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CONTENTS 14 42 9> STEERING IN STORMY WATERS > PHEZUKOMKHONO > ABATTOIR FOR PIG FARMERSNew Swaziland Sugar AssociationCEO Phil Mnisi is confident about Minister of Agriculture Moses Vilakati Farmer and entrepreneur Josephsailing through tough sugar industry kicks off new farming season in Ndlangamandla builds abattoir for pigchallenges Motshane farmers to access the formal market> ENDENGERED TREES GOING 10 Sugar - SSA Integrated Annual REGULARS EXTINCT Report 16 Farmers’ calendar 11 Poultry - New cheap blanket 17 Farming with Knowledge - About 100 trees indigenous trees good for brooders Vegetable Production tipsvarious purposes face extinction as a result of 12 Farming tips - Maize seeds 43 Animal Nutrition - Feeding modern development to choose the pig 14 News - Government needs 500 45 Animal Health - Controlling tractors for new farming season diseases in our livestock 18 Shows - Agribusiness enterprises dominates Trade Fair 2016 47 Feedback - Talk to our 20 Farming Advice - Survival resident veterinarian. In this strategies for fresh produce issue, fowl pox. farmers during drought 21 Feature - Wetlands balancing IN THE NEXT ISSUE: life >> SWADE CEO Silwayiphi Samson Sithole 22 Climate change - Dry spell talks about his plans for bringing water to the sweeping through the people of Lavumisa country >>LETTERS TO THE EDITOR. We invite 23 Mining - Processing of you to write to the editor for your letters to be minerals to boost GDP published in this magazine. Maximum words 24 Development - Ka-Ndinda per letter is 600. Write on any topic on matters community projects of the economy, business and farming. The 26 Food security - Minister best letter will win a price. A voucher to one rescues hungry public of Swaziland’s biggest agricultural suppliers. 28-39 Environment - Temvelo Awards supplement 41 Property - Farms for sale 42 Profile - Young farmer kick- started into piggery 44 New business - Pig abattoir for pig farmers 46 Profile - Young farmer producing seedlings4 agribusinessmonthly.com | October 2016
FROM THE EDITORPublishing Cry thecredits beloved small-scaleEDITORIAL farmerPUBLISHER & MANAGING EDITOR:Sibusiso MngadiNEWS EDITOR: Lunga MasukuWRITERS: Debra Khumalo, Thembela Ngiyetsemba kuyavela ngalapho kutsi refrigerated trucks (horse and trailers) toNkumane, Siphila Dube, Nomsimisi Dlamini (I hope you realise that) I am now supply hotels and other high profile places in in charge of this publication. We the country. They are always on the road toCONTRIBUTORS: Diccon Robinson, Henco have come a long way since September Johannesburg Market, and back. In essence,Leicester, Emmanuel Maphanga 2012 when we started as Limangwane and more than 80 percent of the fresh produce have passed through painful experiences we consume comes from South Africa. It isSALES & MARKETING and challenges that have sharpened our becoming more a reality that if our borders focus and resolve. were to close for just one day, we would die.BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT MANAGER: This is not good for the country, and it mustLinda Zikalala For those who know me as a Facebook stop! farmer, I say welcome to the real world.ADVERTISING EXECUTIVE: In social media, we don’t give you the full I almost laughed the other day when ILungile Simelane picture. A lot of the bad stuff is edited out saw a poster in one big supermarket claiming to keep up appearances as these social to be supporting local farmers. Just becauseDESIGN &ART platforms are normally used for public they bought a few cabbages and spinach relations. from a local farmer while their truck fromSENIOR ART DIRECTORS: the Johannesburg Market was delayed at theSamkeliso Dlamini In this magazine we promote all aspects border, then they give themselves a pat on of commercial agriculture. The reality is that the back? How about all the other veggiesAGRIBUSINESS MONTHLY it is tough for farmers out there, especially other than cabbages, lettuce and spinach?PUBLISHED BY Blinky Investments Pty Ltd the small-scale farmer. The drought has, Support is a big word. It is NOT about3rd Floor, Sokhamlilo Building, Dzeliwe in fact, just made things worse - not that taking samples from a few local farmersStreet, Mbabane farmers didn’t have problems before it. when you are desperate. It goes beyond andP.O. Box 7777, MBABANE takes into account the welfare and capacityTEL: +268 2404 2628 A majority of vegetable farmers still of the farmer. Most farmers struggle to evenCELL: +268 7683 8729 complain about lack of a market. Unlike bring their produce to the cities, where theyEMAIL: [email protected] the sugar industry, vegetable farming has are often mistreated and looked down upon.OR: [email protected] no systems in place to guarantee a true Then, some supermarkets take more thanWEB: www.agribusinessmonthly.com commercial venture. The sugar industry three months to pay a farmer an invoice of is blessed with well structured extension E500.Copyright © 2016 Agribusiness Monthly & services and farmers are guaranteed of aBlinky Investments Pty Ltd market for their sugarcane. Let us not encouarage dependency in other nations, even in cases where weALL RIGHTS RESERVED. Vegetable farming, on the other hand, could build our won capacity. Using donorOpinions expressed by contributors, remains a risk and it is no wonder that funding, NAMBoard is already workingcolumnists and correspondents do not banks are not interested in giving out loans. with some communities, especially innecessarily reflect those of Agribusiness What could be a reason for this untenable the Shiselweni Region, to ensure we canMonthly. situation? I think there are many reasons produce our own food as a country. This but what struck me as an anomaly is the needs to be scaled up urgently to reach all paradox that institutions like NAMBoard parts of Swaziland. Then we need to review find themselves in. With a clear mandate to our import laws and policies. Supermarkets develop local farmers, they are also entrusted and distributors should be forced to buy a with collecting levies on foreign imports of certain quota of their produce from local fresh produce. These import levies make farmers and pay them within seven days. We the bulk of their income. Now that’s just could start with 50/50 and move on to 80% a conflict of interest situation, as far as I local produce in the near future. am concerned. In any case, unless there is government subsidy, there is no money to be It is possible. Many people have land, made from helping local farmers. water and some little knowledge. All they need is technical assistance and a market. Is Then we have the big supermarkets that too much to ask? who have no problem paying levies for the imports of all their fresh produce. We Sibusiso Mngadi, Managing Editor also have distributors who use their big5 agribusinessmonthly.com | October 2016
CORPORATE EVENTS TOURISM EXCELLENCE AWARDSTEKUVAKASHA AWARDS: Recognising all thoseplaying a role in promoting tourismn an attempt to boost the country’s tourism industry, the Swaziland Tourism Authority (STA) hasIlaunched first ever TourismExcellence Awards popularly known as‘Tekuvakasha’.The Tourism Excellence Awards werelaunched last in September by the Ministerof Tourism and Environmental AffairsJabulani Mabuza, to recognise strides madeby organisations that have contributed tothe development of the sector.This was regarded as the beginning of amuch more targeted approach to economicand tourism development and also to a moreable environment within the tourism sector.The event for the awarding ceremony will beheld at the Royal Swazi Convention Centre.A handful of applicants ranging fromdifferent fields have showed their desire tobe part of the recipients on the special night. Excellence Awards will focus on highlighting Awards are as follows:The awards are aimed at recognising, existing local products and brands that -Best adventure tourismnetworking marketing efforts meant at have availed other opportunities within the -Best accommodationawarding various local establishments with tourism industry. -Best nature reserveinterest to recognise different categories During the launch of the awards, the -Cultural tourismfor their efforts in delivering high quality Minister of Tourism and Environmental -Major festivals and eventsservice. The Tourism Excellence Awards Affairs Jabulani Mabuza emphasised the -Major tour and transport providerwill also provide opportunities for locally importance of promoting the tourism -Major tourist attractionproduced tourism products that should industry. -Minister’s Awardimpact positively not only within the “In an attempt to ensure sustainable -New tourism businesstourism industry but the country’s economy. growth of our tourism sector, we need to -Tour GuideThe tourism industry has been diverse in continue raise the bar in experience delivery -Tourism Restaurant and cateringthe country and these have received positive but also drive business innovation. This is servicesexposure locally and internationally. The another sector that improves the economy.” BY DEBRA KHUMALOpromotion and showcasing of the Tourism The categories for the Tourism Excellence6 agribusinessmonthly.com | October 2016
FEATURE7 agribusinessmonthly.com | October 2016
PROFILE : BUSINESS LEADERSHIP and has acquired many post-graduate qualifications including an InvestmentNew SSA CEO Phil Mnisi steering Appraisal, Equities and Managementin turbulent sugar waters Programme from Havard Business School and an Executive Development ProgrammeIn August , long time banker and financial expert, Phil from GIBS University. He is now on courseMnisi officially took over the driver’s seat at Swaziland Sugar to complete his PhD degree in BusinessAssociation (SSA), taking the bat from the revered Dr. Mike Management with the University of Pretoria.Matsebula who retired after serving the institution since 1997. “I have completed the course work, and onlyPhil is confident about sailing through volatile world sugar the research component is pending,” he says.markets and the unpredictable weather conditions whichpresent the toughest challenges the sugar industry has ever faced. Phil started his career at the SwazilandOur Managing Editor, SIBUSISO MNGADI, spoke to him. Industrial Development Company (SIDC), then CDC, in 1992. He then went on to the Phil Mnisi has many admirable banking sector serving the Standard Bank qualities. In fact, he is different Group (where he became the first Swazi chief things to different people. He is executive officer), the Institute of Bankers a leader, a pastor, motivational of South Africa and the Central Bank of speaker, a golfer, a farmer, an entrepreneur, Swaziland where he served as Assistant a husband, a father, a big brother as well as Governor. It is no doubt that Mnisi has had a child to his mother, LaMsibi, who raised an illustrious career and the sugar industry him as a single parent in rural Gege area in could not have gotten a better candidate, the Shiselweni Region. especially with the intricate challenges it currently faces. “In a nutshell, I can say that As a second born child, but first born my career has been experiential, insightful son, in a family of ten children, Phil soon and eventful,” says Mnisi. took up the responsibility of assisting his mother to raise his younger siblings It was experiential, he says, because he when their father passed on. “I took up was exposed to various facets of the business responsibility at a very early age,” he says. environment and complexities, both locally He has continued to help his family with the and internationally. It was insightful in that support of his wife, Jabu, with whom they he has learnt and experienced personal are also raising their 21-year-old daughter growth in key professional areas including and 13-year-old son. corporate governance, risk management, marketing strategy and financial discipline. Despite that his parents were mere It was eventful in that there have been tough subsistence farmers; they managed to give times. While Assistant Governor at the all of their children some education. Phil Central Bank of Swaziland he was part of a started school at Eric Rosenburg, before committee that managed government cash- proceeding to Evelyn Baring and then the flow on a weekly basis during the financial University of Swaziland where he completed and fiscal crisis. He has managed major a Bachelor of Commerce in Accounting. He projects in the banking sector, including then did a Master’s in Business Leadership changing a core banking system for (MBL) at the University of South Africa Standard Bank. He also had a fair share of industrial relations troubles, some of which have ended up in the courts. Coming with a wealth of experience and business acumen, what is Mnisi’s vision for the sugar industry? “SSA is an established and recognised organisation, both in Swaziland and abroad,” he says. “World class organisations are characterised by a few key characteristics, which I aim to champion in my tenure: clarity of vision, sustained growth in value creation, values-based leadership and continual improvement. “I am comforted that some of these elements are already entrenched at SSA but there are many areas of improvement that we shall be working on with my management team and the Council (which is our governing board) to ensure that we bring increased value to our shareholders (growers and millers) and stakeholders (including customers and the public). “As the adage goes ‘why fix it if it ain’t broken’. My mission is primarily to steady the ship, renew energies in what is already a competent team and steer it to even greater8 agribusinessmonthly.com | October 2016
heights. Part of this would involve steering BUSINESS LEADERSHIP : PROFILEit through the very turbulent waters that will continue to work diligently to deliver plans are in place to mitigate its impact onwe are approaching now. These include services to them as efficiently as possible but an industry that has thrived so well in thethe abolishment of quotas in the EU, also seek to extract maximum value for their past? “The current drought spell is a majorintroduction of anti-sugar measures such produce in the markets. This is our way of challenge facing the industry,” says Mnisi.as the sugar tax, the current drought, an ensuring that we sustain our growers into “There are a lot of fields that have either beenunstable world and regional sugar market, the long term future. abandoned or are being grown at far belowissues of sustainability, and many more. “Our greatest effort is channelled to their potential. This means the potential ensuring that growers, especially new returns from the crop are going to be quite “This is however a new industry for me, smallholder growers, optimise their yields low compared to previous years.so I will be spending the first few months in order to maximise their returns per “SSA is intervening from variousgetting myself up to speed with it and I hectare of land. There are also new schemes perspectives. At the policy level, advocacywill then be in a good frame to create an that are yet to be developed. They need to is pursued to ensure that the minimuminformed SSA shared value strategy.” come into an industry that will give them amount of water required to sustain the reasonable returns for their investment. The sugarcane ratoon is spared for the industry Despite his clear vision, there are growth of the industry through smallholder to use. This is because the replanting ofobstacles ahead. These include the volatile sugarcane growing schemes is not only new ratoons is very expensive and maysugar markets, sustainability of small holder a national imperative, it is one that is be unaffordable for many smallholdercane growers and the unpredictable weather receiving dedicated attention from within growers. Where it is inevitable to lose theconditions. the industry as well – as it supports greater crop, the industry is ensuring that there is economies of scale and efficiencies in sugar sufficient seedcane to support replanting Regarding the markets, Mnisi says: production. requirements. Through extension services,“Sugar markets are under pressure “My message is therefore that growers growers are being assisted with strategieseverywhere, especially in the markets where must dedicate themselves to ensuring that on managing the crop under conditions ofSwazi sugar is sold. In October 2017, the beet they produce quality sugarcane with the drought.production quotas will fall off resulting in confidence that SSA shall endeavour to “On the marketing side, the attainmenteven more sugar being available from within obtain the best possible returns from the of higher returns remains a preoccupationthe EU, potentially displacing the need for sugar produced.” of SSA and every effort is made to achieveany sugar imports from Swaziland; if any, it But the drought situation is reality, what the highest possible sugar price in eachwould be at significantly lower prices. market where Swazi sugar is sold. Growers must therefore continue to tend to their “Regional markets are characterized by “my career fields with the full knowledge that they haveprotectionism which we need to maneuver a committed partner in SSA.and ensure that preferences continue toexist to profitably sell Swazi sugar. The “The drought has impacted the industrymaintenance of preferences under SADC significantly, with production at about 85%and COMESA plus the creation of a special of its potential. The SSA response has beensugar trade dispensation under the Tripartite has been to direct the volume available to marketsFree Trade Area would be key for the future with higher returns and to reduce exposureof the industry as it might need to orient its to lower paying markets.”sales from the EU towards the region. experiential, Mnisi’s message to all stakeholders is “The US market, while important, only that they should remain confident andprovides an outlet for a very small volume comfortable in the SSA brand and theof our sugar (less than 5% annually). insightful and industry in general. “I have a team thatContinued protection of the domestic will ensure that we deliver on our mandateSACU market against world markets sugars as capably as we can,” he says. “That is my(especially from subsidized sources) would eventful” job and my mission. With God’s help wealso be key for the industry’s sustainability. will all succeed. Our current prayers are forThis market currently contributes about two the return of the rains as soon as possiblethirds to the SSA sales revenue.” so that we can all return to sustaining our livelihoods in one way or the other.” Given these challenges, what is hismessage to smallholder sugarcane farmers?“My advice to farmers, as it is to all industrymembers (including millers), is that theindustry is facing significant challenges butthey are not insurmountable. The future canbe secured with dedication and strategicorientation of our skills and energies. In linewith the theme at our launch of the 2015/16Integrated Annual Report the guidingframework of our immediate activities isthat there are boundless opportunities in themidst of the challenges we face. Our workis to harness those opportunities to the bestadvantage of the industry. “With the current drought, it is temptingfor farmers to be wary of the future of thesugarcane crop but I wish to assure themthat not only is this the safest crop to investin at the moment SSA is exerting tirelessefforts to ensure no grower goes under. We9 agribusinessmonthly.com | October 2016
