ProAgri BNZ 49

ProAgri B otswa n a / N am i b ia/ ia / Zim b ab w e No 49

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Botswana

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Zimbabwe page 35

Unique farming methods increase prosperity

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Dear readers

W

e are excited to bring you the latest insights and updates on agriculture in Botswana, Namibia, and Zimbabwe. These three countries have a rich agricultural heritage, and there is much to explore in terms of developments, challenges, and opportunities in this vital sector.

As we all know, the achievement of sustainable agriculture, water scarcity, and adaption to climate change are some of the big challenges faced by farmers in Africa. Innovation plays a crucial role in this environment, and with unique agricultural practices, expanding daily, it is astonishing to see how farmers still continue to be key players in their regions’ food production.

Throughout this edition, we feature stories of local farmers, initiatives, and projects that are making a difference, as well as focus on some unique farming practices from precision agriculture

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ProAgri B ot s wa n a/ a / N a m i b i a/ a/Zimbabwe

to livestock identification methods and disease control. Namibia has suspended imports of live poultry, birds, and poultry products from South Africa following the spread of the highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in the neighbouring country. Read more on page 27.

We hope this issue inspires and educates, and sheds light on the remarkable progress being made and the challenges that await us all.

Thank you for your continued support, and please feel free to reach out with your feedback, suggestions, or stories you'd like to see in our future editions. Stay tuned for expert interviews, success stories, and in-depth analysis of agriculture in Africa.

ProAgri-greetings!

Bianca Henning bianca@proagri.co.za

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The latest in agricultural technology from around the world Vertical farming may be the way to go Food for Africa: Amaranth Senter has the perfect pivot propulsion for you Southern Africa small-scale farming succes Fruit production part 9: Cherries Thumbs up for plums Namiba bans poultry imports from SA Livestock branding part 4: Freeze-branding Tick-borne diseases in Zimbabwe Part 3 Residents take up fish farming Unique mushroom growing takes shape in Zimbabwe Plot owners in Bulawayo turn to groundwater for farming Small-scale farmers turn to greenhouses for improved production

ProAgri Botswana / Namibia / Zimbabwe 49

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ProAgri BNZ 49

TECHNEWS

by Annemarie Bremner

The latest in agricultural technology from around the world Cows (and farmers) will love Exos, the Lely grass robot

The Exos, a fully autonomous vehicle for harvesting and feeding fresh grass, will be commercially available to Dutch dairy farms from the middle of next year.

It took around ten years to develop and was extensively tested on 13 Dutch farms.

The company is targeting farms with at least 150 cows and a minimum of 40 ha, but the autonomous vehicle has also been evaluated on farms with up to 350 cows.

The reciprocating cutter bar is not only lightweight but also helps to keep the power requirement to a minimum.

The grass harvester operates at speeds of 3 to 4 km/h, and the working width is 2 m. The 12 m³ bunker holds about a tonne of fresh grass. The vehicle can be programmed to deliver

The autonomous grass harvester and cow feeder can even be told to apply fertiliser for the next cutting.

grass to the right, left, or both sides.

A front safety bumper is part of the standard specs, as are front and rear safety cameras. Outdoor navigation is via GPS. Ultrasonic sensors take over when driving inside.

The Exos can also be used to apply liquid fertiliser. The ten nozzles are

located directly behind the mowing unit, and the capacity of the fertiliser tank is 100 litres.

Electricity to power the vehicle is supplied by a 400 volt on-board battery.

All four wheels have electric motors.

(Source: Veehouderij Techniek)

Lely-Exos1: Imagine a machine cutting the grass and feeding the cows all on its own. The company, Lely, did just that … and then built it.

ProAgri Botswana / Namibia / Zimbabwe 49

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New LEMKEN harrow controls weeds effectively

With the Thulit, LEMKEN presents its first weeder harrow to round off its range of mechanical weed control implements. In developing this machine, the agricultural machinery specialist launched a new concept with four beams and eight rows of harrow tines.

Complex spring combinations are replaced by an innovative hydraulic tine pressure adjustment, which ensures that the tines deliver more even pressure across the full working surface.

The pressure can be continuously adjusted to up to five kilogrammes while driving. As a result, the Thulit does an outstanding job during the sensitive crop growth stages.

The tines are arranged with a line spacing of 31,25 millimetres to ensure blockage-free work. Stable, true-totrack and wear-free tine bearings ensure optimum weed removal. A straightforward quick-change system makes it easy to replace the harrow tines.

The Thulit features precise and continuous ground contour following with consistent tine pressure, making it a highly versatile implement, even on very uneven ground and in ridge crops.

Due to its generous clearance height and clever design that removes the need for the usual springs, it is almost impossible for plants to get stuck under the frame. The flexible hydraulic system further supports width section control within the frame sections to avoid multiple passes across parts of the field.

Minimising the frame weight was a core aim in designing this machine.

To achieve this, the number of moving parts was significantly reduced in comparison to similar models, ensuring that the Thulit can also be used with tractors with low lifting capacity. The driver has a clear view of the harrow tines during work, and therefore a constant view of work results. For transport, the tines fold in automatically for an increased level of safety. (Source: LEMKEN)

The Thulit can even handle raised vegetable beds.

Cultivate and fertilise or sow in one go with Pöttinger. When TERRADISC marries AMICO F …

Pöttinger has announced a number of new technological solutions for the new season, and the one solution shining as resource-saver was the AMICO F front hopper with its combinations.

For high output sowing during stubble cultivation or seedbed preparation, Pöttinger has now equipped not only its TERRIA stubble cultivators but also its trailed TERRADISC 8001 T / 10001 T disc harrows with a distribution system coupled to the AMICO F front hopper. Now, soil cultivation and sowing or fertilisation can be done at the same time.

In only one pass, fertiliser or cover crops are sown directly into the soil. By feeding fertiliser into the raised flow of soil, it is mixed in and covered straight away. The fertiliser does not lose any of its effectiveness and is immediately available for the plants. This process is suitable for seedbed preparation in spring

or for replenishing nutrients with granular trace elements in autumn.

Cover crops are directly stimulated to germinate because they are immediately covered and consolidated by the packer.

This can be done during shallow stubble cultivation. Driving speeds above 10 km/h in combination with the wide working widths of 8 and 10 metres ensure an enormous output.

Large, 580 mm diameter discs slice into the ground and get the soil moving.

The aggressive setting ensures reliable soil entry, even in the driest conditions.

The TWIN ARM suspension system prevents the discs from deviating sideways on hard ground. This ensures that the whole surface is moved, which ultimately ensures uniform application of the seed material and fertiliser.

By setting the distribution rail perpendicular to the ground, the material is immediately mixed into the soil below so that it is deposited across the full cultivation depth. The fertiliser and

The Thulit harrow will initially be available in limited quantities in working widths of 6 and 9 metres from next year.

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ProAgri BNZ 49

seed material is therefore distributed throughout the entire cross section or soil movement. During stubble cultivation, for example, compensatory fertilisation of potassium or nitrogen can be used to accelerate the decomposition of straw.

The capacity of 1 700 or 2 400 litres and a division of 60:40 ensures a wide range of applications for the front hopper.

To ensure convenient operation, the AMICO front hopper is equipped with ISOBUS as standard. (Source: Pöttinger)

Collaboration can enable automation

Claas, AgXeed and Amazone have stepped up their collaboration in the field of highly automated and autonomous agricultural machinery and work processes by establishing the first multi-manufacturer autonomy group.

3A, ADVANCED AUTOMATION & AUTONOMY, aims to accelerate the development, standardisation and market introduction of semi- and fully autonomous tractor-implement combinations

mainly in closed systems with limited applications and without the option of being able to use them in parallel or in combination with other vehicles and implements,” the development team explains. “And this is where 3A’s innovative approach comes in: within the group, we have developed the AgXeed box technology, which for the first time connects tractors and implements to the planning and autonomous implementation process using the standardised ISOBUS interface. Via this interface, implements can interact with field robots, AgBots and tractors to enable automated or autonomous process optimisation.”

The first products developed by 3A are the Amazone AutoTill for mulch cultivators and Claas Autonomy connect, which incorporates the entire tillage planning and implementation process. These solutions, which have been tested under field conditions, are the starting point for further multi-manufacturer applications involving every conceivable machine

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• Claas, AgXeed and Amazone formed a new joint venture to make automation practical.

• through their combined expertise.

The three partners have been working together in the field of autonomy for some time already – Claas and Amazone are minority shareholders in the Dutch company AgXeed.

The market-ready technology developed by the 3A group comprises design and implementation software, which was previously available only for autonomous field robots, but can now be used in conjunction with the AgXeed box to control tractors and implements as well.

“Agricultural robots currently act

combination for outdoor work processes.

Tasks are planned in the familiar Claas farm management information system (FMIS) or the AgXeed portal, where it has long been possible to schedule tracks and application maps for tasks.

Claas Autonomy connect, Amazone AutoTill and AgXeed AgBot offer significant advantages: • Both the tractor and the implement perform all operations precisely as the farmer or contractor has planned.

ProAgri Botswana / Namibia / Zimbabwe 49

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The planning function not only calculates the best possible route; it also ensures that the tractorimplement combination is optimally configured. This prevents poor quality work and inefficiency resulting from incorrect settings.

The first plan forms the basis for reducing the workload in subsequent years, as only seasonal adjustments are then required – for example, depending on the main crop, follow-on crop and rotation.

Errors by the machine combination are detected by sensors and automatically corrected to maintain consistently high process quality. For example, the system automatically detects when the cultivator is at risk of clogging, and adjusts the working depth and speed accordingly.

Responsibility for producing optimum results no longer lies solely with the operator, which reduces the pressure on him, especially during long working days.

Preplanned and process-optimised machine-implement combinations are more energy efficient and thus more cost-effective to operate.

Farmers and highly qualified operators can perform other more important operational tasks while the planned task is being performed, since constant supervision is no longer needed.

On non-autonomous tractors, the technology also enables less skilled or experienced operators to produce optimal results.

Talks are currently underway with other machine manufacturers who are interested in joining the multi-manufacturer group and thus play an active role in expanding the range of applications.

