ProAgri Zambia 72 by ProAgri

ProAg Pro Agri ri technology for the farmer

Z a m b i a No 72

Free

Harvest water this rainy season

Feed dairy cattle better with Tiger Feeds

Get started with rabbit farming

Tough equipment for tough conditions Now available in Zambia

www.agri4all.com

www.proagri.co.za

Your optimal irrigation solution for 2022 There is no one-size-fits-all. At Agrico we provide you with a specialised irrigation solution to achieve your farming goals. We supply elegant irrigation systems, using only the best components and technology, to ensure optimal use of your water, energy and capital. Our team is devoted to understanding your needs and offering ongoing support.

www.agrico.co.za | +27 21 950 4111 | info@agrico.co.za

Cover

2022 awaits! H

appy new year! Each new year typically brings change, and agriculture is no different from other industries. There are always new technologies, new policies and new challenges facing growers. When I think back to the rocks, pebbles, and sand in a jar story, it constantly reminds me that our life is like a jar. If we fill it with sand, there’s no room to place rocks in it. But, if we put the larger rocks (more important things of life) in the jar first, then we can add sand (less significant items) later. My hope for us in the new year is that we can truly focus on what means most in life. This will not be an easy year, none of them ever are, but many factors have fallen into place to suggest that 2022 will be at least an above-average year for farmers. For the first half of the year, the outlook for rainfall in the summer rainfall areas is positive.

Apart from ProAgri Zambia’s own informative articles, this issue also contains the latest technology that companies such as Valley and Senwes have on offer. Exciting news from Jupidex is that RDO Equipment Zambia is the new dealer for Jupidex products in Zambia. Read more about what they have to offer in this edition of ProAgri Zambia. This month, we start off with a new series on rabbit farming, which is a viable option for small-scale farmers. Rabbits can be kept in a small space, are not expensive to keep, aren't too fussy about what they eat, produce high-quality and low-calorie protein, and the demand is healthy. This combination has made it a go-to for first-time farmers. It’s been a tough year indeed, in many ways, but we should look back on 2021 and be grateful for what we have now. I wish to reaffirm our commitment to providing high-quality information that adds value to agriculture, and also hopefully makes it a little easier to get the job done. To all our readers, we wish you a joyous and prosperous new year. We thank you for your support over the years and we truly appreciate our continued partnership. Farm smartly! Bianca Henning bianca@proagri.co.za

Content

3. 5. 7. 9. 13. 15. 17. 23. 25. 31. 37. 40. 43.

Jupidex equipment now available in Zambia Let Stafix help you live and work safely Advanced Polymer: Improve your soil, build roads, and fight fires Valley puts every drop of water to use Tiger Animal Feeds – More than just feed for dairy farms Part 1 Agroforestry: Fight climate change and feed farmers Processing of condiments Part 13: Pickled onions Poultry farming Part 3: Budget Erosion control in Malawi: Part 2 Effective water harvesting techniques: Part 1 Rabbit farming Part 1: Why you should become a rabbit farmer Outbreak of foot and mouth disease Plants perform much better with mulch

ProAgri Zambia 72

Jupidex is a leading worldclass supplier of superior quality and affordable agricultural equipment and spare parts with exceptional service to the African market. Read more about the Jupidex equipment now available in Zambia on page 3.

ProAgri technology for the farmer

Z a m b i a

Nangwenya House No. 7352 Nangwenya Road Rhodespark +26 (0)97-769-9786 www.proagri.co.za Copyright © 2021. All rights r eserved. No m aterial, text or p hotographs may be r eproduced, copied or in any other way t ransmitted without the written consent of the publisher. O pinions expressed are not n ecessarily those of the publisher or of the e ditor. We recognise all trademarks and logos as the sole property of their r espective o wners. ProAgri shall not be liable for any errors or for any actions in reliance thereon.

ProAgri Zambia Editor Bianca Henning > +27 82-326-2572 bianca@proagri.co.za Reporters Benine Ackermann > +27 73-105-6938 benine@proagri.co.za Maryna Steyn > +27 82-261-9177 maryna@proagri.co.za Natasha Kruger > +27 81-736-4236 natasha@proagri.co.za Specialist Writer Annemarie Bremner > +27 82-320-3642 annemarie@proagri.co.za Senior Production Manager: Zainab Pandor > +26 (0)97-769-9786 zainab@proagri.co.za Client Relations Manager: Carin Swartz > +27 84-233-0123 carin@proagri.co.za Marketing Manager Diane Grobler > +27 82-555-6866 diane@proagri.co.za Marketing Xander Pieterse > +27 79-524-0934 xander@proagri.co.za Johan Swartz > +27 71-599-9417 johan@proagri.co.za Tiny Smith > +27 82-698-3353 tiny@proagri.co.za Janine Vermaak > +27 71-872-3059 janine@proagri.co.za Lelani Botha > +27 74-424-0055 lelani@proagri.co.za Creative Director Christiaan Joubert > +27 72-419-3990 christiaan@proagri.co.za Design Michelle Kruger & Lizelle Erasmus Enquiries Engela Botha > +27 12-803-0782 engela@proagri.co.za Accounts Ronel Schluter > +27 12-803-0782 accounts@proagri.co.za Business Manager George Grobler

THE

Patrick Ellis

BLUEPRINT

031 350 4525

www.reinke.com 2

TO SUCCESS

patrickellis@reinke.com

ProAgri Zambia 72

RDO Equipment Zambia’s warehouse in Kabwe, Zambia.

Good ! news

Jupidex equipment now available in Zambia by Benine Ackermann

aving the right dealer is critical for agricultural equipment, because clients depend on the dealer to have all the necessary parts and knowledge to keep them going. RDO Equipment Zambia is the new dealer for Jupidex products in Zambia. Jupidex (Pty) Ltd is the market leader in South Africa for soil preparation, seeding, spreading, hay and forage, and spraying equipment. The company's mission is to supply affordable agricultural equipment of superior quality, spare parts, and exceptional service to all its customers. Jupidex forms part of the Plennegy group, which is famous for their Starke Ayres seed, Mascor (John Deere) tractor and vehicle dealers, and ventures in aviation, courier services, forestry, education, and more. Although their roots are in South Africa, the group’s activities extend deep into Africa including Zimbabwe, Kenya, and Uganda. Their brands include the Norwegian Kverneland — without a doubt one of the most robust soil engagement implement manufacturers in the world. RDO needed an implement range

that they could confidently provide to Zambia’s farmers, and Jupidex matched that requirement perfectly. “For many years I've seen products that looked great, but simply failed when tested under our conditions,” says Andrew Mower from RDO Africa. “We are certain that the range of equipment from Jupidex is up to the task. It has been tried and tested. Their range of high-quality equipment adds a brand new dimension to our

Jupidex parts are readily available at RDO Equipment Zambia. ProAgri Zambia 72

business and product offering. It is important for RDO to be able to supply all parts quickly to a client whenever required. “Jupidex has experts for all their various product ranges and they have the parts in stock, providing the confidence we need when selling and supporting their products. We are able to replenish our stocks quickly, instead of waiting months for parts and stock,” Andrew added. Both Jupidex and RDO value aftersales service and customer satisfaction. “That is why Jupidex has trained the RDO staff to provide farmers with the necessary advice and services when needed,” says Rudolf van Aswegen, Operations Manager of Jupidex. More about RDO Equipment RDO Equipment use their global dealer network to import equipment and parts to help local customers maintain and cultivate their land. What they have to offer: 1. Workshop services for many different brands. 2. Contracting services for harvesting, land preparation, spraying, et cetera. 3. After-sale service and parts. 4. Products including planters, used equipment from the USA, and the Jupidex equipment range.