NEWSPhil Mnisi shaking hands with SwaziBank MDZakhele Lukhele while Nedbank CEO FikileNkosi looks on. This was during the presentationof the SSA Integrated Annual Report.Retired SSA CEO Dr Mike Matsebula was also Phil Mnisi making remarks during the presentation of the SSA Integrated Annual Report atthere to bid farewell to the sugar industry Ezulwini in September.Sugar industry resilient Dr. Matsebula says. As such export revenueamidst tough challenges realized from the EU grew by 85 percent in 10 years from E593 million to E1, 1 billion.The sugar industry is probably the most resilient among the big industries US Market Swaziland is currently getting the best priceof this country. In the face of volatile world sugar markets, a downward for raw sugar in this market. As such, efforts are being made to divert more sugar frommovement of EU sugar prices and a prolonged drought period, sugar the EU to the US. However, the country has a limited tariff rate quota of 16,000 tonnes persales revenue has grown significantly. DEBRA KHUMALO reports. year.In its Integrated Annual Report, Domestic Market presented at Ezulwini in September by productivity initiatives embarked upon by While pursuing global markets, the SSA has 2016, the Swaziland Sugar Association the industry to increase sugarcane yields,” he also sought to protect the domestic SACU (SSA) revealed that the sugar industry says, adding that yields have grown from 97 market which has allowed the industry to had created wealth of about E4, 6 to 100 tonnes per hectare. Even yields from realize good returns despite the challenges smallholder farmers increased by five percent of low-priced imports from subsidizedbillion in the last financial year compared from 86 to 90 tonnes per hectare. countries. Revenue from SACU salesto E4, 1 billion the previous year. This also increased from E919 million in 2006 to E2,6reflects an increase of over 130% from10 years EU Market billion in the year under review.ago when revenue was E2 billion. The EU market is a major importer of Regional MarketThese results have been realized against a sugar, mainly from the African Carribean The SSA plans to use more of this marketbackdrop of reforms in the sugar industry’s and Pacific countries and least developed to ensure profitable diversion of sugar salesmajor export market, that is, the European countries. Access is on a duty-free and quota currently destined for the EU. In 2017, the EUUnion (EU), which resulted in reduced free basis for these countries, including market will have further reforms which willprices. Former SSA CEO Dr. Mike Matsebula, Swaziland. As a result of reforms which result in more reduction in the price of sugar.who retired in July 2016 after serving since started in 2006, the prices obtainable in this The regional sales have so far been fluctuating1997, says the changes in the markets have market have declined over the years but this and the prices were volatile. “Significant effortcompelled the industry to optimize cost and has been partly compensated by the increased is being exerted to the securing of preferencesproduction efficiencies at all levels of the value volume since the quota system was abolished in the region, either from current regimeschain. “The industry has taken decisive steps in 2009. Swaziland primarily sells bulk sugar or through the creation of new ones,” saysto improve its cost efficiencies and to deliver in this market although the sales strategy has Matsebula. He added that SSA is advocatingmaximum value from the products sold,” he emphasized selling to the consumer to get a for the creation of a special sugar dispensationstates in the report. “This was attained through maximum return. to ensure that industries are able to protectthe key objective of maximizing productivity Responding to the dropping prices in the EU their domestic markets while allowing forin order to increase total proceeds and to market, the SSA sought to ensure that value preferential sugar flows into each other’sdeliver maximum returns for each member.” was achieved through lobbying for an increase markets.In this regard, the industry has seen an increase in Swaziland’s tonnage to compensate for thein production from 4,9 million to 5,8 million lowered prices while ensuring that importtonnes in 10 years. “Most of this growth in protection is retained against low-costproduction was attributed to the increase in suppliers. “This has allowed SSA to continuesmallholder grower schemes complemented to attain good value out of the EU sales,”10 agribusinessmonthly.com | October 2016
NEW POULTRY EQUIPMENT : PROMOTIONAL ARTICLEBlanket brooding now No electricity neededavailable in Swaziland The blanket brooding method is suitable for home-grown chicken production,Anew modular chicken coop which chickens. especially in rural or urban areas where there has been well received by small-scale A recent trial of chicken growth rates is no electricity. “Blanket brooding requires no farmers in neighbouring countries lights, no sawdust or litter, and no electricity has now arrived in Swaziland. under blanket brooding recorded 221g at 7 or gas for heating, which is a huge cost saving,”The Inkukukaya System is produced by the days, 546g at 14 days, 1,0kg at 21 days, 1,7kg says Dickinson. “Farmers simply throw aKwaZulu-Natal Poultry Institute (KZNPI) and at 28 days and 2,4kg at 35 days. This compares blanket over the cage for warmth. The blanketsis now a favourite among farmers in South favourably with growth rates of conventional are lifted during the day for light and fresh air.”Africa and Zimbabwe. floor brooding of 230g, 552g, 924g, 1,6kg and This system was successfully piloted in 2,4kg at the same time intervals. conditions where temperatures dropped to “This product is doing very well with 0°C.small-scale farmers, especially in KwaZulu “Inkukukaya coops have the potential toNatal, and its spreading out to other provices,” allow people to start farming with minimal The Inkukukaya kit is sold complete withsays Ian Dickinson of Inkukukaya Modular capital outlay, without the need for bedding drinkers, feeders and legs at a cost of E1 350 forCoop Solutions who was at the Swaziland material or expensive brooding and with a 25-bird unit and E4 800 for a 100-bird unit.International Trade Fair (SITF) in August to virtually no ‘down time’ between flocks. The Each cage measures 2,4m x 0,6m. The productpromote the new system. system allows for great flexibility and is easy to carries a five-year guarantee. Launched expand,” says Dickinson. in 2014, Inkukukaya has expanded into In Swaziland, the coops are available Zambia, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Swaziland,at Feedmaster in Matsapha and plans are The Inkukukaya cage was designed by Botswana, Uganda, Tanzania, Kenya andunderway to make them available in the Botswana poultry farmer, John (Butch) Namibia and South Africa.depots of the animal feed manufacturer which Vaughan-Davies, who approached Southare spread out throughout the country. At African plastic injection moulder, Ian “Everyone who works with Inkukukayathe Trade Fair, the coops were also used by Dickinson, for manufacturing. Dickinson took sees the advantages,” says Dickinson. “Thethe Ministry of Agriculture in their livestock the design a step further, developing a system turnaround time of broilers in a normal housedisplay section to accommodate day-old of modular plastic panels that simply click and is 6,5 times a year – while the Inkukukayaindigenous chicks. lock into shape. coop can do nine times a year. Production is therefore higher – and mortality rates are low The system is made of basic sheds with The coops are sold in flat-pack form and at around 2%.”open sides, and there is no need for heating as can be quickly assembled without tools. Theit uses the blanket brooding method. coop should ideally be placed under a roof, Email Ian Dickinson of Inkukukaya although to reduce start-up costs an open- Modular Coop Solutions on ian@inkukukaya. A modular chicken coop reduces mortality sided shed will suffice instead of a conventional, co.za or phone him on 083 629 9739. Visitrates to 2%, making it a hit with small-scale fully-enclosed chicken house. inkukukaya.co.za for more information.farmers. “The cages must be placed on blocks or a Swaziland contact person: Constantine “What small farmers are doing in the wood or steel framework to lift the coop off the Ginindza, cell: 7683 5736rural areas is very important and is a huge ground and support the coop floor. Fresh airinspiration to us all,” says Dickinson. then circulates into the cage from below and Email: [email protected] droppings fall through to the ground,” explains The sheds are basic and has a distinctive Dickinson.yellow colour. Each shed can accommodate 2511 agribusinessmonthly.com | October 2016
FEATURE FARMING ADVICE Hybrid maize seeds for unpredictable farming seasonThis year’s farming season will go down as the most confusing environment. They advise, through their pamphlet, that a productive farmerto farmers. No one seems to know whether farmers should plan has to combine variety of choice and the environment with his best managementfor drought or floods as messages from government have been to be successful. Tshala Seed Enterprises Agronomist,so inconsistent. What seems to be clear is that farmers should Khulekani Nkambule said, as producersDgo for hybrid seeds to survive. DEBRA KHUMALO reports. of Sibheva seed varieties, they advise espite predictions of a Nelson Mavuso, the Director of farmers to consider using open LaNina by the Swaziland Agriculture in the Ministry of pollinated seed varieties which are also Meteorological Services, Agriculture, is encouraging farmers to resistant to drought. this farming season prepare for another drought season. is showing similar In fact, he says the country might Early Maturing Hybridscharacteristics to the drought season experience longer periods of drought From PANNARexperienced last year. The rains are for the next three years. He therefore PAN 4M-23 – This is a brand new hybridscarce, the sun is scorching, rivers are advises farmers to harvest the limited and replaces Sivinini (PAN 4M-21)drying up (if not dried up already) rainfall that the country will be which was already popular with localand the Minister of Agriculture, Moses hopefully receiving. \"Farmers should farmers. It matures within 120-130 daysVilakati, is again urging farmers to go find methods of water harvesting while and suited to all regions in Swaziland. Itand plant and “take advantage of early also opting for drought resistant hybrids has excellent quality and flint grain andrains”. during the planting season,” he says. He produces two cobs. It is also resistant toWell, we have not been blessed with also suggests that farmers go for drought common rust, MSV and GLS diseases.early rains so far but if something walks resistant hybrid seeds. Under good management, the yield perlike a lion and roars like a lion, it not PANNAR Agronomist, Sifiso Dlamini, hectare is 4-8 tonnes.stupidity but wisdom to take to your says it is important to choose seedheels. Last year a lot of farmers suffered varieties according to one’s agronomichuge losses after planting early as the zones, that is, Highveld, wet middleveld,heat wave persisted up to December dry middleveld, lowveld and lubombowith no rains in sight. This year, farmers plateau. He says seed variety should beneed better guidance if they have to go checked for quality and whether it isto their fields for anything. resistant to pests and diseases. GivenAs a magazine that serves the interest the unpredictable weather conditions,of farmers, we have attempted to gather Dlamini says farmers should go forinformation from technical experts a combination of early maturing andregarding what farmers can do this late maturing hybrids as opposed tofarming season. We implore you to purchasing one type.consider their views and then settle for Seed-Co is also produces quality seedwhat you think will suit you. varieties suited to each agro-ecological12 agribusinessmonthly.com | October 2016
PAN 413- This is a popular hybrid FARMING ADVICE : FEATUREwhich is suited to all regions, includingthe dry Lowveld. It matures in 132-138days. It has a short attractive plant thatcan remain standing during stormydays and produces big cobs. It can yield6- 8 tonnes per hectare. It is droughttolerant.From Seed-Co 8 to 10 tonnes per hectare. It is widely Late Maturing HybridsSC 403 – This is a very early maturing adaptable across many regions and From PANNARhybrid that matures in 120-130 days. It produces a variety of cobs. It takes PAN 7M-83 – is PANNAR’s newis a flint grained hybrid that has a very 132 to 140 days to maturity and has invention which is a replacement togood yield potential. It is tolerant to excellent general ear and leaf diseases the popular Umfokati (PAN 8M-91). Itgrey leaf spot disease. tolerance. is ideal for production in high rainfallSC 411 – This early maturing hybrid is From Seed-Co regions. It is a high yielding hybridharvested in 120-125 days. It is a flint SC 633 – This medium maturing white with excellent grain quality, ideal forgrained hybrid that has a very good hybrid has excellent resistance to maize milling. It has big double cobs. It is hasyield potential. It is also tolerant to grey streak virus. It has good tolerance to excellent leaf disease tolerance. Theleaf spot disease. heat and drought stress. It has good recommended plant population is +-From Tshala Seed Enterprises tolerance to grey leaf spot and good 50,000 plants per hectare. It has goodZM 309- is an early maturity maize open pollen to silk synchronization and is stand-ability and takes about 150 dayspollinated variety taking 90 to 110 days tolerant to cob rot. It takes 135-145 to harvest. You can expect a yield ofto harvest. It is suitable for planting in days to mature. between 10-14 tonnes per hectare withall the regions of the country especially SC 621 – This hybrid also takes 135- good management.in the drought prone areas. The seed 145 to mature. It has good grey leafcan be replanted for three years. It is an spot tolerance and can also tolerant From Seed-Coexcellent yielder of five to seven tonnes heat and drought. It is also tolerant SC 719 – This late maturing hybrid takesper hectare. The ZM 309 is also an to cob rots and has excellent streak 150-155 days to mature. It has very goodexcellent tolerant to drought and have and mottle virus tolerance. It is very grey leaf spot tolerance, including maizelow fertility stress. This semi flint OPV adaptable. streak and maize mottle viruses. It isis moderate to good tolerance to MSV, SC 637 – This medium maturing white also tolerant to Northern corn spot andGLS, northern leaf blight, common rust hybrid has excellent resistance to Phaeosphaeria. It shows good toleranceand ear rots. maize streak virus and mottle viruses. to both stalk and root lodging. It is aZM 523- is a white maize pollinated It is a high yielding variety with semi possible replacement of SC 709.variety and is drought tolerant. It is flint. It has good stand-ability. It SC 701 – This late maturing hybrid isearly maturing at about 120 days. This matures in 145-150 days. popular with green mealies farmers.OPV can be planted for three years and It is a sweet tasting hybrid and has ais suitable to be planted in December. It long shelf life. It takes 145-150 days tocan also be tolerant to MSV and rust, mature.and yields between five to seven tonnesper hectare.Medium Maturity HybridsFrom PANNARPAN 53 (MADEVABOVU) - is apopular hybrid that performs wellin all the regions in the country andresistant to grey leaf spot, north, cornleaf blight. It is tolerant to MSV. Itproduces massive flint grain cobs andhas a huge yield potential. This hybridcan withstand heat and water stress andis able to outperform all other mediummaturity hybrids. It takes 135 to 140days to mature. It yields 8-10 tonnes perhectare under good management.PAN 12 (Yellow Maize) – This mediummaturity hybrid has a deep yellow flintgrain and a very good yield potential of13 agribusinessmonthly.com | October 2016
NEWS FARMINGGovernment needs 500 tractorsfor new farming season Minister of Agriculture Moses Vilakati with Dandane Shongwe (74) received farm inputs.In preparation of the farming season, government will need over 500 tractors Further, the ministry will include additional packages for one hector field, theseto assist farmers utilise the first rains that the country will receive. LUNGA will include bean packages provided they paySMASUKU reports. the required E2000 which includes packages of peaking during the launch of the parts of the country. fertilisers, a 70 kg LAN to farmers who would national liming demonstration and soil “Farmers must not wait until last minute like to grow beans. testing programme for 2016, Minister of Agriculture Moses Vilakati urged so that it can allow us to plan properly because For farmers in the lowveld area or those we would not like to see people coming from the Highveld interested in growingfarmers to utilise the first rains. Vilakati allayed in droves immediately after the first rains. sorghum they will be expected to pay a sumfears that the country was likely to experience The meteorology department has predicted of E1000. Lime intervention is for first timea downpour as a result of La Nina just on the that normal rains will be received up until entrants. To qualify for lime farmers willwave of a severe dry spell. December. be expected to produce soil test results. TheVilakati said it was normal that whenever “Numerous preparations have been put in minister said their next event will be held inthere was severe drought in the absence of place so that needs of farmers are met. The farm the Manzini region.normal rains, he said heavy rains usually come input subsidy initiative is still open so farmersimmediately after what is normally regarded as must utilise gesture that the government has Conservation agriculture implements willEl Nino like it was the case in 1982 which later given to farmers. These packages include six also be available to those still at the same ratefollowed by Cyclone Domonia. bags of maize seed varieties of their choice. that they used to pay the previous year.“After we received reports from our This will only be given to farmers who paid onregional weather forecasters we would like time. The minister also did not hide his angerto assure farmers that government was going “Those who will pay afterwards will not regarding people who receive farm inputsto be ready to meet expectations that above get the privilege of choosing different seed and later sell them to other people becausenormal rains will be received this year. varieties they would like to plant. In order to he would not mind seeking assistance of his“What this means to us, farmers should ease congestion at government revenue offices, colleague who worked as a cop for a numberprepare themselves for any eventuality sot that government has already engaged entities like of years.your area becomes a food basket for the whole Swaziland Post and Telecommunicationscountry. We decided to bring the launch of the (SPTC) and MTN so that farmers can pay for “Should anyone decide to sell these inputs2016 farming season in your own area to prove farm inputs in these different centres,” said the please get in touch with community police andthat everyone should roll his sleeves and sweat minister. the members of the Royal Swaziland Policeit out in order to sell surplus foods to other (RSP) to see to it that such people are bungled behind bars.Farmers hard at work during a liming programme that was held at Ekupheleni “Ministry is also in the process of bringing14 agribusinessmonthly.com | October 2016 services provided by the National Maize Corporation (NMC) closer to your area so that you do not find the little you have to make as profit will go towards transport costs. “Maybe the Ekupheleni Royal Kraal will identify a suitable place so that farmers do not find themselves travelling long distances to sell their maize produce. We intend building silos in these areas. It is now up to you to decide whether we will build the silos around here or around Hhukwini,” added Vilakati. They have promised to give us about 10 of their officers expected to augment the number of extension officers. Farmers by their nature are not beggars and if such mentality and I would like to see young people venturing into farming projects.