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Hobby or small-holder farmers: Vertical farming may be the way to go

by Maryna Steyn

T

he need to optimise farming and improve yields on small plots of land is increasingly important. Due to challenges of water scarcity, limited arable land and high input costs, profitable farming may be a problem, but innovative solutions such as vertical farming can help to overcome these struggles.

Vertical farming is an approach whereby farmers cultivate certain crops vertically in stacked layers in order to maximise space and increase yields. This is usually achieved by planting these crops in containers, structures, or stackable pots.

Most often, these structures incorporate aquaponics, hydroponics or aeroponic techniques. All of these are methods used in controlled environments, with various factors such as the water flow, lighting control, temperature, and substrate controlled by the farmer, unlike traditional farming practices.

Vertical farming has many benefits

The most obvious benefit of vertical farming is maximised land use. This method allows farmers to grow more crops in a smaller footprint, making it ideal for areas with limited land availability. But there are other benefits too: Production throughout the year: Since the environment of vertical farms are more controlled, it is possible to cultivate a crop more than once a year, or to ensure that you have a consistent yield throughout the year - depending on the crop type of course. Any seasonal constraints are removed and production is more efficient.

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Water conservation: Less water is used in these systems with only the precise amount of water needed to provide the plants with sustenance.

Where farms are located in greenhouses or indoors, less evaporation also occurs.

Low environmental impact: When less space is needed to grow more food, there is a lower impact on the environment. Less natural vegetation needs to be cleared to accommodate soil based farming.

Improved control over growing conditions: When coupled with greenhouse systems, factors such as light intensity, temperature and humidity can be regulated. However, the plants are more dependent on the farmer to provide nutrients as there is little to no soil used as a substrate. Farmers can exercise strict control over when which fertilisers are used.

How to start a vertical farm

If you are looking to start a vertical farm, you need to first allocate space.

You will need a space to put up the vertical structures where there is ample natural light, and where the structures can be safe from animals. People often want to put vertical gardens in warehouses and storerooms, but it is very costly to provide enough artificial lighting to try and make up for the lack of sunlight.

If you plan on adding ventilation to a greenhouse, temperature control systems or any other high tech additions, remember to consider access to electricity or solar power. If solar is

your choice, take note that for every hectare of artificial lighting you may need up to five hectares of solar panels to provide enough electricity.

There also needs to be a space where you can add drainage so access water can drain from your vertical farm.

Next, you will need to look at the crops you would like to grow as this will determine your growing method.

Structures for vertical farming:

Vertical wall gardens Vertical wall gardens are one of the simplest and most cost-effective ways to start vertical farming in cities where you have walls, and limited horisontal space. You can use recycled materials such as old pallets, wooden crates, or plastic bottles as planting containers.

These containers can be attached to a vertical frame or wall, creating a vertical garden. This method is excellent for growing herbs, small vegetables, and even certain fruits like strawberries.

Tower gardens Tower gardens are vertical systems that allow plants to grow in stacked layers. PVC pipes can be used to create vertical planting towers. Plants are placed in holes drilled into the pipes, and a water and nutrient solution is circulated through the system. PVC pipes are relatively inexpensive and can be found at local hardware stores. Tower gardens are suitable for growing a variety of leafy greens and herbs.

Hanging gardens Hanging gardens are an excellent ProAgri BNZ 49

option for small spaces. You can use hanging pots, recycled containers, or even fabric pouches attached to a frame or railing. These hanging containers can be filled with a lightweight growing medium and used for cultivating herbs, lettuce, and other compact crops. Hanging gardens utilise vertical space effectively and are relatively low-cost to set up.

Hydroponic systems Hydroponic systems, where plants are grown in water without soil, can be affordable if you opt for a simple DIY setup. You can create a basic raft system using foam boards floating on a nutrient solution. Alternatively, a wick system, where a wick draws nutrient solution from a reservoir to the plants, is inexpensive and easy to set up. These DIY hydroponic systems are suitable for growing various vegetables and herbs.

Shelve system As the name suggests, shelves are used to create rows of vertical gardens. Similar to wall- or hanging gardens, containers with substrate is used keep the plants in. Pots or trays are stacked on the shelves in a tray of water, or is connected to driplines that provide the plants with water.

Planting a (vertical) garden and watching it grow

Some crops are not compatible with vertical systems – do not try to plant maize or pumpkins in this system.

But there are still a multitude of other crops that can be used. Here are a few you can research: 1. Herbs: Herbs such as basil, cilantro, mint, thyme, and parsley are vital flavours that are in constant demand. They require relatively little space and grow well in vertical systems. Additionally, herbs are high-value crops because they have a quick turnover, allowing for multiple harvests throughout the year.

A wall garden constructed with PVC pipe. (Source: Pixabay)

Shelves can also be used to create vertical gardens. (Source: Vecteezy)

2. Salad greens Leafy greens like lettuce, spinach, arugula, and kale are popular choices for vertical farming. They are not only nutritious but also have a short growth cycle, making them ideal for continuous harvesting. Salad greens are versatile and are used in various culinary dishes, making them high in demand and a profitable choice for vertical farms.

3. Microgreens Microgreens are young edible plants harvested at an early stage. They are incredibly popular in high-end restaurants and farmer's markets due to their intense flavour and high nutritional content. Microgreens can include varieties like radishes, mustard greens, and pea shoots. Despite their small size, microgreens are considered high-value crops because they can be sold at a premium price.

4. Strawberries Strawberries are a popular fruit that can be grown vertically in towers or hanging systems. They have a relatively high market price and are favoured by consumers for their sweetness and freshness. Vertical farming allows for efficient use of space, making it possible to grow a significant quantity of strawberries in a small area.

8. Gourmet mushrooms Gourmet mushrooms such as oyster mushrooms, shiitake, and maitake have gained popularity in culinary circles. They can be grown vertically in specially designed containers or shelves. Mushrooms have a relatively high market price, making them a profitable choice for vertical farms.

When choosing high-value crops for your vertical farming system, consider the local market demand, climate suitability, and your expertise in cultivating specific crops. Conduct market research and engage with local chefs, restaurants, and grocery stores to understand their requirements and preferences. By selecting the right combination of high-value crops, you can optimise your vertical farm's profitability and contribute to the sustainable growth of your agricultural venture.

For emerging farmers in Sub-Saharan countries, vertical farming repre-

ProAgri Botswana / Namibia / Zimbabwe 49

sents a pathway to overcome traditional agricultural challenges and create a more sustainable, efficient, and profitable farming enterprise. By harnessing the benefits of vertical farming, these farmers can contribute significantly to the local economy, local supply chain and food security.

Stackable planters can be purchased from local hardware or nursery suppliers to create your own vertical farm.

J.M. and Marsh, J. (2022) How Africa can develop its own version of Vertical Farming, Agrilinks. Available at: https:// agrilinks.org/post/how-africacan-develop-its-own-versionvertical-farming Vertical farming in Africa with Tower Farms (2022) Agrotonomy.

Available at: https://agrotonomy. com/vertical-farming-in-africawith-tower-farms/ Vertical Farming South Africa: 4 companies making a big impact (2022) Indoor Grow Farmer. Available at: https://indoorgrowfarmer. com/vertical-farming-southafrica/#:~:text=Vertical%20 farming%20in%20South%20 Africa,conditions%20to%20accommodate%20vertical%20 farming.

B.Bugbee (2015) Why vertical farming won’t save the planet. www.youtube.com/watch?v=ISAK c9gpGjw&feature=youtu.be

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Drought? No problem!

How can Biocult® Seed Application help your crop perform with 30% less water?

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Mycorrhizae in Biocult® act as a secondary root system by enlarging the roots’ absorption surface area.

•

Biocult® stimulates root development which increases the capabilities to absorb larger quantities of water.

•

Mycorrhizae in Biocult® reach into micropores where plant roots can’t access water.

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Mycorrhizae improve soil structure for better water infiltration and water retention.

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Mycorrhizae assist the plant in developing osmolytes which protect cells during time of stress.

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ProAgri BNZ 49

Food for Africa: Amaranth times grooved, and sparsely branched with alternate leaves. The leaves differ in shape, and are mostly green, red, or purplish in colour. The flowers or inflorescence are red to purple and borne on spikes. The seeds are small, shiny and either black, brown, or white.

Species with white seeds are used as a cereal, while the species with darker seed are used as leafy vegetables.

by Tisha Steyn

Distribution Amaranthus cruentus (A. hybridus), A. blitum and A. dubius are the most widely grown in Africa and are particularly important in West Africa.

One of the least known and least developed species is Amaranthus thunberghii, a semi-wild species native to Southern Africa, that grows very fast and is resistant to water stress.

Some amaranth species are cultivated for their seeds, which can be dried and ground to bake gluten-free bread or pancakes. (Source: Pixabay)

A

lthough amaranth is regarded by many as an unwanted plant, at least fifty tropical countries around the world grow it as a vegetable, and not only in their backyards. In the humid lowlands of Africa and Asia, it is probably the most widely eaten boiled greens.

During the production season, the leaves provide African communities with at least a quarter of their daily protein. In parts of West Africa, the young seedlings are pulled up by the roots and sold in town markets. Other parts of Africa also rely on them and in Southern Africa, it is well-known and widely used. Many of the more than fifty Amaranthus species in both tropical and temperate regions are eaten, but only a dozen or so can be considered domesticated.

Amaranths are grown for their leaves, which are boiled like spinach. (Source: Pixabay)

What is amaranth?

The Amaranthus species belong to the family Amaranthaceae. Common names in Afrikaans are hanekam, misbredie or varkbossie, in English pigweed, bush greens, or green leaf. In Congo, the Amaranthus viridis in Kinshasa Province is known as bitekuteku, in Ghana as madze, in Sierre Leone as grins, in Nigeria as efo and in Malawi as bonongwe.

Amaranthus species are herbaceous, short-lived annuals. The dwarf forms grow about 60 cm tall, but some variants grow up to 2 m. The stems are mostly upright, thick, fleshy, some-

ProAgri Botswana / Namibia / Zimbabwe 49

History Amaranthus cruentus has a long stem and bears a large deep-red inflorescence with dark seeds, and is also used as an ornamental plant. This plant, like maize, sweet potatoes, and peanuts, was evidently brought from America to Africa by Europeans. It has probably been used as a vegetable since the 16th or 17th centuries.

