ProAgri BNZ 53 by ProAgri

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The answer to all your irrigation needs

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Will Russian fertiliser change Zimbabwe’s fortunes?

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Dear readers This year surely kicked off on a high note. We started off this year hitting the ground running. How has this year begun for you? 2023 came with its sets of challenges for all of us, but it still ended beautifully. I have this feeling that 2024 will be challenging too, but in a pleasant and productive way. As farmers and small business owners, we are in a difficult season of life right now; the word "unprecedented" is ubiquitous. Both our industry at large and our planet itself are in peril, and our collective, calloused hands are some of those taking on the vital work of saving them. This reminds me of the words of Ben Burkett: "To be a successful farmer, one must have a true heart and loving spirit. Sometimes things will not go as you have planned. One must prepare for the unexpected at all times. Good times and bad times, good years and bad years. But most of all, farmers are always optimistic; they always believe that the next year will be a better year." As we confront the challenges of climate change, food security, and economic development, ProAgri remains committed to fostering dialogue and collaboration within the agricultural community. Through sharing knowledge, expertise, and best practices, we believe in building a resilient and thriving agricultural sector that benefits farmers,

Content

3. 6. 7. 11. 15. 19. 23. 27. 28. 29. 30. 31. 34. 36. 38.

consumers, and the environment alike. Our featured articles in this month’s edition include a range of topics, from the importance and guidelines of correct seed storage to the management of poultry. We also delve into the latest trends and agricultural technology, irrigation solutions and the importance of water management, providing valuable insights and practical advice for our readers. As we navigate the ever-changing terrain of farming, our magazine remains steadfast in its mission to inform, inspire, and empower farmers throughout Africa. We are grateful for the continued support of our readers, contributors, and partners. Together, let us embark on this journey of growth, innovation, and sustainable development, ensuring a brighter future for agriculture in Africa. The ProAgri team is also excited to welcome two new members to our editorial team, Ashleigh Schubert and Natasha Pretorius. We wish them every success for their future with ProAgri. Happy reading! ProAgri-greetings! Bianca Henning bianca@proagri.co.za

Banana production in Africa part 2: Planting and fertilising How effective is a centre pivot as irrigation tool? Smallholder farmers drive Africa’s irrigation revolution Growing agriculture in Botswana, apple for apple Water is life: Manage it properly Agriculture funding in Africa is ripe for innovation Technews: The latest in agricultural technology from around the world Zimbabwe eyes multi-billion-dollar irrigation to boost agriculture A billion-dollar bet for Zimbabwe’s green exports Zimbabwe's agri-loans headache Zimbabwe cattle auctions slow down, but the numbers need to grow Seed storage: Tips and guidelines Will Russian fertiliser change Zimbabwe's fortunes? The fundamentals you need to know about farm dogs Hydroponics in Africa part 1: Is hydroponics the future for food security?

Agri4all is the largest online agricultural classifieds platform in Africa, specialising in the promotion and marketing of agricultural products, connecting agricultural businesses to farmers and advertising agricultural-specific products and services across Africa.

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ProAgri BNZ Editor Bianca Henning Reporters Benine Ackermann Maryna Steyn Ashleigh Schubert Natasha Pretorius

> +27 82-326-2572 bianca@proagri.co.za > +27 73-105-6938 benine@proagri.co.za > +27 82-261-9177 maryna@proagri.co.za > +27 71-585-9422 ashleigh@proagri.co.za > +27 83-468-2653 natasha@proagri.co.za

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ProAgri BNZ 53

Banana production in Africa part 2:

Planting and fertilising A

banana does not only taste nice, it also has nutritional value, and banana plants can grow in most African countries. Farmers in Africa can consider planting bananas as an option for income or personal use. In this article we give more information on how to plant and fertilise your banana plants to grow better.

Planting

Bananas can be planted by using tissue culture plants or bits and suckers. A.

Planting method for tissue culture plants

Tissue culture plants are small plants which are grown from the tissue of the banana plant. They are sold in bags, ready for planting. For convenience, this is the preferred method for planting bananas. 1. 2.

4. 5. B.

Prepare for planting by digging holes. Add old kraal manure and put some loose soil back into the holes. MAP (Monoammonium phosphate) can be added in the hole. Do not add more than 10 g of MAP into each planting hole. Remove the plastic bag before planting and place the plant in the hole. The soil in the bag must not break up. Fill the hole with soil around the plant and compact it. Check correct planting depth when planting. Planting method for bits and suckers

Bits are small portions of the banana plant cut from the rhizome (corm) of the plant to which a bud is attached. Suckers are shoots growing from the rhizome of banana plants and they grow into new plants. 1. 2.

Spacing

Space the rows three metres apart and the plants 1,5 metre in the row. The size of the hole must be 30 cm x 30 cm and the depth about knee height. Dos and don’ts when planting • Do not damage the plant or dislodge the soil when removing the bag use a knife instead of a hoe. • Do not plant too shallow or too deep and allow a space of 10 cm between the plant and the soil surface. • Irrigate the banana plants after planting. • The best planting time is December.

Fertilising

Make the soil fertile for the banana plants after planting by applying topdressing. 1.

Apply the first topdressing a month after planting (January) using 2 bags of LAN fertiliser per hectare (50 g per plant). Apply the second topdressing three months after planting (March) using two bags of LAN fer-

tiliser per hectare (50 g per plant) and four bags of KCI fertiliser per hectare (100 g per plant).

When planting bits, the planting depth must be 10 cm and the bit also about 10 cm. The planting method for suckers is the same as for planting tissue culture plants.

ProAgri Botswana / Namibia / Zimbabwe 53

Apply the third topdressing five months after planting (May) using four bags of KCI (100 g per plant) and two bags of LAN fertiliser per hectare (50 g per plant).

Do not apply topdressing in June, July and in August. 4.

Topdress again nine months after planting (September) using four bags of KCI (100 g per plant) and two bags of LAN fertiliser per hectare (50 g per plant). Topdress again 11 months after planting (November). Use four bags of KCI (100 g per plant) and two bags of LAN fertiliser per hectare (50 per plant). Apply the last topdressing in January using four bags of KCI (100 g per plant) and two bags of LAN fertiliser per hectare (50 g per plant). Make compost from old vegetable leaves, chicken and kraal manure, which can supplement the fertiliser programme.

When planting banana plants in prepared holes, you do not need to till the whole land and you can place precise quantities of fertiliser per hole. (Photo: wikifarmer.com)

This article is published with acknowledgement to the ARC-Institute for the use of their manuals. For more information on banana production, visit the ARC’s website at www.arc.agric.za.

ProAgri BNZ 53

How effective is a centre pivot as irrigation tool?

pivot irrigation and its economical operation, is that technological advances in this industry now makes it possible for the farmer to manage his pivot systems remotely via his mobile phone or computer from anywhere in the world. Again, saving on labour costs and time, the farmer can set and change irrigation sequences as he wishes. This emphasises the usefulness of these systems, providing peace of mind and significant cost savings to farmers.

Article supplied

ith water being a valuable asset, water management for an irrigation farmer is one of the most important aspects of their operations. It should always be a priority to optimally use this resource. Centre pivot irrigation systems have been proven to be one of the most effective methods of irrigation, especially for medium to large sized tracts of land. Getting water more effectively into the soil is the first simple line of saving with any irrigation system, but how is that achieved? Using top range ultra-low pressure sprinkler packages is a good start. This is not only about low pressure and the obvious advantage thereof, but also about correct droplet sizes, even water distribution combined with wider sprinkler bandwidth, all contributing to effectively getting the low-pressure water into the soil combined with very low evaporation, and virtually no, if any run-off. This type of irrigation is more cost-effective than sprinkler systems, travelling guns or micro irrigation systems, demand less labour input and can be completely automated. By attending to the detail as mentioned above, you may have savings of more than 50% compared to higher

pressure systems with cheaper sprinklers. Losses are due to (1) high pressure systems which uses more power, (2) water losses through evaporation, caused by cheaper static sprinklers not having even droplet sizes, (3) run-off often caused by low pressure cheaper sprinklers with a narrow bandwidth, (4) hanging those sprinklers lower to combat evaporation, causing sealing of the soil, causing even more run-off and surface evaporation. A water shortage at critical times has a major influence on the loss of yield of the various crops. This is dependent on the type of crop and the growth stage of the plants but can be disastrous to the total expected crop yield. Efficient irrigation will lessen the risk as water pumped will be water in the soil. Adding to the advantages of centre

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ProAgri Botswana / Namibia / Zimbabwe 53

Smallholder

farmers drive Africa’s irrigation revolution by Tisha Steyn

frica, like the rest of the world, faces the threat of climate change. As unpredictable weather patterns increasingly disrupt planting and harvesting seasons, reduce arable land and cause a dwindling water supply, smallholder farmers are turning to innovative systems to secure year-round food production. These challenges adversely impact the economic growth of many countries where nearly 70% of some 33 million farmers on the continent are smallholder farmers who produce about threequarters of the food the agriculture-based populations rely on. Smallholder farmers have traditionally relied on rain-fed farming, but erratic rainfall patterns and extreme climate conditions now cause their crops to fail. As a result of reduced production, they rely heavily on imports, which constitute as much as 85% of the food consumed. However, irrigation based on sustainable and water-efficient practices, can drive agricultural transformation to increase yields and improve resilience to the impact of climate change and bring millions back from the brink of starvation.

