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The objective of the study was to compare trait preferences of Nguni cattle owners located in semi-arid and sub-humid environments. Data were collected from a total of 300 Nguni cattle-owning households using structured questionnaires, 150 households from each environment. Stature, body depth and body length were preferred more in sub-humid areas than in semi-arid areas. In sub-humid environments, preference was given to fertility traits, with farmers more likely to highly prefer calving interval and age at first calving (AFC). Semi-arid areas had more households with cows with extended calving interval (2 and 3 years) than sub-humid areas. Environmental differences affect fertility of Nguni cows and trait preferences of communal farmers in Southern Africa. Differences in environment and trait preferences of farmers should be considered when designing communal breeding programmes.