Eating amaranths Vegetable amaranths are probably the most widely eaten boiled greens throughout Africa’s humid lowlands.

The leaves and stems make excellent boiled vegetables with a soft texture, mild flavour, and no trace of bitterness.

Food value The nutritional quality of amaranth greens is equal to leafy vegetables like spinach, but with more minerals like iron and calcium. Protein levels in the leaves are reported to be around 25%, which makes them useful supplements to cereals and root foods. Vegetable amaranths are important sources of

Seeds used as a cereal can be white, brown, or black. (Source: Pixabay) 9

vitamin C as well as abundant precursors for producing vitamin A, which is necessary for good eyesight.

Heating or treating the Amaranthus thunberghii extract with acid triggers the nutrients as a leaf-protein con vitamin C as well as abundant precursors for producing vitamin A, which is necessary for good eyesight.

Heating or treating the Amaranthus thunberghii extract with acid triggers the nutrients as a leaf-protein concentrate. Its leaf protein is highly extractable, and in the process, most other nutrients are extracted as well, including provitamin A, polyunsaturated lipids (linoleic acid), and iron. The resulting leaf-nutrient concentrate is especially useful for young children and other persons with particularly high protein, vitamin A, and iron needs.

Young leaves, stems and flowers are used in stews and soups. (Source: Pixabay)

Uses Amaranth is a multiple-duty crop. Leaves, young stems, and young inflorescences are eaten as potherbs. The plant material softens up quickly and thus requires only a few minutes of cooking. The leaf is used in soups and stews.

Rubbed through a sieve, the leaves can be served as a puree. The fresh young

The flowers are borne on spikes and produce a multitude of tiny seeds, which easily germinate and grow in abundance. (Source: Pixabay)

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leaves and leaf stems can be used raw in a salad.

It is also popular as a microgreen in high-end restaurants.

The mature flowers are not edible but utilised for their seeds. Several species, including Amaranthus cruentus, A. hypochondriacus, and A. caudatus are grown for their grain-like seeds. These seeds have the same carbohydrate content as wheat but have more protein and oil. In many areas, seeds are dried out and milled into flour for making gluten-free bread and pancakes. The flowers are good for honey production.

The vegetable amaranth can also be used in feedlots for cattle or other intensively reared animals including pigs.

It has been reported that women in Queenstown in the Eastern Cape, South Africa eat the greens, believing that the young tops promote the flow of a breastfeeding mother.

Caution When boiling red leaves, the pigment that is released in the water must be discarded as these can contain anti-nutritional factors which prevents the ability to utilise nutrients. Young and very tender leaves have the least amounts of these undesirable materials, which is why the plants should well-watered and fertilised, and picked early and often.

Growing amaranths Amaranths are a pioneer species which quickly colonises disturbed land.

They produce plenty of seeds, which germinate rapidly, and the seedlings soon appear, so the first crop of leaves is sometimes harvested within three weeks of planting. New leaves keep appearing and up to 10 tonnes of edible greens per hectare in a period of 30 to 40 days have been recorded.

Amaranths grown as vegetables need a long, warm growing season in hotter climates. The crop thrives in areas with high rainfall. Where it is grown in small garden plots, it is often watered by hand. Without irrigation, it needs at least 8 mm of rainfall per day throughout the season.

Humid lowlands below 800 m are said

The flowers are good for honey production. (Source: Pixabay) ProAgri BNZ 49

to be most suitable for cultivation, but the crop can be grown in higher areas.

All species are very sensitive to cold weather and the plant stops growing at about 8 °C. Most species are tolerant of high temperatures and thrive within a temperature range of 22 °C to 40 °C. Although most amaranths tolerate different soils, they thrive in light, sandy, well-drained, and fertile loam with a high organic content and adequate nutrient reserves. The optimum pH range is 5,5 to 7,5, but some cultivars tolerate more alkaline conditions.

To increase leaf growth, the growing tip is pinched out to force branching with new leaf growth and suppressing early flowering. Watering, and fertilisation with manure, compost, or nitrogen fertiliser during the growing season, stimulate leafy growth and boost yield, generating the greatest quantity of the tenderest leaves.

The plant can grow in shade near other plants, including bananas, cassava, and trees. Amaranth greens are mostly grown, harvested, and marketed close to home, and women are the prime producers. The surplus is sold at village markets.

In warm climates it can be grown all year round and because of its short lifecycle of about eight weeks, it is suitable for multiple cropping. Amaranth is also highly suitable for incorporation into crop rotations as it is usually unaffected by common soil diseases such as nematodes, fungal, and bacterial wilt.

The plant grows very fast, and the leaves can be picked many times during the growing cycle of eight weeks. (Source: Pixabay) Limitations The small grains are tricky to sow, but mixing them with sand and sowing the combination, ensure that they are uniformly distributed. Hard rain can wash the seeds away, but covering with a thin layer of grass mulch, which is removed after germination, can solve the problem.

The seeds can also be sown in seed trays and the seedlings transplanting when the conditions are favourable.

Pests and diseases Slugs and snails, as well as leaf-eating insects like grasshoppers and beetles, can damage the leaves. Covering the crop with netting is one solution, but it is not widely used.

The plants are susceptible to viruses as well as fungal diseases, especially when they are young and when the weather is damp. If the seedbeds are well drained and located in sunny sites, it will eliminate some problems.

Amaranth plants grow well in disturbed soil and because the flowers produce thousands of seeds, it is difficult to contain the spread of the plant, which is often regarded as weeds. (Source: Pixabay)

Pinching out the top of the plant encourages the growth of more branches, and thus more leaves, and prevent early flowering.

(Source: Pixabay)

Multicoloured leaves on an amaranth plant. The colour leaches out when the leaves are boiled, and the water should be thrown away. (Source: Pixabay)

ProAgri Botswana / Namibia / Zimbabwe 49

References National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. 2006.

Lost Crops of Africa: Volume II: Vegetables. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. https:// doi.org/10.17226/11763. https://nap.nationalacademies.org/ read/11763/chapter/3#51

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enter360 pivots are well known for their strong structure and durability due to of their construction of high quality steel pipes. The pipe structure is lighter and more wind resistant than angle iron.

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The electric system can also work with Senter360 solar panels.

Senter360 also has larger, higher pivots for taller crops. Theuns says: “The standard pivot has 3 metres crop clearance for crops such as maize; one with a higher profile (4 metres) for sugar cane; and a 5-metre high one for bananas or crops that grow extra tall.”

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Article supplied by Timbali Technologies

Southern Africa small-scale farming succes:

This is the recipe Incubation eliminates entry barriers for small-scale farmers: Access to loan financing is a game changer.

A

ccess to loan financing and the lack of skills to manage cash flow in small businesses are two barriers to success for small-scale farmers.

In 2020, the Census of Commercial Agriculture, done by Stats SA, cited the total number of ‘commercial’ farmers in South Africa as just above 40 100 back in 2017. Sixty percent (60%, that is 24 060) were identified as microfarmers. A University of Pretoria expert opinion piece cited the number of smallscale farmers as 2 million in 2022.

The loan access statistics are disappointing, with the Department of Agriculture reporting that “a total of

205 loans have been given to farmers from April to August 2022, through its micro agricultural financial institutions of South Africa scheme’. According to Green Agri, there are at least 24 loan providers in the agriculture sector and the broader green economy. Still, the criteria for most of these loans are often out of reach for subsistence and small-scale farmers.

These barriers are addressed in Timbali’s incubation model. Timbali coaches our farmers beyond technical and business skills. Timbali assists our small-scale farmers in accessing loans in partnership with Standard Bank.

These loans enable farmers to go from subsistence to sustainable and thereby establish business-orientated farming operations.

However, as with any loan, there is also the question of repayment, which

ProAgri Botswana / Namibia / Zimbabwe 49

is why so few loan opportunities are offered to small-scale farmers. We have refined our model to deliver success for farmers, the market, the funders, and all parties alike.

The farmers Timbali supported near Elukwatini situated in the Albert Luthuli Municipally, Mpumalanga, hit a 92% loan repayment track record.

Successful repayments and the lessons learned

In some areas, the loan repayment rates were as low as 3%. Applying the Timbali model and the lessons learned, the loan repayment rate has improved to 92% for Elukwatini farmers with the most recent season of input loans. All 15

Botswana

in all, it shows that a considered and well-researched model is needed for loan financing to be the social weapon it can be.

How to identify top smallscale farming candidates for micro-loans

Timbali’s experience over the last two decades has shown that loan repayments rely on these critical success factors: •

•

•

•

• •

16

The macro-environment and community culture indicate the approach towards partners, commitment, and work ethic. This might not be a famous or politically correct indicator. Still, years of experience have taught us that community thinking, approach, track record, and willingness to collaborate, indicate whether the community members will repay their loans.

The individual selection process prioritises small-scale farmers with a trading track record, even on a small scale. Well-known South African entrepreneur and venture capital funder, Vusi Thembekwayo, said you do not need funding to start a business. To put this in context, he explained that you need a track record of sales and making your business more than an idea before you can access funding. In our experience, farmers with small-farming experience and a track record of delivering to a market are more successful in repaying loans. The individual characteristics of grit, resilience, and a track record of doing rather than talking are essential in our selection process.

Formal partnerships with the loan financing partner that understands the context of economic development and support. In this case, we appreciate the approach of Standard Bank as our partner and say more about their philosophy below in our partner feature.

Consultants or agencies cannot compile business plans and loan applications alone; the entrepreneur needs to take ownership of their business plans. Timbali is not that kind of consultant. The farmers need to take responsibility for collaborating in compiling their business plan and presenting their loan financing application themselves, with the support of Timbali.

They then know what they commit to and can honour that commitment.

Financial controls and formal market agreements are critical.

Timbali assists the farmers with market access, but also facilitates access to informal markets.

