Milestone 2 - Progress report 1 | Mahlathini Development Foundation

WWF_GT06177_ID315_CRA in mixed smallholder farming systems in KZN and EC. January 2021

WWF-Milestone 2: First progress report: Planning and

prioritization of CRA activities

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Project initiation workshops were conducted with the implementation teams and stakeholders in KZN and the EC (Matatiele)

in early October to ensure coherence of implementation. A workshop process was designed to introduce the concepts and

set up learning groups. The process also assisted participants to prioritize implementation of a basket of CRA adaptive

practices most appropriate to them.

Village based learning groups were set up as follows: KZN –8 learning groups (110 participants) and EC -8 learning groups

(151 participants).

Baseline surveys were designed and conducted for 105 participants in KZN and 33 participants in the EC.

From the introductory workshops participants who volunteered for the Conservation Agriculture (CA) and fodder

supplementation activities have been provided with further learning and mentoring support to implement their CA farmer

level experiments and do their planting. A total of 127 participants (74 in KZN and 53 in EC) are implementing a range of

farmer level experimentation options in their fields including:

Planting of the 400m2 or 1000 m2 CA farmer level experiments (10x10m blocks) including maize (PAN6479,

SC701, Colorado), intercropping with legumes (beans (PAN9292, Gadra), cowpeas (Mixed brown)), Dolichos and

cover crops (sunflower, sorghum, Sun hemp)

Planting of the CA 1000m2 strip cropping farmer level experiments which include fodder species (cover crops, Tall

fescue, Teff, Lespedeza, turnips, pumpkins) and short season maize (PAN 5A 190 and PAN 5A 271)

Planting larger CA farmer level experiments using the new tractor drawn 2 row planters

Setting up and planting CA seed plots- 250m2 areas with support for fencing and

Planting CA farmer level experiments for poultry feed production (Sun hemp, cowpeas, sorghum and sunflower)

Participants have also been supported to review and plan their fodder supplementation activities for livestock, including

rearing of calves for marketing (25 participants). Poultry producers have been provided support and management training

for their broiler and layer production activities (18 participants).

A marketing dialogue process was conducted in Southern KZN (Ozwathini) in association with local stakeholders and AFRA,

with 55 community participants, to explore local marketing practices and options for improvement and a partnership has

been set up with the uMgungundlovu District Economic Development Agency to pilot and develop local flea markets, called

Pakhama markets, in township in and are Pietermaritzburg.

A participatory monitoring and evaluation process is being put in place to proactively monitor a range of production

indicators.

1NARRATIVE REPORT

PROJECT DETAILS

Project No

and Title

GT06177_ID315_ Climate Resilient Agriculture in mixed smallholder farming systems allows for

sustainable food and nutrition security and local incomes for the rural poor in the lower Drakensberg

foothills of KZN and the Eastern Cape.

Date of

approval

6th October 2020

WWF_GT06177_ID315_CRA in mixed smallholder farming systems in KZN and EC. January 2021

Start and

end date

1st October 2020-30th September 2022

Project

value

R3 000 000

Contractor’s

name

Mahlathini Development Foundation

2. Project

objectives

Increased productivity and resilience in the mixed smallholder farming system through implementation of

a basket of Climate Resilient Agriculture practices:

1. Work with existing CCA learning groups to scale up production in the short term within the confines of

the COVID-19 pandemic

2. Support a range of intensified food production activities; vegetable production, field cropping and

livestock integration

3. Improve social agency for value chain support (VSLAs’, bulk buying, local farmer centres and local

marketing initiatives)

3. Project

outcomes

Outcome 1 -Food and nutrition security athousehold level for poor, rural homesteads with enough farming

income to sustainably maintain farming activities in the short term

1.Activity 1 - Learning group review andplanning sessions to prioritize each participant’s most appropriate

basket of CRA practices to be implemented, within the present confined of the COVID-19 pandemic and

climate change

2.Activity 2 - Prioritize a basket of appropriate adaptive practices for the individuals and groups involved

within different thematic categories; crops, livestock, water, soil and natural resources

3.Activity 3 - Provide learning and implementation support for the CRA* practices using a Participatory

Innovation Development (PID) approach

Outcome 2 - Development of social agency for community led local economic development and social

safety net Improvement of the natural resource base

4.Activity 1 - Build social and economic capital within each of the learning groups using approaches such

as Village savings and loans associations (VSLAs), farmer centres, small business development and

local marketing initiatives

5.Activity 2 - Set up a participatory monitoring and evaluation (PM&E) system for monitoring and assessing

the impact of the CSA practices on livelihoods and resilience.