Motshane Member of Parliament Phesheya FARMING NEWSHlatshwayo bragged that he was proud thathis constituency was chosen out of all the Minister of Agriculture Moses Vilakati preparing to demonstrate liming.Tinkhundla centres to kick start the 2016farming season. He said he was thrilled that hisconstituency was made a model for the wholecountry because farming was in their bloodsystem. Other people who were in attendanceduring the launch were senior officers from theministry and other cooperating partners of thegovernment. Two residents of the area were givenfarm inputs just to help them prepare for theupcoming farming season. These were givenfour bags of NPK (37) fertilisers, 25 kg seedsfrom the medium term seed varieties. The minister said this did not mean thatfarmers will be given medium term seedvarieties depending on the location they wantto grow the maize seed varieties.Soil testing a must for a good yieldResidents of Motshane Inkhundla under Ekupheleni chiefdom were eas. Even though the function was not widelyadvised to test for soil acidity if they want to get the maximum yield advertised those within the vicinity of the areafrom their soils. LUNGA MASUKU was in attendance during an event came for the function that was supposed tothat marked the beginning of the 2016 farming season. have been held a while ago. She said she was able to get over 20 bags ofMinister of Agriculture Moses Vilakati said Bongani Mbatha, an extension officer at- maize even though she only managed tohis ministry decided to bring soil testing tached with the research unit conducted the plant her fields after December 10 when areascentres closer to all areas around Highveld demonstration. At a later stage local farmers around Motshane and Ekupheleni receivedand some parts of the Middleveld. Farmers got an opportunity to show if they understood good rains after a long period of time. Shon-were told that they will be able to get their what their instructor taught them. Also in gwe said she planted early maturity seeds andresults within a short period of time because attendance were technical advisors from an she was able to get something even thoughthe centres will be able to test from 30 to 50 Indian based Angelique company currently during favourable conditions she gets from 30soil samples a day. attached with the ministry to ensure that the bags upwards.If was not that the country will be engaging country attains self-sufficiency. “I may be old but I am able to limp to myin the annual sacred Incwala his ministry Heroine of the day was a 74-year old Dandane fields to ensure that the people I ask to assistwas going to launch a soil testing centre for Shongwe, who won herself farm inputs for me do the right thing. The donation will helpMotshane Inkhundla. Vilakati promised that her zeal to do well despite her old age and me a great deal because I will plant immedi-from early next year the ministry will officially erratic weather conditions. In an interview ately after the first rains.open a soil testing facility around Motshane in immediately she was presented with six bags “Age does not deter me from going to the fieldorder to service area. of fertliser, four bags of LAN and two five kg because I try to make sure that my grandchil-For proper guidance farmers were advised seeds from Pannar went home smiling from dren and family have something to eat andthat they will need to make use of extension ear to ear. sell the surplus produce we normally get. I amofficers so that they submit soil samples from This was after Minister of Agriculture Moses very grateful for this gesture from the govern-fields that have not had kraal manure applied Vilakati who was accompanied by Under Sec- ment,” said Shongwe.on their fields. Chicken manure was a big no retary Emmanuel Mbingo who was standing Richard Dlamini (48) was another benefi-because it was very toxic so farmers should in for Principal Secretary Bongani Masuku. ciary of farm inputs got the same number ofnot dare use it because it was harmful to their Event was attended by a handful of farmers inputs for allowing the ministry to use hislives. from around the Sibovini and Makhwane ar- field as a demonstration plot for the liming programme. He said he will use the inputs for planting one of his fields just next to his homestead.15 agribusinessmonthly.com | October 2016
AGRIBUSINESS CALENDAR7 OCTOBER 11 OCTOBER 22 OCTOBERTourism Excellence Awards hosted by the Beekeeping & Honey Production. One day Maize and Sorghum Production. One daySwaziland Tourism Authority (STA). Venue to training course by Diccon Robinson at Khuba training course by Diccon Robinson at Khubaannounced. Traders Training Centre, Tenbergen street, Traders Training Centre, Tenbergen street,Phone: +268 2404 9693 Manzini (opposite St. Theresa School). Course Manzini (opposite St. Theresa School). CourseEmail: [email protected] fee: E400 per person. fee: E400 per person.25 OCTOBER Phone Cebsile Simelane. Phone Cebsile Simelane.Intensive Dairy Cattle Farming Course. Cell: 7636 6893 Cell: 7636 6893Duration 8 weeks. 25 OCTOBERPhone(+268) 2505 8262/3/4 13 OCTOBER Poultry Production.. One day trainingEmail: [email protected] Pig Production. One day training course by course by Diccon Robinson at Khuba Traders Diccon Robinson at Khuba Traders Training Training Centre, Tenbergen street, Manzini27 OCTOBER Centre, Tenbergen street, Manzini (opposite (opposite St. Theresa School). Course fee: E400Temvelo Awards by Swaziland Environment St. Theresa School). Course fee: E400 per per person.Authority (SEA). Venue: Royal Swazi Sun person. Phone Cebsile Simelane.Convention Centre Phone Cebsile Simelane. Cell: 7636 6893Time: 1800hrs Cell: 7636 6893 25 OCTOBEREntrance fee: E400/E3500 table for 10. Maize and Sorghum Production. One day1 OCTOBER 15 OCTOBER training course by Diccon Robinson at KhubaPig Production. One day training course by Poultry Production. One day training Traders Training Centre, Tenbergen street,Diccon Robinson at Khuba Traders Training course by Diccon Robinson at Khuba Traders Manzini (opposite St. Theresa School). CourseCentre, Tenbergen street, Manzini (opposite Training Centre, Tenbergen street, Manzini fee: E400 per person.St. Theresa School). Course fee: E400 per (opposite St. Theresa School). Course fee: E400 Phone Cebsile Simelane.person. per person. Cell: 7636 6893Phone Cebsile Simelane. Phone Cebsile Simelane. 26 OCTOBERCell: 7636 6893 Cell: 7636 6893 Woman Farmer 2016. Awards ceremony of4 OCTOBER the Woman Farmer of the Year Competition.Poultry Production. One day training 18 OCTOBER Riders Ranch. Phone: 7602 1551.course by Diccon Robinson at Khuba Traders Vegetable Production. One day training 29 OCTOBERTraining Centre, Tenbergen street, Manzini course by Diccon Robinson at Khuba Traders Maize and Sorghum Production. One day(opposite St. Theresa School). Course fee: E400 Training Centre, Tenbergen street, Manzini training course by Diccon Robinson at Khubaper person. (opposite St. Theresa School). Course fee: E400 Traders Training Centre, Tenbergen street,Phone Cebsile Simelane. per person. Manzini (opposite St. Theresa School). CourseCell: 7636 6893 Phone Cebsile Simelane. fee: E400 per person.6 OCTOBER Cell: 7636 6893 Phone Cebsile Simelane.Goat Production. One day training course by Cell: 7636 6893Diccon Robinson at Khuba Traders Training 20 OCTOBERCentre, Tenbergen street, Manzini (opposite Sub-tropical fruit: Bananas, Mangos, PawSt. Theresa School). Course fee: E400 per Paws and others. One day training course byperson. Diccon Robinson at Khuba Traders TrainingPhone Cebsile Simelane. Centre, Tenbergen street, Manzini (oppositeCell: 7636 6893 St. Theresa School). Course fee: E400 per person. Phone Cebsile Simelane. Cell: 7636 6893The agribusiness calendar is published free of charge in this magazine on a monthly basis. We invite organisations and individuals tosubmit their activities (events, meetings, exhibitions, expos, trainings, workshops, conferences, etc) by the 20th of each preceding month.Include title, date(s), venue, and contact information).Submit your events to: [email protected] agribusinessmonthly.com | October 2016
VEGETABLE PRODUCTION PLANNING - Series 1 FARM WITH KNOWLEDGE DICCON ROBINSONFirst Steps in Vegetable Production vegetables are high, and the risk of financial ost vegetable crops can be loss is always present, particularly for any single produced in almost any area of analysis planting. However, the financial rewards can be Swaziland during at least some •When you get your results back ask an great. One should consider spreading the risk Agronomist or myself to make the necessary by having several small plantings distributedMpart of each season during the recommendation on the crops you want to grow. over the season, or by growing a greater rangeyear. While vegetables are comparatively easy A thorough knowledge of potential of vegetables over the year. Lower prices of anyto grow, it is often much more difficult to vegetable crops and their requirements, in terms one vegetable, or at any one time, will then haveproduce economic yields of a high quality which of climate and soil, should be acquired before a lesser overall effect on cash flow.is acceptable to the consumer market. The any large scale planting is attempted. Seasonalfollowing are a few of the points which should temperature fluctuations will determine times of Price Trends and Marketingbe studied by a potential grower whether it is a planting and potential yields of sensitive crops. Prices are notoriously difficult to forecast. Ithome gardener or a commercial grower. Vegetables can’t be grown without some is generally the grower who either developed a form of irrigation or watering. Setbacks of plant good name at a particular outlet, or who producesKnowledge of Crop Requirements better than average crops, and can ensureEconomically successful producers realize growth and development, with a resulting loss continuity of supply, that is successful in thethat these crops need to be grown intensively, of quality and yield, will occur if there are no long term. Such growers normally spend muchwith strict attention to detail. These producers irrigation facilities to overcome the irregular time in investigating marketing aspects, suchspecialize in certain types of vegetables, and nature of natural rainfall. About 8000 cubic as packaging and packing, various marketinglearn each group’s specific growth habits and meters of water, per annum, are generally outlets for their particular crops, price trendspeculiarities. Quality vegetables production necessary to cater for each hectare used for over the year, possible out of season production,is demanding of time, good management and intensive vegetable production. Sufficient continuity of supply, sales capacity of variousPLANNING whether you are a backyard grower irrigation equipment to cover peak water outlets, and so on. One must know the marketor a commercial grower. Those who decide to requirements of each crop must be available. and market preferences, and be able to supplygrow such crops only because of current high the type and quality of product demanded by theprices might fail because they have no lasting Equipment customer. Market research is as important to the Apart from normal equipment, tractors, average grower as is knowledge about producingcommitment to quality production. Marketing ploughs , tiller, and harrows, other specialized the crop. The first rule of marketing is to focusand production requirements need to be equipment may be necessary such as planters. on your customer’s needs. Find out who they arethoroughly investigated. This knowledge can Spraying equipment for the control of insect and what they want. Find out how, where andbe obtained by attending the vegetable training pests and diseases is essential for production of when they would like the supply to be made.courses held by Agricultural Business Solutions most vegetable crops Remember vegetables take from 2 to 4 monthsin Manzini each month. Booking essential with to grow depending on the variety planted. MeetCebc Pests and Diseases Control these needs and you are more than half way to Very few vegetables crops will be grown success. without significant losses from pests and Other series to follow in next issues:Climate and Soil Requirements •Climate Requirements and Soil PreparationFor conventional farming or backyard diseases, unless the grower has some knowledge •Cultivars – Vegetables & Expected Yields.gardens, SOIL SAMPLES need to be submitted of which problems could be expected to occur, Length of Growing Period for vegetablesfor analysis, so that the particular lime and and are prepared for taking appropriate and •Plant establishment of Vegetable Seedlings.fertilizer requirements for a specific crop, with timely counter measures. The use of control Plant Populations & Plant Spacinga realistic target yield, can be applied. Organic measures such as planting resistant cultivars, •Principles of Weed, Pest and Diseasefarming demands special knowledge and skills, selection of planting times when the problems Managementand sufficient quantities of suitable compost etc., are less likely to occur, crop rotation, and many •Plant Nutrition and Fertilizationto be successful. more problems, all play a role. If chemical •Crop Rotation control is necessary in order to restrict losses, Diccon Robinson is an Agricultural ConsultantSoil Sampling – very important and Trainer with over 40 years experience inThis is the starting point of planning a it is important to know in advance what is Swaziland and the Republic of South Africa. Hevegetable production unit whether it is on a small registered for use and is most effective, for a can be reached at:scale or a large commercial unit. All lime and particular problem in the crop. Many chemicals, Cell: +268 7602 5482fertilizer recommendation are based the results particularly fungicides, need to be applied Email: [email protected] a soil sample sent for analysis. It is thus on a preventative basis because they haveclear that the soil sample submitted for testing comparatively poor curative properties.at Mhulme Agronomy section or MalkernsResearch Station should be as representative of Labour It is most important to consider the fairlythe land as possible. The following points should high labour requirements of many of thesebe noted when taking a soil samples: crops. Bear in mind that many vegetable crops•A single sample should represent +- 5 hectares are highly perishable, or retain peak qualityor less for very short periods, so that any delays in•Such an area should be as uniform in harvesting or marketing can have disastrousappearance as possible, i.e. same colour, depth, consequences in terms of marketable yield andtexture etc. quality. Supervision of labour activities is very•Use a soil sampler or a spade to get uniform important.cores to a depth of 15 cm.•Walk in a zigzag or criss cross pattern over the Transport and distance to Market The distance to markets is also an importantwhole field, taking a sample at say every 10 steps factor. Good prices are likely only for freshand putting samples into a clean bag. produce having good appearance. Apart from•Take 20 to 30 samples over the field, avoiding the effect on production costs, distance fromprevious year’s row crop bands of fertilizer (take the market can affect choice of crop. One cannotsamples between the previous crop rows). hope to achieve good prices for highly perishable•Mix samples thoroughly in bag and then take products, like broccoli or spinach, if there areout 2 kg sample to send for analysis at the long delays before marketing. Crops such aslaboratory. butternuts, pumpkins and potatoes would be a•Supply the laboratory with your contact better choice if one is far from the markets.information and area.•Submit sample with the fee to the laboratory for Production Costs The direct costs of production of most17 agribusinessmonthly.com | October 2016
FEATURE : SHOWSMinistry of Agriculture displaying fruit treesAgribusiness dominates Trade Fair This year’s Swaziland International central point where information can be Trade Fair (SITF) in August/ disseminated. Their main focus was to September saw a lot of agriculture showcase products meant for local and players coming out to showcase international markets. their products and services. Suppliers of farm inputs were at hand. The Swaziland Water and Agricultural They included seed production companies Development Enterprise (SWADE) also and environmental advocates. The Ministry had a huge impact with their displays of of Agriculture was represented for all proposed water augmentation projects. sections, including crops and livestock. Not These included the Mkhondvo-Ngwavuma to be missed was His Majesty’s Correctional water augmentation scheme and the Services (HCMS) who made a name for Themba Dam. It is envisaged that water will themselves with their fresh vegetable sales. flow through Shiselweni via Mkhondvo and The Matsapha correctional farm has about pass Ingwavuma by a canal to Mpatheni 14 hectares under the sprinkler irrigation dam. A feasibility study, costing over E40Day old makhaya chicks system. It serves as a headquarters of the million, was commissioned in August 2016. farming section in all correctional services.Sigayo sembila on display by Sidvokodvo Its major job is the distribution of farm Environmental health taught Swazi’sWholesalers inputs to various prison farms. They also on how to conserve water during drought have a hammer mill which focuses on large seasons, the main point used was to recycle grain and vegetables as well as to a lesser or make use of used water for instance extent on fruit production. bathing water by using (Libram) where you This year also saw the National use five litre of container cut the bottom part Agricultural Marketing Board and have a form of a tape that the water will (NAMBOARD coming out to sell vegetables pass through, put a layer of 15-20 cm gravel, to the public, giving competition to HCMS. river sand of 15-20 cm, another 5-10 cm Primarily NAMBoard mandate is to thinner gravel and on top another river sand facilitate access to markets for all farmers. of 5-10cm. The water will sink through the It links the various market channels towards levels of soil mixture leaving the scrub on farmer’s needs and ensuring the production top of the 5-10cm river sand and finally the at a given period to suit different climate water can be used for irrigation, mopping conditions of the country. NAMBoard has the floor and car wash. been part of the Trade Fair since inception. The exhibition gives NAMBoard a chance Bio-clear Africa was represented by to showcase the services it provides at a the Lagoon Group and changed people’s perceptions about waste management. Their products include 100 percent safe, natural, effective and affordable pit latrine and septic18 agribusinessmonthly.com | October 2016