Informal markets provide cash flow

Even with Timbali's carefully considered model, accurate and meaningful change often requires collaboration and a mix of resources.

ProAgri BNZ 49

for day-to-day operations while the formal markets are where the income to settle the loan accounts come from. The surplus is paid directly to the farmer once the account has been settled. This mitigates non-payment risk successfully, addressing the human need for instant gratification and money in their pockets while repaying loans directly. Where there is only informal market access and a cash economy, the discipline to put away the cash towards loan repayment is often lacking and results in defaulting.

However, even with such a carefully considered model, accurate and meaningful change often requires collaboration and a mix of resources.

This is why Timbali has partnered with Standard Bank to expand our reach in terms of loans, and have personal and collective success stories to show the incubation results.

Success story: Stanley Ntshangase

Financing with incubation services enabled small-scale farmer Stanley’s growth and loan repayment.

Stanley (25) from Steynsdorp started farming in 2018, and although his pri-

mary focus was cabbage, he eventually managed to produce sweet potatoes and maize. He could plant cabbage on half a hectare of his farm with a loan of R47 238 from partner Standard Bank South Africa. His quality resulted in him being able to supply SPAR, who collected 43% of his produce, and he also supplied feeding schemes and the informal market. The combination of access to the formal and informal markets gave Stanley a steady cash flow (informal market) and a large payment (formal market with Spar) that repaid his loan.

In addition to meeting his loan repayment requirements, the profits from his harvest enabled him to increase his production to 16 000 cabbages on one hectare, and he plans to plant sweet potatoes on another half hectare. From April to mid-May 2023, he generated sales of R110 206. As the first person in this project to officially repay his Standard Bank loan in full, Stanley has been remarkably successful. He also employed four people during the production period.

Stanley’s own experience:

“This was my first success in farming.

Previously I heard people say there is good income in farming but this year, I have experienced such growth; the

ProAgri Botswana / Namibia / Zimbabwe 49

programme pushed me to set goals and targets in farming. Timbali also emphasised the importance of record keeping. I never thought keeping a record was important, which was my biggest downfall in the past; that is why I never made a reasonable profit.

This year, I renovated my house, fixed my bakkie, and repaid the loan.”

Job creation, skills development, small-scale farming, food security, and enterprise development. This is a list of buzzwords we often hear in the media, corridors of government and businesses, and social gatherings. To Timbali, these are more than just buzzwords.

To Timbali, putting food on the table for families is a reality, seeing how farmers work practically every day to make these “concepts” real, as Stanley’s story illustrates.

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19

Fruit production part 9: Cherries take the cake C

herries, like most other commercially produced fruits, are grown in orchards that can be quite expensive to establish. The cherry bush or tree (Prunus avium) has specific climatic requirements and it takes a while for the farmer to see a return on investment (it takes up to five years for grafted trees to bear fruit). Cherry crops can also be fickle, not fruiting for a season due to the slightest difference in soil health, climate, or nutrient levels.

Some growers have noted that a tree can be “too healthy” in that it prioritises growth when it receives ample nutrients, instead of procreating and thus fruiting.

Much like nuts, apples, oranges, and olives, cherry trees are alternate bearing crops, meaning that they deliver high yields every alternative season.

You will also need to consider the possible capital expenditure for agricultural netting to protect cherries from sunburn as well as birds eating the crops.

After all that is said, cherries remain a well-priced, sought-after delicacy, mostly used in desserts, fruit salads, and speciality dishes. It can be very rewarding if done right. Here are a few pointers to keep in mind.

Climatic and soil requirements

Cherries thrive in temperate climates with distinct seasons. They require a 20

certain number of chilling hours (cold temperatures) in winter to produce fruit.

Cherries prefer well-drained soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH (6 to 6,8).

Soil should be rich in organic matter.

Conduct soil tests to understand the composition and fertility of your soil.

Planting

Preparing the soil properly is crucial for the successful growth of cherry trees.

Start by removing weeds and debris.

Cherry trees do not like waterlogged soil. If your soil has drainage issues, consider planting cherries on raised beds or slopes. Adding organic matter such as compost can also improve drainage. Check and adjust pH where necessary.

You can choose cherry varieties that are suitable for your climate and soil type. An agronomist will we able to give advice on the best variety to plant. Plant cherry trees during the dormant season, usually in late fall or early spring.

When it comes to establishing a cherry orchard, using saplings is the preferred and more practical method.

When you use saplings, you can choose specific cherry varieties that are known for their taste, size, disease resistance, and suitability to your local

by Maryna Steyn

climate. This ensures consistency in the quality and characteristics of the fruit you will harvest.

Cherries grown from seeds do not necessarily retain the exact traits of the parent tree. They can exhibit significant variability in terms of fruit quality, size, taste, and even disease resistance. This inconsistency makes it unpredictable and unsuitable for commercial orchards.

Grafted trees start producing fruit earlier than those grown from seeds. It may take only a few years for grafted saplings to bear fruit.

Source: Lisa Fotios on Pexels ProAgri BNZ 49

Nurseries often produce saplings from disease-resistant rootstocks, enhancing the tree's overall resistance to common cherry diseases.

Dig a hole twice as wide and just as deep as the root ball of the cherry tree.

Break up the soil at the bottom and sides of the hole. This encourages the roots to spread easily. Gently spread out the roots of the cherry tree when planting. Avoid planting too deep; the tree should be at the same depth it was in the nursery.

Proper spacing between trees is crucial for good air circulation and sunlight exposure. Standard spacing for cherry trees is around 6 to 8 metres apart.

Water after planting.

Irrigation Cherries need regular watering, especially during dry periods. The trees need approximately 1 300 m3 per hectare per season.

Drip irrigation is often the most efficient method, ensuring consistent moisture without waterlogging. Irrigation companies can provide you with advice on drip irrigation for your orchard.

Furthermore, mulching around the base of the trees can help to retain moisture and regulate soil temperature, making your orchard more water efficient.

Cherries ripening on a cherry tree. (Source: Pixabay)

Fertilisation Based on soil test results, apply fertilisers containing nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium as needed. Organic options like compost and manure can also enhance soil fertility. Additionally, boron, zinc, and manganese can also be applied.

Annual composting can also benefit your trees.

Pest and disease control Common pests to cherry trees include aphids, fruit flies, and birds. Implement integrated pest management techniques such as natural predators, traps, and proper sanitation.

Cherry trees are susceptible to diseases like powdery mildew and brown rot. Proper sanitation, fungicides, and disease-resistant varieties can help manage these issues. Root phytophthora and bollworm are also common.

Mature cherry trees are blossoming. (Source: Vecteezy)

(2020). Gardening Australia. 20 December. https://www.youtube. com/watch?v=y4KEU1tSmoI Louw, M. (2023) How to grow cherries, Fruit Farming in South Africa.

Available at: https://southafrica. co.za/how-to-grow-cherries.html

Cherries are harvested once they are ripe. (Source: Pixabay)

Fields of young cherry bushes.

(Source: Vecteezy)

ProAgri Botswana / Namibia / Zimbabwe 49

Voigt, F. (2019) Cherry production in South Africa: Status quo and new initiatives, International Society for Horticultural Science.

Available at: https://www.ishs.org/ ishs-article/1235_33

21

Thumbs up for plums

by Tisha Steyn

Growers, exporters and nurseries attended a plum day at Culdevco’s head office in Stellenbosch on 27 July. (Source: Culdevco)

Mishkaat Anderson, General Manager of Culdevco. (Source: Culdevco)

P

lum cultivars developed by the Agricultural Research Council (ARC) and marketed by Culdevco, have grown from 32% to 50% of exported carton figures this season, thereby exceeding all expectations.

“Plum varieties like Ruby Sun, African Delight®, Ruby Star, African Rose® and Flavour Star, all cultivated by the Agricultural Research Council (ARC), are currently South Africa’s top cultivars and they have grown from 32% of the export market in 2020/2021 to 50% in 2022/2023,” said Mishkaat Anderson, Culdevco’s General Manager.

Culdevco (Pty) Ltd was established in 2005 to promote the commercialisation of South Africa’s deciduous fruit industry and to redefine the marketing of each variety.

According to Mishkaat, the cultivar range consists of eleven ARC varietals with black, yellow, and red skin 22

Most plums are consumed fresh, while some are dried or processed into jams, preserves or alcoholic drinks. (Source: Culdevco)

colours. At present, red-skinned plums are the most popular and therefore most planted, while the yellow and black skins are more niche.

At present, Europe is South Africa’s biggest market, followed by the Middle East and the United Kingdom, with the United States also opening up as a profitable market.

Background “Culdevco’s exclusive rights portfolio has grown to over 150 different varieties marketed both locally and worldwide,” Mishkaat said.

“As a sign of our sustainable success, our decade-long partnership with the Agricultural Research Council, which owns all the cultivars, has been extended for an additional decade as we take more of our specific fruit varieties to more countries.

“With low-risk, profitable varieties

The coating on these black plums is called wax bloom, which is a natural secretion from the fruit that protects it from absorbing or losing water. Culdevco’s black varieties include Ruby Crisp and Solar Eclipse. (Source: Pixabay) across multiple categories, we work with our much-valued specialised people and customers to ensure sustained success for all involved across the value chain, from field to fork.”

ARC-grown plum varieties have all performed exceptionally well internationally over recent years with Ruby Sun being Culdevco’s most popular plum. In 2017, 211 hectares of this mid-season cultivar with a storage capability of six to seven weeks, were planted. This has increased by over 41% to 511 hectares in 2022, yielding 55 to 60 tons per hectare.

African Delight® is the next most popular, red-skinned variety that also yields and stores equally well. It grows better in warmer areas. In 2017, South African producers planted 349 hectares of this variety, which has since grown by 30% to 459 hectares.

Ruby Star is better adapted to cooler areas than African Delight®. It is a late-ripening red plum cultivar with excellent cold storage ability. The yield equals that of the two other varieties.

ProAgri BNZ 49

Red plums are the preferred cultivar in South Africa. Culdecvo’s red plums include Africa Delight, Africa Rose, Flavour Ster, Ruby Star and Ruby Sun. (Source: Culdevco) More plum delights With two new plum cultivars on the horizon, the sugar plum fairytale does not end there.