Irrigation revolution

According to the Malabo Montpellier Panel’s report, Water-Wise: Smart Irrigation Strategies for Africa (2018), erratic weather caused by climate change has led to a surge of interest in 6

irrigation among small-scale farmers in Africa. Yet only 6% of arable land in Africa is irrigated, compared to other developing countries like 14 and 37% percent in Latin America and Asia. “Irrigation investments need to accelerate in Africa,” states the report. “By meeting the need for expanded agricultural production, and by drawing on strengthened capacities as well as promising technologies that facilitate decentralised water-saving approaches, these investments will be attractive to farmers, businesses, and governments.” According to the report, African countries that have invested in irrigation have been able to shield their farmers and population from hunger while reducing dependence on imports.

African countries that have invested in irrigation are able to shield their farmers and population from hunger while reducing dependence on imports. (Source: Pixabay)

Smallholder-led irrigation revolution

Small-scale, farmer-led irrigation systems make up 83% of irrigated land in the majority of Sub-Saharan African countries. In Niger, where 80% of the population relies on agriculture for their livelihood, irrigation innovations have mostly been driven by smallholder food producers with the backing of the government and private sector. This has sped up irrigation expansion that boosted yields and incomes of these food producers while guaranteeing year-round food production.

Women often take care or tiny vegetable plots at their homes while taking care of household chores and their families. (Source: Pixabay) ProAgri BNZ 53

Small-scale farmers in Africa still use buckets or watering cans to irrigate homestead crops. (Source: Pixabay)

Villages on hillsides employ gravity to get water to their fields. (Source: Pixabay)

In Zimbabwe, many irrigation and fertiliser investments have led to the establishment of a sustainable wheat supply that cut reliance on imports. In Ghana, private irrigation schemes by smallholder farmers employ 45 times more individuals and cover 25 times more land than public irrigation schemes. “In Tanzania, half of the dry-season cash incomes of smallholders come from growing irrigated vegetables," the report further states. "In Zambia, the 20% of smallholders who cultivate vegetables in the dry season earn 35% more than those who do not." "Investment costs of small-scale irrigation technologies are affordable, and implementation is relatively straightforward when compared to large-scale irrigation, so the potential for upscaling and reducing poverty is high," notes a 2012 Water for wealth and food security report by the International Water Management Institute (IWMI).

Irrigation methods

Irrigation is the artificial application of water to land for agricultural production. Water for irrigation comes directly from a natural source of water such as a river, creek, lake, dam, rainwater harvesting storage tank, or from underground water, whether a borehole or shallow wells in a wetland. The water is transferred to agricultural land by using gravity diversion methods through canals or furrows or flood irrigation, human-powered systems like buckets or watering cans, or more sophisticated technologies including liquid fuel-engine driven or solar powered pumps that delivers water through a network of pipes and sprinklers. Drip irrigation delivers water by means of pipes and drippers directly to the base of the plant. Subsurface drip

Smallholder farmers have traditionally relied on rain-fed farming, but erratic rainfall patterns and extreme climate conditions are causing their crops to fail. (Source: Pixabay)

ProAgri Botswana / Namibia / Zimbabwe 53

Farmers who use sufficient irrigation can upgrade to farming on a commercial scale and get contracts with supermarkets and vegetable traders in nearby market centres. (Source: Pixabay) irrigation is similar to drip irrigation, but the pipes are buried underground thereby reducing water evaporation. Sprinkler irrigation requires an electric or generator-driven pump to operate either as circular system which rotates around a pivot, or a lateral system that moves laterally across the field. This system is expensive and is mostly used by more affluent farmers who produce commercial crops. New innovations that offer smallscale farmers an affordable irrigation option include the bucket drip system and solar-powered irrigation.

Bucket drip kit

At present, more affordable smaller drip systems are available to smallholding farmers in some areas. Bucket drip kits are low-cost kits that use buckets and hoses to deliver water directly to plants. East African company Elgon Kenya manufactures a small irrigation system called Kadogo drip kit in their bid to reach more food producers with irrigated farming. https://www.elgonkenya.com/ "The whole idea behind the miniature irrigation kit was formed by the realisation that a bulk of food producers were smallholder farmers who were being buffeted by variations in weather and relied heavily on rainfed agriculture," says Nelson Maina, Communication and Marketing Manager at Elgon Kenya. "However, irrigation systems were out of reach for them due to the cost constraints and the technicalities involved in installation and running the systems. The miniature kits have been pivotal in promoting sustainable food production while building resilience among smallholder farmers to climatic shocks."

solutions with a pay-as-you-go model where farmers can make small monthly instalments. https://sunculture.io/ Many farmers in Kenya, Zambia, Ivory Coast, Uganda, Senegal, and Ethiopia, among others, have started using solar irrigation systems, which has led to an increase in yields by 300% and saving up to 80% of water usage. By using the solar option, the company aims to prevent the emission of 20 000 tonnes of carbon dioxide each year, as well as saving water. "As water supplies dwindle and rains fail, we need to put in place measures that ensure we utilise the little water we have sustainably in order to avoid adverse impacts on health and the environment," says Jacktone Otieno, an Agriculture Economist at Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology.

Flexibility

A study in Zimbabwe published by Philip Woodhouse et al in The Journal of Peasant Studies, indicated that farmer-led irrigation proportionally covers more land than formal irrigation

Solar irrigation

Solar-powered irrigation uses solar energy to operate pumps for irrigation, especially in regions with limited access to electricity. SunCulture offers solar irrigation 8

ProAgri BNZ 53

schemes at a provincial level. These farmers still rely on networks of suppliers of technology and repair services, as well as extension agents, transporters, bankers and credit agencies and market brokers. Farmer-led irrigation is flexible and adaptable. At the one end, some very small plots, usually around homesteads, are favoured by women, who can combine watering and tending vegetables with domestic chores and caring for the family. At the other extreme, larger plots with irrigation systems use submersible pumps powered by generators and fitted to boreholes. These farmers have upgraded to farming on a com-

mercial scale and have contracts with supermarkets and vegetable traders in nearby market centres.

Affordability

Mobile pump sets made in China are available in every town and are repairable by local mechanics. Using flexible piping, water sources can be used throughout the year. Sustainable production has created jobs and boosted the economy. To prevent a market glut for perishable produce, diversification is necessary. With extensive mobile phone coverage, farmers are not only able to negotiate contracts and supply markets, but also have instant access to valuable information provided by online publications such as ProAgri.

Rethinking irrigation policy

Research proved that engineer-designed irrigation systems all over the continent have often failed as a result of strict water regulations and equipment breakdowns. Yet, such schemes remain central to development programmes across the continent. Although these standard irrigation schemes will continue to be part of the answer to sustainable irrigation in Africa, one should not dismiss the importance of small-scale, flexible, farmerled, informal irrigation by smallholder farmers across Africa. Challenges abound, with larger operations dominated by more affluent farmers, limited markets, lack of product diversification, storage, and processing. Above all, water sources are limited, and sustainable use and access regulations must be heeded. With the support of government policies that support smallholder-led irrigation systems, the challenges can be surmounted.

Source references Koigi, B. (2022) What Africa's irrigation renaissance means for food security. Fair Planet https://www.fairplanet.org/ story/portable-irrigation-techafrica-smallholder-farmers/ Giordano, M., De Fraiture, C., Weight, E., Van der Bliek, J. (2012) Water for wealth and food security. International Water Management Institute (IWMI). https://www.iwmi.cgiar. org/Publications/Other/Reports/ PDF/Water_for_wealth_and_ food_security.pdf Scoones, I. (2019) Irrigating Africa: can small-scale farmers lead the way? The Conversation https://theconversation.com/irrigating-africa-can-small-scalefarmers-lead-the-way-113692 Water-Wise: Smart Irrigation Strategies for Africa (2018) https://www.mamopanel.org/ resources/irrigation/reportsand-briefings/water-wise-smartirrigation-strategies-africa/ Woodhouse, P., Veldwisch, G.J., Venot, J., Brockington, H., Manjichi, A. (2016) African farmer-led irrigation development: re-framing agricultural policy and investment? Taylor & Francis Online https://doi.org/10.1080/030661 50.2016.1219719 https://www.tandfonline.com/ doi/full/10.1080/03066150.201 6.1219719

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Irrigation based on sustainable and water-efficient practices can drive agricultural transformation to increase yields and improve resilience to the impact of climate change. (Source: Pixabay) ProAgri Botswana / Namibia / Zimbabwe 53

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Growing agriculture in Botswana,

by Annemarie Bremner

f Ipeleng Ramatlhakwane from Malolwane, east of Gaborone in Botswana, gets her way, the whole strip of land running just a kilometre away from the banks of the Madikwe/Marico River on the border with South Africa would be fully utilised for farming. One of the crops she is putting her trust in is apples.