Visit RDO Equipment Africa in Zambia at Farm 2297a, Great North Road, Kabwe. For more information on Jupidex products, contact Rudolf van Aswegen on +2772-249-2995 or send an e-mail to rudolf.vanaswegen@jupidex. co.za. Also visit the JUPIDEX website at www.jupidex.co.za, and RDO’s website at www.rdoequipment.com.zm. 3

NERIA’S INVESTMENTS LTD LEADERS IN AGRO COMMODITY TRADING THE MOST AFFORDABLE P R I C E S O F CO M P O U N D D A N D U R E A I N T H E CO U N T R Y

Saturnia House, Opp. Ndeke Hotel Longacre’s Tel: +260 211 244 505/6

E-mail: info@neriainvestments.com

www.neriainvestments.com

ProAgri Zambia 72

Let Stafix help you live and work safely by Annemarie Bremner

riminals attack when you sleep or least expect it. The only way to protect yourself, your family and your property is to be prepared. Proper access restriction and early warning systems from Stafix Electric Fence and Security Centres give you the edge over criminals. With the support of Stafix, any property, from the border fence to the inner rooms of your house, can be monitored and placed under 24-hour security. With advanced technology, you, your closest neighbours, the neighbourhood watch, and your security company can be alerted to criminal activity. Your first security zone starts at your border fence and entrance gate. For access control, Stafix offers the Centurion Gate Motor Range which can also be controlled from your mobile phone. You don't even have to leave the safety of your vehicle! And with Stafix's Dahua Range of CCTV Cameras, you know exactly when uninvited guests arrive. Even in the dark, Stafix's Dahua camera systems keep an eye on everything from the perimeter fence, across the property to the inside of your home. Sophisticated radio equipment, which operates over long distances, enables images and videos to be transmitted from different cameras to a central point and when the system is connected to the internet, you will be able to monitor your property from your phone

anywhere in the world. For instance, a farmer can check his livestock, dam levels, et cetera – even when on holiday! The digital video recorder's footage can also be played back or stored for later use and record purposes. A reliable camera system must be able to record a decent, identifiable, clear image in all conditions. With Stafix's expertise, the right type of camera is recommended for every purpose. Shaun Williamson, Managing Director of Stafix, says: "Anyone can buy a cheap system of CCTV cameras off the shelf, but often the cameras can't do what the customer expects and then cheap eventually gets expensive." Stafix offers many ways to combat criminal activity. Stafix's mobile Roboguard Motion Sensors can track access roads, scan yards and interiors from the shed door to the milking parlour aisles and can even be linked to your cell phone to give you early warning of intruders wherever you happen to be. Roboguards are very popular among farmers; not only are they affordable, but the units can also

ProAgri Zambia 72

be moved easily and quickly to various locations to prevent theft. Apart from their wide selection of security products offered at their 28 stores nationwide, Stafix Electric Fence Centres also have expert staff trained to offer you advice on all the different security options, and can recommend approved installers. Stafix are the importers, manufacturers, and distributors of a wide range of electric fence energizers and accessories – both JVA and Stafix equip systems from high-powered, perimeter patrolled security systems; to animal control fencing – both domestic and wildlife; strip grazing fences for pasture management; permanent and temporary fences for equestrian purposes and even pet protection and control.

Visit www.stafix.co.za to see their range of protection options and to locate the nearest dealer.

Rhino 300

Patrick Moonga

Rainmaker 200

Lusaka

Mobile: +260 (0) 978 386660 Office: +260 (0) 211 241286 moonga@saroagri.co.zm

Rainmaker 200 4x4

Clubman 100

Greenkeeper 200

Sportsman 120

The most versatile irrigation Biological Booster system on the market Cane Master 300

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Biological Booster

A simple and cost-effective system to fight fires FIREBLOCK Agri is a compound of Potassium polyacrylate, starches AND binding agents, used to protect from, and extinguish, Class A fires.

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improves soil health

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• EARLY & INCREASED GERMINATION WITH Increased activity & population of beneficial microorganisms, converts unavailableHIGHER nutrients to an available form for plants. PLANT SURVIVAL Results• in ACTIVATES optimum & constant up SOIL take of all nutrients. BIOLOGY DEVELOPS PROFUSE ROOT SYSTEM WITH THICKER &ROOT LARGER • ADEVELOPS A PROFUSE ROOTS, LEADING TO: Landline Landline (South (South Africa) Africa) SYSTEM WITH THICKER & +27113977979 +27113977979 Water and nutrient uptake from a larger root zone results in early Mobile & higher Mobile (South (South Africa) Africa) +27828027135 +27828027135 LARGER ROOTS flowering & fruiting.

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BEN

Enhanced resistance against pests disease healthy plants Drip /&Drenching)

DOSAGE & APPLICATION Basal application : 25 Kg / Ha Top dressing : 5 Kg / Ha FEATURES (once a month) EARLY & INCREASED GERMINATION WITH HIGHER PLANT SURVIVAL: Softer soil with improved porosity & aeration

Yie

improves soil health

CONTACT US: +27 (11) 397 7979 ACTIVATES SOIL BIOLOGY: enquiries@advancedpolymers.co.za Higher soil water holding capacity

Increased activity & population of beneficial microorganisms, converts unavailable nutrients to an available form for plants.

Results in optimum & constant up take of all nutrients.ProAgri Zambia 72 DEVELOPS A PROFUSE ROOT SYSTEM WITH THICKER & LARGER

Red

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armers in Africa can also enjoy the environmentally friendly products for a wide range of industrial and commercial applications developed by Advanced Polymer, Incorporated. The South African based company collaborates closely with customers to develop their solutions.

Soil Zytonic-M Biological Booster

Natural soil ecosystems have been destroyed by conventional high intensity farming practices. Zytonic-M Biological Booster is a proprietary, water-soluble soil activating technology that increases soil porosity and water holding capacity, thereby encouraging natural biodiversity. This leads to increased nutrient uptake, reduced reliance on chemical input, and improved crop growth and yields. How it works Zytonic-M softens the soil and improves its porosity to increase the soil's water holding capacity. As a result, there is increased plant survival in drought conditions and root zone formation is significantly larger and denser. Under these conditions, the soil microbial population grows at an exponential rate, exhibiting all the characteristics of a more active and healthier rhizosphere. As more biomass returns to the soil, increasing the amount of organic matter in the soil, there is also an improved, consistent, and optimal uptake of macro and micro-nutrients by crops. Plants with increased nutritional value and vigour will be healthier and more disease resistant. Following the application of ZytonicM to soil samples collected from three different locations, it was discovered that the fungal population increased by as much as 300 times. The increase in

bacterial population was found to be up to 200 times greater in the treated soil samples. End benefits 1. Increase yields by 15 to 50%. 2. High-quality produce in terms of size, nutritional value, and shelf life. 3. Reduction in irrigation by 20 to 30%. 4. Chemical fertilisers reduction by 50 to 100%. 5. Pesticide use should be reduced by 20 to 40%. Visible effects 1. Higher percentage germination and plant survival. 2. Quick response time within 4 to 10 days. 3. Green to dark green leaves and a large leaf size. 4. Larger root zone. 5. Increased flowering and retention. 6. Softer soil. Methods of application with water (Dissolve Zytonic-M in water with a 1:200 ratio) 1. Through sprinklers or a rain gun. 2. A central pivot system can be used for fertilisation. 3. Drenching the crops with a knapsack sprayer (manual or electrical). 4. Flood irrigation can be used to apply the solution. 5. Implementation of foliar spray. Dry application on soil (followed by irrigation) 1. Soil preparation prior to rotovation (broadcasting, spreading, and dustering). 2. Following the application on the soil surface, the seeds can be planted. 3. Applying fertiliser to the soil at the time of seed sowing. 4. Distribute the mixture with the soil or manure.

and improved adhesion are all benefits of Zydex bitumen additives, while their gravel and rural road technologies provide water resistance, longer life cycles, and lower dust emissions. The International Road Federation (IRF) has accepted their technologies, which have been adopted in over 40 countries around the world.

Fires Fireblock

Fireblock serves as a cost-effective way to fight fire. The product has proven effective in fighting class A fires, including bush fires that burn trees, grass, and other organic material. It is ideal for making controlled firebreaks, to fight bush fires, and to protect valuables such as infrastructure or equipment against imminent fire loss and damage. The Fireblock product is available in two sizes: a 2,5 kg bag for firefighting skid systems, and in 100 g sachets for backpack sprayers. Using the product is simple and easy. All the steps remain the same whether you use the bag or the sachets. 1. Prepare your firefighting unit (trailer, firefighting skid, or backpack sprayer) and fill it with water. 2. Slowly pour in the Fireblock product into the unit. Take care not to dump the product in all at once as it will take more time to dissolve. 3. Mix well. 4. Spray the Fireblock solution onto the areas or infrastructure that you are protecting. 5. When making controlled fire breaks, you can now burn the area and see that the Fireblock covered areas do not burn. 6. Continue to put out the fire.

Composting with Zytonic-M 1. To use Zytonic-M, dilute it in water (1:200) and spray it on organic manure or compost. 2. Cover and store in a well shaded area for two to three weeks. 3. Spread the enriched compost over a large area.