Theworkshop foreman at Seylan International, the distributors of the Edgro Two-Wheel Multi-purpose tractor showing people how it works.tanks remediation. The Bokashi product has hold rubbish and waste therefore making January. Here are some of the bean seeda multiple benefits and actions as it works it remain effective for some years. It’s an varieties promoted: The contender bean hasas a sanitizer, killing the odour coming from effective sanitation management you can get a short span (early maturity). It takes 110the waste and reduces both the overpowering it at Once Always Investments in Manzini days. The speckle sugar bean is the mostsmell and fly infestations in the pit. It breaks and Agri-World in Mbabane. popular and well known type. It maturesdown the mass in the pit reducing the need unevenly in 120 days. Brown haricot largefor unending pit emptying and re-digging Beans production was also on maturing (long to mature)in about 150 days.tasks. The outcome is a well-managed pit promotion. The Ministry of Agriculture It is a suitable crop for all four Regions.which is free of toxic chemicals, house advised that beans are drought resistant Beans can be intercropped with maize but crop and that they should be planted around the land should be prepared to be fine tilled for maize planting. The livestock section had brought a number of animals from cows, pigs and chickens. There were also chicks from Mphaya Simelane, an indigenous chicken breeder in Hawane. From the government farms, there were good bulls brought for displays which included Brahman, Simmental and Nguni cross-breeds. A brown Brahman bull believed to be about ten years weighing about 860 kg was a marvel to watch. There was also the machinery and farm implements section. SwaziTrac brought big tractors and harvesting machinery mainly suitable for the sugar industry. The two- wheel tractor was also there and proved to be an attraction to SITF visitors, who kept asking if it can really till the soil. The local dealers of the Edgro tractor, Seylan International, also brought other farming implements and irrigation equipment. Sidvokodvo Wholesalers also brought all their milling machines and water pumping equipment.Our Graphic designer, Samkeliso Dlamini testing one of the John Deere tractors on display19 agribusinessmonthly.com | October 2016 October 2016 | agribusinessmonthly.com 19
FEATURE VEGETABLE FARMING Survival Strategies for fresh produce fTarmers during the droughthe highlight of the SwazilandAs the heat wave and International Trade Fair from E14 million to E2.3 Million. Fruitpersistent drought continues (SITF) 2016 for agriculture payments dropped from E834, 000 tounabated, NAMBoard stakeholders was theseminar E361, 000.advises farmers to plan which featured presentations NAMBoard has adopted a number oftheir farming carefully to and discussions from various local experts strategies and programmes aimed atsurvive the drought. DEBRA and advisors. One of these presentations mitigating the effects of the drought. TheseKHUMALO reports. came from NAMBoard who gave fresh include piloting a E6 Million COMESA/ produce farmers strategies for surviving Government of Swaziland fundedPanel of experts during the Agribusiness seminar the drought. Climate Smart Agriculture project whichat the Trade Fair. They included NAMBoard There were 1,156 farmers enrolled in seeks to convert farmers to water savingand Bulembu. NAMBoard supply contracts as of March technologies and minimum tillage under this year comprising 29% small scale the conservation agricultural practices. farmers (less than 1ha), 68% small- The company has also introduced a medium scale (less than 3ha) and 3% Revolving Loan Fund to Ensure Quick medium-large scale (more than 3ha). and Efficient Production. These initiatives NAMBoard estimates that there are 2000 are benefitting over 400 farmers, with an other small scale unregistered farmers and estimated annual turnover of E2 million. about 300 commercial farmers. NAMBoard has also trained farmers and NAMBoard has found that all four regions facilitated demonstrations on effective of the country were affected by irrigation water utilisation. This including training water shortage with irrigated land available on cropping plans to take into account for production less than 30% (Manzini available water and type of irrigation at 33%, Lubombo 8.8%, Hhohho 17.7% system and the careful choice of cultivars and Shiselweni at 15%). This resulted in within a crop with preference to low water extremely high losses, especially for leafy consuming cultivars. vegetables and solanaceous crops such NAMBoard has also tried to ensure as peppers and tomatoes which were continued production by focussing heavily affected by heat damage. There on farmers that have available water was therefore a drastic drop of high water allocations to maximise production such consuming lines in the market such as in LUSIP area. They have improved crop tomatoes, cabbages, thus greatly increasing management practices such as time of the price to the market and to the direct day that irrigation is scheduled to reduce consumer. water losses through evapotranspiration. Practically, the loss of income to This includes increase of soil cover such as NAMBoard farmers was about E3, 7 mulching and covers cropping to reduce million less than in the previous year. water and soil losses. Conventional vegetables payments to NAMBoard has also assisted farmers to farmers dropped from E9.7 million to employ the usage of technologies such E5.99 million. Baby vegetables dropped as undercover cultivation, including temperature controlled green houses and tunnels and shade netting.20 20agribusineasgsrimbuosnitnhelys.scmomonth|ly.cOocmtobe|r 2O0c1to6ber 2016
ENVIRONMENT : FEATUREWetlands balancing lifeA wide variety of species on Growing plants we can eat and completely disrupts the Earth’s ecosystems. landscapes can use for creating This does not necessarily cause extinction;planet earth, whether they are shade and landscapes mankind pollutants do have the potential to influence use for everything. Biodiversity species’ habits.plants animals or microscopic ensures natural sustainability for all life on the planet, people rely on both marine and Acid rain, which is typically caused byorganisms are vital to keep coastal biodiversity, and some people rely the burning of fossil fuels, can make water on forest biodiversity. Protecting ecosystem acidic. These smaller bodies negativelythe world’s ecosystem healthy, and ensuring access to ecosystem services affect the species that live there by changing by poor and vulnerable people can help breeding and feeding habits of all inhabitantsbalanced and flourishing. eliminate extreme poverty and hunger. of the earth.NOMSIMISI DLAMINI Despite being so helpful our diversity is Over exploitation under threat from climate change as a result Over hunting, overfishing and overreports. of invasive species, below we discuss some harvesting contribute greatly to the loss of of the biggest threats facing biodiversity biodiversity, killing off numerous species today as well as what farmers and the nation over the past several hundred years. at larger can do to keep them on track. Poaching and other forms of hunting for profit increase the risk of extinction, the Climate change extinction of an apex predator or at the top Climate is a major factor in the of a food chain can result in a disastrous distribution of species across the globe, significance of the ecosystems. To reduce climate change forces them to adjust but this laws on conservation and continued many are not able to cope causing them to awareness surrounding overexploitation, die. Man-made climate change speeds up especially poaching and overfishing are key. the process without affording ecosystems the Invasive species time to adjust but many are not able to cope, The introduction of invasive spices into causing them to die out as a result of climate the eco system can threaten endemic wildlife change. To help fight this, individuals can affect human health and upset economies. reduce carbon foot prints, the government To fight this government introduced systems can also provide educate on how to reduce that helped fight new in-forestations. carbon foot prints. Carbon footprints can be Wetlands have become a sorry site when anything that contributes to the depletion of reeds and other crops that should grow in the ozone layer which helps in the creation wetlands have been substituted by alien of condensation that normally leads to plants. Researchers have revealed that reeds the formation of clouds that may lead to along river banks have been greatly affected rains. Farmers should also practice organic by the mushrooming of alien plants. These farming since it helps restore natural plants have grown in every piece of wetlands nutrients back into the ground. all over the country. A case in point is the Pollution disappearance of reeds next to the Cooper Burning fuel fossils release dangerous Centre has seen an increase of invasive chemicals into the atmosphere and in some plants. cases, depleting ozone levels. Dumping These plants have a great effect on the plastic into rivers and dams every year role that wetlands have to play in daily lives of people who reside on planet earth.21 agribusinessmonthly.com | October 2016 October 2016 | agribusinessmonthly.com 21
FEATURE CLIMATE CHANGEDry spell sweepingthrough the countrySRemains of Mgobodzi River, one of the tributaries of Phophonyane and Mlumati River. These were one of the big rivers in northern Hhohho. ome parts of northern Swaziland are The absence of rains has not only affected the country’s capital but it has already painting a gloomy picture. Big seen even far flung areas experiencing a dry spell. LUNGA MASUKU rivers like Phophonyane and Mlumati took time to visit some of the once biggest rivers in the northern part of have become streams. A question thatcomes to mind is how long the region will the country.assist its people make a living during thesedifficult times. not going to create an enabling environment need of water. Southern part of the countryEnvironmentalists owe society an to improve the culture of teaching and once boosted of enough water underneath.explanation on what happened to reptiles. learning. Latest reports have come to the fore that hasThe sorry sight has seen dams becoming Donor organisations have come to the indicated that Hlatikhulu Dam was at 20small ponds, there is no glimmer of hope that rescue of some schools when they donated percent of its capacity. Just down the slopethings will get better anytime soon. Rivers like water tanks. Major sugar mills have also at the Ezulwini valley, water levels drasticallyKomati River and Mlumati were known to be pledged to assist to fill up their tanks with dropped. Dams like Mnjoli Dam which washome to most feared animals like crocodiles water in some communities. Livestock have once regarded as one of the dams that was notand hippopotamus. There were signs erected died in their thousands and some in a bid greatly affected. Hawane Dam will run drynext to these rivers warning people to be on to steal hunger away led some cows to eat should the dry spell persist until the end ofthe look-out of these creatures. thatched huts to try and fill up their stomachs. the current month. Swaziland Water ServicesMlumati River was once regarded as School going children have become a Corporation (SWSC) once indicated thatcrocodile infested river, it was no shock that common sight along roads leading to major they will be forced to consider using trucksjust before Ngonini Farm Estate there were sugar mills where they will pick sugar cane to bring water closer to places like Mbabanereports that the owners of the farm placed a dropping from trucks going to the sugar where the situation is very serious. Dryingsafe meant at preventing unwanted objects to mills. Estimates from the National Disaster up of major rivers led Swaziland Electricityfind its way to their canal. Management Agency have indicated that Company (SEC) to suspend hydro-powerA stroll around the capital has become by the end of the year the figure will have generation.a sea of green, following a number water reached half a million. Residents of areas from some of thetanks have been placed in every corner of the Boreholes were drilled in most parts of northern Hhohho indicated that their plightcapital city so that tenants of major outlets can the country; some reports have emerged that was never into consideration at first by agentshave running water to allow locals to be able a number of those boreholes have dried up tasked with distributing food parcels toto answer the call of nature should one feel due as a result that the water table has dried drought affected areas. It was almost everypressed. Schools have also become deserted up. One farmer from Ekupheleni west of part of the country has been greatly affected.zoos. Mbabane recently said four boreholes have They felt neglected but such allegations wereSchool gardening projects have become dried up on his farm. Hardware stores are scoffed at by communications officer Setsabilea sorry site and only those schools that have currently making through selling of water Sibisi recently made a passionate plea in anmeans of drilling boreholes have managed to tanks. interview with state broadcaster to be patienthave water for their learners at the different As if that is not enough, even areas that with her organisation that they started withschools. At one stage tempers when some were not affected by the dry spell have been worst affected areas.sectors of society felt the absence of water was reported added to the statistics of areas in dire22 agribusinessmonthly.com | October 2016
MINING : FEATUREMining industry challenged toprocess before exportingThe declining Southern African the minerals they will be extracting. signs are negative. Modest growth was only Customs Union (SACU) revenues The Commissioner stated that for mines expected in the livestock, forestry, mining call for the diversification of and quarrying subsectors. The mining and Swaziland’s economy. One of to get to a processing phase locally, they need quarrying sectorial growth rates was projectedthe potential areas which can significantly to reach a certain level of operation. There are at -11.5 percent in 2015, 3.9 percent in 2016contribute to growing the Gross Domestic guidelines for extractive industries that mine and in 2017 a decline is expected at -0.4Product (DGP) is mining. operators should follow. The SADC guidelines percent. for extract industry 2015 allows countries At a Mining Indaba organised to recognize the value of protected areas and With such projections of a declining GDP,by Coordinating Assembly of Non- biodiversity, and to have remedial measures there is a need of improving the economy byGovernmental Organisations (CANGO), to safeguard ecosystems. Biotech and Science processing raw minerals. At the moment, theheld at Ezulwini in September, stakeholders parks can also boost the processing of minerals country mines and exports coal after ironidentified a need to diversify the economy by locally and that research on how to add value ore production was stopped in Septemberimproving the mining industry towards value to the minerals can be done. 2014 due to over 50 percent drop in iron oreaddition of minerals produced locally. in World markets. About 60 percent deposits Swaziland Environmental Authority also of iron ore were in the Ngwenya gold mine. This was also the view of Government confirmed that some mines face closure as a However, Salgaocar (Pty) Ltd had proposedwho acknowledged the positive contribution result of failure to comply with the guidelines. to reprocess the iron ore dumps which wasthe mining industry can make in economic “Mining takes place in pristine areas which estimated at 32MT of dump hematite iron oregrowth by processing locally produced raw depicts the current status within the mining with an average grade of 44.5 percent. Muchminerals to be exported outside the SACU industry,” stated SEA’s Gcina Dladla . “We of the dump of about 58 percent was truckedmarkets. should also note on implications of the dumps to Mozambique and then exported to China. thus the environment should be sustained Production at the mine was stopped due to The meeting recognised that exploring the before mining takes place.” failure to comply with agreed guidelines. Itmining sector to bolster the Swazi economy has been eight months since His Majesty Kingcan also be done through diversifying the Swaziland has limited natural resources. Mswati III commissioned Lufafa Gold Minesexport base, generating skilled employment, They include iron ore, coal, diamond and in northern Hhohho. The investor Lomaticreating demand for local goods and services. forestry. There are also gold deposits, barite, (Pty) Ltd assured the nation and the King that ball clays, kaolin, quarried stone and silica. All exporting the semi done gold would bring This will also widen the tax base. these minerals can be used for processing to much desired Swaziland income.The Commissioner of Mines, Samuel export markets and can act as a catalyst for theNtshalintshali, revealed that his office has wider investment in the economy. BY DEBRA KHUMALObeen receiving applications from prospectivemining companies, including Swazi The Central Bank of Swaziland hascompanies. He stated that they will only grant projected a decline in GDP. In 2017 GDP waslicences to companies that will also process expected to be at 2.6 percent but currently the23 agribusinessmonthly.com | October 2016 October 2016 | agribusinessmonthly.com 23
DEVELOPMENT : COMMUNITY PROJECTSNdinda Chief believes in development Ndinda womenthan petty issues wake up to launch piggery Among the major projects that the people project have embarked upon is a clean water project that saw the government pumping close to E10 Women have come together to ven- million to bring water to close to 900 house- ture in different income generat- holds will supply clean water to close to 10 000 ing projects and this is also being residents. The area is located is between Nton- spearheaded by their chief. dozi and Gebeni just a few kilometres from the Dwaleni Power Station. Vukani Bomake, is a piggery project that Hlatshwayo said a neighbouring commer- has seen 15 women interested in raising pigs cial farmer allowed the community to build a for commercial purposes being allocated aC water catchment area on his farm. The water piece of land so that they can breed their pigs. hief Prince Lukhwabitsi 11 of Nd- will then be pumped from Makhungutsha The women have come up with a rooster of go- inda is a strong believer in devel- down to Ngoyiya area. ing to feed and look after their pigs. Two ladies opment than spending time trying go together to the shed just within their vicini- cases of neighbours squabbling over At the top of the mountain there are five ty to go and clean and feed the pigs.petty things. water tanks built and they will hold over 200 This is an area just across Malkerns Val- 000 litres of water before the water is pumped It came as no surprise when Baphalaliley and this chief believes in service delivery into a nearby water treatment plant, they are Swaziland Red Cross organised from their in-from all his committees. His headman Mveli then piped to supply the community down ternational partners who assisted with build-Hlatshwayo minced no words that their chief along the banks of the Great Usutu. The wa- ing material and also stock for the first pigletsdreams service delivery, said in an interview ter will supply places like Ngoyiya, Timphisini to kick start project two years ago. and Mhlosheni. One of the ladies, Elizabeth Mavimbeladuring a visit to the area recently. were found busy feeding the pigs, she disclosed that they were very grateful with the support they were getting from their chief. She said the project has greatly improved their lives be- cause they no longer look up to their husbands for minor things. “They recently sold 2 732 kg porkers. That money was used for buying animal feed. Two people come to the shed twice a day to have a closer look at each pig so that we can easily detect if there was one that needs medical at- tention. We have learnt how to inject the pigs because a delay may infect other pigs,” she said confidently.New lease of life for Ndinda school childrenWalking long distances to school is supposed to be a thing of next year. Residents have done their part but lamented Mkhabela. the past immediately a ful- the government slow pace has stalled progress Ndinda Primary over 70, Mphini Primary ly-fledged high school con- of the project, where the school is supposed is to be built. Four primary schools will feed the around 50 together with St Bernard Prima- ry which close to 200 learners urgently needstruction gets underway. proposed school but at the moment children space in the next academic year.Mkhabela’s role in the royal kraal is to head have to either cross the Great Usutu River to Headman Hlatshwayo said they want todevelopment committee which is entrusted Malkerns or walk all the way to Mphini. The make His Majesty’s aspiration a reality of see-with development projects under the auspices primary schools are Ndinda Primary, Mphini ing all school children acquiring not to walkof the royal kraal. Primary, Makhungutsha and St Bernard Pri- long distances. On February 10, 2006 the king,School children travel close to three hours mary. delivered His speech from the Throne, said hejust to acquire high school education, the Nd- “If things work according to our plan the was glad that scholarships have brought hopeinda Royal Kraal wants that to be a thing of the school supposed to start admitting learners to orphaned and vulnerable children.past. A site was approved by the Land Manage- next year at least the first two streams mainly “I have gladly learnt that the scholarshipsment Board (LMB). Despite that earthworks form one and four. Other classes were going to fund for orphans and vulnerable children con-were done almost six months ago, teething be built in the course of the year. tinues to bring hope to the many that mightproblems have delayed to commencement of “One local primary school Makhungutsha have missed out on their education. I urge allthe school proposed to be known as Manzam- Primary has an enrolment of over 60 learners communities to make it their responsibility tohlophe because a stream that emits clear water doing grade seven. We do not know where ensure that all children of school going age dois the nearest stream. Mkhabela said if things these children will go because the community go to school,” His Majesty pronounced.were going to go according to their plan the has built another grade seven class expected toschool was supposed to be operational by early be finished before the end of the second term,” STORIES BY LUNGA MASUKU24 agribusinessmonthly.com | October 2016