If Ipeleng Ramatlhakwane from Malolwane, east of Gaborone in Botswana, gets her way, the whole strip of land running just a kilometre away from the banks of the Madikwe/Marico River on the border with South Africa would be fully utilised for farming. One of the crops she is putting her trust in is apples. Growing apples in the hot and arid conditions in Botswana may seem a bit far-fetched, but Ipeleng has already proven that it can work. She says: “Because we are so close to the river it gets very cold here in winter, with frost. It gets cold enough for the resting period apple trees need, but it is also important to use the right cultivar.” The cultivar she decided upon is a very hardy type she imported from Kenya, just known as Semi-arid. “The best thing is that the root stock trees this hardy cultivar is grafted on, was developed in Israel. From desert country to desert country, we can make it work!”

Ipeleng at her favourite apple tree planted in 2021. Between the trees are traditional runner beans planted as cash crops, to control weeds and to replenish nitrogen in the soil.

ProAgri Botswana / Namibia / Zimbabwe 53

Botswana

At Wipix Gardens, about 80 km from Gaborone, Ipeleng Ramatlhakwane is opening a door to new opportunities for farmers in Botswana.

Ipeleng has now taught herself to use sprouts from the root stock trees to graft the fertile fruit bearing apple trees on. The plan is to sell these saplings to other farmers ready to take on a crop with long term returns. She says there is a high demand for apples in Botswana and up to now they had to import most of what they needed from South Africa and other countries. Now this can all change. Ipeleng was quite surprised when the first batch of trees she imported started bearing fruit after nine months. “I did not think it was possible, on the second year we pruned them just enough hoping that nature will take its cause. When it rains, generally weaker flowers will easily fall off, however the scarcity of rain during this period resulted in a high yield which was not anticipated. This considering the stems are still in a fragile state. In the end I had to rush around finding buyers for all the apples. We ended up processing the apples, making lots of juice, even apple cider vinegar and apple butter, and the remains and chaff were fully utilised feeding our horses ... and they were very happy.” She is ready now for the next season, but the long-term aim is to provide and sell trees to other farmers. On her farm, Wipix Gardens, which is about 10 km from the village where she and her husband own the luxurious Wipix guesthouse, many other experiments and farming activities are also taking place. Between the cattle, goats, sheep, 12

The first harvest arriving nine months after the trees were planted came as a surprise to all involved. Now things are controlled by pruning and limiting flowers.

Colin Bremner from Kleinskuur Aquaponics adding the final touches to this rooftop aquaponic system, which may be the first one in Botswana.

ProAgri BNZ 53

horses, and lavender lands there is a patch with a variety of trees, including bananas, moringa, figs, pomegranates, and other crops, such as Australian mint. This is where Ipeleng tries out everything before growing it commercially. It is important to her that everything she grows must be organic, and although it is sometimes a challenge to find solutions, she tries her utmost to work with nature. Giving a plant the best possible start in life is also the best way to safeguard it against pests, she says. When planting a tree, a proper hole is dug which is first filled with a layer of river sand, which the ants do not use to build nests, then ash as a natural pesticide, and lastly a good mix of mature kraal manure and healthy compost. She also likes to use rabbit manure which she gets from her own rabbit farming sideline, as it can be used directly without damaging the plants. She had an infestation of beetles in her trees a while ago, but she beat the beetles by drawing them away from the trees at night using big bright lights above containers filled with water in which they then fell and drowned. Burning dry manure is another weapon in her natural arsenal. Ipeleng says there is no excuse for people who have some land not to farm. Even the availability of water does not have to be an obstacle. Once you have done a survey the government is willing to fund up to 65% of drilling costs and infrastructure if the water is being used for farming. In the strip next to the river, they also have access to the beautiful clean water of the perineal rivers, of course with water rights. Most excitingly, for young people looking for smart farming, and the use of technology instead of getting their hands dirty she also has an answer. She has just finished installing an aquaponic system on the roof of her newly completed spa, which will enhance the already superb culinary experience of guests staying over. “We are well-known for our quality bream,” she says, “now we can provide our own aquaponically grown fish, as well as healthy vegetables and spicy herbs.” Although the system at the guest house is small, they are considering installing a commercial Kleinskuur aquaponics unit on the farm. In the end the farm will also be a tourist destination displaying a variety of interesting crops and farming methods. Ipeleng has a background in financial services, but she gave up her corporate career in investment consulting to pursue her passion to create a beautiful environment for people, plants, and animals to thrive and grow in. Her husband, Cornelius, has a very demanding position and must travel a lot as CEO of Botswana Post, so run-

ning the farm, the guest house and even tackling construction work to expand their guest house is all up to Ipeleng. She does it with a smile because she says her time is now her own. Seeing things grow and bear fruit makes her happy. “But I am not planting onions again,” she laughs, explaining that she got stuck with 35 000 bags of onions grown on three hectares because the buyer she relied on dropped her. She says she would rather focus on getting contracts for unique and interesting produce that not many people grow, in order to get a good price.

With drip irrigation and the right cultivar, apples can grow in arid conditions

This is one of the new trees Ipeleng has grafted using sprouts from root stock trees.

“Agriculture is a compulsory subject in public schools. Everyone attending public school in Botswana should have a basic knowledge of farming practices. The government also has many funding opportunities, for instance they funded 50% of the fencing around this camp. One can apply once every financial year to expand your activities.” - Ipeleng Ramatlhakwane

One of these days tourists will be able to explore the farm on horseback.

ProAgri Botswana / Namibia / Zimbabwe 53

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ProAgri BNZ 53

Water is life: Manage it properly

o one can live without water; it is a basic need. In Africa, water is the most critical resource issue and the most limiting input to food security and economic and social development. Despite the common impression of Africa as a jungle, 54% of the continent is arid to semi-arid, and only 14%

Climate change is a major problem affecting water availability

is humid to very humid. The remaining 31% has good rainfall. The most water that is being used in Africa is for agriculture. Most African countries depend heavily on agriculture as a source of income for rural populations, and many have also developed substantial export markets for

ProAgri Botswana / Namibia / Zimbabwe 53

crops that need water supplies, such as tea, coffee, sugar, cocoa, tobacco, and flowers. Africa has the highest percentage water use by agriculture of any major region and, conversely, the lowest percentage of domestic or industrial uses (Xie et al 1993).

Botswana

Climate change will impact water quality by: • Increasing extreme precipitation and flooding, which will increase erosion rates and washing soil based pollutants and toxins into waterways. • Contaminating coastal surface and groundwater resources due to sea level rise, resulting in saltwater intrusion into rivers, deltas, and aquifers. • Increasing water temperatures, leading to more algal and bacterial blooms that further contaminate water supplies. • Contributing to environmental health risks associated with water. For instance, changes in precipitation patterns are likely to increase flooding, and as a result mobilise more pathogens and contaminants (Pacific Institute and United Nation Global Impact, 2009). Rafik Aini’s study shows that land degradation is a major problem affecting land and water resources: • It affects about 66% of the productive land area in Africa. • Over the last decade, sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) has experienced the worst land degradation globally, accounting for 22% of the total global annual cost of land degradation amounting to 300 billion US dollars. • The most severe degradation has been encountered on Africa’s grasslands where 40% have been degraded, followed by 26% of the forestlands and 12% of croplands • Water erosion is the most significant soil degradation process across Africa, followed by wind erosion. • Loss of soil nutrients is a primary

summarised the essential factors in efficient management: • Ensuring a reliable water supply to the end-use point – get the best pivots and equipment • Assessing soil characteristics and plant requirements - do not apply more water than necessary • Improving management skills

• • • •

Improving maintenance - prevent water leaks Using surface and groundwater conjunctively Disseminating information on efficient technologies and techniques Implementing demand management through legislative and administrative intervention.