6.Activity 3 - Use an iterative approach of farmer level experimentation and social learning to build local

adaptation and innovation capacity

4. Reporting

period

October 2020- 22 January 2021

Significant

approved

changes

None

7. Changes

in capacity

to deliver

outcomes

None

8.PROGRESS PER OBJECTIVE AND OUTCOME

(concise description of progress, M&E, planning and evidence to support claims of success, deviations, objectives not

achieved and why, outcomes changed (tactical responsiveness) and reasons for this.

The process was launched by team planning meetings in KZN to ensure coherence between the WWF-GT process and two

sister programmes; a Maize Trust funded adaptive research programme for 36 smallholders and KZNDARD LandCare

programme support for inputs in CA implementation for 240 smallholders. In Matatiele (EC) the team meetings included

participants from Lima-RDF, ERS and SaveAct, to ensure coherence of implementation across the landscape. Villages were

WWF_GT06177_ID315_CRA in mixed smallholder farming systems in KZN and EC. January 2021

prioritized where the largest number of diverse activities (restoration, grazing management, spring protection and savings

groups) are present to create potential for linkages and synergies.

For methodological coherence the same workshop process was employed across all villages where the programme has

been introduced. See Appendix 1. Learning groups were formed and participants prioritized their baskets of CRA activities

to implement over the coming year. The table below outlines the number of learning groups formed and the number of

participants in each area.

Table 1: Learning groups formed and numbers of participants in each area, compared to the proposal: December 2020

Province

Villages

Yr 1 Proposed

Yr 1 Actual

KZN: Bergville;

Uthukela DM

5 (Ezibomvini, Eqeleni,

Stulwane, Mahlathini,

Emabunzini, Vimbukhalo)

3 learning groups

(35 participants)

3 learning groups (Stulwane, Ezibomvini,

Vimbukhalo (58 participants)

KZN: Southern

region; Harry

Gwala, Nkosazana

Dlamini Zuma DMs

5 (Madzikane, Ngongonini,

Ofafa, Springvalley, Nokweja)

3 learning groups

(20 participants)

5 learning groups (Madzikane, Spring

Valley, Ofafa, Swayimane, Ozwathini (52

participants)

EC: Matatiele,

Alfred Nzo DM

8 (Nkau, Sehutlong, Khutsong,

Mqhobi, Jabulani, Khauoe,

Pontsheng, Mapeng)

5 learning groups

(80 participants)

3 learning groups (Mzongwana: Lufefeni,

Hillside, Pamlaville, Chibini), Mafube,

Rashule (151 participants)

TOTAL

135

261

From these workshops participants who volunteered for the Conservation Agriculture (CA) and fodder supplementation

activities have been provided with further learning and mentoring support to implement their CA farmer level experiments

and do their planting.

Table 2: Progress against specific outcomes and activities for the period October 2020-January 2021

Outcome

Activities

Progress (Milestone 2)

Livelihood

security at

household

level

1. Learning group review

and planning sessions

KZN: Ezibomvini, Stulwane, Vimbukhalo, Madzikane, Gobizembe,

Ozwathini, Spring Valley, Ofafa

EC: Rashule, Mafube, Mzongwana (Lufefeni, Hillside, Chibini, Pamlaville)

2. Prioritized baskets of

appropriate practises

Field Cropping: Conservation Agriculture; intercropping, cover crops, strip

cropping, short season maize, cover crops, two-row planter,

Gardening: Tunnels, drip irrigation, mixed cropping, herbs and multi-purpose

crops,

Livestock integration: fodder species (including livestock and poultry),

broilers, layers, traditional chickens, composted manure, rabbit production

3. Learning and

implementation support

Conservation Agriculture:

Planting and strip cropping learning and demonstration workshops

(x 10);

Two-row planting demonstration and planting workshops (x 6);

Lufefeni, Mafube, Madzikane, Gobizembe, Ozwathini,

Vimbukhalo)

Short season maize experimentation (46 participants KZN,13

participants EC)

Summer cover crop and fodder species experimentation (40

participants KZN, 35participants EC)

Poultry and rabbit production (18 Participants; Ezibomvini,

Ozwathini, Madzikane, Ngongonini)

WWF_GT06177_ID315_CRA in mixed smallholder farming systems in KZN and EC. January 2021

Social

agency for

LED and

social safety

nets

1. VSLAs, business

development, farmer

centres

Marketing exploration workshop; SZKN – Ozwathini, Swayimane

(85 participants)