Growers, exporters, and nurseries who attended an information day at Culdevco’s head office in Stellenbosch were excited to hear about the upcoming, as yet unnamed, cultivar presently referred to as PR 06-23.

“This plum is showing great promise

with medium to low chilling requirements, excellent storage ability over longer time frames, combined with exceptional taste,” said Mishkaat.

At present, this cultivar is in its advanced evaluation phase. It has been planted semi-commercially in areas in the Western Cape and is available to South African producers.

Two more cultivars, namely PR 12-10 and PR 11-04, are also being devel-

Although plums probably originated in China, most of the fruit’s development took place in Japan. (Source: Pixabay) ProAgri Botswana / Namibia / Zimbabwe 49

Not all plums are suitable to be dried and turned into prunes, which are consumed in a dry form.

(Source: Pixabay) oped. “These plum varieties are also set to impress the market and Culdevco will keep stakeholders informed as to their progress,” she said.

“New varieties are evaluated for their adaptability, yield, precociousness, fruit quality, and acceptability in the major local and export deciduous fruit markets, among other factors.”

Production Varieties are vigorously tested and screened regularly to ensure they meet quality standards.

“This extensive process from cultivating, evaluating, and propagating can take more than 15 years with costs running into the millions, which ensures that Culdevco makes the best possible recommendation of a profitable cultivar choice for the grower that will enable them to reap maximum benefits.”

At present, more than 81,000 tonnes of plums are produced in South Africa, with 61,000 tonnes (74%) being exported. The industry currently provides jobs to 6 611 workers and a livelihood for their 26 443 dependents.

The choice of cultivar primarily depends on production conditions, such as the chilling requirement of the cultivar, disease resistance, and the requirements of the target market.

South African plums are in season from November to April and are grown mainly in the Western Cape, where the fruit flourishes in the Mediterranean climate of the Klein Karoo – 23

which is the largest area under plum production – the Langkloof, Wolseley, Tulbagh, Ceres, Paarl, Stellenbosch, Franschhoek, Ceres, Villiersdorp and, Vyeboom.

History of plums in South Africa Plums have been cultivated in South Africa since the 1650s when the Dutch colonial administrator, Jan van Riebeek, established a food garden at the Cape. Around 1896, Harry Pickstone, who is regarded as the father of the South African fruit industry, imported several Japanese varieties from California. During 1907 the first native South African variety was discovered in KwaZulu-Natal.

As the imported varieties did not do well under South Africa’s production conditions, several formal research and development programmes were initiated. Over time, new varieties and production standards were introduced that are better suited to South Africa’s climatic and production conditions.

Exports South Africa’s plums are of exceptional quality and are earning good money on the international market. About 74% are exported, with Europe accounting for more than half, and the United Kingdom for about a quarter of these sales. Large volumes are also exported to the Middle East, Russia, the Far East, and Asia.

Most plums are consumed fresh, and the remainder are processed and used as canned or dried fruit. Just over 20% of the plums are sold locally and 3% are processed into jams, preserves and alcoholic drinks.

Culdevco’s yellow varieties include Afri Gold, Satin Gold, Sun Kiss and Sun Supreme. (Source: Pixabay)

24

ProAgri BNZ 49

While red plums are most popular, yellow, and black plums are mostly sold to a niche market.

(Source: Pixabay)

Health benefits Plums are low in fat and calories, high in fibre, and an excellent source of vitamins and minerals.

Culdevco’s role in the export fruit industry Culdevco is a commercialising and marketing agent of ARC-bred varieties with more than 162 profitable cultivars under its management. These include apples, pears, plums, peaches, apricots, table grapes and dried grapes/ raisins. The ARC is also the owner of all the deciduous fruit cultivars marketed

by Culdevco.

These unique and robust cultivars released by Culdevco over the past 15 years have made a significant impact on the South African deciduous fruit industry and the employment figures in the Western Cape.

“The Western Cape agricultural sector is export-oriented and contributes more than 50% on average to South Africa’s national agricultural exports to the world,” said Ivan Meyer, Provincial Minister of Agriculture.

“A calculation was made through research conducted by the Western Cape Department of Agriculture that a 5% increase in the value of exports of certain competitive products (i.e. deciduous fruit, table grapes, wine,

Plums, which are low in fat and calories, high in fibre, and an excellent source of vitamins and minerals, are also used in delectable baking dishes to delight a sweet tooth. (Source: Pixabay) animal fibres, flowers and citrus) would lead to 22 951 new jobs being created especially in the non-agricultural sectors of the province.”

Contact a Culdevco expert As a South African farmer, producer, or technical adviser, speak to a Culdevco expert about their cultivars and utilise them to your advantage.

For more information, please go to https://culdevco.co.za/ or call: (021) 888 8467 or e-mail: info@ culdevco.co.za.

ProAgri Botswana / Namibia / Zimbabwe 49

Source references Plums are the easiest to grow of all the deciduous stone fruits.

(2023) Gardening in South Africa https://www.gardeninginsouthafrica.co.za/plums-arethe-easiest-to-grow-of-all-thedeciduous-stone-fruits Plums (2023) Juicy Delicious https://juicydelicious.co.za/ about/plumbs/

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ProAgri BNZ 49

Bird flu:

Namiba bans poultry imports from SA

N

amibia has suspended imports of live poultry, birds and poultry products from South Africa following the spread of the highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in the neighbouring country. The suspension is in effect

until further notice, the agriculture ministry said in a statement.

South Africa is facing a major bird flu outbreak that poultry producer, Quantum Foods, said killed about two million chickens. Another South African

ProAgri Botswana / Namibia / Zimbabwe 49

poultry producer, Astral Foods, said the total cost associated with the outbreak amounted to about R22 million.

Namibia consumes an estimated 2 500 tons of chicken every month, relying on imports mainly from South Africa.

The precise reasons behind the rapid spread of HPAI remain unclear, but a combination of factors, including the high contagiousness of the virus, unfavourable weather conditions, and challenges in preventing the movement of infected birds, have contributed to its uncontrolled proliferation.

This has led to a distressing reality where well-planned biosecurity measures have not halted its advance, leaving the poultry industry in crisis.

The severity of this crisis necessitates an urgent and decisive response. The South African Veterinary Association (SAVA) urgently calls upon the government to permit the immediate importation of HPAI vaccines targeting H7 and H5 influenza viruses. These vaccines have been registered and used effectively in other countries dealing with HPAI outbreaks.

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Given the critical nature of the situation, SAVA urges that these vaccines be evaluated for emergency importation under Section 21 of Act 101, designed to address such crises promptly.

Approval from the Director of Animal Health is essential and must be expedited. While these vaccines may not have been fully tested against local HPAI strains, their immediate use is vital during this severe emergency,” says Wilhelm Maré, Chairman of the Poultry Group of SAVA. The relative affordability of poultry meat makes it an important protein for millions of low-income South Africans.

Furthermore, it is estimated that the industry employs over 110 000 people. Ineffective or delayed resolution of the outbreak will therefore have a direct socio-economic impact on South Africans.

In the medium to long term, a multifaceted approach is required to improve HPAI control in South Africa.

Vaccination remains a crucial component of this strategy and will continue to be so in the foreseeable future.

Vaccines used for longer-term management must undergo full evaluation and be registered as soon as possible. This process, however, is not agile enough to address the immediate crisis.

HPAI viruses pose potential risks to human health.

While the present HPAI strains in poultry do not pose an immediate threat to humans, continuous monitoring and genetic analysis are essential to detect any changes that may occur over time. Reducing the national virus load is a vital step in lowering the risk of human infections, and effective vaccines can play a pivotal role in achieving this.

ProAgri Botswana / Namibia / Zimbabwe 49

The South African poultry industry faces a dual challenge – safeguarding human and animal health while securing the sector's survival. Urgent and decisive action is imperative. Failure to act decisively will keep the virus a threat to both human and animal health and endanger the survival of the South African poultry sector.

Source: https://www.bizcommunity. com/Article/196/700/242332. html#more https://www.bizcommunity. africa/Article/410/742/242280. html#more

29

Namibia

Livestock branding part 4: Freeze-branding

by Natasha Pansegrouw

M

any farmers rely on branding or marking livestock not only as a means of establishing ownership, but also to contain useful information, such as the animals' birth dates and registration numbers.

Freeze-branding is a common practise for permanently marking livestock with a unique and recognisable symbol.

The hair follicles are frozen at subzero temperatures, altering the appearance of the branded area in terms of both colour and texture.

Freeze-branding has several advantages over traditional hot branding, such as less pain and stress for the animals, better brand readability, and the ability to make elaborate and detailed designs.

What is the freeze-branding method?

The branding iron is dipped in liquid nitrogen or another similar substance and then pressed onto the animal's skin for a few seconds.

Hair follicles lose their pigmentation in the extreme cold, leaving a white mark that is visible even after the hair has grown back. When compared to the more traditional method of hot branding, which causes pain and damage to the animal's hide, freeze-branding is preferred.

Freeze-branding has become increasingly common in recent years as a humane and effective way to permanently mark animals with identification information. When branding animals, it is imperative that they always receive the utmost care and attention.

30

How much dry ice is typically used during the branding process?

One hundred head of cattle can be freeze-branded in three to four hours using nine kilogrammes of dry ice and 11,3 litres of 99% alcohol, according to a rule of thumb for dry ice freezebranding. About 23 to 34 kilogrammes of dry ice and 29 to 34 litres of ethanol are needed for a full day of freezebranding. Pieces of dry ice the size of eggs should be placed in a styrofoam container, or a metal cooler lined with styrofoam and covered with at least 8 centimetres of alcohol.

To create the desired identifying mark, a branding iron crafted from copper or brass should be chosen. The branding iron is cooled to a temperature of about -184 degrees Celsius using liquid nitrogen or dry ice. After chilling the branding iron, it is applied to the skin of the animal for a minute.

Electric shears for trimming animals. (Source: animalfarmacy.ie)

How does freeze-branding work?