Save water usage and cost with weather-based irrigation form of soil degradation, affecting over 45 million hectares. • Estimates show that improving land and water management on just 25% of SSA’s 300 million hectares of prime cropland would result in an additional 22 million tonnes of food. Other examples of efficient irrigation based either on technological improvements or on better management and operational control can be found in Africa. Xie et al (1993) 16

ProAgri BNZ 53

Grainger (1990), who has studied the effect of improved water management on the desertification process, adds this: • Improving project design to ensure that drainage is provided for and farmer needs are being met by the design supply • Expanding farmer involvement • in the design and implementation phases • Promoting more attention to rehabilitation over new construction • Increasing use of small-scale approaches that are within the competency and scale of small

•

water devices reduce the amount of hot water used which, in turn, reduces the amount of energy used to heat the water. Reduction of unbilled water: Replacing old, inaccurate water meters and distribution piping can result in increased revenues for the water district. Wastewater treatment energy usage: Wastewater treatment plants are one of the largest users of energy within a city. Plant upgrades and aeration optimisation can dramatically reduce energy usage and save money.

At the end everyone must remember to try and save water farmers and that are effectively decentralised in development and management. What are the benefits of water management? • Reduced water and sewer costs: Low flow water conservation devices reduce water usage and costs as well as sewer costs. • Weather-based irrigation controls: This type of control system saves water usage and cost, especially during the hot summer months. • Reduced energy usage: Low flow

Sources: Edited by Eglal Racked, Eva Rathgeber, and David B. Brooks. 1996. Water Management in Africa and the Middle East. Published by the International Development Research Centre Performance services: https://www.performanceservices.com/faq/what-are-the-benefits-of-water-management/ Aini,R. 2021. Sustainable Land and Water Management (SLWM) including Integrated Watershed Management Stratégies to ensure Food Security in Africa. https://unfccc.int/sites/default/files/resource/1%20Presentation_ Agriculture%2009%20june2021%20Rafik%20final.pdf Molobela, IP and Sinha, P. 2011. Management of water resources in South Africa: A review. file:///D:/ajol-file-journals_389_articles_74212_submission_proof_74212-4633-166837-1-10-20120227.pdf

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Agriculture funding in Africa is ripe for innovation By Roux Wildenboer, Sector Head: Agriculture at Absa CIB and Simon Kinuthia, Head: Agribusiness at Absa Bank Kenya

ow does the bank which funds the largest number of agriculture sector transactions in South Africa utilise its skills and knowledge to improve food security and become a force for good across the African continent? This is a key question we ask ourselves as we look at the rapidly evolving primary and secondary agriculture landscape in Africa and the impact it has on the continent. This discussion is important as whilst there has been progress, the African continent still lags behind other areas in terms of productivity and yield efficiency. The demographic dividend offered by a young and growing population is counter-balanced by high degrees of inequality, accentuated by recent global events such as the COVID-19 pandemic and growing geopolitical tensions. This has translated into volatility in food prices, making food security a top priority in countries across the region. While South Africa has a world-class agriculture sector at both a primary and secondary level, the rest of Africa is characterised by a vast number of small-scale and subsistence farmers which leads to a far more fragmented environment for funding. This is further compounded by price volatility and currency fluctuations as well as under-developed supply chains. This means that financing of transactions can be a high-risk endeavour for inexperienced teams. For example, 2022 was an incredibly volatile year in the agriculture sector with many people being caught out with margin call exposure. In some cases, these were in excess of a billion Rand, highlighting just how volatile the sector is. This volatility has meant that a number of bank lending partners have faced challenges, therefore decreasing their appetite for funding. Trade on the African continent is also complicated with issues around Euro and Dollar liquidity – a factor that has become a major challenge for new cap-

Simon Kinuthia, Head: Agribusiness at Absa Bank Kenya.

ital projects in an environment where borrowing costs are on the rise. Agriculture is a funding-intense business and as we look at the fragmented nature of the sector on the continent, the role of funders is key to creating value outside of traditional investment banking models.

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It is key that we do not look at projects in isolation, but rather that we view the ecosystem as a whole. Strategically, we have a focus on the funding of the import and export value chains as this is where we can do deals of sufficient size and impact. If we look at the projects we are

Botswana

working with, we are identifying opportunities where we can collaborate with key partners. Ultimately, we want to know that we are making a tangible and sustainable impact on the agricultural sector. In Kenya, Absa has a robust value proposition anchored on four approaches of access to relevant and actionable information, access to coaching and mentorship, access to markets, and access to sustainable finance. This seeks to empower various stages in the agriculture value chains for clients’ unique needs – both debt and non-debt – while looking at the whole eco-system. The Central Bank of Kenya reports that only 4% of gross commercial banking debt flows to the sector which reflects the risk profile attached to it. Agriculture is the bedrock of the Kenyan economy, contributing a quarter of its Gross Domestic Product and providing nearly 70% of rural employment. This is characterised by fragmented land ownership, smallholder farming

Roux Wildenboer, Sector Head: Agriculture at Absa CIB. models, low adoption of climate-smart agriculture and exposure to unpredictable weather conditions. Financing the sector requires unique and holistic solutions. Absa continues to empower agribusinesses by working closely with partners and regulators to advance the flow of sustainable finance. A recent reference is our agreement with Hello Tractor to enhance the adoption of mechanisation where the smallholder farmers pay per use to access tractor services rather than hav-

ing to incur upfront acquisition costs. Absa also provides working capital to the Kenyan Tea Development Agency which is used to purchase inputs and other working capital. Previously, many growers relied on microfinance with high interest rates but now with cheaper access to finance, there is more liquidity to allow their businesses to grow. Our structural financial impact is apparent in Mozambique. We have helped establish import lines of $60 to $70m

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over the past few months to import wheat, maize, and crude vegetable oils to be processed into edibles. In the Ivory Coast, Absa has funded a cashew processing facility which is now one of the largest cashew processing facilities in the world. In Tanzania, we have invested $45m for a sugar production facility with a combination of capital expenditure as well as working capital. This aligns closely with our intent of delivering transformative projects that

are not short-term in nature but deliver long-term impact and play into supporting food security aspirations and sustainability goals. Absa has identified agriculture on the African continent as one of its key growth sectors. Our expertise in and long-term commitment to Africa’s agricultural sector means that we can collaborate with government, private companies, and funders to work together to unlock the opportunities that our diverse continent has to offer.

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ProAgri BNZ 53

Technews: The latest in agricultural technology from around the world by Annemarie Bremner

May the best robot win!

Andela Robot Weeder ARW-912

Digital Workbench Tipard 1800 Tipard 1800 is an autonomous multi-carrier platform for the automation of entire process chains in the field, from seed drilling, fertilising, weed and pest control to harvesting. It has 12 hours working time on electrically charged batteries, but can also run on diesel. The main frame has seven modular sub-frame spaces that can be equipped with various diesel engines up to 40 kW, auxiliary fuel tanks, battery modules with up to 56 kWh battery capacity, a three-point hitch or various sensor units. There are five implement mounting options.

Ekobot WEAI WEAI works with high precision which is especially important in rows of vegetables. The robot has mechanical arms to remove weeds between rows and a hoeing system to remove weeds in the rows. In this way you also reduce the use of herbicides so the farmers can reduce their costs and contribute to a healthier environment. Tests in Sweden showed that the robotic system can contribute to higher yields compared to conventional cultivation using herbicides. The robot uses RTK-GPS to navigate with 2 cm precision.

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Future Farming (a media enterprise) and World FIRA (International Forum of Agricultural Robotics) are hosting a competition to appoint the most promising agricultural robot at a show in Toulouse, France, in February. It is the second year of the competition and out of twelve monthly contenders these five machines made it to the final round to be considered for the award as Ag Robot of the Year. (Source: Future Farming) The ARW-912 is a fully robotised weeding machine with 12 weeding units and a working width of nine metres suitable for row crops. Each unit has a camera that detects the weeds and controls the linked robot arm, which kills the weeds with a probe while the soil remains undisturbed. The image recognition system can detect and kill weeds from a very early stage. The machine runs on solar panels, is electrically powered, and runs on tracks with RTK-GPS control. The ARW912 can be used 24/7 and records all the data with images as it goes along.

Tensorfield Agriculture Jetty Jetty performs herbicide-free precision thermal weeding in high density row crops such as carrots and spring mix. It identifies weeds among crops, using computer vision. It then sprays a microdose of organic-approved high temperature vegetable oil onto the weeds with sub-cm precision to kill the weeds and allow crops to flourish. According to Tensorfield, Jetty delivers the quickest, most cost-effective method of getting a precise lethal dose of heat energy into a weed, to kill the weed in a targeted fashion among post-emergent crop foliage. 23

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ProAgri BNZ 53

Tortuga AgTech F and G Tortuga’s platform combines artificial intelligence, purpose-driven design, and on-the-ground operations. The robot is primarily designed for harvesting but can also collect data for forecasts, treat plants with UV-C light and perform trimming. Every robot has an autonomous base that navigates up and down the row and two arms that identify, move, and pick fruit. The robot’s AI uses nearly twenty “models” to make picking decisions, relies on advanced software for two-arm picking and navigates in the row precisely.

