though this creates restrictions on local technological use.
The book also considers the Karoo’s paleontological importance, its unique flora, the impacts of climate change, and threats from illegal trade in succulents. These ecological and social issues are discussed within the broader context of land management across the Karoo’s diverse provinces, emphasizing the need for tailored governance approaches.
“Contested Karoo” champions an evidence-based, interdisciplinary approach to decision-making in the region, recognizing the variety of interests and the sometimes conflicting stakes involved. The editors advocate for a respectful and open dialogue across disciplines, highlighting the intellectual richness and potential for new research insights that such collaboration encourages.
This thorough examination not only educates about the Karoo’s challenges, but also underscores the critical role of interdisciplinary research in addressing complex environmental and social dilemmas.