FEATURE25 agribusinessmonthly.com | October 2016
FEATURE GRAINSMoses rescues hungry public?The food situation in Swaziland has become a public emergency due to LEFT: Minister Moses Vilakati and PS Bongani Masuku.the scarcity of maize as a result of the continuing drought situation. This TOP: NAMBoard CEO Siphephiso Dlamini and NMC CEO Sabelo Msibiis forcing people to defy government’s ban on the importation of maize The Minister stated that the review wasand mealie-meal by resorting to smuggling. In response, the Minister of just a temporary measure which will last for three months until December 14. “HisAgriculture has invoked Section 37 of the constitution to give the public a Majesty’s Government has seen it proper toTtemporary reprieve. THEMBELA NKUMANE reports. review restrictions of the import and export he humanitarian crisis in Swaziland amount of mealie-meal that can be imported of mealie-meal as an interim measure in seems to have reached its peak by individual members of the public from 20kg alleviating the drought problem,” he said at a following the intervention by the to 50kg per person at a time. press conference in September. Minister of Agriculture, Moses The price of mealie-meal in Swaziland He then thanked all millers who haveVilakati, to declare the food situation a public is almost double when compared to prices kept their mealie-meal prices low during thisemergency. obtainable in neighbouring South Africa. The period. “The Ministry has been informedEarlier on in February, the Prime eroded financial resources at household level that millers have committed themselvesMinister, Dr. Barnabas Sibusiso Dlamini also were forcing many Swazis, especially those to continuously deliver mealie-meal to alldeclared a national disaster due to the effects close to the border, to buy mealie-meal from drought stricken areas at competitive pricesof the drought coupled with the HIV&AIDS South Africa until the National Agricultural during this period,” he said.pandemic. Despite the declaration, Marketing Board (NAMBoard) imposed agovernment spending had not been seen to restriction of up to 25kg earlier this year. At the end of the interim period, thebe responding well to the situation following The prices in South Africa range from Minister promised to review the situation andcontinued spending on none-emergency items E180 up to E220 per 25kg bag, depending on consider other initiatives that can fully assistsuch as the construction of roads, hotels and the brand or quality of the mealie-meal. Local and support the affected communities. Theconvention centres. Public spending also prices range from E269 to E286. interim measure would only be applicableresulted in upward salary reviews for civil Maize production has been extremely to individuals representing households andservants and politicians which included back- low since the 2006/07 farming season. requires them to apply for a permit frompays. Poor rainfall dates back to 2008, and has NAMBoard. The permits can be obtained atThe food crisis has continued unabated led to low production over the years. The some border posts.as a result of a worsening drought situation dry spells during the tasselling and sulkingwhere the country has experienced three years stages of maize development reduced yields Members of the public voiced theirof erratic rainfall which have dramatically considerably, especially in the Lowveld. Many dissatisfaction about the maize importationreduced agricultural output and exhausted farmers reported total crop loss, particularly in ban restricting them during the recentlymany people’s coping mechanisms. the southern parts of the Lowveld. held people’s parliament (Sibaya). This issueThis is happening against the backdrop of The situation has seen government received widespread media coverage anda ravaging HIV&AIDS pandemic where about agencies, particularly the National Disaster Members of Parliament also voiced their40 percent of the population are affected, many Management Agency (NDMA, and civil concern.of whom are in anti-retroviral treatment and society responding urgently with food aid inurgently in need of food to survive. worst affected communities, especially in the According to the ministry, productionAccording to Section 37 of the Lubombo and Shiselwni Regions. outlook 2016 for maize yields were estimatedConstitution of Swaziland, government can The government, especially NAMBoard to drop to 33 460 metric tonnes for theact outside of Parliament “during any period and the National Maize Corporation (NMC) cropping season resulting in a deficit of aboutof public emergency..” to take “..measures that have been under pressure from the public to 96 540 metric tonnes. This reflects a supplyare reasonably justifiable for dealing with the review the restrictions on the importation of squeeze going forward until at least the nextsituation that exists during that period.” The maize and mealie-meal as the hunger situation harvesting season.Minister has responded by increasing the was getting worse in households.26 agribusinessmonthly.com | October 2016
27 agribusinessmonthly.com | October 2016
FEATURE : CONSERVATION100 indigenous tree species under threatClose to 100 indigenous trees may be wiped out if no drastic measures aretaken to save them from wood sales and development projects. LUNGAEMASUKU looks into some of the trees. Gundvwini, Ngudzeni, some parts of the xperts from the department Lubombo escarpment. It can be used for of forestry in the Ministry of treating coughs and colds. It has a peppery Environmental Affairs and Tourism smell when crushed and it has been destroyed say trees like BPterocapus angolens in most parts of the country because of overWildteak C, Bloodwood, popularly known as harvesting.Kiaat or Umvangati under threat, well, amongmany others! Umkhaya or Black Monkey Thorn: It is usually found in most parts of the country They said these critically endangered trees and it can be used for treating eye and backcan be found in some parts of the country, complaints.Sibhaha Umdumezulu are some of the treesreportedly found in northern Swaziland at Boophane Distica/Incumbe or SiphahlukaHerefords, Mlawula and Sinceni. Libhuma it grows on rocky areas and it can be usedwhose scientific name is known as Typha for plugging sour milk containers. Its bulbCapenssis and Libangalala known as Eriosema is poisonous to stock; it can be used in gamecannot be easily detected they are usually used hunting. Medically, it is used to treat painto boost men’s libido and also for treating woods and narcotics. It is currently foundwomen ailments. in almost parts of the country but greatly endangered. Vendors have been making a killingthrough the sale of products made out of Cassipourea Swaziniens is sometimesUmvangati; some of the products have known as Swazi Onion wood. Its distributionbeen exported to overseas countries in turn is very restricted because it is only foundgenerating foreign currency for the vendors. around Mhlosheni on your way to Pigg’s Peak, about two kilometres of Mbabane, Nhlangano Umdumezulu or African Almond/Red and Nsongweni. It is nearing extinction. InStinkwood can be as tall as 25 metres in neighbouring South Africa it is only found inheight, can be a lovely shade tree. It is found some parts of the Mpumalanga Province andin central Swaziland with some patches along in northern Kwazulu Natal.the Lubombo escarpment. It can be used fortreating prostate cancer. Encephalartos spp (Cycads) its SiSwati name is Gebeleweni, it is mostly found along Sibhaha or Pepperteak tree grows on the Lubombo escarpment. Due to its highrocky and dry areas like Herefords, Sinceni,28 agribusinessmonthly.com | October 2016
CONSERVATION : FEATURE and Sivangatane, Sisila Semphala and Likhatsatwane. These trees may be found in most parts of the country but they also face extension if no drastic measures will be taken to protect them. Some trees have to be transferred to category A because they were under severe threat from people who destroy these trees for traditional medicine and other uses. Libangalala or Eriocsema is one tree that traditional healers like using for making their concoctions to help men who want to be sexually active. Such trees cannot be easily detected but were found in most parts of the country. Uncontrolled grass fires have contributed to the introduction of alien plants. Deforestation is partly to blame for the widespread of invasive plants. Efforts have been employed by the ministry to save these trees.usage it is now limited and is regarded as a It is found around Malolotja subpopulation Development leads to introduction ofprotective charm considered to be a lightening is well known and utilised by local herbalists, alien treesconductor. even though it is found protected areas like game reserves. Looking at the place behind the country’s Combretum imberte wawra its SiSwati main supermarket at the Mall, alien treesname is Umphulumbu or Phondvolowendlovu, Typha capensis its Siswati name is Libhuma have grown in recent years. Experts fromit is critically endangered and it is usually is and is found in riverine environments known the Forestry Department in the Ministry ofopen bushvelds. It can grow up to 20 metres to occur in the Highveld of Swaziland. It can be Environmental Affairs and Tourism paintedhigh. Mainly used for fencing, furniture used as an Aesthetic. a gloomy picture about the presence of alienmaking, pine props and fire wood. It is trees.critically endegared. It is found in protected Hypoxis spp or Inkhofu lenkhulu isareas and lowveld parts of the country. normally found mainly in the Highveld and Senior Forest Officer, Solomon Gamedze Middleveld regions of the country in protected indicated that there were measures that were Combretum molle R.Br ex G.Don its areas. It can be used for treating cancers, being taken to try and address the challengescommon name is velvet Bushwillow or inflammation, HIV, headaches, mental faced by the country. Gamedze said trees isImbondvo lemnyama. It can be used as disorders and in western medicines. Its leaves locally known Gwayana or its known as Bugtraditional medicine to treat snake bite and can be used for making ropes. Weed, another invasive plant is Lantana whichits roots for treating infertility, abortions and is popularly as Mehlo akati has been spottedconstipation. It is critically endangered. Some of the plants under a schedule in wetlands. of trees under threat consist of about 94 Scierocarya birrea (Hoschst. Ssp caffra plants regarded as endangered or protected A new project is currently under(Sond) Kwakwaro common name is marula flora. These trees include Umphahluka, construction in Malkerns where a villageits Siswati name is Umganu. Widespread in Umkholikholi, Bunkhutfu, Umhhohlo, supposed to be known as Umvangati Village.Swaziland’s geographic regions. It can be used Incumbe or Siphahluka. Other trees are only The name of the village came after a lot of lotas food, beverages production, medicinal uses found in the country but they have found their these trees grew in the vicinity of the area.and cultural uses. way to other parts of Africa. He attributed the invasion to the Siphonochilus aethipicus (Schweinf) B.L Trees like Umkhanyakudze popularly destruction of natural trees that were previouslyBurtt its Siswati name is known as Sidvungula. as Acacia xathrophlea Benth and Sihlakahla found along the banks of the Mbabane River. Uncontrolled grass fires have also contributed to the increase of alien plants. Institutions like the University of Swaziland have come up with an initiative that has seen them growing some indigenous trees just before Mafutseni. This was the brainchild of former vice chancellor Professor Lydia Makhubu who authored a titled Traditional Medicine and Healing. A wild fire act needs to be looked into because the act has been around to over 60 years and this was because in recent years the country has seen a number of communities burnt by uncontrolled grass fires. Wattle trees have not been spurred because of the advent of companies producing charcoal. Burnt roots of some grass find themselves exposed to soil erosion whenever there are heavy floods in areas that have been burnt before the first rains. Measures are currently under way to ensure that companies in the business of making charcoal were under the watchful eye of the forestry department.29 agribusinessmonthly.com | October 2016
SUPPLEMENT : TEMVELO AWARDSWelcome to the first edition of Temvelo AwardsA. Temvelo awards 3.Water Conservation Award 13.Green Parastatal AwardThe Temvelo Awards is the concept of This award recognizes and honour individuals This award is for parastatal with a sound andSwaziland Environment Authority which or entities who dedicate themselves and their functional environmental programaims to educate and enforce environmental talents to the conservation and wise use of 14.Entrepreneur’s Awardprinciples and laws of the country through water. This award is for an environmentally friendlythe participation of the wider sector of the 4.Energy Efficiency Award product or service that is sustainable andpopulation in Environmental Management The award is for a product or service that serves the needs of humans whilst beingissues. The awards recognise the people in results in energy saving equally beneficial to the environment and itsour community who do their part in taking 5.Recycling and Waste Management Award eco-systemscare of the environment so that it becomes a This award is for an entity that has developed 15.Green Government Department Awardgreat place to live. a policy, programme or project that has The award recognizes a governmentThe awards acknowledge, recognize contributed to a greater public understanding department with a functional environmentaland honour businesses, organizations, and participation in waste reduction, re-use program.communities and individuals who have and recycling 16.Environmental Friendly Healthy Facilitydemonstrated exceptional environmental 6.Biodiversity Award Awardstewardship by dedicating themselves The award is for an entity that has a biodiversity a.Hospitaland their talents to the protection of the protection and rehabilitation programme b.Heath Centreenvironment. The Temvelo awards program c. clinicprovides competition and incentives to expand This award is for taking the lead inand improve environmental protection efforts. environmental stewardship and best practices for renovations, green procurement, cleaning,The awards provide a platform for the 7.Climate Change Award waste disposal and recycling, and provision ofAuthority to engage its stakeholders based on This category recognizes an individual or team green spaces.available resources to map out the actualization who are champions for change, development, 17. Media House Awardof the mandate of SEA. The awards will implementation, and institutionalization of For media productions that increase publicinculcate a culture and a lifestyle of loving and a sustainability practice to reduce the overall awareness of environmental issues and inspirecaring for our environment contributing to the greenhouse gas footprint in support of the action on these issues.road towards vision 2022 by rewarding and climate change goals. It will be awarded to 18. Environmental Journalist Awardencouraging Regions, Tinkhundla, chiefdoms an entity that has a responsive climate change The award is for a journalist, whose publishedand people who are making an effort to protect related adaptation and/or mitigation measures. articles represent the best reporting on thethe environment. Earth’s life forms, eco-systems, or naturalB. Objective 8.Green Tertiary Institution Award resources.The main rationale for hosting the Temvelo This award recognizes a tertiary institution 19. Young Eco-Hero AwardAwards is to provide a platform to raise that has made an effort to educate and adopt This award will be given to a young individualenvironmental awareness and motivate the the environmental agenda and has further who is passionate and have understanding ofnation to be part of the solutions for the taken the initiative to adopt practices thereto environmental issues and has the ability tocountry’s environmental problems. such as recycling, water harvesting, etc. inspire students or young people on matters ofC. Awards categories environmental management.The awards categories speak to the definition 9.Eco- Primary School Award 20. Lifetime Achievement Awardof environment as per the Environmental The award is for a primary school that has This award is for an individual, whose actionsManagement Act 2002, which speaks to nature, made an effort to educate and adopt the have conserved, nurtured, defended orair, land, water, soils and energy and how environmental agenda and has further taken restored the Earth’s life forms, eco-systems, orhumans interact with them. The Categories are the initiative to adopt practices thereto such as natural resourcesas follows: recycling, water harvesting, etc. D. Adjudication for the awards1.Green Business Initiative Award Capable and credible adjudicators froma.Construction 10.Eco- Secondary School Award Swaziland and neighboring South Africa haveb.Manufacturing This award is for a secondary school that taken up the responsibility of selecting thec.Retail has made an effort to educate and adopt the candidates for the different awards. One ofd.Agriculture environmental agenda and has further taken the adjudicators is an auditor who will ensuree.Finance the initiative to adopt practices thereto such as the objectivity and transparency of the wholef.Hospitality recycling, water harvesting, etc. process.Awarded to a business with systems orprogramme that is responsive to Green 11.Community Environmental ProjectEconomy. Award This award recognizes a community that has acted collectively to protect, preserve, or restore the Earths life forms, eco-systems, or natural resources2.Green Municipality 12.Faith Based Organization AwardAwarded to a municipality that has achieved For a faith based organization contributingdeveloping solutions using its risk assessment towards protecting and improving theand management expertise, forming strategic environment.partnerships to improve sustainability, as wellas service delivery in municipal environmentrelated functions.30 agribusinessmonthly.com | October 2016