Roads TerraSil-water resistant soil bases Zydex's patented pavement technologies address problems in the pavement's sub-layers. Lower paving temperatures, improved workability, ProAgri Zambia 72

For more information on Zytonic M and FireBlock send an e-mail to orders@advansedpolymers.co.za or phone +27-11-397-7979. 7

CONTACT US TO FIND YOUR NEAREST AGENT Paul de Korte + 27 82 888 1877 + 27 18 431 2171/2 Spare parts + 27 62 392 1748 *Limpopo & Mpumalanga Hendri de Korte HEAD OFFICE

Staalmeester Staalmeester

2 Coetzee Street, Hartbeesfontein | PO Box 71, Hartbeesfontein, 2600 + 27 18 431 2171/2

info@staalmeester.co.za

www.staalmeester.co.za

years

1951 - 2021

Fina Avai nce lable

THE WORLD’S Nº 1 FORAGE HARVESTER BRINGS TO YOU NEW COLORS AND NEW TECHNOLOGIES!

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â ‘’C’’ Technology blades and +PRO Kernel Processor for improved chop quality and kernel processing score (KPS), increasing silage and feed quality for higher livestock productivity â The most productive, robust and reliable machine in the market â Low running cost and wide stock of spare parts available â Solutions for several types of forages and all farm sizes

We have more than 100 different agricultural products in stock that suit all farmers’ needs: Call us today or visit www.staalmeester.co.za ProAgri Zambia 72

The winning photo from the Show me your Valley photo competition was taken by Janco Joubert from Orma Boerdery.

by Natasha Kruger

Valley puts every drop of water to use T

he miracle element for growth is water. Everybody knows that. Unfortunately, rain can be unpredictable, and farmers need to find other solutions to water their crops. Many options exist, but one of the most effective, reliable, and profitable hasslefree solutions is a Valley pivot. Janco Joubert is an enthusiastic young farmer from Orma Boerdery on his family farm in the Thabazimbi district. Orma Boerdery has been in existence for 23 years. The farm produces three types of grain and ten kinds of vegetables, but they also have pastures for cattle. They are well-known for their quality produce and sweet watermelons. On top of that, the farm has also started exploring game farming. Thabazimbi is an arid region, and farmers like Janco rely on the Crocodile River for irrigation. Water is precious, and crops cannot afford to go without it, even for short periods. That is why Orma Boerdery relies on Valley for irrigating all their crops. There is no gambling; only the best is good enough. The farm and Valley’s paths crossed when Orma Boerdery wanted to economically irrigate large areas. Valley’s excellent after-sales service and their dedication to take care of farmers impressed Janco. “Valley left deep footprints on our farm because it increased crop yields, made irrigation more lucrative, and uses less electricity and manpower. A Valley pivot quickly irrigates large areas, and you do not need to babysit it,” declares Janco. The first Valley centre pivot that Orma Boerdery erected in 2005 was a movable model that could be used on two different circles. Today there are four pivots on the farm. “In my opinion, Valley’s structure stands out above the rest,” says Janco. “It is a strong structure with strong parts and it is good-looking too.”

What can be more beautiful to a farmer than a magnificent sunset over the fields of onions under Valley irrigation? (Photo: Janco Joubert) Valley pivots hold many benefits for Janco’s farm. It irrigates crops quicker and more evenly without leaving dry spots or drowning rows of plants. Janco still controls his pivots manually, but aims to switch to Valley’s Smart Irrigation Solutions which offer remote monitoring and control capabilities through his mobile phone (or any smart device), in the near future. “What I have seen about controlling pivots on your cell phone, it makes an astronomical difference. It is amazing to see what is possible with technology today. You can be any place in the world and still control the pivots on your farm.” He believes that Valley is focused on the future of agriculture as it shows in the way their pivots are becoming easier to use and operate by the day. Janco’s Valley pivots look after him, and he looks after them, which is easy because they require so little maintenance. After every season, he thoroughly checks each pivot for possible problems. Where maintenance is needed, it is simple to rectify. “I believe everything is as good as you look after it,” says Janco. Valley recently launched their “Show me your Valley” competition, which gave farmers the opportunity to show their creative skills through photographs of pivots. Janco posted one of his pivot photos on Facebook, and

ProAgri Zambia 72

Harvested onions from Orma Boerdery. (Photo: Janco Joubert) Valley encouraged him to enter the competition. Initially, he hesitated, but after a week he took the chance and submitted the picture. Soon after that, Janco’s first pivot photo was announced the winner. “I think it is a brilliant initiative from Valley to offer something unique to farmers and photographers alike,” he said. To Janco, farming is more than something you are born with; it is a lifestyle. “There are definitely more than a handful of things that encourage me as a young farmer: my fingers in the soil and the scent of freshly tilled soil, fresh air, the roar of tractors, the dust from combines, Valley pivots over green crops, and of course, unforgettable sunrises over the mountains and sunsets over the horizon,” Janco explains. He knows that circumstances become tougher by the day, but encourages other young farmers to, just like he did, tackle obstacles by facing them head-on … and with Valley you can only win!

Valley offers outstanding service to farmers across the country. To find out more, contact Francois Griesel at francois.griesel@valmont.com or +27 67-412-9089.

ProAgri Zambia 72

INVEST IN THE FUTURE OF YOUR FARM IRRIGATE WITH ZIMMATIC PIVOTS AND EXPERIENCE UNRIVALED QUALITY. TAILOR MADE IRRIGATION SOLUTIONS

COMBINE FIELDNET TECHNOLOGY WITH YOUR PIVOT AND MANAGE YOUR IRRIGATION FROM ANYWHERE IN THE WORLD.

Contact Tanya Brits on +27-82-853-0265 or visit www.zimmatic.com today! ProAgri Zambia 72

Senwes Used Equipment sets the pre-owned whole goods trend in SA and Africa

• Join the producers in Sub-Saharan Africa who already have access to Senwes pre-owned whole goods and its reliable and affordable heavy duty vehicles. • Aside from pre-owned whole goods we also assist producers with the importation of used equipment and used spare parts. • Clients can rest assured that all the legal aspects of exportation and importation will been adhered to.

Visit www.senwes.co.za/used-equipment

ProAgri Zambia 72

Tiger Animal Feeds –

More than just feed for dairy farms Part 1 by Given Hamnungu, Tiger Feeds Livestock Technical Advisor Setting up a dairy farm Dairy farming is one of the most profitable farming enterprises, but it requires significant financial input, time, and planning. Before undertaking such a project, a farmer should set clear goals for the farm and understand why he is undertaking the project. Because of the large capital investment required for dairy farming, Tiger Animal Feeds developed detailed plans that were analysed and stress tested to bring you quality products and technical services.

Tiger Animal Feeds has experts who can provide advice about the needs for your dairy farm. •

When starting a dairy farming business, the farmer should address the most important planning steps first. Let’s take a look. 1. Develop a physical plan for the dairy farm which includes the milking parlour, pasture lands, animal housing and storage. • The size of the land available to the farmer determines the number of cows that will be kept. Calculate the space available and how many cows it will be able to hold. • Develop a milking facility design that will accommodate the cows while leaving enough room for future expansion. • Decide on an operational plan for the farm: Who will do the work? Who will manage the farm? Ask Tiger Animal Feeds for professional technical assistance on these questions. 2. Develop a capital budget for the farm to quantify the total cost of converting to an operational dairy farm. • Start by estimating the cost of each item in the development plan. You can speak to Tiger Animal Feeds for additional advice. • Develop a stock budget based on the total number of stock, including the costs for buying replacements. • Allow a contingency of at least 10% on the capital budget for unforeseen costs.

Do not get discouraged by these costs, Tiger Animal Feeds has experts who can assist – no charge!

3. Develop an operational budget for the farm to quantify the total costs and total income generated annually. • When it comes to dairy farming, it is important to make a 5-year budgeting tool to forecast cash inputs and outputs as well as profitability. • When the budget is complete, the plan should focus on increasing the milk production.

Tiger Animal Feeds Dairy Feeding Guide

Calf Starter pellets (18%) A blend of high-quality concentrate, short fibre, macro- and micro minerals, as well as vitamins which meet all the calf’s nutrient requirements. Feeding recommendations • To be fed ad libitum with the calf starter pellets and clean fresh water until weaning is completed. • Restrict water for 20 minutes after feeding milk. • Offer small quantities of good quality hay, but provide ad libitum post weaning. Expected feed intakes The expected feed intake from birth to 21 weeks will be 2 kg/day for Holsteins and 1,5 kg/day for Jerseys. Elite Heifer (18%) A blend of proteins, starches, fats, and vitamins to ensure maximum growth of the young heifer. This is ideal for heifer rearing from 21 weeks to mating at 15 months. It contains urea, Rumensin 1,8% protein, 5,99% or 35,27% bypass protein and metabolisable energy of 9,5 mJ/kg.