The animal should be restrained (in a suitable clamp), and the branding area should be clipped, cleaned, and sprayed with rubbing alcohol before the branding irons are applied. Clipping has two functions: It removes the protective hair from the hide, and acts as a visual guide for where to place the brand. The branding iron only needs to be applied for a short time if the hair is clipped short enough.

After applying the iron to the skin and removing it, you will see a noticeable indentation that fades away after about five minutes. After this, the mark

Here the place for the mark has been shaved and disinfected. (Image credited to www.dryice.co.za) ProAgri BNZ 49

will no longer be visible, and in 30 to 40 days, the white or grey hair will start to grow out.

Damage to the cells that produce pigment at such low temperatures explains why such extreme cold leaves a mark that is white or very pale in colour. The animal needs to recover in a quiet, stress-free setting after the procedure.

Why does the hair change colour after freeze-branding or become bold in light coloured-animals?

Hand-operated hair clippers are made out of a handle and a mechanism that allows the user to manually oscillate the blades from side to side. (Source: s.click.aliexpress.com)

A mammal's coat colour can be permanently changed through freezebranding, leaving the branded region white for the rest of the animal's life.

As the growth root pulls the hair out of the follicle, ice crystals begin to form inside melanocytes, the cells that typically cover the hair shaft with colour.

The microtubules that carry melanin granules from a cell's inside to its membrane, where they typically undergo exocytosis, are physically harmed by this ice. After the cells thaw, the cellular machinery is irreparably harmed, which prevents the surviving melanocytes from ever again secreting melanin. Most melanocytes fail to regenerate and enter apoptosis quickly.

Light-coloured animals require a longer branding period to kill the deepest portion of the follicle, which secretes the actual hair shaft. The result is a bald area of skin that is often darker than the animal's coat and prevents any hair regrowth. High contrast is thus guaranteed, even on white-coated animals, thanks to freeze-branding.

The time difference between the two branding techniques is negligible, frequently only a few seconds.

Tools and materials required for freeze-branding: • • • •

• • •

Examples of copper freeze-branding irons. (Source: bestenaar.life) ProAgri Botswana / Namibia / Zimbabwe 49

•

At least two individuals responsible for branding and scheduling; Liquid nitrogen or ethanol (usually 99%) chilled with dry ice serves as the typical liquid coolant; Individual animal restraint equipment, such as a neck clamp or squeeze chute; The area to be branded must be shaved with manual or electric hair clippers before the branding iron can make skin contact, so you might need access to an electrical source as well; A brush for grooming the coat; Alcohol wipes to disinfect the branding area; Symbolled, freeze-branding irons (branding irons should be made of pure copper but are more commonly made of a cupronickel alloy) with which to identify livestock; and A brand timing device (clock or stopwatch).

31

What is the procedure for freeze-branding?

• Wait 20 minutes before using the branding irons for the first time, for them to cool down.

• Branded animals should either be confined in a small, confined area or, better yet, restrained in a neck clamp. This will aid in keeping the animal calm while handling.

• The intended marking area should be shaved. After a few minutes, or when the branding irons reach a temperature of -147 degrees Celsius, remove them from the container and set them aside.

• Wipe the freshly shaved area where the brand will be with rubbing alcohol to remove any oils or dirt that may prevent the iron from making good contact with the skin.

• The period of time needed for skin contact varies with the animal's colour. If you want to make sure the branding iron is used for the right period of time, you will need a timer.

• The branding iron should make skin contact for 55 seconds on dark-coloured animals and 70 seconds on light-coloured ones.

• Cool the iron for at least 2 minutes in between uses if you need to use it twice.

• The skin should feel moderate pressure from the entire branding iron. If the animal moves or the iron loses contact with the skin, stop the timer, readjust the iron's position, and resume the process.

Please use the links below for guidelines on branding livestock:

Botswana – Zonal branding areas The President of Botswana has the authority to designate specific geographic areas within the country as “zonal branding areas” via an order published in the Gazette, and has the additional authority to designate a specific letter of the alphabet as the “zonal symbol” for each such area. Cattle must be branded with a unique symbol for each zone. The first symbol must be placed on the left side of the neck, as close to the jaw angle as possible. The subsequent signs are to be positioned along a line from the jaw angle to the shoulder point. Each symbol needs to be positioned as close as possible to the one before it. If there is not enough room for more symbols on the left side of the neck, they should be placed in the same position on the right. Please see https://faolex.fao.org/docs/pdf/ bot65796.pdf for further reading.

Namibia

Cattle branding: Branding is required for all cattle over the age of six months, or younger if they are transported before that age.

Within 30 days of a purchase or gift of an animal, the new owner must have the animal branded with his stock brand. It is mandatory to brand a “N” on the left cheek of any cattle destined for export.

commercial brand before it is culled, cancelled, or sold as commercial livestock.

Sheep, goats, and pigs: No brands are put on sheep, goats, or pigs. Tattoos on a pig’s ears serve as a unique identifier. Ear tags with the owner’s stock brand number are used to identify sheep and goats. If a farmer plans on moving his sheep, goats, or pigs before they turn three months old, he must have them microchipped.

Goats and sheep must also be branded on the left cheek when being imported or exported. Please see https://nammic.com.na/how-to-brand-livestock/ and https://www.van.org.na/pdf/ Stock%20Brands%20Regulations.pdf for further reading.

Zimbabwe

Cattle are identified by branding on the left side of the neck and by ear tags in accordance with the law. According to the Zimbabwe Cattle Traceability Scheme, these animals need to be marked no later than 20 days after birth. Please see https://www.swmprogramme.info/legal-hub/zimbabwe/ animal-production for further reading.

Branding stud animals: Brands registered with the Namibian Stud Breeders Association must be used on all stud animals. It is required that a stud breeding animal with a stud brand be rebranded with the owner’s

The next letter is placed next to the previous one. (Image credited to www.dryice.co.za)

With moderate pressure, the cold iron is held against the skin.

(Image credited to www.dryice.co.za) 32

Here the indentation is clearly visible immediately after the freeze brand. (Image credited to www. dryice.co.za) ProAgri BNZ 49

References Wikipedia contributors. (2023).

Freeze brand. In Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopaedia. Available at: https://en.wikipedia. org/w/index.php?title=Freeze_ brand&oldid=1173512724 Livestock Identification Services Ltd. (no date) Applying brands. Available at: https://lis-ab.com/brands/applying-brands/ Rhinehart, J. (2020) Freeze branding beef cattle. University of Tennessee System, University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture. Available at: https://utbeef.tennessee.edu/wpcontent/uploads/sites/127/2020/11/ SP775.pdf

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Where the “P” is still clearly visible, you can see that the “C” indentation is disappearing. (Image credited to www.dryice.co.za)

ProAgri Botswana / Namibia / Zimbabwe 49

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ProAgri BNZ 49

Tick-borne diseases in Zimbabwe: Heartwater

by Tisha Steyn

E

conomically speaking, heartwater is one of the most important tick-borne diseases in cattle, sheep, and goats in Zimbabwe. It is an acute, fatal, infectious but non-contagious, tick-borne disease of ruminants caused

by Ehrlichia ruminantium (formerly Cowdria ruminantium) and transmitted

by Amblyomma ticks, and the bont tick in particular.

The disease can cause a high mortality of up to 90% in domestic ruminants. Goats and sheep are more susceptible than cattle, and European breeds are generally more susceptible than indigenous African breeds.

The disease can cause considerable losses to farmers, mainly through mortality, treatment, and control costs. Like other tick-borne diseases in Zimbabwe, heartwater has historically been controlled through acaricide dipping to control the ticks that transmit the disease, but it has become costly.

Distribution The disease is limited to the geographical limits of the distribution of these ticks. The spread of the disease may be related to the increased movement of cattle and wildlife, and the frequency, or the reduced intensity of dipping.

Heartwater has historically been limited to the southern and western lowvelds of Zimbabwe. Since 1986, however, cases of heartwater have been diagnosed more often in the central and eastern regions of the previously heartwater-free highveld plateau.

At present, the distribution of heartwater and its carrier ticks – or vectors – in the highveld is still largely restricted to the central and eastern regions.

The northern regions of the highveld appear to be mostly uninfected, though it is likely that heartwater will eventually spread further, which may have a considerable impact on livestock production in Zimbabwe.

Figure 1: Illustration of a male bont tick. (Source: Virbac) ProAgri Botswana / Namibia / Zimbabwe 49

Heartwater is widespread in all Southern African countries except Namibia, which is too dry to support Amblyomma ticks. In other countries, these ticks are most often concentrated in low-lying bushveld and along river valleys. In Malawi and Madagascar, Amblyomma variegatum is recognised as the exclusive vector of heartwater as A.hebraeum and A.pomposum are absent. In South Africa, A.hebraeum is the only major vector species.

Heartwater symptoms The symptoms are noticeable in sheep for seven to 35 days, and nine to 29 days in cattle after infection. In most cases, heartwater causes a sudden rise in body temperature, which may exceed 41° C within a day or two after the onset of fever.

Fever is followed by a loss of appetite, sometimes listlessness, diarrhoea, particularly in cattle, and laboured breathing that is an indication of lung oedema, which means excessive liquid accumulation in the tissue and air spaces of the lungs.

Nervous signs develop gradually.

The animal is restless, walks in circles, makes sucking movements, and stands rigidly with tremors of the muscles under the skin. Cattle may push their heads against a wall or behave aggressively or anxious.

Eventually, the animal falls to the ground, pedalling with its legs and showing an abnormal posture caused by spasms or contractions in the muscles of the neck, back, and legs. The eyes may move rapidly and uncontrollably, and the animal makes chewing movements. Following such an attack, the animal usually dies.

Acute and less acute forms of the disease occur, and some cases may end in death, while there is a higher rate of recovery in others. Recovered animals become carriers of infection.

Certain wild animals, like springbok, are susceptible and can experience high mortality, but if they survive, they 35

Zimbabwe

can play a role as a reservoir for the disease.

Diagnosis Diagnosis is difficult because there are no obvious stages in the blood of infected animals; the principal area where the disease develops is in the blood vessels of the brain.

The resultant brain damage causes typical nervous symptoms like an unnatural high-stepping gait, but a positive diagnosis is usually obtained by examination of smears taken from the brain.