In other news John Deere reaches for the stars Deere & Company has entered into an agreement with SpaceX to provide satellite communications (SATCOM) service to farmers. Utilising the Starlink network, this solution will allow farmers facing rural connectivity challenges, to leverage precision agriculture technologies. “The value of connectivity to farmers is broader than any single task or action. Connectivity unlocks vast opportunities that were previously limited or unavailable,” said Aaron Wetzel, Vice President of Production and Precision Ag Production Systems at John Deere. “For example, throughout the year, farmers must complete tasks within extremely short windows of time. This requires executing incredibly precise production steps while coordinating be-

tween machines and managing machine performance. Each of these areas is enhanced through connectivity, making the entire operation more efficient, effective, and profitable.” The SATCOM solution will connect both new and existing machines through satellite internet service and rugged satellite terminals. This will fully enable technologies such as autonomy, real-time data sharing, remote diagnostics, enhanced self-repair solutions, and machine-to-machine communication, all of which help farmers work more efficiently while minimising downtime. “John Deere has been in the agriculture equipment industry for more than two decades with satellite-based precision guidance technology,” said Jahmy Hindman, Senior Vice President

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and Chief Technology Officer at John Deere. “Now, we are bringing satellite communications service to the farm at scale so farmers with cellular coverage challenges can maximise the value of connectivity to their operations.” John Deere’s SATCOM solution will leverage SpaceX’s Starlink satellite internet constellation. To activate this solution, John Deere dealers will install a Starlink terminal on compatible machines, along with a 4G LTE JDLink modem to connect the machine to the John Deere Operations Centre. The SATCOM solution will initially be available through a limited release in the United States and Brazil starting in the second half of 2024.

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Zimbabwe eyes multi-billion-dollar irrigation to boost agriculture by Marko Phiri

imbabwe has in the past three years invested an estimated USD2billion into dam construction, irrigation, and water management as the country escalated efforts to boost agriculture production. This emerged after the Africa-Italy summit in January this year where President Emmerson Mnangagwa met with other leaders to plead the case for Zimbabwe's development assistance. Zimbabwe has turned to irrigation to boost agriculture production amid concerns of poor infrastructure especially in the rural areas where the bulk of the country's agriculture activities takes place. The turn to irrigation investment will drive food production especially, with plans also afoot to repair and rehabilitate old irrigation infrastructure some of which was installed before the country's independence more than four decades ago. According to the country's president in an address to the Africa-Italy summit delegates, the multi-billion-dollar investment in water retention and conservation efforts is aimed at boosting food production. The country has made a special appeal to the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) of the United Nations for assistance to transform the agriculture sector through world class water innovations. Despite a mix of unpredictable rainfall patterns, poor infrastructure investment and maintenance, Zimbabwe has failed to harness rainwater for agriculture usage. The country has always realised the need to conserve water advising farmers on the importance of harvesting rainwater. But in the absence of large-scale water storage facilities, this has failed to cushion farmers against

drought seasons. The construction of more dams is expected to address this challenge and provide a long-term solution, with the agriculture ministry committing to build small community dams across the country. Also expected to emerge from this is the construction of hydro power plants to be scattered across the country. The FAO says: “Zimbabwe has one of the highest levels of water development for irrigation in the Southern African region.” Despite this, most of its irrigation potential is not realised, owing to the lack of development of irrigation systems and inadequate maintenance of installed irrigation schemes,” says the UN agency. FAO says functioning irrigation schemes will allow year-round farming instead of limiting farming activities in Zimbabwe to be seasonal based on unpredictable rain patterns. In response to these concerns, the agriculture ministry announced last year that it was speeding up the construction of more than ten dams that may result in putting 350 000 hectares under irrigation by the end of next year. The ambitious program will also see the construction of mini-hydro power stations. That will alleviate the country's rolling power outages which are also affecting farming activities. Farmer unions have called for the government to exempt their operations from load shedding which sometimes lasts for more than twelve hours, effectively crippling production. In the absence of power, value-add industries within the agriculture production ecosystem have also suffered, prompting calls for investment in offgrid power generation. According to Anxious Masuka, the

ProAgri Botswana / Namibia / Zimbabwe 53

Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development Minister, the bulk of the dam and irrigation infrastructure investment will go towards supporting smallholder farmers. The Grain Marketing Board, a stateowned entity says the bulk of the country's maize is grown by smallholders, and supporting their agriculture activities is expected to turn around the country's grain reserves. “We have reviewed all the dams which are under construction. We then do irrigation schemes and develop water distribution systems for household use. That is rural development. We also develop fisheries and create electricity generation. We can then accelerate irrigation development," Minister Masuka has said. "When we started in 2020, we had 176 000 ha under irrigation. As we speak, we have about 200 000 ha under irrigation so we are making some progress, and the direction is good. We aim to have 350 000 ha under irrigation by 2025 which is why we have formed the irrigation development alliance. It is a caucus of a private sector and government players that have pledged to establish 100 000 ha using drip irrigation,” Masuka says. To illustrate the scale and ambition of Zimbabwe's irrigation push, more than 35 000 boreholes are going to be sunk across an equal number of villages. This irrigation and dam construction project is estimated to cost USD1,1-billion and added to what has already been invested since 2020, more than USD3billion would have been spent by 2025. Whether those targets will be met is another matter, but it goes to show the lengths the government is willing to go to address agriculture production deficits that have stalked the country for years. 27

Zimbabwe

A billion-dollar bet for Zimbabwe’s green exports

ast year Zimbabwe emerged as a major player in the global production of horticulture produce, despite faltering in other agriculture sectors. For years Zimbabwe has staked its agriculture hopes in the production of grain as part of efforts to feed itself. However, despite million-dollar investments in grain production, the country has struggled to turn the corner and boost its forex earnings. While grain production has been the government's major talking point, other sectors have been silently making inroads into international markets. The troubled Southern African country was announced last year as a leader in the export of blueberries at a time when agriculture faces mounting challenges that include climate change and poor financing. Before the farm interruptions brought by the land reform programme more than two decades ago, horticulture formed the mainstay of the country's green economy. In the intervening years the sector has not been spared the hardships that have struck all economic activity, with industry players reassessing how the sector can be reclaimed. After years of false starts, horticulture 28

has become a major foreign currency earner next to tobacco remaining the country's flag bearer of agriculture exports. According to the Horticulture Development Council which brings together various industry players, the sector brought in more than USD120 million in 2022 in exports. The country has seen a spike in the production of citrus fruits, avocados, macadamia nuts, and blueberries that have attracted markets as far as the European Union and the Far East. According to some reports, in 2022 the country earned a little over USD4 million from macadamia nuts exports, a huge achievement by Zimbabwe's standards. The Horticulture Development Council is riding on this good fortune and is projecting a billion-dollar sector by 2030. Despite the upbeat outlook, industry players are concerned that this fine run could hit the skids in the absence of sustained financial injection into the capital-intensive sector. Last November, Stabley Heri, the Horticulture Development Council President told a horticulture conference in the Harare that while all commitment was there to upscale exports,

by Marko Phiri

finance would determine the direction of the sector. Horticulture has emerged as one of the few economic sectors that offer promise in an environment beset by ever growing challenges, from access to foreign currency to import inputs to legislation that has discouraged investment. The Horticulture Development Council says while exports are likely to grow, the sector will require billions more in the form of agriculture finance to meet its 2030 targets. The horticulture sector is highly specialised, with countries such as China and the European Union demanding international quality control standards. In that regard, the European Union, one of Zimbabwe's major horticulture markets, is providing technical advice and support to the sector, while the European Investment Bank is financing some of the sector’s projects. Pete Breinstein, President of the Citrus Growers Association, says the sector is aiming to revive up to ten thousand hectares of land that had been set aside before the violent land invasions of the year 2000. Such ambitions have highlighted the sector's potential to return the country to a major exporter of green produce. Before the land reform programme, agriculture was Zimbabwe's major foreign currency earner, and in recent years the government has touted the sector as a multi-billion-dollar industry. Government has also formulated the Horticulture Recovery and Growth Plan as part of broader plans to grow the agriculture sector. The improved horticulture exports will come as good news to Finance Minister Mthuli Ncube who in 2022 noted a decline in agriculture exports and complained about the country's over reliance on minerals for forex earnings.