ProAgri Zambia 72

Feeding recommendations • Elite Heifer should be fed with clean fresh water. • Feed calves ad libitum from 21 weeks to 15 months of age and supplement it with good quality roughage. Expected feed intakes Expected feed intake is approximately 4 to 5 kg/day per animal. Dairy 19 (mash) This is fed to lactating cows. A complete dairy feed to meet the needs of the lactating cow. Feeding recommendations • Feed Dairy 19 together with pastures and hay. Expected feed intakes Feed each cow 500 grams of feed for every litre of milk produced, to a maximum of 10 kg/day. Dairy 30 Concentrate This is designed for lactating cows. A complete dairy feed to meet the needs of the lactating cow. Feeding recommendations Mix Dairy 30 Concentrate in a ratio of 70% maize bran, 30% concentrate. The complete mix will contain approximately 14% crude protein (CP). Expected feed intakes Feed together with hay or good quality roughage. To find out more about feed for your dairy farm, contact Rowena Blanco on +260-96-7991-847 or +260-967790-404. Alternatively, send an e-mail to rowena@tigerfeeds.com. zm or visit their website at www. tigerfeeds.com. 13

JOHN DEERE 5055E MFWD TRACTOR

EASY TO USE, EASY TO OWN

5055E MFWD USD. 21,500 * Tailored and Flexible Finance Solutions Competitive Interest Rates*

*Terms and conditions apply (available at www.deere.com/sub-saharan). Advertised deals are subject to credit approval and the financing bank’s terms and conditions. Offer valid until 31 January 2022.

Finance options available, contact: TATA ZAMBIA LIMITED Moses Mweete | Salesman - Central Zambia, Copperbelt, Northwestern & Lusaka (+26) 096 3040 067 | moses.mweete@tatainternational.com Evans Phiri | Salesman - Southern Zambia, Eastern Zambia & Lusaka) (+26) 096 3869 879 | evans.phiri1@tatainternational.com STANBIC BANK Lamine Chibawe | Business Development Manager (+26) 096 7385 706 | chibawel@stanbic.com 14

www.deere.com/sub-saharan africa@johndeere.com Customer Care: 0800 983 821 John Deere

JohnDeereAME

John Deere Africa

ProAgri Zambia 72

Agroforestry combines crop production with the sustainable farming of trees. This can also include crop trees such as fruit or palm trees. (Source: Pixabay)

by Maryna Steyn

Agroforestry: Fight climate change and feed farmers

limate change has been a topic for discussion across the globe for more than a decade. This isn’t just a hot topic due to the recent 2021 United Nations Climate Change Conference, or COP26, but an issue that is larger than the melting ice caps on the other side of the world. Closer to home, the effects of climate change are felt in the pockets, and even worse, the stomachs of farmers and their families. The fact of the matter is that the poorer a country is, the more vulnerable it is to climate change. Commercial farmers who farm for profit can withstand the effects such as declining soil fertility, deforestation, and desertification longer, but in the case of smallholder farmers who farm to feed their families, their livelihoods suffer. Agroforestry may have the answer This agricultural practice relies on the interaction between mainstream agriculture and trees, aiming to improve some of the negative effects that climate change has on the small farmer — both in food security and stimulating bio-economies. These practices can include farming on forest edges, farming in forests, or including trees in crop production. As a concept, agroforestry aims to protect the natural environment, produce timber and tree-crops to meet the global demands, as well as satisfy the needs of producers. At face value, planting more trees contribute to long-term carbon sequestration, soil enrichment and biodiversity conservation. As leaves capture carbon dioxide in the atmosphere (carbon sequestration), important nutrients are being deposited in the soil so other crops can grow stronger. Tree roots pull water from deep beneath the surface, bringing deep water closer to the upper soil so other plants such as grass can grow and increase soil cover. The trees themselves build organic matter in the soil when their leaves fall. This allows the earth to reabsorb

nutrients from the tree’s foliage as well as protect the layer of topsoil from drying out, and making healthy loamy soil. Strong tree roots keep the soil together and prevent mudslides during floods. Agroforestry benefits the farmer by also decreasing the effect of droughts, and unpredictable rainfall patterns by working against the forces that are contributing to global warming. By adding trees to the farm, a farmer increases agrobiodiversity that improves the sustainability in farming through diversification. This is because trees can also deliver a harvest or provide lumber, ultimately providing more sources of income or food. Lumber trees can be used for building materials or as fuel wood. Foodproducing trees can be cultivated for products such as fruits, nuts, palm oil, cocoa, or coffee. Trees also help address food gaps for animals during dry months by providing fodder for livestock or shade in heavy heat. Agroforestry, however, requires a long-term mindset. Planting a tree means waiting for it to mature and bear fruits (in the case of fruit trees). Trees are planted, protected, harvested and, in the case of lumber, replaced when they are chopped down. This means that farmers need to expand their skills beyond their existing expertise to tree care as well, understanding which trees should be cultivated, how to plant them, harvest them and for what they are used. Agroforestry has already shown its worth in many parts of Southern Africa. In Malawi, adding trees near crops or pastures has had a positive effect. The trees provide more organic matter to the soil, shade to young plants, fodder for livestock, and firewood to farmers. In the Limpopo province in South Africa, planting woody perennials has proven to encourage minimum soil disturbance, increase soil cover and increase agrobiodiversity.

ProAgri Zambia 72

Mozambique’s Gorongosa carbon sequestration project has generated food and revenue by planting mango (Mangifera indica l.) and cashew (Anacardium occidentale l.) orchards, as well as creating woodlots with siris (Albizia lebbeck (l.) Benth.). On top of that, it boosted the charcoal production with African mahogany (Khaya nyasica (Welw.) C.DC.) and aided with soil fertilisation by planting Faidherbia. The downside to beginning with agroforestry on a farm is that farmers need additional access to resources such as seed or young plants, and secure land where they can successfully apply these practices. Knowledge and skills also need to be cultivated and in some rural communities, these can be hard to come by. Trees are vital for the terrestrial ecosystems and deliver fundamental products and produce to both rural and urban communities. These living giants offer protection and lifegiving nutrients to the people, animals, and plants around them. Consider including them in your farming activities.

Agroforestry includes farming in forests or at forest edges. Trees create microclimates that benefit the crops planted close to them. (Source: Pixabay) Sources: https://allafrica.com/stories/202111160511.html https://www.intechopen.com/chapters/75172 https://www.worldagroforestry.org/ about/agroforestry-2?kid=342 15

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ProAgri Zambia 72

Processing of condiments Part 13:

Pickled onions

mall onions are peeled and stored in brine (salt solution) to facilitate natural fermentation of the product. The fermented onions are then packed and preserved in vinegar to produce pickled onions. Suitable onions for pickling include brown (28 to 45 mm) and silverskin, pearl or cocktail (10 to 28 mm) onions.

Process description

Harvesting of onions Harvesting is mainly mechanical. A cutter with specially designed blades is drawn through the onion fields several days before the harvesting operation to cut the roots several inches below the onion bulb. This practice speeds up the drying process of the leaves and also helps increase the solids content of the bulb as sugars are drawn from the leaves. Once the leaves have died down, mechanical cutters remove the dry tops near the necks of the bulbs. The bulbs are then dug up by special diggers that lift them out of the soil, shake loose soil off, convey them to the back of the machine and deposit them on the top of the bed. It is very important to minimise any mechanical damage during the harvesting and handling of onions since this will lead to rapid enzymatic spoilage and microbial decay. While blanching is a method of preventing undesirable enzymatic reactions, onions are usually not blanched, as this will cause leaching of the flavour components.