22 VSLA’sin KZN; monthly mentoring

Learning workshops x2 for VSLA committee members in Bergville;

group management and bulk buying of groceries (36 participants)

2. PM&E system and

monitoring

Baselines for 105 KZN and 33 EC participants

PM&E planning and design workshop with external evaluator

3. Iterative PID approach

for improved adaptation

and innovation

Monitoring of fodder supplementation and calf rearing for 2019

season (25 participants, Stulwane, Ezibomvini, Eqeleni,

Ozwathini) and planning for 2020 season

Progress KZN

In KZN there are thirty-eight (38) learning groups actively implementing CRA activities. Eight (8) of these learning groups

have been prioritised for the GT activities. Review and planning sessions have been held for all learning groups and baskets

of options have been prioritized for participants. An example of one of the village-based reports for Ezibomvini in Bergville is

provided in Annexure 2. The outcome of all workshops is summarized in the table below.

WWF ACTIVITIES SUMMARY

Area

Village

WWF

participants

Tunnels

Fruit*

Broilers

Layers

Trad chickens

CA 10x10's

CA strips

2-row planter

Poultry feed

CA seed

Fodder prod

+supplement

Composted

manure

TOTALS

110

Bergville

Ezibomvini

Stulwane

Vimbukhalo

Midlands

Ozwathini

Gobizembe

SKZN

Madzikane

Spring Valley

Ofafa

Due to the large number of participants in KZN, it was very difficult to identify only 55 participants, as outlined in the

proposal. In this case 110 participants have been identified and inputs are to be provided within the limitations of the 1styear

budget. A decision will be made going into the second year, whether to continue supporting the same participants or bring

more participants on board. For the present period we have focussed on the field cropping and livestock integration activities

(See Annexure 3 for an example of a CA planting workshop in Ozwathini (SKZN)) and have included also monthly support

and learning workshops for the 12 Village Savings and Loan Associations being supported.

Activities under the CA suite of actions have included:

Planting of the 1000 m2 CA farmer level trials (10x10m blocks) including maize (PAN6479, SC701, Colorado),

intercropping with legumes (beans, cowpeas), legumes (Dolichos) and cover crops (sunflower, sorghum, Sun

hemp, turnips)

WWF_GT06177_ID315_CRA in mixed smallholder farming systems in KZN and EC. January 2021

Planting of the CA 1000m2 strip cropping farmer level trials which include fodder species (cover crops, Tall

fescue, Teff, Lespedeza, turnips) and short season maize (PAN 5A 190 and PAN 5A 271)

Planting larger CA farmer level trials using the new tractor drawn 2 tow planters

Setting up and planting CA seed plots- 250m2 areas with support for fencing and

Planting CA farmer level trials for poultry feed production (Sun hemp, cowpeas, sorghum and sunflower)

A marketing dialogue was held with learning group participants form Ozwathini and Swayimane in association with AFRA, to

also include farm dwellers in the uMgungundlovu District Municipality into the conversation. The intention was to explore

options in terms of local food systems and marketing options that can be initiated and strengthened. A summary report is

provided in Annexure 4.

In addition, AFRA and MDF have been collaborating with stakeholders in theuMgungundlovu DM, under the auspices of the

uMgungundlovu District Economic Development Agency to start township flea markets to provide marketing opportunities for

local producers and artisans. These Pakhama markets are planned to happen quarterly in a number of different townships

around Pietermaritzburg. The launching event planned for 19th December 2020 unfortunately had to be postponed due to

sharp increases in COVID 19 infections. See Annexure 5 for a press release and invitation outlining the Pakhama market

idea.

Progress in Matatiele (EC)

In Matatiele there are no existing Climate Resilient Agriculture learning groups and these groups have been initiated and set

up during this reporting period. The emphasis for these groups is on learning and implementation for specific CRA activities,

rather than on increasing production under this system. Initially we have allowed participants to join from all the villages

where the concepts were introduced and people showed interest. Over time, these villages will be narrowed down,

depending mainly on the interest in and uptake of, the CRA activities.

WWF ACTIVITIES SUMMARY

Area

Village

WWF

participant

Gardens

Broilers

Layers

Trad

chickens

Fields (CA)

2 row

planter

Cattle

Pigs

Goats

Sheep

Horses

TOTALS

151

131

Mzongwana

Mngeni

Hillside

Lufefeni

Palmaville

Sifolweni

kaManzi

Makhoba

Rashule

Nkosana

Choshet

Mafube

Matewu

Descuur

Belfort

Themba

Masotsheni

WWF_GT06177_ID315_CRA in mixed smallholder farming systems in KZN and EC. January 2021

To date learning group sin Lufefeni (30 participants), Rashule (23 participants) and Nkau have been provided with CA

introductory learning workshops and demonstration planting for farmer level CA trials have been done.

