Application of Emerging Technologies to Counter Cattle Rustling Affecting Livestock Farmers

The increase in cattle rustling throughout many nations is worrying for the socio-economic and political stability of the region. Cattle rustling has been linked to fatalities, a rise in the number of those accused, and security issues. It has aided in the spread of poverty in countries like Kenya thus causing community instability. In most African nations, pastoral farmers’ way of life revolves around their livestock. Due to the export of beef to the European Union, the beef industry is Botswana’s second-largest contributor to GDP. If cattle rustling episodes are allowed to continue, there could be substantial repercussions for the beef business as well as the general welfare of people. Cattle rustling has produced an untaxed underground economy that is prospering in nations like Nigeria as a market for cattle that have been stolen. The objective of this study is to determine the causes and effects of cattle theft in the case of Botswana. This was carried out by conducting survey research in the districts of Botswana. The data collected was important in finding out the opinions and statistics of cattle theft that is affecting farmers. Data was analyzed using NVivo software for thematic analysis and Microsoft Excel for descriptive statistics. Data from literature on cattle rustling in other African countries is included. The results show the lack of effective animal tracking systems and innovative measures to counter cattle rustling. The paper proposes several emerging technological solutions to the livestock rustling issue. Technologies include wearables, trackers, and internet of things.