The aim of this research was to assess the suitability of roadside grass for use as livestock feed to
combat lack of forage resources in Botswana. Fifty grass samples were collected along the roadside in
the A1 Highway corridor running between the Ramatlabama and Ramokgwebana border gates (629 Km),
and analysed for Ni, Cu, Pb, Zn and Cd. The maximum content levels detected in grass samples for Ni,
Cu, Pb, Zn and Cd were 0.432, 0.187, 0.180, 0.154 and 0.03 mg/kg respectively. Assessment of the
results against international maximum allowable limits of undesirable substances in animal feed
showed that the content levels of heavy metal contaminants in grass resources found along the
roadsides in the A1 Highway corridor in Botswana were far below maximum allowable limits. Therefore,
this study supported the use of roadside grass for production of forage to combat scarcity of livestock
feed in the country. However, the study recommended the establishment of an environmental
management and monitoring approach to facilitate continued monitoring of the quality of forage
produced from roadside grass and ensure protection of human and animal health.