Despite agricultural challenges and poor financing, Zimbabwe has been announced as a lead exporter of blueberries (source: Pexels). ProAgri BNZ 53

Zimbabwe's agri-loans headache by Marko Phiri

s the planting season approached last year, Zimbabwe's Agriculture Ministry declared that there were limitless loans available for farmers to upscale their food production. Outlining the available options for farmers, the Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development Permanent Secretary, Obert Jiri, told state media that agriculture finance was available from the private sector and a government vehicle called the National Enhanced Productivity Support Scheme (NEAPS). Under this model, government acts as guarantor of loans extended to farmers by selected banks. “If there is a farmer who does not fall in any of these categories then he is not in Zimbabwe. All farmers who want to produce can make use of these facilities so that we are productive all around,” Obert told state media last November. “We have tried by all means possible to segregate our production so that we cater for every farmer; our programming is such that we link every programme to a financier. We know that the first group is those farmers who can finance themselves, these are critical as they don’t want any resources from our side,” Obert was quoted. The NEAPS facility has not been without its own problems. The Ministry of Finance, which cobbled up the scheme, has complained that farmers have been reluctant to meet their obligations to pay back the loans. This has meant government as guarantor was left harvesting wind and had to pay back the loans. International financial institutions have over the years advised government against subsidising agriculture using public funds, yet the bad loans could well be seen not just as money down the drain but subsidies in another name. Finance Minister Mthuli Ncube has suggested a different model that will allow more efficient tracking of the agriculture loans, citing poor returns from farmers.

For example, the Minister complained that farmers were reluctant to sell their grain to the state-owned Grain Marketing Board (GMB) as part of the agreement that would expedite the repayment of the loans. As always, farmers cite poor prices offered by the GMB, choosing instead what the government has criticised as "side marketing". The GMB pays farmers in the volatile local currency while private buyers pay using the much-valued greenback. Unsurprisingly, farmers choose the latter. "Funding for commercial farmers under the NEAPS is being reviewed following the challenges experienced since the inception of the programme, which includes side marketing by farmers, reluctance of farmers to deliverer their produce to GMB citing low grain prices being offered by GMB, and delivery of grain by farmers using different names making it difficult for the stop order system to recover loans,” Finance Minister Ncube complained in 2022. Nothing changed last year ahead of the 2023-2024 cropping season. At one point, the NEAPS experienced up to a forty percent default rate, according to officials. The farmers simply worked on the principle "take the money and run," much to the detriment of government efforts to boost food production. Despite the Agriculture Ministry's assurances that "limitless loans" are available, farmers have other ideas, with farmers’ organisations raising the old grievance that for them to access those limitless loans, financial institutions still demand collateral. One bank’s conditions to offer agriculture loans is that the farmer provides 40 percent of the total financing requirement, a condition farmer organisations say automatically disqualifies farmers. Farmers approach financial institutions because they do not have the finance to fund their projects, making

ProAgri Botswana / Namibia / Zimbabwe 53

Smallholders who rely on rain are suffering without access to financing. (Source: Pexels)

the condition to be able to fund part of the loans untenable, farmers’ unions insist. And with delayed rainfall late last year, access to financing agriculture activity has also suffered as smallholders who lack irrigation infrastructure and rely on rainfed agriculture had to delay planting their crops. Others have given up altogether as vast tracks of land remain fallow across the country. Also available to help farmers is the Presidential Inputs Scheme. Agriculture Minister Anxious Masuka has lamented the low repayment of loans accessed by smallholders under the Presidential Input Scheme, noting that this has bad outcomes for the resilience of the country's grain reserves. "This notion that inputs delivered under Pfumvudza (the Presidential Input Scheme) are free should remain a notion,” Anxious said, highlighting the country's struggle to make agriculture production more inclusive. To put it into perspective, the Presidential Input Scheme supports up to 3,5 million smallholders as part of efforts to increase food production. The bulk of Zimbabwe's grain comes from farmers supported under the Presidential Input Scheme, meaning that when the scheme totters, food production also suffers. For now, Zimbabwe continues to tinker with how best agriculture loans can help drive food security, while other agriculture sectors such as horticulture are slowly making money. 29

Zimbabwe

Zimbabwe cattle auctions slow down, but the numbers need to grow by Marko Phiri

attle auctions have historically been big business in Zimbabwe's low rainfall southwest, where cattle ranching formed a large part of the country's agri-economy. Commercial farmers who thrived before the land reform programme, held regular cattle sales in different sites on the outskirts of Bulawayo, Zimbabwe's second city. Large herds of cattle commercially bred here formed part of the larger national economy as both local and international buyers flocked to government-gazetted cattle sales. These controlled auctions were also a way to ensure quality and health standards. In recent years cattle auctions have quietly disappeared, replaced by individual sellers, many of whom are small-scale subsistence farmers who do so out of economic need. Because they are desperate, farmers are selling off their cattle at prices below market value. Amid low rainfall that has resulted in poor pastures, subsistence farmers are also selling off their cattle to buyers who say they have resources to put the livestock on cattle fattening schemes. This, however, has had the unintended consequences of driving unregulated cattle sales at a time the agriculture ministry says it is on a drive to increase the national herd. Cattle fattening schemes by opportunistic buyers have been criticised for creating artificial supply and demand bottlenecks in the absence of regulated cattle sales. Unregulated cattle sales have also led to the sale of uninspected meat, analysts say, leading to health hazards for consumers. 30

This is happening as the government has put in measures to boost the national herd after years of a steep decline in the number of cattle across the country. Officials have blamed tick-borne diseases, among other things, for the reduction of the country's national herd. According to official statistics, dairy cattle numbers dropped by eightythree percent from 2009 to 2020, while beef cattle dropped by twenty percent during the same period. Official cattle auctions also disappeared as both commercial ranchers and smallholders struggled to reboot their stocks. The agriculture ministry says it is aiming to increase the national herd to

eleven million by 2030, spurred by the government's drive to turn around the agriculture sector. Presently, the national herd is estimated at five million six hundred thousand cattle, a mix of beef and dairy cows. Under the Livestock Recovery and Growth Plan, the agriculture ministry has received support from the country's national budget with specific focus on promoting the growth of the national herd. The funding will go towards the construction and rehabilitation of thousands of dip tanks while also improving the monitoring and detection of diseases. Zimbabwe has in the past lost thousands of cattle to foot and mouth disease, interrupting cattle auctions across the country. Last year, the agriculture ministry announced it was aiming to increase the value of the cattle industry to about USD3,6 billion by 2025, up from USD1,5 billion. At the height of the country's beef production and before the closure of the national meat processing parastatal, Zimbabwe was known for world standard beef that made its way to European diners. All that changed with the farm invasions where champion cattle were reportedly slaughtered for barbecues by veterans of the liberation war who took over white-owned farms. However, with renewed interest in the sector, government is committing more resources to boost cattle production as it broadens the agriculture sector’s value chains. Last year, David Marapira, Deputy Minister of Agriculture, noted that Zimbabwe had the potential to grow its national herd to twenty million and compete with neighbouring countries, some of whom have over forty million cattle.

Dairy cattle numbers dropped by eighty-three percent from 2009 to 2020, while beef cattle dropped by twenty percent during the same period. (source: Pexels)

Zimbabwe has the potential to grow its herd into one that is competitive with neighbouring countries. (source: Pexels)

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Seed storage: Tips and guidelines by Maryna Steyn

Seed saving is preparing for the next harvest The traditional practice that subsistent and small-scale farmers use to ensure that they have seed to plant, is called seed saving. They take a percentage of seed from a harvest and store it for the next planting season. Seed saving not only ensures the continuous existence of indigenous crops, but also promotes crop diversity among farmers who exchange seeds. However, even after saving your own seed, there is no guarantee of a harvest the following year. Seeds do not always germinate properly and then there are factors such as drought, insects, heat, and erosion challenging growth. The seeds retained from ancient African grains, and eventually the plants as well, have a better chance in these conditions, but it is still important to store the seed correctly. Storing seed correctly It is vital to understand how and why seed needs to be stored correctly. Even for the farmer who purchases commercial, hybrid seeds, good storage practices protect the products, otherwise, it spoils, and it is money down the drain.

frican farmers do not need to be reminded of the struggles they face in cultivating their crops. Access to inputs such as seed and fertiliser, whether due to costs or transport, is not a new struggle. But as always, the African spirit rises to the challenge to devising a plan. Research has indicated that as little as 10% of farmers rely on seeds from commercial sources. Most farmers retain seeds from their own crops, or source from local markets and fellow farmers. Seed banks also serve an important function in this seed network. In some areas, using imported hybrid or GMO-seeds from local agricultural companies have completely fallen out of favour as these seeds cannot be harvested and planted the next year. Most of these seeds can provide a bigger yield, but the fine print that is rarely understood is that performance is based on crops growing in “the right” conditions. To make matters worse, it is only when seeds do not germinate that some farmers realise seeds were not stored correctly. ProAgri Botswana / Namibia / Zimbabwe 53