Cattle are prone to heartwater when young home-bred calves are exposed to heavy Amblyomma tick presence at the start of the spring rains, or when susceptible young animals are brought into a farm where heartwater is endemic.

Treatment Regular dipping at set intervals, as well as vaccination, can be used to prevent the disease. Start treating the animal with an antibiotic containing oxytetracycline as soon as the disease has been diagnosed and give supportive treatments to help the recovery process.

A short series of injections of Terramycin/LA may provide cover against the disease during the first month of exposure to ticks and may render the cattle immune to further infections.

Contact the local veterinarian or veterinary extension officers to confirm the disease, to provide a prognosis, and to suggest treatment protocols.

Lifecycle of the bont tick To understand the disease, it is important to take note of the bont tick’s life cycle and the role it plays in the spread of the disease.

Amblyomma hebraeum is known as the bont tick because of the brightly coloured pattern on the scutum or

Figure 2: Illustration of a male bont tick. (Source: Virbac) shield on the back and the banded or striped legs. Bont ticks are large ticks with long mouthparts.

The bont tick gets infected when it feeds on infected or carrier animals and then transmits the disease to a susceptible animal when it feeds on the next host. The bont tick is a threehost tick, which means the larvae, nymph and adult stages attach to different animals. In favourable conditions, the lifecycle can be completed within one year, otherwise, it can stretch over three years.

The female ticks lay up to 18 000 eggs. These can take up to five months to hatch into larvae, which is the first active stage. The larvae attach to the host and feed for seven to fourteen days before they turn into the nymphal stage.

After moulting, the nymphs may remain inactive for some months

Figure 3: Illustration of the lifecycle of a bont tick. (Source: Virbac) 36

before attaching to a host. They feed for seven to fourteen days and once engorged, drop off the host animal to change into adult ticks.

The adults attach to their preferred hosts and feed for about seven to nine days, they drop off and start laying eggs.

Bont tick attachment sites The larvae, nymphs and adults attach to different areas on the animal: • The larvae attach to the animal’s feet, legs, muzzle, and head.

• The nymphs attach to the feet, legs, groin, and neck.

• The adult ticks attach in clusters on the hairless parts of the body underline, the groin, axillary cavity, dewlap, belly, perineum, and peri-anal region.

Secondary infection With heavy infestations, the bites inflicted with the long mouthparts can cause wounds which may develop secondary bacterial infection. Sometimes the wounds become infested with cattle blowfly or maggots.

Control Bont ticks occur throughout the year.

Dip animals strategically and frequently to reduce the tick infestation. Spot treatment can be used by spraying only the sites on the body where ticks usually attach.

In peak seasons, dipping intervals need to be increased to reduce tick numbers. Use a 5,5,4-day dipping interval strategy when there are many ticks.

The bont tick also transmits the single-celled protozoan that causes benign theileriosis in cattle and Rickettsia conori and Rickettsia africae that cause tick-bite fever in humans.

ProAgri BNZ 49

References Bont Tick - Amblyomma hebraeum (n.d.) Virbac https://za.virbac.com/home/everyhealth-care/pagecontent/every-advices/ticks-lice-and-fly-related-articles/ advice-2.html Chamboko, T., Mukhebi, A.W., O’Callaghan, C.J., Peter, T.F., Kruska, R.L., Medley, G.F., Mahan, S.M., Perry, B.D. (1999). The control of heartwater on large-scale commercial and smallholder farms in Zimbabwe. Preventive Veterinary Medicine Volume 39, Issue 3, 9 April 1999, Pages 191-210 https://doi.org/10.1016/S01675877(98)00144-5 https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/ article/abs/pii/S0167587798001445 Heartwater disease in livestock (n.d.)

Virbac https://za.virbac.com/home/everyhealth-care/pagecontent/every-advices/tick-borne-disease-related-articles/ heartwater-disease-in-livestock.html Heartwater. (n.d.) World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) https://www. woah.org/en/disease/heartwater/

Figure 4: Example of attachment sites of a bont tick to cattle.

(Source: Virbac)

Peter, T.F., Perry, B.D., O’Callaghan, C.J., Medley, G.F., Mlambo, G., Barbet, A.F., Mahan, S.M. (1996) Prevalence of Cowdria ruminantium infection in Amblyomma hebraeum ticks from heartwater-endemic areas of Zimbabwe. Preventive Veterinary Medicine, Volume 26, Issues 3-4, April 1996, Pages 187-199 https://doi.org/10.1016/01675877(95)01006-8 https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/ article/abs/pii/0167587795010068 Peter, T.F., Perry, B.D., O ’Callaghan, C.J., Medley, G.F., Mlambo, G., Barbet, A.F., Mahan, S.M. (1999). Prevalence of Cowdria ruminantium infection in Amblyomma hebraeum ticks from heartwater-endemic areas of Zimbabwe. Epidemiology & Infection, Volume 123, Issue 2, October 1999, pp. 309-316 Published online by Cambridge University Press DOI: https://doi.org/10.1017/ S0950268899002861 Peter, T.F., Perry, B.D., O'Callaghan CJ, Medley GF, Shumba W, Madzima W, Burridge MJ, Mahan SM. The distribution of heartwater in the highveld of Zimbabwe, 1980-1997. Onderstepoort J Vet Res. 1998 Sep;65(3):177-87. PMID: 9809322. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih. gov/9809322/ Purnell, R.E. (1984) Cowdriosis: Control of heartwater in cattle in Southern Africa using terramycin/LA. (1984) Preventive Veterinary Medicine Volume 2, Issues 1-4, March 1984, Pages 239-254 https://doi.org/10.1016/01675877(84)90067-9 https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/ article/abs/pii/0167587784900679

Figure 5: Illustration of the seasonal occurrence of bont ticks in different life stages – larvae, nymph and adult. (Source: Virbac) ProAgri Botswana / Namibia / Zimbabwe 49

37

Zimbabwe

Residents take up fish farming

projects in Zimbabwe

by Marko Phiri

R

esidents in Bulawayo are turning to setting up fishponds in their backyards to take up aquaculture farming as a new farming initiative, besides their traditional green gardens.

The country's fisheries have always largely relied on natural resources from dams and other water bodies, but these resources are getting scarce.

It has become essential that people should cultivate their favourite meal.

Fishponds have become the new face of aquaculture as farmers believe it is easy to set up such projects. Fish fingerlings, while delicate to breed, do not demand complicated expertise, making such projects attractive to many who seek to explore new farming opportunities.

Government and the ministry of agriculture are on record supporting aquaculture projects for self-sufficiency

Installers of ponds must know what they are doing. and boosting local economies in terms of sales and domestic consumption.

At the beginning of October, Moses Ndlovu, a retired headmaster, set up two ponds on his premises in one of

the city's low-density suburbs.

Having ample space has provided Moses with the ability to expand from growing cabbages to trying his hand at fish breeding.

"I have been an active farmer for years and thought I should try something else after I saw a lot of talk about fish farming not being complicated," Moses said.

Government is upscaling aquaculture and in September this year announced that more than seventy irrigation schemes had been identified for the setting up of fish farms. These projects will be supported with fish fingerlings as part of the broader Fisheries and Aquaculture Development Strategy.

In a country where most farming activities have been confined to cash crops such as grains and tobacco, government is encouraging diversity. For farmers such as Moses Ndlovu who are financing their own fisheries projects, it

Nile tilapia in a pond.

38

Farming with fish in a RAS or aquaponic system, especially with net cages, will give you much more control and better results, but to get started is expensive. (Photo: www. ksba.co.za)

ProAgri BNZ 49

is a gamble that could pay off in the long term, he says.

"I have seen people who have started these projects in their backyards, but the advantage is that there are not many such projects that I know off. This means the market is not yet oversubscribed," Moses said.

Other aspiring fish farmers have however met with frustration.

Twenty-something year old Lungilo Mazibuko says he has taken a break from pursuing fish farming.

"The people who set up our ponds early this year did a shoddy job. The ponds leaked and water went straight into the ground," Lungilo said, highlighting the need for experts in setting up such projects.

"We did follow-up, trying to make them re-do their work but up to now they have not owned up to their poor workmanship," he added.

Still, the interest in fish farming is showing untapped potential for farmers to grow their local businesses, with the Presidential Fisheries Programme seeking to increase dam construction drastically by 2025 to ensure the growth of the sector.

ProAgri Botswana / Namibia / Zimbabwe 49

A few hints to make your pond work: • Circulate the water by using a sludge pump that will not block easily.

• Let the water fall from a height to help with aeration.

• Regularly replace a third of the water with clean water.

• The water that is pumped out (dumped) can be used to irrigate and fertilise vegetable gardens.

• Try to get the best brooding stock and regularly replace the brooding males for better quality fingerlings.

• Use fish food specifically developed for the type of fish that you farm with and for pond feeding.

• If you can invest in a recirculating aquaculture system (RAS) or decently designed aquaponic system, you can control your breeding programme and fish growth much better than with a pond system.

39

Zimbabwe

Unique mushroom growing takes shape in Zimbabwe

by Marko Phiri

I

nnovative residents in Bulawayo are growing mushrooms in their homes in homemade dark rooms.

The organic mushrooms are grown in a grow medium stuffed in plastic bags and sold in supermarkets, confirming their quality.

Sibonokuhle Mthembu, who runs a thriving horticulture project in one of the city's high-density townships, says she discovered mushroom farming "by mistake".

A colleague introduced her to the idea, but she says she has been selftaught, turning to YouTube tutorials to learn more. It is these tutorials that have turned her into an expert of sorts as she now advises other aspiring mushroom farmers how to go about setting up the infrastructure in their backyards.

She grows mushrooms in plastic bags that she hangs in a makeshift darkroom where she uses thick black plastic to block sunlight from seeping through the incubator.

"Mushrooms demand a carefully controlled environment to thrive," Sibonokuhle added.

"This is one of the most fulfilling projects I have done because it has all been experimental and it has worked well so far," she said.

Another resident who has taken up mushroom farming is Burzil Muchena, who describes himself as a self-made entrepreneur.