Small onions

Sorting

Storage

Cleaning and washing

Size grading

Peeling

Peeled onions

Soaking

Pickling

Packaging (Packaging liquid)

Labelling

Pickled onions

ProAgri Zambia 72

Sorting of onions Sorting is necessary to select only sound young onions. The onions are spread out on sorting tables and inspected for injury, infection, and other defects. Large onions are diverted to other processing lines. Storage of onions The onions are transported from the field to the processing plant, where they are stored under controlled conditions for a specific time until they are processed. Storage conditions are very important to control bulb dormancy. Optimum storage conditions are 0 to 5 °C at 70 to 75% relative humidity. Sprouting may further be inhibited by controlled atmosphere storage (for example 5 to 10% carbon dioxide, 3% oxygen at 5 °C) or irradiation. The plants may also be given a pre-harvest foliar treatment. The actual storage period varies according to the capacity of the plant and the type of onion cultivar. Cleaning and washing of onions The onions are removed from storage and cleaned roughly on vibrating screens to remove adhering soil and dry husks. The onions are then washed in a reel washer.

Image source: www.startgoed.nl

Image source: www.tessfresh.com.au

ProAgri Zambia 72

Grading of onions The onions are size graded to promote uniform curing and fermentation. Grading is done by hand on sorting tables. Peeling and trimming of onions The graded onions should be peeled, topped, tailed, and trimmed. This is often done by hand due to the size of the onions. Soaking of onions for pickling The peeled onions are soaked in cold water for 2 to 3 days with regular (2 to 4) changes of freshwater. A small quantity of salt may be added with the final water change. The soaking treatment removes objectionable juices from the onions, that could otherwise cause the curing brines to become dark and putrid. Pickling of onions The onions are packed in wooden casks, stainless steel, or glass containers. Take care not to use any other metal containers that are liable to corrode. The onions are covered with a fresh 10 to 15% brine solution. Fermentation takes place in the brine with the formation of lactic acid and a simultaneous decrease in brine strength as the salt is absorbed by the onions. It is essential that the containers be turned or rolled to prevent layers of low concentration brine forming at the top. This prevents the softening of the onions. As soon as the brine concentration remains constant at 10%, the fermentation is complete. This usually takes 3 to 6 weeks. The fermentation period can be reduced by the addition of lactic acid at the beginning of the process. The optimum temperature for curing is 18 to 25 °C. Below 18 °C, fermentation advances too slowly and above 25 °C the conditions are favourable for bacteria that can cause spoilage. ProAgri Zambia 72

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Bottling of pickled onions The brine solution is drained, and the onions are packed into sterilised jars and filled with a 5% boiling vinegar solution. Malt vinegar is used for brown onions and white vinegar for white onions. Sulphur dioxide is sometimes added at a concentration of 40 parts per million (ppm) to act as a bleaching agent and improve the colour of the onions. The bottles should be sealed while the vinegar is still hot and capable of creating a vacuum seal upon cooling. Canning of pickled onions The onions may alternatively be canned in fully lacquered cans. The canning procedure is the same as for bottling, except the sulphur dioxide is not used because it promotes corrosion. The vinegar added to the cans should be hot filled at a temperature of 93 °C. Labelling of vegetable products Products must be correctly labelled according to the requirements set out in the Labelling and Advertising Regulation R2034/1993.

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Published with acknowledgement to the ARC Agricultural Engineering for the use of their manuals. Visit www.arc.agric.za for more information. ProAgri Zambia 72

ProAgri Zambia 72

Poultry farming Part 3:

Budget L

ast month we looked at the importance of planning before you start your poultry farming enterprise. We discussed twelve points that must be kept in mind when you are considering farming chickens for meat or eggs. This month we look at drawing up a budget to show you what the approximate cost will be, what expenses you can expect and what your profit could be. To be able to draw up a budget, you will have to find out what materials, chickens and feed will cost in your area. It is not possible to provide these costs, as they may differ from one region to the next. Visit several stores to get an idea of the prices of building materials for hen houses, namely wood for frames, corrugated iron for the roof and chicken wire for the sides. You can also find out what natural materials, like poles, thatch and reeds are available. Also find out what equipment is available for sale or see what you need to make on your own. All these aspects will be covered in more detail in this series of articles. Find out from the veterinarian or Department of Agriculture extension officer about the vaccination routines they offer and at what cost. Also, find out the cost of medicine and sanitiser for cleaning the hen houses, and to use in a footbath at the entrance to the shelter. Check the price of overalls and gumboots, as you need to wear a set of clean clothes when you enter the enclosure.

The extension officer may also be able to provide a contact number for a reliable supplier of day-old chicks, pullets, or point-of-lay hens. Find out from the supplier what these will cost, and whether they can be delivered to your home. If not, find out about transport costs from the village to your home, as you will also need to transport building materials, feed for your chickens, and eventually to transport your chickens and eggs to the marketplace. Look around in your yard and enquire from your neighbours what materials they can let you have to use as building materials or litter to put on the floor of the henhouse. Chopped maize stalks or other straw will provide suitable litter, so you don’t have to buy any. If you don’t have electricity, find out what a paraffin or gas heater will cost, because the day-old chicks especially need warmth to keep them healthy and help them grow strong. We cannot provide prices, as these may vary from area to area. The best would be to take some time to visit local shops to find out the prices of materials and contact suppliers of chickens and feed. You need to do your homework well so you will know what you are letting yourself in for. Direct costs or expenses Direct costs refer to the initial money you need to buy everything that is necessary to start your poultry farming. Once the infrastructure and equipment are in place, you don’t have to

ProAgri Zambia 72

Eggs must be packaged for safe transport. (Source: Errol Ahmed, unsplash.com) spend money on it again, providing that you do maintenance and take good care of it. You will however have to keep on buying chickens, feed, medicine, and sanitiser. Buying chickens Strong chickens are your most important investment. Find out what the purchase price of day-old chicks are, and if you don’t want to raise chickens, the price of pullets to raise as broilers and point-of-lay hens. Buying materials for infrastructure Your infrastructure must last a long time. Find out the cost of the available materials at a shop, especially chicken wire, but also look around your yard or neighbourhood what materials you can find for cheap or even free. Think about installing a tank for storing water

Different breeds of chickens are available. (Source: Pixabay) 23

Chickens need a sturdy henhouse that can ideally be moved around in the yard. (Source: Sincerely Media, unsplash.com)

Chickens at a marketplace. (Source: Random Institute, unsplash.com) so you will never run out of water for your chickens to drink or to spray them to cool them down. Security To keep your chickens safe, your will have to put up a proper fence around your property. The gate to the henhouse must also have a sturdy lock. Equipment You will need suitable equipment to feed and water your chickens, and to clean their houses. You will need drinkers, feeders, buckets, a wheelbarrow, pitchfork, spade, and a backpack sprayer. Heating, cooling and ventilation It is important to keep your chickens comfortable and not too hot or cold. Find out what energy for heating, cooling and ventilation will cost. This includes the heat of the sun, which is free unless you plan to use a solar heater, which is a once-off cost, electricity, gas, or paraffin. Remember that a solar heater does not work at night when you really need the heat, unless you can store the energy in a battery. Feed Feed will be your biggest expense. Find out where you can buy good quality feed at the best price. It is best to buy a premix that contains all the necessary ingredients for the chickens at every stage of their lives. Make sure you have a safe storage area where no 24

damp, insects, birds, or rodents can reach it. Remember that you can never use wet or contaminated feed, as it will make your chickens sick. Health Vaccines and medicine are necessary expenses. Also find out what supplements your chickens need to grow strong and remain healthy. Some of the food you grow on your farm may be used to supplement their feed, such as vegetable greens. Layer hens that roam in a fenced-in yard will also supplement their feed by eating grubs and vegetable matter.