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SUPPLEMENT : TEMVELO AWARDSSEC has good programmes in place to controlthe environmental impact of its activitiesThe Swaziland Electricity Company (SEC) is an organization that hy- SEC as a whole understands the full extent of minimal damage to the environment. dro-generates, transmits, distributes legal requirements relevant to its operations and Awareness sessions and stakeholder engage- electrical power and operates the elec- services so that is develops action items in ordertricity network across Swaziland. SEC operates to remain complaint. To date, the Company has ment: In a bid to raise awareness on environmen-4 hydro generation plants with a combined ca- not received a penalty. tal protection and engage not only just SEC staffpacity of 60MW and imports from neighboring on environmental issues but also the public, SECcountries, South Africa and Mozambique, to Knowledge of adverse environmental im- is involved in a number of initiatives, a few pre-feed the nation and distributes through various pacts: A risk management system that identifies sented below:depots and substations found all around the na- and evaluates adverse environmental aspects pertion. process activity in SEC is employed throughout • Earth Hour: The Company established the company. Mitigation measures are applied the commemoration the Earth Hour initiative Besides hydro-power generation, power for all identified aspects through means of nationally in 2012. This movement has playedimportation, transmission and distribution; key control processes and where improvements are a key role in showing Swaziland’s commitmentactivities of the company include billing on ser- needed to ensure that occurrence of the identi- to fighting climate change across the continentvices, power usage as well as revenue collection fied environmental risk is as low as reasonable and has been used as a platform to engage manyand supporting activities include financial and practicable; objectives and targets are set and im- young and old people on climate change, envi-procurement management, outsourced services, plemented by management. ronmental protection and sustainable living.research and development, projects manage- Over the years, SEC’s commitment to the move-ment, transport and health , safety and environ- Internal environmental protection controls: ment has seen a growing support in numbersmental management. To ensure that the company manages its adverse from a number of national organization such environmental impacts and remain complaint as MTN, NEDBANK, Swaziland Water Services SEC envisions to be a major player in the with legal requirement, SEC has a number of Corporation , EZULWINI and Mbabane Munic-energy sector development nationally and inter- operating procedures that it uses in conjunction ipalities , the Ministry of Natural Resources andnationally and intends on meeting the needs of with national environmental laws (A few are pre- Energy, the Ministry of Tourism and Environ-its customers not only in a sufficiently profitable sented and explained below) ment, Swaziland Environmental Authority andmanner but also in an environmentally sound the United Nations Development Program.manner. In the year 2002, SEC established an • The Environmental Impact Assessmentenvironment department upon a guiding strat- Procedure- Established to ensure that all de- • Radio and Road shows: SEC hosts weeklyegy and policy, with the mandate of ensuring partments within the company remain com- radio shows focusing on integrated socio-envi-sustainable development throughout its process- plaint with the Swaziland Environmental Audit ronmental issues such as electrical power andes. The department, has over the years, assisted Assessment Review Regulations of 2000, the En- safety, the importance of environmental protec-the company in complying with national envi- vironmental management Act of 2002 and other tion and Energy saving initiatives and demandronmental legislation across all SEC’s activities related environmental legal requirements while side management. Road show highly such issuesthrough means of conducting or facilitating planning, implementing and deploying their are also held quarterly, targeting all regions andthe conduction of environmental assessments, projects. areas of Swaziland.requesting for approvals/licenses from Author-itative bodies as per project or undertaken, en- • Waste management procedures- Estab- • SHERQ bulletins: Internal publicationsforcing waste management practices throughout lished to control and dispose of waste generated focusing on different environmental and healthall sites and also raising in-house awareness on during SEC operations and services, in com- and safety management topics are publishedSwaziland’s environmental laws. pliance with the Waste Regulations of 2000. In monthly to staff and displayed on all sites. The order to minimize adverse environmental im- management of resources like water and energy To strengthen its commitment to environ- pacts arising from the generation and disposal is strictly emphasized company-wide throughmental protection and sustainable development, of waste, the company to the best of its practi- such publications.the company also implements systems to estab- cability follows the waste hierarchy principle:lish policies, objectives and targets to be met. In Avoid-Reduce-Reuse-Recycle-Treat-Dispose. • SHE talks: Safety Health and Environmentalignment with environmental governance, SEC SEC practices waste segregation on site across all talk are held weekly to continuously raise aware-implements an environmental management sys- its 15 work stations and uses the service of au- ness amongst staff. These are organized by stafftem (EMS) using the internationally recognized thorized waste management service providers to representatives who take initiative to demon-standard ISO (International Organization for recycle recyclable waste such as tins, paper, cans strate environmental stewardship and teachStandardization) 14 001, to which it is also cer- and glass (Refer to figure 1). SEC also fully aligns about personal and environmental protection.tified to. The company comprehends the com- itself with national and international objectives Other stakeholders like Municipalities and theplexity of its activities and that all processes may regarding environmental protection. Following SEA are form time to time invited to engage staffhave an impact on the environment, thus takes the phase out of persistent organic pollutants on specific issues like greening practices, alienan integrated approach towards sustainable de- (POPS) worldwide, the company conducts an- invasive species management etc.velopment. Besides implementing the EMS, SEC nual tests for its transformers in substationsalso implements the Quality and Occupational across the country and it over the past four years • School and rural community visits: SchoolHealth and Safety Management Systems (QMS none of its transformers contain PCBs above the visits are conducted annually to raise awarenessand OHSMS) using and being certified to the in- threshold which is 50ppm. A regional PCB phase to the country’s future leaders on environmentalternationally recognized standards ISO 9001 and out project to assist utilities in this mammoth issues, in particular on climate change and howOHSAS 18 001. task has been approved and by will be funded they can take action. Once rural electrification GEF. This project is regionally coordinated by schemes have been internally approved by the Activities to meet established targets towards the Africa Institute in South Africa. environment unit following socio-environmen-environmental management are developed, im- tal impact assessments, the marketing and com-plemented throughout all processes and depart- • Emergency preparedness and response munications department conducts awarenessments within SEC: plans: The company recognizes that there can sessions which focus on the health, safety and be possible sudden/unexpected scenarios detri- environmental protection of that community Environmental compliance: SEC subscribes mental to the health of the environment (e.g. oil while using the company’s product.to legal and other requirements applicable to all spills) that can occur during its operations. Thisits activities. Main environmental legislation of plan has been established to ensure that SEC Conducting project inspections and audits:the country is taken into consideration when staff are conversant of possible emergency en- Externally and internally approved projects areprocedures are developed and this ensures that vironmental hazards and are well preparedness inspected and audited on regular basics to ensure on how to respond to them in order to ensure conformance to established requirements.32 agribusinessmonthly.com | October 2016
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SUPPLEMENT : TEMVELO AWARDS were relocated by a private citizen and replanted at Malkerns. •Two (2) proposed community conservation areas obtained Traditional Authority approval, and these were included in proposed LUSLM project for implementation. • Before and during the initial clearing of dam walls and access routes, traditional healers were taken to site to collect medicinal plants for personal use. Casual labourers were also employed to harvest additional plants from the Lubovane reservoir basin. • Some tortoises were relocated to Mkhaya reserve, and others relocated to other areas proposed for conservation at Logoba. • At the KDDP we have an ongoing campaign on greening the PDA where farmer companies and homesteads are encouraged to plant treesWorld Environment Day Celebration (Schools Debate) - Promoting Biodiversity conservation Water Conservation The larger picture of SWADE is providing SWADE and the EnvironmentWADE’s mission is to empower • Biodiversity bulk water infrastructure as exhibited through communities to attain and sustain • Climate Change the KDDP and LUSIP projects. With SWADE’s an improved quality of life through Beneficiaries in the SWADE project revised vision; to attain new opportunities development areas were encouraged to join in the service provision of sustainable socio-Sdevelopment projects in water, the Community Environmental Project Award economic development in the region; we now category to showcase the environmentally look beyond the designated areas to includeagriculture and other socio economic friendly livelihoods they have now adopted. even rain fed communities.initiatives. Sustainable improvement in SWADE strives to achieve environmental The Ministry of Natural Resourcesenvironmental health in project areas ensures sustainability by avoiding potentially negative mandated SWADE to manage the Lowerthat the population derives the full benefits of impacts whilst enhancing positive impacts Usuthu Smallholder Irrigation Project Bulkagricultural commercialization. through carefully planned resettlement, Infrastructure. The responsibilities include ecological and environmental health water supply and accounting for farmer To date SWADE is implementing 7 projects programmes. With continuous environmental companies, dam safety and hydrology,which cover all four regions of the country, monitoring during project implementation, operations and maintenance, risk managementnamely; Komati Downstream Development our processes have been pivotal in ensuring and stakeholder integration and participation.Project (KDDP), Lower Usuthu Smallholder this, for instance the LUSIP project has already How we do it:Irrigation Project (LUSIP), Lower Usuthu prohibited acts such as large scale fishing Water use monitoring and enforcement:Smallholder Irrigation Project (LUSIP II (allowing fishing for consumption only). Farmer companies apply for water and areextension), High Value Crop and Horticulture Endangered and threatened flora and fauna are allocated an annual volume as per the SADCProject – (HVCHP), Fruit Tree Production also relocated to ideal sites after an agreement Water Protocol and the Water Act of 2007.and Marketing Project (FTPMP), Innovative between various stakeholders. A 5 year water permit is issued after whichBeef Value Chain Development Schemes in At inception of our projects, an the farmer is trained on irrigation, watersouthern Africa Project (IBVCDSSAP) and Environmental Impact Assessment survey is conservation and complying with the allocatedthe Smallholder Market Led/ Climate Smart conducted where an analysis of the distribution volume. At renewal, the permit is reduced if theAgriculture For Resilient Livelihoods Projects and status of threatened species is done. Often farmer has not been using the allocated annual(SMLP/CSARL) which builds up from times the threatened species are associated with amount. This saves committed water and allowslessons learnt from the now complete Lower rivers, wetlands or riparian vegetation. It is then new applicants access to water as well. SWADEUsuthu Sustainable Land Management Project that a plan of action is drafted for the rescue measures and controls water flow to the farmers(LUSLM). SWADE projects fit well in a number of plants and animals within the construction and also does water billing and pricing.of categories to be awarded by the Swaziland footprint development area. Drought strategy: The Water ManagementEnvironment Authority (SEA) Temvelo Our plant and wildlife rescue missions have Unit convened all water users and stakeholdersAwards. SWADE has entered for the following included (but not limited to): to develop a drought strategy. The strategy wascategories: • Over six hundred (600) aloe plants which developed consultatively and then approved by the SWADE executive management. Farmers • Water Conservation are rationed to increase the level of assurance •Energy Efficiency Recycling Waste of supply up to December when the rains start.ManagementLand (donga) rehabilitation on one of the 50m buffer zones between farming area and Fish ladder in the middle of the weircommunities rivers or any other environmentally sensitive areas34 agribusinessmonthly.com | October 2016
As a result, the Lubovane Dam is at 53.5% full TEMVELO AWARDS : SUPPLEMENTwhen all other dams in Swaziland are dry. Thedam levels can take up to January based on the the project staff to facilitate this type of trainingdrawn down trajectory or projections. was to reduce the quantity of biodegradable waste that is dumped in the landfills. Besides rationing at farm level, SWADE hasinitiated other strategies like replacing all lights Protected flora relocated in one of the farmer Climate Changewith LEDs, replacing toilet cisterns with water companies As a way to mitigate the impact of thesaving ones, training and awareness amongst LUSIP development the LUSLM project wasstaff and stakeholders, provision of storage at Nine farmer companies have ventured introduced and pioneered a combination ofhousehold level for water harvesting through into greenhouse tunnels vegetable production, technical elements that can merge to strengthenthe LUSLM project and training farmers on making a total of 74 tunnels. This technology the income generating capacity of a householdconservation Agriculture. ensures high level of water saving during while effectively ensuring that it becomes more irrigation as the drip irrigation system is used climate resilient – capable of withstanding Catchment management and maintenance and is solar powered. shocks and ‘bouncing back’ from drought, The major activity in the catchment floods or other hazards. These elements workbeing executed is erosion control. Dongas are Recycling Waste Management individually, but also synergistically: theyrehabilitated. The sedimentation of runoff Farmers who have climate smart gardens reinforce each other through integration. Thereis also being monitored and studied so as to also recycle waste. This type of garden can are multiple co-benefits in terms of income,measure the amount of sand flowing into the also be referred to as intensive organic home food, nutrition and biodiversity.reservoir. This will prevent reduction of storage gardening. The emphasis is on organic The initiatives that the project hasin the life of the project. Communities are also production of vegetables and fruits, with undertaken include the following:trained not to cut down vegetation since it helps maximum use of locally available organic •Roof-top rainwater harvestingreduce run-off and prevent soil erosion. Small nutrients, including animal manure, compost •Conservation Agriculture (CA) anddams have also been lined with plastic and the and mulch. Permaculturecanal is also lined with concrete bring our losses Waste management solutions to rural and •Land Rehabilitationto 6%. This is water conservation and making urban households are in the sense that waste •Livelihoods Projects: farmers venture intoevery drop count. matter is used as organic or fertilizer for the climate smart income generation activities such crops. Households are trained in composting as bee keeping, indigenous poultry production, Water Conservation in rain fed areas where they use waste material from kitchen hay baling, tree nurseries, and goats farming, To cover the rain fed areas SWADE through and the household. This type of waste can be and use of renewable energy from biogasthe LUSLM project has in the past 5 years vegetable scrubs, left overs, or any organic Biodiversitycapacitated communities and households material. SWADE in all project developmenton water conservation techniques. This was To strengthen and further expand areas, from KDDP to LUSIP has was awareachieved through training communities on this initiative, the project has assisted in of protecting endangered species and furtherthe construction of Ferro-cement rainwater the facilitation of the Integrated Waste encouraged all farms developed to have bufferharvesting tanks. Beneficiaries were grouped Management Strategies of Mbabane and zones which inhabited the natural vegetation.and trained by project staff and partners on Manzini City Councils where their councilors A number of species were relocated bythe importance of rainwater harvesting and as from the different wards were trained on waste communities to ensure that they continued towell as the steps on the construction of a ferro- management especially reuse/composting for exist. SWADE has promoted bee keeping in thecement rainwater harvester. climate smart backyard vegetable gardens. LUSLM project. About 600 bee keepers are now How we do it: The Mbabane City Council for example has custodians of biodiversity conservation as they Rainwater was diverted from roof-tops been able to sustain the initiative and further know that this boosts their production. It is wellduring the rainy season to fill up 1,700 liter tanks increased the number of such gardens through known that bees are pollinators, so they play afor more than 1,200 households. This ensured replication to the rest of the communities. The major role in biological diversity, increasing thewater availability for extended periods for the main aim of the city councils when they invited distribution of flora.beneficiaries and also contributed to improved 5 community nurseries are on place wherelivelihoods. On average, the harvested quantity farmers grow indigenous and exotic fruit treesof water per single harvesting, for the above for the purposes of increasing the tree covermentioned number of tanks is slightly over 2 while in the process. About 689 households weremillion liters, benefitting approximately 10,000 able to plant indigenous and exotic fruit treesbeneficiaries. from these nurseries. Further to this, SWADE Approximately 600 households and 4,000 has rehabilitated and protected degraded areashave established climate-smart vegetable in some communities by closing dongas andgardens to improve family nutrition. This planting indigenous and exotic trees to reclaimtechnique ensures that farmers do minimum and make the soil productive.soil tillage, use organic or compost as manure inorder to improve the soil water holding capacity.Greywater for the watering of backyard gardensis also encouraged.35 agribusinessmonthly.com | October 2016