Burzil Muchena runs a horticulture project on his city plot where he plants a variety of greens, but his recent source of pride is his mushroom growing 40

efforts. He has set up a darkroom in a backyard shack and, like Sibonokuhle, grows mushrooms in plastic bags suspended from the roof by a rope.

"They are fairly easy to grow, and they produce pretty quickly," Burzil said.

Mushrooms have been popular with consumers for many years, but

concerns have been raised by especially rural communities who consume wild mushrooms which are often poisonous.

Safe, cultivated mushrooms are in demand in upmarket retail outlets and for many, they are seen as the kind of food items reserved for hotel diners.

With the government actively promoting

Mushrooms grow from fungal spores that thrive in damp, dark conditions.

They require a medium that is high in decaying plant matter.

Growing bags are being prepared by mixing the spawn (mushroom spores) with the wet straw.

ProAgri BNZ 49

Mushrooms growing in Sibonokuhle Mthembu's backyard.

Wheat hay is used to stuff the plastic bags for mushroom growing.

farming to bolster the economy, Zimbabwe's urban farmers are experimenting with different farming techniques, and mushrooms appear to be providing an incentive to experiment.

Supermarkets consider mushrooms a luxury food item, and for Burzil, this has encouraged him to grow more.

"Mushrooms are considered a rich man's food, so they are expensive. I am making decent money as they do not demand a lot of inputs. But when you are not vigilant it can also be a source of pain with poor harvests," he said.

Other inputs required, he says, are sometimes hard to get, such as wheat hay used for stuffing the plastic bags in which the mushrooms are grown.

"You also need a constant supply of water to ensure humidity and that the dark room temperatures are properly maintained," he said.

"Because of water shortages in the city, this can be quite frustrating," Burzil added.

For Sibonokuhle the project has been fruitful because she has an assistant working with her who ensures everything is well maintained.

"The project demands constant monitoring. Farming is a full-time commitment and if you have no one to take care of the mushrooms, you may just go broke and never recover," she said.

Mushroom spawn has become widely available in agriculture outlets and individual private growers in the country,

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thanks to the increasing interest in mushroom farming.

One establishment sells a kilo of mushroom spores for USD3 at a time when a kilo of maize seed can be up to three times that price.

Industry experts say mushroom farming in Zimbabwe has not taken off like other sectors such as grain and tobacco, and even other small-scale projects such as poultry, despite requiring comparatively little finance to set up.

It is that lack of wide interest from smallholders that is being seen as persuasive enough by innovative entrepreneurs to tap into the niche market.

Mushroom growing has not attracted attention of even government which has poured millions of dollars into the agricultural sector.

As farmers like Burzil and Sibonokuhle continue to explore new farming techniques, this has helped to broaden their portfolios from the usual projects that have come to define urban farming.

"I have taken a break from poultry to concentrate on mushrooms and will see how it goes, but for now, I think it is encouraging," Sibonokuhle said.

In other parts of the country, the World Food Programme (WFP) is supporting women to set up mushroom farming as part of income generating projects, raising potential for the uptake of mushrooms as a widely grown crop.

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41

Zimbabwe

Amid water scarcity:

by Marko Phiri

Plot owners in Bulawayo turn to groundwater for farming Z

imbabwe's second main city has long faced water troubles, effectively stifling agricultural activity. Water shedding has been a daily reality, putting brakes on any ambitious farming activities at a time when many here are turning to agriculture as a means of self-sufficiency.

While some low-density areas established during the country's Federation years before independence in 1980, had boreholes sunk within their premises, they became derelict for lack of maintenance.

The city's old low-density areas are known for plots where farming activities were part of the once-thriving local economies. However, as years passed, the infrastructure was neglected and fell into disuse.

But with renewed interest in agriculture, new homeowners and tenants renting land are rehabilitating the old boreholes while some are sinking new boreholes altogether.

In a country where millions are without formal jobs, farming has become one of the major areas of self-sufficiency.

With the majority of farming activities relying on rainwater, this in turn has limited all-year-round agriculture production.

When Timon Sibanda decided to embark on what he calls "serious farming" in a suburb previously known for thriving market gardening projects, his first worry was water.

"There already was a borehole that had not been maintained for years. I

had to make arrangements to get it working," Timon said.

Over the years, Zimbabwe has increasingly turned to groundwater for both agriculture and domestic use despite earlier concerns about the unregulated sinking of boreholes.

This was raised by local municipalities and experts worried about depleting groundwater levels amid concern that too many boreholes could threaten future groundwater stocks.

But local authorities seem to have had a rethink as borehole-sinking companies can be seen crisscrossing the city virtually daily.

"We are aware of boreholes being

An irrigation project on Mavis Bhebhe's plot.

A borehole-fed project in one of Bulawayo's city plots.

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sunk across the city, especially for agriculture purposes," a city councillor told ProAgri.

"What the municipality does is work to ensure that these boreholes do not violate any bylaws, for example being sunk in township residencies. The municipality already has several boreholes it sunk in those areas," the councillor said.

As water shortages persist, the Bulawayo municipality is deploying water bowsers to residents across the length and breadth of the city, but this water is not enough for agricultural activities.

For farming activities to thrive, access to adequate water supplies remains of paramount importance. An aspiring farmers, Mavis Bhebhe plants ProAgri BNZ 49

records of all boreholes sunk around the city and each borehole must be registered to keep track of over-exploitation of the natural resource.

"Many people, including farmers, think groundwater is infinite, but we have many cases where farmers are left counting their losses after boreholes dried up," the councillor said.

For now, ambitious farmers look to groundwater for relief, and as the rainy season approaches, agriculture activities are expected to peak, albeit amid fears of yet another El Niño-induced drought.

Seedlings project. a variety of crops for resale at local supermarkets and has invested in sinking a borehole in a low-density suburb.

She has created a green garden oasis amid dry conditions that have become typical of this part of the country.

"Sinking a borehole is quite expensive but if you plan to make farming a viable undertaking, you have no choice,” she said.

The process involves applying to the local municipality for approval, then surveying the groundwater levels on the spot where the borehole will be sunk, and finally, the drilling and sinking itself.

The municipality says it keeps

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Zimbabwe

Bulawayo, Zimbabwe:

by Marko Phiri

Small-scale farmers turn to greenhouses for improved production

A

s farmers in Zimbabwe seek to make the best of their horticulture projects, some are setting up greenhouses on their small plots.

With protection against the hot sun, hard rain, and frost, they can set up their own nurseries and create extra incomes as they also sell seedlings to other farmers and residents.

For many here, farming is already a tough proposition despite government availing land for free. Infrastructure has been cited as a major drawback in attempts to make the sector profitable with land remaining fallow, resulting in government repossessing the land.

But for some urban and peri-urban farmers, determination to make the best of their self-funded projects has meant looking beyond the everyday setbacks.

Jeffery Gumpo, a subsistence farmer, owns a small plot in Douglasdale on the outskirts of Bulawayo. For the past few years, he has been the go-to-guy for vegetables in his neighbourhood after he turned his land into a thriving market gardening project.

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While he propagated some of his own vegetables, such as the leafy chomolia (kale), by pruning and replanting, he still bought seedlings, and this cost him both money and time.

It was also labour intensive, he says.

"Last year I decided I could set up my own small greenhouse to grow seedlings for myself. So far, it is not bad," said Jeffery who set up the greenhouse himself with labour assistance from neighbourhood colleagues.

Now the project is growing itself as he sells the seedlings to other people who grow greens for their own domestic consumption. Besides growing for resale, his main interest is growing tomatoes in the greenhouse.

"Tomatoes can be a headache with weather changes. Frost is their worst enemy, but with the greenhouse, I know the crop is safe," he said.

Greenhouses enable farmers to control the growing environment for their crops ensuring minimal crop losses and maximising production.

Across town, at a formerly low-density suburb historically known for vibrant

ProAgri BNZ 49

farming plots, Harris Batsirai runs a small agriculture project.

In that area, farming activities slowed over the years with changes in ownership, but Harris is from a generation of ambitious young farmers determined to create profitable green spaces.

He says he realised that setting up a greenhouse helps cushion him against losses as agriculture is a sensitive business.

"It is easy to lose your crop just when you are thinking of harvesting," Harris said.

His comments come against a background of radical climate changes that have shifted traditional cropping cycles, with local meteorological services regularly warning farmers about changing weather patterns.

"I was advised at a farmer training workshop that greenhouses can be quite handy if you want to stay in business," he said.

He set up the greenhouse this year and grows a variety of crops including tomatoes and onions, which he says cannot be planted all year round.

There is a demand for vegetables right through the year, but growing them tend to be seasonal. “Unless you have the infrastructure, you cannot grow them any time of the year," Harris added.

The greenhouse has changed how he does business.

Set up from simple material that includes straps of timber and plastic without the technical complications of professionally constructed greenhouses, Harris has been able to redirect his efforts to ensure he has enough water.

"It would be futile to have a greenhouse but not enough access to water.

So, I have worked with some guys to connect water from the borehole to feed the greenhouse plants," Harris said.

Greenhouses have been praised by experts for their ability to maximise yields within limited space, and for farmers such as Jeffery and Harris working within the city limits, such self-created infrastructure are creating new opportunities.

Produce from greenhouses is also considered high quality, and looking at it commercially, produce can even be exported.

However, most small-scale farmers who have set up greenhouses for themselves are not looking that far.

"I am happy that the greenhouse ensures that I continue working without obsessing about losses. I still have other crops outside the greenhouse, but I know that for now things are manageable," said Harris.

The Zimbabwe government is increasingly encouraging young farmers who are willing to take up new innovations as part of efforts to move away from the old ways of doing business.

With involvement in the sector being drawn back by lack of agro-finance and the unwillingness of local banks to give loans to farmers, it has been left to individual farmers to make the best of their passion for food production A greenhouse almost ready for planting in Bulawayo.

Harris Batsirai's greenhouse in Bulawayo during construction.

A greenhouse on one of Bulawayo's low-density plots.

ProAgri Botswana / Namibia / Zimbabwe 49

Women sort seedlings outside a greenhouse in Bulawayo.

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