There are a few factors to keep in mind when you store. These are the following: • Moisture content of the seed • Temperature of the storage area (damage through temperature extremes) • Humidity of the storage area (encourages mould and pest activity) • Improper storage containers or packaging • Improper seed cleaning When removing seeds from the plant, they need to be fully matured. Seed heads of wheat, for instance, need to be dry. Chaff is then removed, only leaving the seeds. This separation of seed from the rest of the plant material is called threshing. Next, it is cleaned through winnowing or other methods. After this, the seed is properly dried to ensure the moisture content has been reduced sufficiently to prevent mould or grain fungi from growing in the seed container. Recommended moisture levels within the seed is 12%. The way farmers choose which seeds to use differ from crop to crop, but the general rule is to choose the biggest, brightest seeds from the plants that were the healthiest, tallest, and highest yielding at the time of harvest. Using this approach ensures that plant offspring has the best chance of survival, given that the parent plant was able to thrive. 31

Zimbabwe

The right seed containers Dry seeds can be stored in plastic bottles, sealable plastic containers, laminated paper bags, aluminium pouches, or dark-coloured glass jars. Some traditional methods of storage do not use containers at all, drying cobs and hanging them upside down. Using containers, however, means that seed is firstly protected from weevils, but also other pests such as rats. For larger quantities of seed, sealable plastic drums or barrels can be used. Regardless of the container used, the goal is that it should be airtight to keep moisture out. Ensure that every container has been sanitised and is dry before filling it with seed. This ensures that no mould spores are trapped in the container with the seed, contaminating your hard work. Seed needs the right storage environment Filled containers need to be safely stored away from any pests such as rodents and insects that can damage containers. Choose or prepare an area that is clean and where regular pest control checks can be done easily. The area should not have extreme temperature fluctuations. The ideal temperature is 10 °C or lower but not freezing. Low temperatures lower humidity, a crucial factor in preventing seed from rot. The room also needs to be dark. You may frequently check on your seed. Ensure that the room is pest free, containers undamaged, and that the content is still in good condition. Watch out for discolouration, mould, odours, or insects. This can help you identify issues early and potentially prevent losing too much seed – or find alternative seed in time before planting season begins!

Do not place seed directly onto the ground. Always use either pallets or plastic sheets. (Source: Vecteezy)

It is safe to store seeds in paper bags or envelopes. (Source: Vecteezy)

Seed from vegetable crops like beans also need to be stored carefully. (Source: Nicholas Githiri on Pexels) 32

ProAgri BNZ 53

Handling your precious seed Whether you save seed, buy it from your local agro-inputs company, or trade seed at a community seedbank, you need to follow the following measures: • Bags of seed should be handled with care, not carelessly thrown. Bags can tear and become contaminated. • Storage areas should be dry and well ventilated. This also assists with keeping moisture and

• • •

temperatures low. Do not place bags or boxes directly onto the floor. Use pallets or PVC sheets. Do not buy seeds from open bags or buckets. It can be contaminated with mould spores. Ensure that there are no chemicals stored in the same room as the seed. These sometimes emit toxic vapours that affect the seed.

Seeds need to be clean and dry to ensure longevity. (Source: Pixabay)

Sources: Greenpeace Africa (2020) How to guide 5: Seed sovereignty and saving, Greenpeace. Available at: https://www.greenpeace.org/africa/en/ blogs/11658/how-to-guide-5-seed-sovereignty-and-saving/ Makumbe, M. (no date) The ‘lost’ seeds helping to feed a nation. Follow the food. Available at: https://www.bbc.com/future/bespoke/follow-thefood/the-lost-seeds-helping-to-feed-a-nation.html Matsimela, M. (2022) Using indigenous knowledge in subsistence farming, Mzansi Agriculture Talk. Available at: https://www.mzansiagritalk.com/ archives/7779

Storing seed correctly starts with choosing the right seeds to store from healthy, abundant yields. (Source: Pixabay)

Stark Ayres (2023) A guide to seed storage and maintenance for farmers, Starke Ayres. Available at: https://www.starkeayres.com/news/a-guideto-seed-storage-and-maintenance-for-farmers#:~:text=The%20first%20 step%20in%20seed,moisture%2C%20pests%2C%20and%20air.

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Zimbabwe

Will Russian fertiliser change Zimbabwe's fortunes? by Marko Phiri

armers in Zimbabwe have for years received free fertiliser from government schemes as part of efforts to boost grain production. The Ministry of Agriculture has targeted maize growers for fertiliser input as they are at the vanguard of the

country's food security efforts. However, what has emerged in recent years, and continues unabated, is that smallholders getting such support have misused the fertiliser, selling it on the black market. Zimbabwe's informal sector has become the go-to place for all sorts of commodities and brokerage, and the country's agriculture has been no exception. A beneficiary who gets a 20 kilogramme bag of fertiliser or maize seed repacks it into smaller sachets for sale, leaving his own piece of land unplanted. Authorities are aware of this, with Agriculture Minister Anxious Masuka issuing a stern warning against the practice. This comes as Zimbabwe received 23 000 tonnes of fertiliser from Russia in January as the Southern African country makes strides towards upscaling production in the agriculture sector. The Russian fertiliser is a free donaFarmers in Zimbabwe have for years received free fertion with other tiliser from government schemes as part of efforts to African countries boost grain production, however some are misusing it reportedly also and selling it for their own gain. (source: Pexels) getting their 34

own consignments. Yet for Zimbabwe, concerns linger regarding whether the fertiliser will reach its intended beneficiaries, and if the beneficiaries will put the fertiliser to good use. Tymon Nyoni, a smallholder on the outskirts of Bulawayo, is one of many farmers who say they have yet to receive any government input including seed and fertiliser for years. "We always hear about free seed and free fertiliser, but my neighbours and I have yet to receive any of it," Tymon said. For years the distribution of farming inputs has been marred by what critics say is selective distribution, with members of the opposition reportedly being denied such support. Government has routinely denied such claims. Yet the latest Russian largess has once again rekindled concerns about how the fertiliser will be distributed. The Grain Market Board and the Agriculture Ministry have already issued warnings this year against the abuse of the Presidential Input Scheme. For smallholders such as Tymon who operate in low rainfall areas where fertiliser is essential, the abuse of the free inputs has been known for a long time. "What we have seen is that there are people who collect names of those deemed to be eligible for the inputs, yet not all households who need such assistance benefit. We ask therefore what the criteria are," Tymon said. Ever since government support for smallholders was initiated under the late President Robert Mugabe, the scheme has met the same problems of corrupt allocations with authorities struggling to plug the abuse. As the Russian fertiliser begins its journey across the country, it remains to be seen whether it will change the hue of the country's food security ambitions and benefit millions of smallholders who rely on government handouts to feed themselves and the whole nation. ProAgri BNZ 53

Zimbabwe has previously received fertiliser from Belarus, but the country has continued to struggle to return to its former breadbasket status despite sustained international support. In October last year, Agriculture Minister Masuka told parliament after concerns were raised about the continued abuse of presidential inputs that such actions would not be tolerated. Yet the problem persisted. “Theft of inputs given by the President for onward distribution to communities must stop. From ministers, government officials and everyone involved, we must stop stealing the inputs meant for the people. They should reach the intended beneficiaries in order to make a difference. Let us all stop it,” Masuka told parliament. Scores of agro-dealers and individuals including agriculture extension officers have been arraigned before the courts facing charges of stealing free inputs, especially maize seed and fertiliser in a country where a black market for virtually anything imaginable flourishes. The Agricultural Advisory and Rural Development Services (AARDS) has also added its voice against the abuse of presidential inputs, highlighting the extent of problem. Despite government support, some farmers have still failed to plant their crops, AARDS officials say, and with the confirmation and receipt of the Russian fertiliser consignment, the government has its hands full ensuring that such assistance does not go to waste.

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Farmers are desperate to know according to what criteria fertiliser is handed out. (source: Pexels). ProAgri Botswana / Namibia / Zimbabwe 53 Staalmeester_ProAgri_Feb24.indd 1

35 2024/01/26 15:02

The fundamentals you need to know about farm dogs by Ashleigh Schubert

here most people are on the lookout for a spouse to spend the rest of their lives with, a farm dog is the true love of any farmer’s life. Farm dogs are an asset to any farm. They help to protect and handle the livestock. Farm dogs have two main responsibilities, the first being to herd livestock. A trained dog helps the farmer with livestock handling and does the job of several people. The other main responsibility of the farm dog is guarding. Dogs are excellent guards and protectors of the homestead against human criminals and varmints, but some breeds live with the sheep herd in the veld and protect them from predators. Even the smallest dog breeds play a protective role by acting as a most efficient alarm system.

a puppy, it is a strong indication that it will not be afraid to confront predators. A trained dog is a happy dog Before a dog can be released to work on the farm, proper training is essential. This is for the safety of the farm workers and the livestock. An untrained animal may be out of control or destructive. Although aggression is necessary to a certain degree for a farm dog, if the dog isn’t trained to channel that aggression, it can become dangerous. Before being exposed to the farm, a dog needs the basic training: sit, stay, come, stand, fetch.A puppy as young as eight weeks can start to learn these commands. Once these commands have been mastered, you can slowly start to introduce the dog to the farm.