SUPPLEMENT : TEMVELO AWARDSEco-Buzz Recyclers mobilising youngpeople for the environment their impacts to the environment thereafter. They hardly compress during landfilling and take years to decompose, yet they are produced in large quantities. Through these behaviour trends they easily fill- up landfills, reducing their life- span, and thus leaving many ‘virgin’ lands susceptible to use as landfill sites; which would otherwise have been used for sustainable development purposes such as agricultural production, infrastructural improvement and/or rather environmental habitation. Through this initiativeEco-Buzz Recyclers is a the company has also managed to recycling company that provide employment opportunities intends to engage every RECYCLING to local citizens. stakeholder in the concept Recycling is the retrieval of The aim is to become a giantof Environmental Sustainability some waste components from reputable recycling company inthrough the initiative of Sustainable the bulk waste for the purpose of Swaziland. The company has so farSolid Waste Management, with re-use and/or re-processing. Eco- managedtoengagelocalauthorities,recycling as the major approach. Buzz has taken the responsibility individuals and corporate outlets to retrieve recyclables, including; in this sustainable initiative; and This is an approach adopted beverage cans, glass bottles, plastic has managed to distribute recyclefollowing a detailed study of bottles, office paper and cartons, bins to some local retail outlets inthe waste production trends in from the country over in promotion Mbabane, Ezulwini and Manzini.the country; from individual, to of environmental sustainability. Through continued research,households, townships, corporate Special interest is given to these determination and innovation,places, and events. waste components following their Eco-Buzz will continue recycling behaviour during landfilling, and today for the future.36 agribusinessmonthly.com | October 2016
TEMVELO AWARDS : SUPPLEMENTSwaziland Railway caresIn keeping with the National Transport environmental impacts. regional requirements. Precautions are taken Policy whose vision is to “to establish Milestones to mitigate fuel/oil spillages and control by a transport system that provides a safe, Swaziland Railway has established an using environmentally friendly material efficient, cost effective, fully integrated over our network in the case of emergencyinfrastructure and operations to best meet the Occupational Safety, Health, Environment occurrences.needs of customers, promote economic and and Quality (SHEQ) Section with a view ofsocial development and is environmentally and ensuring that as an organisation we adopt, Swaziland Railway takes pride in the modeeconomically sustainable”, Swaziland Railway’s implement and maintain SHEQ systems and of transport that it utilises; trains have a lowmission is to provide transport services to the standards in all our processes. carbon footprint, consequently conservinglocal and international markets through: flora and fauna in its natural state. In our waste• delivering a service that is responsive to With regards to environmental management programmes, we ensure thatcurrent and future customer needs, management Swaziland Railway abides by hazardous waste that we produce is stockpiled• fostering and influencing mutually beneficial the requirements of internationally accepted into waste skips until it is disposed aptly.stakeholder relationships, standards. Currently, Swaziland Railway• ensuring high standards of safety, quality, is on her journey of implementing an In ensuring that we conserve and manageenvironmental and risk management practices Environmental Management Systems (ISO resources we operate recycling programmesand; 14001) which will support the organisation’s e.g. used oil, scrap steel and re-use of items• enhancing shareholder confidence and value efforts to manage environmental aspects and such as concrete sleepers, rail. All ourthrough self-sustenance. impacts with the intention to gain certification employees are made aware through trainings to this international standard. on how to manage operational activities The 301 km rail network is continuously in an environmentally friendly manner aswelded with concrete sleepers that covers Swaziland Railway has initiatives to ensure committed in our SHEQ policy.the entire network. As an organisation we that in all its operations the environment ishave a duty of care in ensuring that in all taken into consideration. The organisationour operational activities there are minimum abides with the United Nation’s Code for conveying hazardous chemicals and goods in an effort to comply with international and37 agribusinessmonthly.com | October 2016
SUPPLEMENT TEMVELO AWARDSReduce, Re-Use, Recycle, so says theMunicipal Council of MbabaneIn the past three years Council Pillar 3: Provision of an effective HCRW adopted the intergrated Development Management; Pillar 4: Innovative public private Plan (IDP)approach spearheaded by partnerships; Pillar 5: Data Management and the national government to guide waste Information systems; Pillar 6: Educationfuture plans of municipal operations as well and Awareness Raising; Pillar 7 and Pillar 8:as allow for holistic council support the city Hazardous Waste Management.development programmes. In doing so, a number of department The primary objective of wasteactivities are planned and designed along the management strategy is to optimise wasteconcept of sustainable development with more management services, thereby maximazingemphasis on leapfrogging the environmental efficiency and improving the quality of life ofand social-economic dimension for city all Mbabane residents while the associatedgrowth. environment impacts and financial costs are Recycling and Waste Management minimised. Further, the strategy seeks to Recycling and waste management in provide integrated waste management withMbabane is implemented through the 2012 regard to the waste hierarchy, progressivelywaste management strategy which has since reduce the amount of waste minimizationbecome the road map to introduce best (through reduce, re-use and recycling).practices of waste management on the city–wide scale. The strategy has eight thematic At the core of waste minimazationpillars and include which are: Pillar 1; Waste activities, council combined this pillar withminimazation, Reuse, Recycling and recovery; education and awareness pillar to raisePillar 2: Sustainable waste collection system; awareness on broader concepts of waste minimization as the best approach in reducing waste loads destined to the landfill.38 agribusinessmonthly.com | October 2016
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PropertyTEMVELO AWARDS SUPPLEMENT41 agribusinessmonthly.com | October 2016
PROFILE : YOUNG FARMERYoung farmer kick-started into piggery…after failing to get a job with his degreeThulani Mkhwanazi, aged 26, could not find a job after graduating with got a job as an Assistant Ranch Manager at he says. “All I can say is keep on trying and a Bsc in Animal Science from the Manyonyaneni Cattle Breeding Station, a market your product thoroughly.” University of Swaziland in 2013. He government-owned farm.then borrowed money from members of his He says the country needs more initiativesfamily to start a piggery project at his home in He manages diseases by following a proper like Kick-start as there are a lot of youngBuseleni area under Nkwene Inkhundla in the feeding routine. He says the critical stage in the people with degrees sitting at home despiteShiselweni Region. management of pigs is farrowing leading to that they have good business ideas. “My weaning, which require very close supervision. plea is that more companies must emulate In 2015, he took part in the Kickstart He also ensures good hygiene and a proper what Swaziland Beverages is doing in theYouth Entrepreneurship programme run by vaccination programme for his pigs. Kickstart programme,” he says. “Personally,Swaziland Beverages. He received a grant I view venturing in business as a solutionof E70, 000 which he used to buy additional His main challenges include the high feed to poverty and unemployment. One needsbreeding stock and feed. costs. mainly knowledge on how to run a successful business. Capital is the driving force to any The breeding stock now includes five sows Mkhwanazi advises other young people successful business establishment. So I thinkof large-white breed, five sows of landrace breed who want to venture into farming against the Kickstart adopted the right approach toand a large-white boar. Each sow produces at quitting when the going gets tough. “In the first equip and then offer financial support.”least 10 piglets per batch/litter which are then beginning I had to persevere to avoid losing;”fattened and sold as porkers after five months.He recently joined the Shiselweni pig farmers’cooperative to get access to bigger markets.He currently sells to surrounding butcheries.His products include porkers and dressedcarcasses. The Kick-start programme assists youngpeople between the age of 18 and 35 yearswith seed capital to start and/or expandexisting business enterprises. Since inceptionthe programme has helped more than 50young entrepreneurs with total grants alreadyexceeding E4 million. Mkhwanazi’s motivation to ventureinto his piggery was that he was part of anentrepreneurial group project while at theUniversity of Swaziland in 2013. The projectidea focused on the production and sale of pigs.Following the success of the project, he feltthe drive to venture into pig farming as well.He says he was also inspired by his mother,Sibongile Mkhwanazi, wo ventured into pigfarming in 2012. Presently, she manages thepig project while he is away at work. He finallyTips: Getting started on piggery1. Accessible of water • Interior wall of your pig house should be will fail to show its good qualities. Animals• No water means no pig production plastered for ease of cleaning are fed for maintenance and production.• The pig needs fresh clean and cool drinking • Gates should be strong made of steel or iron Maintenance: when the body compositionwater all the time • Water and feed troughs should be fixed remains constantThe pig house (floor) must be scrubbed with • Roof should be sloppy and water proofing Production: includes growth, pregnancy andwater soap daily. • Floor should be sloppy, strong and made of lactation2. Proper pig house concrete. WHAT TO FEED?• Accessible by road 3. Good breed • Piglets from 4 days to 14 days are fed Creep• Get assistance form your pig production Breeding stock should be sourced from a re- feed (ad libitum)extension officer for site selection and nowned breeder. Contact your pig production • Weaners are fed pig weaner meal from 8inspection extension officer before buying any pig. If you days to 10 weeks (ad libitum)• Prevent predators and uninvited guests do that you will be able to get: • Growers/porkers are fed pig grower mealby fencing your piggery. This is a very good • Improved growth, leanness and carcass from 10 to 16 weeks (ad libitum)biosecurity practice. quality • Boars, dry sows and pregnant sows are fed• Farrowing pen should provide warmth for • Better feed conversion sow and boar meal (restricted feeding)piglets from 30-35 Degrees Celsius • Low cost of production • Lactating sows are fed lactating sow meal• Breeding stock requires cool temperatures 4. Well balance feed (restricted)preferably 18 Degrees Celsius Buy balanced feed from the animal feed mills• Pig unit should have a loading ramp namely Arrowfeeds, Crane feeds and Feed- ARTICLES BY: THEMBELA NKUMANE master. A good breed fed swill or poor feed42 agribusinessmonthly.com | October 2016
Feeding the pig herd ANIMAL NUTRITION WITH HENCO LEICESTER increase profitability and production.In current pressing economic times pig Phase 1: The first 30 to 50 days. sow. After weaning the piglets, you need to get farmers are under intense pressure to Stressing animals in this period can lead the sow back on heat and into the gestation achieve the highest possible performance to reduced litter sizes. Make sure condition cycle. To achieve this, we recommend the at the lowest input cost in order to have is good, and do not vaccinate animals in this following phases in the lactation cycle:a sustainable pig farming operation. In order period. Animals that does struggle to getto remain profitable farmers must keep on condition can be fed in this phase up to 50 days Phase 1: In the farrowing housepushing their limits, keep on improving their mainly because a sow can lose some condition Limit intakes to 2.2kg/sow during the last 2management and continually measure to in the first 2 weeks into gestation. days before farrowing down, as it will stimulateensure that they remain profitable. With Gilts flush feeding should stop the sow’s appetite once she farrowed down, immediately after mating into gestation as it and limit farrowing related problems. Use Sow The modern pig we farm with in Swaziland can decrease embryonic survival. lactating feed.has a typical body composition that is Typically feed: Dry sow and Boar Phase 2: Lactation.composed of 60% water, 16% Protein, 14% Fat • Gilts 2kg/day During this time the lactating sow feedand the balance is gut fill, ash and skin. This • Adult sows 2.4kg/day should be gradually increased to ensureis important to consider and to note that you • Thin sows 2.8kg/day Max and one might peak intakes will be achieved by 12 days intowill not be able to farm pigs, if you can’t provide feed them longer up to 50 days to ensure good lactation. In this period sows will not be able toquality water. condition. consume enough feed to maintain the nutrient Phase 2: 30/50 to 90 days. requirements and will be in a negative energy Performance of pigs will be affected by the The goal in this period is to build body balance and will lose weight in the first 2following factors: reserves, and to build up a good amount of weeks. After this milk yield will peak and then milk secreting cells to ensure the sow will have gradually decrease over the last week and a • Nutrition a high peak milk yield to wean heavier weaners. half. A high plain of nutrition is maintained to • Health Over feeding in this phase will be detrimental rebuild lost body reserves. • Environment to your system as weaned pig cost increase and Typical feed use: Lactating sow • Genetic potential intakes during lactation decrease. • Sow lactating ad lib if more than 12 We will here in this first article discuss how Typically feed: Dry sow and Boar piglets in litter.to optimally feed your breeding herd and how • All sows and gilts 2kg/day to 2.2kg/day • Sow lactating 3kg per sow plus 450 gramsto manage nutrition to achieve economical depending on condition. per piglet if less than 12 piglets in litter.results. Phase 3: 91 days to farrowing. Phase 3: Weaning to service In your breeding herd your goal should Due to the fact that foetus size has In this weak we maintain the high levelbe to produce the highest amount of pigs to dramatically increased, so does the nutrient of intakes to ensure n quick return to estruswean as efficient as possible and as economic demand. Increasing the sow’s intake is by the sow. This is known as flushing the sow.as possible. Your Sow Cycle should typically be important to meet the nutritional demand as By doing so you increase the number of cellsas follow: well as to ensure a short weaning to estruses released during ovulation and you increase the • Pregnant for 3 months, 3 weeks and 3 interval and good piglet birth weights. You litter size. Keep using lactating sow.days (± 114 days). don’t want to have excessive loss of body Feeding Boars is not difficult but should be • Lactate up to 28 days max. condition in this phase. Birth weights and done to ensure health, good libido (willingness • Rebreed within 4 to 7 days. final weight to market is directly correlated to mate) and to ensure high semen counts. As • Giving you 20 plus piglets a year. meaning, an increase birth weight will mean an a rule 2,2 kg/day to 3kg/day of Dry sow and The goal is to ensure your sow is in a increase wean weight and increase the weight boar feed is recommended depending on thegood condition to optimize reproductive to the market. condition of the boar. If certain boars workperformance. Overfeeding will cause poor Sows in a good condition at weaning hard it is recommended to feed the to themammary development and reduce lactation will need less feed to restore and maintain higher plain.intake of the sow were under feeding will have themselves during the dry period and over Henco Leicester is an Animal Feedpoor condition, and sows that does not come time will be more economical. Nutritionist at Feedmaster in Matsapha. Heback on to heat. Typical feed: can be contacted at: 76440960 To optimize feeding of sows during • 3 kg/day Dry sow and boar Email: [email protected] you can feed them in 3 phases to • 2 kg/day Dry sow and boar and mix in 1 kg/day Lactating sow By managing nutrition closely during lactation of the sow you will also have an enormous impact on the profitability of your operation. The goal is to achieve good to high levels of intake. The more a sow eat in this period, the heavier her weaning weights will be and weight loss will be limited and you have the potential to impact the next litter size. During lactation you can feed sows as much as possible, and note in heat conditions you can add water to the feed to increase intakes. Keep the feed fresh at all times. It is just important to note one need to increase the intakes gradually over the first 2 weeks to ensure peak intake in the 3rd week after farrowing. Milk yield is influenced by litter size, feed intake, body reserves and the genetics of the43 agribusinessmonthly.com | October 2016