There must be enough feeders for all the chickens to be able to reach the feed. (Source: Arisa Chatassa, unsplash.com)

Indirect costs Indirect costs refer to additional costs that you will incur while farming chickens. You need transport, not only for fetching building materials and feed, but also for delivering your chickens and eggs to your clients. Keep in mind that eggs need to be carefully packaged for transport. Broilers must either be sold live, or be slaughtered by yourself or an abattoir, which will incur some costs. These costs also include paying for water, electricity or other forms of energy, a telephone, rent, and the interest on a loan. Unforeseen costs Unforeseen costs refer to costs that you will incur when things go wrong. Although you don’t want it to happen, there are some things that you don’t

Eight hens and a cock can provide you with enough eggs to breed your own chickens. (Source: Pixabay)

ProAgri Zambia 72

Chickens that roam in the yard gain nutrition from green vegetable leaves. (Source: Chatnarin Pramnapan, unsplash.com)

have any control over, no matter how careful you are. These include disease control — if there is an outbreak of disease, it may be necessary to cull your entire farm, as it is required by law to help prevent the disease from spreading. That means that you will have to clean the houses properly and wait for a while before you can get new chickens, which will also cost money. Sometimes feed gets wet, or rodents get into it, and then you will have to replace a whole batch, which can be costly. You must also keep in mind that chickens that are nearing their marketing age, will always be a target for thieves. You may also get sick and need to hire someone to help care for the chickens. Profit Depending on how well you look after your chickens and do everything right, you will be able to show a profit once you start selling chickens for meat or eggs. Here is a checklist for your convenience. Tick off everything you have investigated. Preliminary budget A) Direct costs 1. Production cycle □ Chicks □ Broilers □ Layers 2. Infrastructure □ Brooder □ Broiler house □ Layer house

These chickens have just been moved from the brooder to pasture. (Source: Zoe Schaeffer, unsplash. com)

3. Equipment □ Drinkers □ Feeders □ Buckets □ Wheelbarrow □ Backpack sprayer □ Pitchfork and spade 4. Heating, cooling and ventilation □ Electricity □ Gas □ Paraffin

□ □ □ □ □ □

Electricity/other heating Telephone Rent Interest on a loan Egg packaging Slaughter cost

C) Unforeseen costs □ Disease control □ Replacement of chickens □ Replacement of feed □ Rodent control □ Theft D) Monthly Income □ Sale of broilers □ Sale of eggs □ Sale of old layers □ Sale of manure Your profit will be your monthly income, minus all the costs involved. Because you do not have all the details yet, you will not be able to know exactly how much starting your business will cost. By the end of the series, you will have more information to enable you to calculate the costs. With a good budget and business plan, you may even be able to get a loan or other funding.

References Cilliers, F. (2001) Small-scale broiler house combined. Agricultural Research Council Family poultry training course. Trainee’s Manual. SA Poultry http://www.sapoultry.co.za/pdftraining/Trainees-manual-poultrycourse.pdf Poultry Management Guide. (2009) Arbor Acres https://eu.aviagen.com/assets/ Tech_Center/AA_Broiler/AA-BroilerHandbook2018-EN.pdf

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Erosion control in Malawi: Part 2

n the previous issue of ProAgri Zambia and ProAgri BNZ we discussed the use of natural materials that are at hand to help control soil erosion caused by run-off water, whether caused by rain and floods, or excess irrigation water. These methods were used in Malawi by Ken Coetzee and Wallie Stroebel of Conservation Management Services (CMS), who are based in George in the Western Cape Province of South Africa. They were contacted by an Irish charity called Wells for Zoe, which is working on a landscape restoration project at Enyazini, in the Mzimba district in the northern part of Malawi. Various measures were used to stop the erosion of the head-cuts of gullies where run-off water eats into the

topsoil, creating collapsing vertical gully sides which advance with every rainfall event due to the removal of the protective vegetation cover. The complete deforestation of the mountain slopes at Enyazini for firewood and charcoal production is what kick-started the soil erosion problem. Members of the local community were shown how to apply the erosion control methods and then put to work fixing some of the soil erosion on their farmland and in the nearby deforested area. Head-cuts In this issue, we discuss the ways in which CMS demonstrated how to stabilise head-cuts and prevent them from advancing further into valuable soil. A head-cut occurs at the top end of an erosion gully and it is where run-off water eats into the unprotected soil, creating a vertical sided “hole” that advances upstream, making the gully longer with every rainfall event. Water running down the gully washes away the soft soil of the sides, causing the sides to collapse into the gully which also makes the gully wider every time it rains.

As time goes by, the water that tumbles into the head-cut “hole” keeps eating away the soil, causing the hole to grow longer upstream and also deeper, creating the vertical, collapsing gully sides (see Figure 1). These deep holes are a safety hazard for people and animals that may fall into them. When they occur along a road embankment or near to a road, the road can be destroyed and vehicles can also end up in them (see Picture 1). Solution The idea is to level out the steep banks of the head-cut and slow down the rush of water to prevent further erosion. The profile of the head-cut is changed by levelling out the steep sides and partly filling up the bottom of the deep gulley with the soil cut from the sides (see Figure 2). Grass fences are then installed on the newly sloped area to stabilise the soil. The areas between these fences are then covered with plant material, whatever is available, it may be cut branches, maize stalks or dried veld grass. Vegetation is replanted on the slopes so that the roots of the plants help to keep the soil together. All the exposed bare soil is covered with plant material. Step by step treatment of the head-cut

Remove vegetation

Remove all vegetation up to 2,5 m

Picture 1: A dangerous head-cut next to a road.

Picture 2: The vegetation is removed before the slopes are levelled.

Picture 3: The slopes are levelled and the gully filled in.

Figure 1: Typical head-cut erosion caused by unchecked run-off that washes away the banks, causing them to collapse.

ProAgri Zambia 72

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grass fence sections to the poles (see Picture 6). Fill in the trench on both sides of the grass fence with soil and make sure it is well compacted.

Cover up

Picture 4: A trench is cut on the slopes and in the bottom.

Picture 6: The grass fence is tied to posts.

Picture 7: The areas on both sides of the fence is covered with mulch, such as brush and grass. Picture 5: A grass fence is installed in the trench. from the edge of the head-cut. Put aside the plants and roots for later use (see Picture 2).

Level the slopes

Using hoes and spades, slope the vertical edges down to a gentler slope with an angle of not more than 35 degrees (see Picture 3).

Fill in the gulley

Use the soil that is cut down from the steep sides to partly fill in and raise the bottom level of the head cut.

Grass fences

Installing grass fences above and on the bottom of the hole will slow down the rush of surface run-off water. The grass fences must be installed perpendicular, or at a right angle (90 degrees), to the flow of the water. Sections of grass fence are created by making a frame of thin branches. The frame must be at least 500 mm tall and have branches positioned at the top, middle and bottom of the fence section. Bundles of tall, dried grass are then firmly tied to the frame using sisal string or wire (see Picture 5). Cut trenches of at least 300 mm deep across the re-shaped area (see Picture 4). Fit the grass fence sections into the trenches so that the ends overlap. Plant strong poles into the trench at the end of each grass section. Tie the

Establish a suitable plant cover over the entire treated area to help bind the new soil surface. Pack brush or any other plant material on all bare areas of the sloped headcut treatment site (see Picture 7). Cover all the bare areas on both sides of the fence with grass, leafy branches, or other organic material, such as maize stalks or old thatch grass. It may be necessary to put branches or wooden poles on top of the grass to keep it down. This groundcover will also help slow down the surface run-off flow of water, which will give it time to penetrate the soil. In time, seeds and plants dislodged by the water will wash up against the fences, where they will germinate and take root, creating a living barrier that will help to prevent further erosion. Harvest brush in such a way that at least half of the plant remains. This means that much of the plant material will have to be harvested further away from the treated area. If all the plant material in the area is removed, it will simply add to the erosion problem and cause additional erosion. Try to use plants that will easily sprout again after cutting the tree or shrub. In the next issue, we shall explain how to slow down the rush of water down a gulley by using branch checks. These branch checks must be placed from where the gulley starts above the headcut, to below the head-cut where the gulley ends.

Figure 2: The stages of head-cut repair shown in section. Contact the Conservation Management Services at: Ken Coetzee: +27-7227-5056, Wallie Stroebel: +27 82-493-1441 or visit their website at www.conservationmanagementservices.co.za. Illustrations provided by Conservation Management Services.

ProAgri Zambia 72

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Effective water harvesting techniques: Part 1

The farmer’s most important harvest – water A

valuable, crucial asset for any farmer is water. Every drop of water should be coveted and fully utilised. The term ‘water harvesting’ generally refers to the collection of rainstorm-generated run-off from a particular area (a catchment) in order to provide water for human, animal, or crop use. There are a variety of reasons why you should consider different alternative ways to save water and acquiring different rainwater harvesting techniques. Harvested rainwater has many different uses such as: • Fresh drinking water for both human and animal consumption. • A water supply for vegetable production systems to improve domestic food security.

• A means of increasing production and reducing potential risk. • Erosion prevention by reducing the amount of run-off water. The primary components of rainfall harvesting is a run-off area that allows little or no infiltration, as well as a catchment or collection area where the gathered water can be stored and used later for various purposes. The storage volume must be large enough to allow the water to be used for a reasonable time after it has been stored. Those who collect water in earth dams must ensure that the volume of water collected is sufficient to last them through the dry season, and those who store water in tanks must have enough water to last them at least two months.

Harvesting water between crop rows.