The right breed As in any relationship, it is important for the farmer to have a close relationship with his dog. Therefore, the right breed of dog for the purpose is important. Although everyone has his own preferences, some dog breeds are better suited as farm dogs. When you choose your breed of farm dog, it is best to first identify your specific need on the farm. Different dogs are used for different purposes. Jack Russels are especially effective for homestead protection, rodent control and even snake control. If you are looking for a dog that is efficient in warning against trespassers, a Maltese or Dachshund is the way to go. There is a fit for every need! In some countries, farm dogs are even used as a source of heat during cold nights. Key characteristics to look for when choosing your canine companion is energy and aggression. If a dog is aggressive as 36

In herd training, dogs will learn other commands as well, such as going clockwise or anti-clockwise, and gathering and moving the flock. In the beginning, keep the dog on a leash. The farm is a big adjustment with a lot of stimuli for the dog. It can be helpful to introduce the dog to the farm in a couple of short visits. In this way, the dog can slowly become accustomed to the environment without being overwhelmed. It is also helpful to introduce the dog to different types of animals separately, with a fence between the livestock and the dog. If your dog is overstimulated, it won’t be able to listen to or obey commands. If the dog is stressed, as a result the other animals will be stressed as well. If the dog starts to feel overwhelmed it may start to bark and cause chaos among the animals. The stress it places on the animals may even affect their productivity. Dog training should be divided into steps. It should be manageable and logical for the dog. Dogs respond to consistency, therefore you should keep making the same sounds and body movements. Repeat, repeat, repeat! The more you repeat something, the quicker the dog will learn. Reinforcement is important for the farm dog. It teaches him his boundaries. While it is important not to tolerate bad or aggressive behaviour, it is just as important to use positive reinforcement in the form of a reward to teach your dog what good behaviour is. Dogs want to repeat what gives them pleasure and avoid what givesthem pain or discomfort. Effective motivation and rewards can be toys, balls, praise or a treat. Lessen the number of toys or treats with each training session, so that eventually your praise alone will be enough to please the dog. ProAgri BNZ 53

Farm dogs are trained to protect flocks (source: Pexels).

Dogs respond well to training that includes positive reinforcement, such as toys and treats.

It is valuable to teach your dog a “bad sound”. On a farm, it can often happen that the dog is far from your reach. When potential danger comes or the dog is being naughty, a negative sound can stop the dog. The kind of sounds can be something like “aaarg” or “no”. Likewise, teach your dog a good sound of praise, such as “good dog”. Protect your puppy A farm comes with many challenges, one of them being the safety of the farm animals. The farm dog is no exception. One of the biggest threats to your farm dog are the local predators. It is important to know which predators are prominent in the area. Even though most farm dogs are trained to protect, it is better to have measures in place to deter threats. These measures can include light and noise devices.

Although farm dogs should be aggressive towards predators, they should get along well with the animals on the farm (source: Pexels).

Another important preventative measure to ensure your dog’s safety is to administer the necessary vaccinations. It is a good idea to consult your local veterinarian on which vaccines are advisable, as it can vary depending on where you live. Vaccinations should cover general diseases like rabies, but also more specific diseases that can be specific to a certain area. A dog needs boundaries. To prevent a dog from straying or getting into an accident, proper fencing is required. Boundary training is also helpful in this aspect. Fencing is very important to protect the dog against accidental consumption of certain food or plants that are toxic to him. Livestock feed and dewormers can intoxicate the dog or cause upset stomachs. Food is fuel. Feeding your dog is one thing, but to make sure it gets the right nutrition is another. Choose high-quality food that is rich in protein and can sustain your farm dog. It is self-explanatory that a farm dog will cover big areas of land and stray far from home. A microchip or tracking collar can help you keep track of where your dog is. If a dog gets injured on the farm, it will be easy to locate. Herd training can be a daunting task. It can be

ProAgri Botswana / Namibia / Zimbabwe 53

beneficial to consult a specialist trainer before releasing your dog on its own on the farm. Do your best and let your furry friend do the rest.

Hydroponics

in Africa part 1:

Is hydroponics the future for food security?

by Natasha Pretorius

ne of the earliest mentions of hydroponics is the Hanging Gardens of Babylon; today hydroponics is an accepted and efficient way to ensure a high yield year-round. According to the United Nations another 2,3 billion extra mouths will have to be fed by 2050. For this reason, hydro culture methods of farming like aquaponics, aeroponics and hydroponics have become more popular. Hydroponics is a form of soilless cultivation; by using water and liquid fertiliser in the place of soil. To feed astronauts during longterm space exploration and to stretch resources, NASA researched ways of growing plants in space. They needed something that would minimise water and energy consumption without the use of soil. They realised that the hydroponic method enabled them to filter crop water and deliver the exact nutrients needed, while they could replicate the exact light wavelengths needed at the correct intensity and duration. They could control the growth environment and keep it at the ideal temperature and humidity. Suburban gardeners and nurseries often use this method of growth. Commercially it is used in developed 38

countries where space is a problem, or where it is very cold or hot and they need climate-controlled environments to produce food. Hydroponics is also used for food security in urban areas that are far from farmland and where traditional farming might not be able to keep up with demand. If electricity supply can be secured it may also offer solutions to Africa’s challenges. If hydroponics is something that you have been mulling over, there are a few things to take into consideration. Like with any other method of farming, it has its advantages and disadvantages.

Advantages of hydroponics

• Conserves water: There are different hydroponic methods but all of them have one thing in common: Much less water is being used than in traditional agriculture. Controlled temperatures and smart systems decrease water loss. Water can also be reused after cleaning. • Creating perfect growth conditions: With hydroponics you can create an optimal environment for plant growth. • All year-round yields: Many harvests are seasonal and rely on different weather conditions but with hydropon-

ics you can simulate these conditions to ensure your crop grows year-round. In aquaponics you are also able to plant diverse crops all at once. • Crops grow faster: By creating the ideal blend of nutrients and the ideal environment you can ensure that your crops grow faster. • Less labour: Unlike traditional farming methods, hydroponics does not need a large workforce. There is no soil preparation, weeding or watering necessary, which eliminates the need for intensive labour. • Space saving: Because it is soilless, growing a hydroponic crop takes up less space. Stacking methods and vertical hydroponic systems can produce a larger harvest per square metre.

Disadvantages of hydroponics

• Higher set up costs: While it saves you money in the long run, starting up a hydroponic system can be costly. The system setup is expensive, but once you have your system in place the costs decrease. • Relies on electricity: This method unfortunately relies heavily on the use of electricity. There are however ways around this, for example making use of solar power and other alternative energy sources with battery back-up. ProAgri BNZ 53

• Waterborne diseases: Waterborne diseases can lead to stunted growth and even plant death if it is not observed and corrected early. That is why constant monitoring of your plant health is key. • High level of maintenance and monitoring: Because these methods rely on an optimal growth environment and the correct nutrients added to the water, they require constant monitoring and maintenance. Maintaining and ensuring your system runs smoothly is also important. • Not all plants grow vertically: While vertical farming seems like an efficient way of saving space, not all plants are suited for this method. Fruiting crops, trees and shrubs will fall to the ground and need more space. It works for leafy greens and herbs. The advantages however far outweigh the disadvantages and, managed correctly hydroponics could provide you with disease-free plants all year round.

Hydroponic methods: • • •

Wick system Deep water culture Nutrient film technique

• • • •

Ebb and flow Drip systems Dutch bucket system Aeroponic system

With socio-economic issues like a scarcity of available farming land, rapid climate change, rural-urban migration, and water scarcity becoming a problem, these methods may be the answer to more sustainable farming in the future. Countries like the United States, Japan, China, Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan, Thailand, Germany, France, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, and Pakistan have already adopted these methods for farming purposes. “West Africa has been identified as a climate-change hotspot, with climate change likely to lessen crop yields and production, with resultant impacts on food security,” says a United Nations article about the severe global warming consequences for Africa. In the coming weeks we shall look at the different hydroponic systems, what you need to start your own hydroponic garden or farm, ways of planting, maintenance and harvesting.

Vertical systems take up much less space and produce a larger crop per square metre, but they need additional lighting in most areas of the world. Photo: Pixabay.com References: Earth.org (https:// earth.org/hydroponic-farming), NASA.gov (https://www.nasa.gov/ technology/tech-transfer-spinoffs/ nasa-research-launches-a-newgeneration-of-indoor-farming/), Paris Agreement, UN.org (https:// www.un.org/africarenewal/magazine/december-2018-march-2019/ global-warming-severe-consequences-africa).

Hydroponics can deliver healthy crops year-round with less water usage. Photo: Pixabay.com ProAgri Botswana / Namibia / Zimbabwe 53

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