PROFILE : NEW FARMING BUSINESSNew pig abattoir contributing ABOVE: Joe Ndlangamandla at his farm office to Swaziland’s food safety in Sidvokodvo LEFT: Pigs hanging in the coldroom of theFarmer and entrepreneur, Joe Ndlangamandla has come to the rescue abattoir. BOTTOM LEFT: The handing rails inside theof small-scale pig farmers from unsafe food processing practices. He has abattoirbuilt a certified and approved pork abattoir at his Sidvokodvo farm. project to build his own pig abattoir at GeeJay Farm in Sidvokodvo, about 2 kilometres awayTSIBUSISO MNGADI visited the farm recently. but they were soon frustrated by the lack of from the well-known Nkonyeni Golf Estate.o most pig farmers, the situation is a formal market. The only available markets The modern facility is fully compliant and canlike this: If you can’t kill a pig in your are butcheries which frustrate farmers with slaughter at least 60 pigs per day. “I started thisown backyard, don’t even think about their unreasonably low prices and delayed project out of frustration because I wanted apig farming. While a significant certified facility to slaughter my pigs so I cannumber of small-scale livestock farmers in payments. Some farmers wait for 2-3 months access the formal market,” NdlangamandlaSwaziland are into pork production, they don’t without receiving payment for their pigs and as reveals. There are 40 sows in his piggeryhave access to slaughter facilities approved in a result some are forced out of business. project located within the farm and plans areterms of food safety and hygiene and in terms One pig farmer who decided to turn his underway to bring additional sows.of the new law, the Food Safety Act of 2015. frustration into a viable business opportunityIn fact, a good amount of the pork we eat, is Joseph Ndlangamandla, the former Although Ndlangamandla has opened hisespecially from butcheries in the outskirts of Managing Director of the Swaziland Building facility to the public, he realises there is goodour towns and cities has neither been inspected Society (SBS) who took early retirement in July potential for further growth. “We have a verynor approved for human consumption. 2012, at the age of 56, to venture into farming. good market and supply is now the problem,” heWhile agriculture may be on its way to “As soon as I ventured into pig farming, I says. “I think I also had the wrong impressionbecome a key driver of Swaziland’s economy, discovered that I had the wrong impression about the supply of pigs.” He explains thatthe absence of certified processing facilities about the pork market in Swaziland,” he says. some pig farmers are still not used to the ideais negating the efforts of Government and its As an astute businessman, he thought he using the services of a certified pork abattoirpartners, such as FAO and the EU. In recent had all his ducks in a row but was soon to facility as they continue to slaughter in theiryears, the Ministry of Agriculture, FAO and be disappointed when he discovered that the own backyards. “I encourage farmers to bringEU have been improving the food security formal market, especially the supermarkets, do their pigs as we have a very good market,” heand nutrition of vulnerable communities and not buy meat from unapproved slaughter and emphasises.helping smallholder farmers to move away processing facilities.from subsistence farming to commercial There is only one pork abattoir in The population of pigs in Swaziland is stillagriculture. Swaziland, but it is also not accessible to the very low, at around 40,000 pigs, and falls farA number of farmers have responded public. That is Simunye Pork and piggery, short of local demand.positively by getting involved in pig farming, situated 100km to the North East within the Simunye Sugar Estate. It is owned by Ndlangamandla originally built the facility and exclusively supplies the Swaziland Meat for his own use private use but he is willing Industries (SMI). Coincidentally, at the time and ready to help pig farmers who wish to Ndlangamandla was looking, only one pig use the facility at a modest fee. Slaughtering abattoir in the country was operational and is done on Mondays, and sometimes even on it also closed its doors in June 2015. He then Wednesdays, depending on orders. found himself with no choice but to embark on a project of building an abattoir, encouraged by Although a small facility, the abattoir the knowledge that he would be in a position has installed state of the art pork processing to negotiate with formal markets when the equipment imported from Mitchell Munck project was complete and had been registered in South Africa and from Steel & Wire in in accordance with the country’s laws. Matsapha. The meat rails were custom built by Steel & Wire while the cold room was fitted by Macnabs, a local refrigeration company. “I prefer to buy from local companies,” he says, adding that even the windows were custom- made by Steel & Wire to keep away flies. All operations are done in accordance with best practice and observing food safety standards, says Ndlangamandla. To make a booking for accessing the slaughter facilities, farmers can contact GeeJay Farm at telephone: +268 7602 1845. Ndlangamandla soon embarked on a44 agribusinessmonthly.com | October 2016
ANIMAL HEALTH WITH EMMANUEL MAPHANGAControlling diseases in our most abundance.livestock enterprises Deworming can be done using panacur, tramisol or dairy drench for cattle whose milk is intended for human consumption. Vitamin supplements should also be provided to livestock as feed quality may dwindle.The most vital aspect in the success of a Disease Control ii) Poultry livestock enterprise is animal health. The most economical and ideal method to A number of poultry diseases are as a The returns from of our businesses control disease is through prevention, which result of poor management practices. Upon are dependent on the quality of could be achieved by efficient management, realisation of disease signs, the chickens mustanimals or animal products produced. A good good sanitation and having an effective be quickly treated, and management that mayherd health programme is an essential part vaccination programme. have led to the problem must be correctedof any farm or management programme. Not Along with a robust biosecurity to prevent the disease from occurring again.having a good herd health programme in place programme, an appropriate vaccination Consult your animal health technician oralso has a big impact on profit margins. programme can be very effective in veterinarian to help you find a correct solution controlling endemic diseases and potential to your problem as soon as possible. Recent livestock business observations disease threats within an operation. For the There are not many forms of treatment orhave shown that livestock which is better success of a livestock enterprise, any in certain cases no treatment for some diseases,subsequently treated for diseases performs vaccination programme should be developed which is why prevention is so important. Thepoorly, (low weight gains, poor products and in consultation with trained veterinarians. treatment will depend on the cause of theeven mortality). This then shows just how large i) Cattle disease. If it is at all possible, try to separateof an impact sickness can have on profitability. As we have just ended the winter, cattle all sick birds from the healthy ones daily. The should be vaccinated against black quarter sick birds should be handled and treated last to Livestock performance can be maximised and lumpy skin disease. Nutrient supplements prevent the spread of the disease.by minimizing or preventing the incidence of should be continued as feed is still poor in Commercial and domesticated birds arediseases through good husbandry, biosecurity quality. In preparation for the warm and wet mostly vaccinated / treated against Newcastleand welfare practices. At the core of any periods of the year, spring and summer, cattle disease at day 7, 21 and at 4 months. They aremanagement strategy for good herd health is a should be dewormed. This is generally around generally also treated and vaccineated againstclose relationship with your local veterinarian, October/November. Fowl Coryza at 8 weeks and 12 weeks beforewho can tailor a herd health programme to Question: Why do we do this? laying eggs.best meet its needs. Answer: There in an increase in the quantity of helminth fauna in our region iii) Piggery Although disease prevention programmes during the wet seasons of the year as the Piggery is an all year round enterprise,may appear to be a costly investment initially, required host species for helminths are at their meaning it runs at different stages throughouta good programme will ultimately be more the year. This then entails that managingcost effective than treating a disease outbreak. of obstacles (diseases) should be managedDeveloping a good herd health programme depending on the production time of animals,is centred around disease prevention, production system and also season as the timediagnosis, and treatment. Working closely of year does affect the functioning of diseasewith a veterinarian is critical in this process. causing agents.Successful treatment of a disease or infection Managing diseasesis dependent on an accurate diagnosis. If you Pigs are initially dewormed at 2-3 monthshave a good working relationship with your of age for internal parasites. Initial vaccinatingveterinarian, he or she will be familiar with at 2-3 months of age. A typical vaccinationthe history of the herd/flock, which can aid in schedule for newborn piglets, or gilts, beginsdiagnosis. a week after birth. It includes vaccines against rhinitis (bordetella), erysipelas, mycoplasma Management strategies for a good and pneumonia. Other general vaccinationsherd health programme typically focus on include leptospirosis and erysipelas killedminimizing stress for the animal. It has been vaccines/bacterins, beginning at 2-3 months ofwell demonstrated that stress compromises age; repeating in 3-8 weeks; repeating annuallyimmune function. with single doses. Additional vaccinations are related to risks of exposures. Advice from local veterinarians must be sought before administering vaccines.45 agribusinessmonthly.com | October 2016 October 2016 | agribusinessmonthly.com 45
PROFILE : YOUNG FARMERKick-start boost to another unemployedagriculture graduateThe number of young people who he obtained from the University of Swaziland time people. It grows a variety of vegetable graduate from the University of in 2009. seedlings and herbs including cabbage, lettuce, Swaziland but are unable to get spinach, onions, beetroot, maize, tomato, kale, formal employment is on the After struggling to find a job for about butternut, herbs (coriander, parsley, basil andincrease. three years, in 2012 he started Thomas Greens dill.), green peeper and green beans. Investments, a vegetables nursery measuring Although the statistics have not been only 55mx18m at Khula area in Mvutshini. He He uses compost as a growing mediumcollected, it is known to be significant for the says he was motivated by his father Thomas and his seeds mainly come from Hygrotech.country to ignore. That said, graduates who Hlatshwako who gave him the responsibility tomajor in agriculture subjects soon realise that manage a nursery stall at the Mbabane market In July this year, Hlatshwako wasthey have the skills to start their own successful in 2011. among the winners in the Kick-start youngbusinesses. entrepreneurs’ programme run by Swaziland He started the business with E15, 000 a Beverages. He is yet to receive a total grant of AGRIBUSINESS MONTHLY visited one loan from Lusoti Cooperative. He also sought E101, 415 which will be used to expand thesuch young person, 29-year-old Mncobisizwe help from other nurseries like the Green House nursery. The money will be used to procureHlatshwako, who runs a successful seedlings (also sitiuated at Mvutshini), NAMBoard and seed trays, shade netting, water tanks, waternursery at Ezulwini in the Hhohho Region. He Vickery who exposed him to the basic training pumps, seeds, fertilisers and uniform for staff.has a Diploma in Agriculture combined with he needed.a Bsc in Land and Water Management which Hlatshwako feels that a lot has to be done The business already employs four full- by farmers to improve farming techniques for the country to be self-sufficient in food production. He says any product is a direct response to a market need. “A true entrepreneur has to be attentive to consumers’ needs because it is from these needs that a product is born,” he says. The market is ever changing so a true entrepreneur has to be vigilant and always be ready to change. Despite his successful venture, Hlatshwako had to deal with numerous challenges of starting a business. The main challenge was the scarcity of water. He struggled until he found a spring in the nearby mountains of Mvutshini. He then connected the spring water with a pipe to his nursery. He uses mist irrigation sprinklers but due to water shortages he also uses watering cans. He has also experienced theft but the Khula police community have assisted him several times. He has now fenced the nursery. Hlatshwako advises aspiring farmers to produce volumes and never focus on one product. “Diversification should be done by every farmer as it balances up every corner of the business,” he says. “I advise the youth and small entrepreneurs to change the way they think because you are what you think.” His central message is “live and think outside the box, live without shackles, where the sky is the limit and financial freedom is a possibility and owning a business is a problem solver.” Hlatshwako practices integrated disease control method. He uses protected chemical spraying, where you detect a sign of damage. He always keeps the place weed free, especially underneath the tray beds. The place is well drained to avoid stagnant water from excessive watering and heavy rainfall and the seed trays are always disinfected. Mncobi can be reached at: 7820 5657. BY THEMBELA NKUMANE46 agribusinessmonthly.com | October 2016
TALK TO OUR RESIDENT VET : FEEDBACKWe kick off our feedback page Our resident veterinarian is ready to give you advice on any animal health related issue from cows to dogs. Write to us: [email protected] | Postal: P.O. Box 7777, Mbabane.with an internal question?How to manage emangcumbula (fowl pox)?Poultry are kept all over the world insects. on the inside of the mouth. The prognosis for various reasons. They are one It commonly affects poultry, such as for this form is poor. This thus means that of the cheapest sources of protein the employment of skilled personnel may be and can be kept by anyone, even in chickens and turkeys; but also quail, canaries, required to diagnose this form. One shouldbackyards. In Swaziland, poultry are kept pigeons, and many other species of birds. not be afraid to employ skilled personnel asby large commercial farmers for meat or the success of a poultry business is reliant onegg production, by smaller farmers and by Avian pox is a relatively slow-spreading healthy birds.households in backyards, village chickens viral disease, characterized by wart-like(tinkhukhu tasemakhaya). nodules on the skin and diphtheritic necrotic Disease Progression membranes lining the mouth and upper Fowl pox tends to spreads slowly and Two very important factors that should respiratory system. a flock may be affected for several months.be addressed to ensure that you have a The disease has these devastating effects onhealthy flock of chickens are management Avain pox has been present in birds since production and productivity:and environment. When chickens are healthy the earliest history. Mortality is not usually i)Affected young birds are generallythey eat less food and produce more meat and significant unless the respiratory involvement retarded in growth.eggs. They are less trouble to look after and less is marked. The disease may occur in any age of ii)Laying birds experience a drop in eggmoney is spent on medical costs. The lesser bird, at any time. production.the maintenance costs, the more efficient our iii)Birds of all ages that have oral orenterprises become. The disease manifests itself dry from respiratory system involvement have difficulty (Cutaneous pox) or wet form (Diphtheritic eating and breathing which may later result in Spread of Disease pox). loss of affected bird. A disease can spread rapidly among Fowl pox is usually easily diagnosed basedchickens because they are usually kept together Dry Form: Spread by biting insects on flock history and the presence of typicalin a cage or chicken house. They also share the (especially mosquitoes) and wound lesions. In some cases, laboratory diagnosissame food and waterbowls, which can spread contamination. Dry pox starts as small whitish by tissue or transmission studies may bedisease and infections from sick to healthy infection that develops into wart-like nodules. necessary.chickens. The nodules eventually are sloughed and scab Treatment, Control and Prevention: In an intensive system we place a great deal formation precedes final healing. Lesions are There is no treatment for this condition.of pressure on the chickens to grow fast and to most commonly seen on the featherless parts In many cases, the disease may resolve itself.lay many eggs. This situation can cause disease of the body (comb, wattles, ear lobes, eyes, It is important to control any mosquitoto spread resulting in a lot of damage because and sometimes the feet and around the vent). infestations and sanitize the premises theof the stress the chickens experience. Mosquitoes can harbor ineffective virus for a fowl is in to minimize exposure. The virus We try to improve the performance of our month or more after feeding on affected birds. is highly resistant in dried scabs and underpoultry enterprises by taking a look at one of After the infection is introduced, it spreads certain conditions may survive for months onthe most observed but less known avian disease, within the flock by mosquitoes as well as contaminated premises.Chicken Pox/Avian Pox, “emangcumbula”. direct and indirect contact. Birds affected by “Infected birds are susceptible to secondary Avian Pox this form usually recover within a few weeks Infections often lead to death. Therefore, The Chicken Pox or Fowl Pox (Sorehead) as the birds are able to ward off the disease. sanitation is of utmost importance”is caused by a virus of the family Poxviridae The better news is that recovered birds do not In order to stop / slow down the spreadand the genus Avipoxvirus. This is a worldwide remain carriers. of this disease, sick birds should be separateddisease that can be transmitted by direct or from those that appear to be healthy andindirect contact, as well as through biting Wet Form: The second form is spread provided supportive care to maximize its by inhalation of the virus and causes a chances of a quick recovery. diphtheritic (false) membrane to form in the Disease control is accomplished best mouth, pharynx, larynx, and sometimes the by preventative vaccination since ordinary trachea. Yellowish cheese-like areas may occur management and sanitation practices will not prevent it. For the efficiency of our vaccinations and control measures, it is best to consult our veterinarians.47 agribusinessmonthly.com | October 2016
PROMOTION : RECYCLING48 agribusinessmonthly.com | October 2016
RECYCLING : PROMOTION49 agribusinessmonthly.com | October 2016
50 agribusinessmonthly.com | October 2016
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