Roof rainwater harvesting technique. ProAgri Zambia 72

When it comes to rainwater harvesting systems, the following considerations must be kept in mind: • The distribution of rainfall in areas. • The quantity of rain that falls in that area. • The catchment area's run-off characteristics should be thoroughly examined. • The ability to store water successfully. • The evaporation rate of the holding area, preferably low. 31

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The advantages of rainwater harvesting: • Increased yields when compared to normal rainfall patterns, because of the additional water supply. • Rainwater is completely free and is therefore a better alternative. • It is possible to maintain a higher standard of living with rainwater harvesting. Disadvantages associated with rainwater harvesting include: • There is a high probability that there will be insufficient rain during critical stages. • The additional cost of catchment areas and storage containers. • The travelling cost associated with delivering water where it is needed. Rainwater harvesting can be accomplished in a variety of ways. In this article series, the following methods will be explored in detail: • Rooftop water harvesting and storage in tanks or reservoirs as two

examples of rainwater harvesting. • Collecting water from prepared ground surfaces or stone slabs and storing it in reservoirs. • Harvesting water between widely spaced tree rows and storing it in a soil profile where roots are found. • Capturing and storing rainwater from micro catchment areas, either in reservoirs or in a soil profile where roots can be found.

Storage technique for roof water harvesting.

Earth dam reservoir.

Rainfall harvesting technique

Type of run-off

Type of surface

Catchment area size

Relation of catchment area size: cultivation area

Manner of storage

Water use

Roof water

Surface run-off

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Rabbit farming Part 1: R

abbit farming can be an alternative farming opportunity for a beginner farmer or someone with limited resources. According to Mike Daka, a rabbit farmer and interim President of the Rabbit Farmers Association of Zambia, the demand for rabbit meat in the country is growing. He told the Xinhaunet News Agency* that the Association was formed to encourage and assist farmers to meet the local demand, and even export to the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The rabbit species mostly used for farming are the New Zealand White and California White breeds, as they are easy to breed and grow fast, unlike local breeds. Backyard rabbit farming can be a fantastic concept for producing healthy meat while also providing an additional source of cash for the family, with little effort on the part of the farmer. They can be raised in a convenient and costeffective manner in a domestic setting. It is simple to care for the animals, and even youngsters can participate in the farming operations, which include everything from breeding to fryer (rabbit prepared for meat) production. To get started, only a fundamental understanding of rabbit husbandry is required. Rabbits reared by using techniques that are tailored to specific environ-

Why you should become a rabbit farmer ments can significantly improve the diet of many of the most vulnerable rural families, while also providing a reliable source of income on a consistent basis. Rabbit meat is an alternative healthy white meat which has less cholesterol, increased levels of protein and Vitamin B12. People who are sensitive to high sodium level diets could benefit from the meat which is low in sodium and has weight reduction properties. A small backyard rabbitry may consist of around four breeding females (does) and one breeding male (buck), with the ability to produce two fryers per week throughout the year. Nutritional and wholesome meat for the family, pleasurable occupational activity, rich manure for the garden, and possibly additional household income can all be provided by the unit. Besides the growing demand for rabbit meat as a healthy white meat alternative, the increasing popularity of rabbit farming can be contributed to the following: They take up very little space Rabbits make excellent backyard

ProAgri Zambia 72

animals because they are quiet, odourless, and docile. Small farmers, whether they own land or not, will find that backyard rabbitries are particularly well suited to their needs. They are inexpensive to keep They can be raised in a convenient and cost-effective manner in a domestic setting. Even though rabbits are mostly noted for their profusion of offspring, they are also herbivores capable of efficiently converting grass into food. They have a varied diet The entire purpose of meat production is to transform plant proteins that are of little or no nutritional benefit to humans into high-value animal proteins. Rabbits are easy to feed because they consume a wide variety of foods, some of which are weeds that grow in the wild. A small rabbitry can be maintained in the backyard using kitchen/ vegetable waste, grasses, tree leaves, and other natural materials. They produce meat with highquality protein Rabbits have the ability to convert up 37

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to 20% of the proteins they consume into edible meat when raised in efficient production systems. Comparable percentages for other species range from 22 to 23 percent for broiler chickens, 16 to 18 percent for pigs, and 8 to 12 percent for beef. Rabbits grow quickly, reaching a body weight of 1,5 to 1,8 kg in 12

to 14 weeks (depending on species) and providing nutrient-dense and flavourful meat.

teen kits/kittens (baby rabbits) each time, for a total of up to 72 kits in one year (depending on species).

They produce many offspring in a short time span During the course of a year, a doe can give birth (kindles) up to seven times, resulting in between seven and eigh-

Rabbits can be sold for a profit A small-animal husbandry operation can be a very profitable venture for both land-owning and landless small farmers; it can provide employment opportunities for women, children, and the handicapped (those from the least privileged social strata), generate substantial income, and contribute to the improvement of the family's nutritional standards. In next month’s issue, we shall look at selecting the right rabbit breed for your business. The information provided in this article is credited to: The National Department of Agriculture in South Africa in cooperation with JA Erasmus at the Glen Agricultural Development Institute. For more information visit www.daff.gov. za or send an e-mail to DPP@nda. agric.za. *http://www.xinhuanet. com/english/africa/202107/09/c_1310052234.htm Nurturing the roots of change in rural Kenya in cooperation with Bonnie Ami Holt at the Mitahato Education and Development Fund. For more information visit www. mitahatoedf.com/ or contact them on +254-728-082887. Dutta, P., Singh, R.K., Dhali, A. & Rajkhowa, C. (2009). BACKYARD RABBIT FARMING. 10.13140/ RG.2.1.1742.5440/1. Further discussions, stats, and author profiles for this publication at: https:// www.researchgate.net/publication/273886912

ProAgri Zambia 72

Outbreak of foot and mouth disease … and its impact on African cattle farmers T

he effects of COVID-19 lockdowns have seen agricultural markets become unstable and at high risk, especially considering how inter-country and intra-country movement has been restricted intermittently, depending on the severity of cases and the control measures a country applies. All agricultural production systems have been affected one way or the other, and cattle production has not been left out, as some diseases have not ceased to affect the production and marketing of meat products. Diseases common in cattle include bluetongue, botulism, bovine tuberculosis, bovine viral diarrhoea (BVD), brucellosis, Johne’s disease, psoroptic mange, schmallenberg virus, transmissible spongiform encephalopathies, as well as foot and mouth disease (FMD). In Africa, where cattle ownership and intensive cattle farming production systems exist, FMD has been affecting farmers. Its control is important to promote countries to have access to lucrative national, regional, and foreign meat markets. FMD is a severe and highly contagious viral disease that has various serotypes. In the case of FMD, a serotype or serovar is a distinct variation within a species of virus or among immune cells of different creatures. There are seven different FMD serotypes that

circulate within regional viral pools with periodic incursions into virus-free developed countries. According to the FMD April-June 2021 Quarterly Report, serotypes prevalent in North Africa (Algeria, Egypt, Libya, Morocco, Tunisia) are A, O and SAT 2.

by Tapuwa Mashangwa

In Eastern Africa (Burundi, Comoros, Djibouti, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Kenya, Rwanda, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, Uganda, United Republic of Tanzania, Yemen), the serotypes are O, A, SAT 1, SAT 2, and SAT 3. For West/Central Africa (Benin, Burkina Faso, Cabo Verde, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chad, Congo, Côte d'Ivoire, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Liberia, Mali, Mauritania, Niger, Nigeria, Sao Tome and Principe, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Togo), prevalent serotypes are O, A, SAT 1, and SAT 2. Lastly, in Southern Africa (Angola, Botswana, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, Zambia, Zimbabwe), serotypes present are SAT 1, SAT 2 and SAT 3 (O, A). An FMD endemic causes indirect losses for farmers that include: • Reduced milk production that affects both the humans and calves that depend on it (this can account for 33 percent of losses in endemic settings) • Reduced livestock growth • Mortality in young stock, typically reported being between 2 and 5 percent

ProAgri Zambia 72

•

Loss of traction power where draught animals are used (if this occurs during harvest the effects can be particularly severe) Abortion, which has financial implications due to the high cost of a single abortion that means the farmer will have to pay to keep the cow without it producing anything for another year or more, or cull the animal.

FMD causes problems with fertility. The most obvious is the abortion losses explained above, but there are longer-lasting impacts of this loss of both foetus and a reduced probability of conception. These both translate into the need to have a greater proportion of breeding animals in a population implying that for

every kilo of meat or milk produced, there is an additional fixed cost to cover more breeding stock. The cost of control measures carried out by the state veterinary services, such as vaccination, outbreak control and sometimes culling and compensation are borne by the taxpayer. Market losses include: • Limited livestock trade • FMD-affected farmers receive lower prices for their stock; ProAgri Zambia 72

• •

Individuals wishing to purchase animals from FMD-free herds face a restricted supply, and Countries infected with FMD cannot trade live animals with FMD free countries.

FMD is the most infectious human or animal disease agent known. An infected cow has been estimated to be able to infect over 70 other cattle in a susceptible herd, which allows the disease to spread with great speed. The importance of trade, both legal and illegal, in the spread of the disease implies that any FMD control strategy must have policies and actions to limit risks of FMD spread — from an outbreak or the introduction to and from neighbouring countries and trading partners. The cost of preventing an outbreak of FMD is lower than the cost of managing an outbreak afterwards. Vaccine efficacy is influenced by vaccine potency, antigenic match, and vaccination regime. Therefore, it is possible that a less than perfect antigenic match of a particular antigen may be compensated by using a high potency vaccine and by administering more than one vaccine dose at suitable intervals. Thus, a vaccine with a weak antigenic match to a field isolate, as determined by serology, may nevertheless afford some protection if it is sufficiently potent and is administered

under a regime to maximise host antibody responses. Some national FMD vaccination programmes vaccinate all bovines three times a year and all sheep and goats once a year. The best way to contain FMD would be the collaborative effort of governments, non-government organisations, livestock and veterinary regulatory bodies, and participants in the private sector to ensure that resources are available to combat and control it. 41

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Plants perform much better with by Tisha Steyn

etter results can be expected if plants are well fed and protected from extreme temperatures. One of the ways to achieve this, is mulching. Mulching means placing organic or inorganic matter on the surface of vegetable beds and around fruit trees to maintain moisture in the soil. Using mulch is the best way to conserve water in areas that do not receive an abundance of rain, as it reduces water loss through evaporation from the surface of the soil. Mulching can also be used to regulate the soil temperature by keeping it warmer in colder climates and cooler when it is hot, thereby creating a comfortable environment conducive to growth. A layer of at least 5 cm of mulch should be spread on top of the vegetable or flower bed, or around fruit trees, but should not be mixed with the soil. Add more mulch throughout the growing season if the beds must remain covered to regulate temperature and water loss. Water evaporates from the soil, while transpiration refers to moisture released by the leaves of plants into the atmosphere. Evapotranspiration refers to both these processes and should be considered when determining the quantity of water your garden or orchard needs. Added bonuses of mulching is that it keeps insects at bay, unless they hide in chunky mulch, and weeds are less likely to proliferate under a layer of mulch.

Organic material suitable for mulching

Wood chips and bark Wood chips and bark are most often used to keep the soil moist. It also keeps

weeds at bay, as it prevents them from getting enough sunlight to grow. Move the wood chips aside before planting seedlings in a vegetable bed. Be aware that mulch consisting of wood chips, bark or leaves can create hideouts for unwanted insects and other critters, like some bugs, snails, and slugs. One way to remove snails and slugs is to set a beer trap for them. A plastic container with beer in it in a vegetable bed will invite them to help themselves and they will not survive the hangover. Another way to get rid of the slimy critters is to keep free-roaming chickens that will enjoy the tasty snack. Fears that wood chips can introduce fungal diseases to your vegetables have not been proven. Fungi in wood chips are mostly decomposers, which helps the wood break down. Under healthy soil conditions, harmless, beneficial fungi may outcompete disease fungi, while healthy plants are not susceptible to them. Another myth is that the wood chips will absorb nutrients from your garden bed, but as the wood chips decompose, they will rather release more nutrients than they will take away. Some farmers believe that mulch can rectify poor soil by breaking down and releasing nutrients into it.

Nature is generous with organic materials suitable for mulch. (Source: Pixabay) ProAgri Zambia 72

mulch Pine needles used as mulch can change the pH level of the soil. (Source: Pixabay)

Wood chips are suitable for mulch. (Source: Pixabay)

A new celery plant peeps from the layer of mulch. (Source: Pixabay) 43

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Straw or hay is ideal mulching material if it has not been treated with pesticides. (Source: Pixabay)

Lawn cuttings must be allowed to dry out in the sun before using it as mulch. (Source: Pixabay)

Fallen leaves must be shredded and allowed to rot a bit before using them as mulch. (Source: Pixabay)

It is advisable not to use wood chips in compost or work them into the soil, but rather just use them as topdressing. Also, keep it away from trunks of trees and shrubs and the stems of your vegetables.

ing weeds and can be put down on garden paths before adding a layer of wood chips. In fact, a layer of cardboard put on unwanted lawn or a weedy patch before covering it with a mix of compost and topsoil, will make an excellent raised bed without having to remove it first.

soil. Kelp or seaweed, if you can obtain some, can also be used as mulch.

Grass clippings Freshly cut lawn must be allowed to dry out in the sun for at least a day before using it as mulch. Be careful not to use clippings when the lawn had been treated with pesticides. Shredded leaves Leaves must be left to mature for a couple of months to neutralise phenols before they are being used as mulch. The same applies if you want to use leaves in your compost pile. Hay and straw Hay refers to dried material like alfalfa, clover, or grasses that are cut and used as animal feed. Straw refers to the dried stalks of grains like rye, wheat, oats, or barley which have no nutritional value for animals. However, it is useful in a compost heap as brown material, and it is most suitable for mulching. The disadvantages of hay and straw are that these grains may have been exposed to pesticides, or they may contain weed seeds. This can be solved by leaving the hay or straw outside for a couple of months. This will allow the toxins to be neutralised and the weeds to sprout so you can remove them manually before they go to seed. Rotting hay or straw may cause fungal infection if they touch stems or leaves of your vegetables or trees, but this can be overcome by keeping the mulch a few inches away from the stems.

Newspapers Shredded newspapers will work fine, but don’t use glossy paper with coloured ink, like magazines and advertising flyers. Biodegradable weed mats These are made of recycled paper and are used as mulch. The advantage is that they let in water, air, and nutrients, which is not the case with plastic sheeting used as mulch. In addition, these mats can be worked into the beds at the end of the season. These can be quite expensive, though. Loosen the soil and install a drip irrigation system before you place the mats on the beds. Install them on a windless day and secure them with earth staples. You can make an opening with a trowel to plant the seed or seedling into the soil underneath. Cover the sheets with mulch before watering. Other materials Using pine needles and wood shavings as mulch will raise acidity levels in your

Compost If you make your own compost and have enough spare after working some into your garden, you can also use it as mulch. Put a layer of two to four inches deep on top of the bed, but keep it well away from the stems. Regularly add some more during the growing season. Cardboard Cardboard is cheap or even free if you collect it from a store near you. Some stores have recycling bins into which they discard empty boxes which you may take. It works great for suppress-

Plastic sheeting is used as inorganic mulch. (Source: Pixabay)

ProAgri Zambia 72

Inorganic material

Black, clear, or coloured plastic Thick polyurethane that is safe for use with food, is preferable. The plastic sheets can be secured with earth staples, which are available at hardware stores, as well as bricks, stones or lengths of wood. Cover the whole bed and cut holes into the sheet for planting your seedlings. Fibre Other inorganic materials suitable for mulching include perforated polyester garden fabric or permeable cloth covers. These allow water and a limited amount of heat from the sun through, but can help to keep out cold, heat and insects. It also protects young plants from strong winds that may snap the stems, or against a hot wind that may dry out or scorch the plants. In some areas, it is used to keep windblown sand from covering your seedlings. Once the material starts to interfere with the plants’ growth, it is time to remove it. Most covers may be strong enough to use again.

References • Different types of mulch to use in your garden. (2016, February 18). Caxton Magazines https://www.gardenandhome. co.za/gardening/how-tos/ different-types-of-mulch/ • 5 good reasons to mulch your garden. (2016, February 18). Caxton Magazines https://www.gardenandhome. co.za/gardening/how-tos/5good-reasons-to-mulch-yourgarden-2/ • Iannotti, M. (2021, March 7). What Is Mulch? The Spruce https://www.thespruce.com/ what-is-mulch-1402413 • The Ultimate Mulch Guide: How to Find the Best Type for Your Garden. (2020, May 26) Good Housekeeping https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/home/gardening/ a20706549/how-to-mulchyour-garden/ 45

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