Activities under the CA suite of actions have included:

Planting of the 1000 m2 and 400m2 CA farmer level trials (10x10m blocks) including maize (PAN6479, SC701,

Colorado), intercropping with legumes (beans, cowpeas), legumes (Dolichos) and cover crops (sunflower,

sorghum, Sun hemp, turnips) and

Planting larger CA farmer level trials using the new tractor drawn 2 tow planters

Monitoring and evaluation

Baseline surveys were conducted to provide for a comparative starting point for the programme and also clearly outline the

present situation of participants and their productive and marketing capabilities and intent.

A household survey looking at demographic, livelihoods, farming and financial management information was administered to

105 participants in KZN during October 2020 (See Annexure 6) and for 33 participants in the Eastern Cape (Mataitele) in

November 2020 (See Annexure 7).

In KZN, participants are members of learning groups across 9 villages in KZN (Bergville Midlands and Southern KZN).

Participants in the survey all belong to the climate resilient agriculture (CRA) learning groups in those villages and undertake

a range of farming activities. In the EC participants from 6 villages across three traditional authorities (Nkosana, Mafube and

Mzongwana) are in the process of establishing CRA learning groups.

In KZN, the poverty in the villages is extreme, with an average monthly income of R2 720 for a household of on average 6

members. A full 40% of households have lost income and or jobs due to the COVID19 pandemic. 85% of households rely

entirely on state grants for income. In the EC the poverty is even more obvious, with an average monthly income of R2013

for a household of on average 6 members. 36% of households have no access to state grants or other employment and rely

solely on farming and local small businesses for incomes. The levels of unemployment in the EC appear to be considerably

higher than those in KZN as are the proportion of households with zero state support.

Within these constraints, farmers undertake gardening (using agroecology and soil and water conservation practices), field

cropping (using Conservation Agriculture) and livestock integration (livestock health management, fodder production and

winter supplementation). They also rear broilers, layers and traditional chickens. Farming is primarily for household food

provision, improved nutrition and for sale of surplus. Only a few farmers produce crops for sale only.

In the EC, around 51% of respondents are presently involved in field cropping, 72% in household gardening, 36% in

livestock production and only around 5% in poultry production. These levels of production are quite low for rural areas and

provides an indication of the difficulty of entry into production for youth in these rural areas.

Intensive vegetable production is constrained by access to water for irrigation and fencing in many cases and thus the main

activities are conservation agriculture and livestock integration. Local markets for fresh produce, eggs, live chickens and

livestock have increased during the COIV19 lockdown. All smallholders in the learning groups are keen to increase their

production and work together to increase this tenuous new marketing option. Presently those already involved in small

agricultural businesses make around R1 000– R2 433/ month on average from their enterprises.

Marketing consists mostly of door to door selling in the villages, selling at spaza shops, taxi ranks, pension pay-out points

and as vendors in local towns. Those close to big cities can also take advantage of van/bakkie traders. Major challenges are

access to transport for input supply and marketing as most respondents use taxis for this and cannot afford the highly priced

rental of local vans for this purpose. In addition, the lack of secure and reliable markets hampers production.

83% of respondents in KZN and 60% of respondents in the EC are alreadyinvolved in savings activities and working in local

groups that provide small loans. Being members of local village savings and loan associations helps them to smooth their

consumption, buy household items, service their debt and buy agricultural inputs and is a crucial element of their cashflow

management and financial resilience.

In KZN the most commonly mentioned way in which these respondents work together is through bulk buying of agricultural

inputs. In addition, they share equipment and labour during the planting season and work together in their savings and loan

WWF_GT06177_ID315_CRA in mixed smallholder farming systems in KZN and EC. January 2021

associations. Caring for each other and assisting those in need in the community is seen as an important aspect of building

social agency. Only a few have come together to form cooperatives, local water committees and farmer centres.

9.GAPS AND CONSTRAINTS

Presently the programme is still well on track with planning workshops and adaptive measure chosen for all potential

participants, baseline surveys having been conducted for 105 participants from KZN and 33 from EC and input and

mentoring support being provided to the learning groups for the summer cropping activities.

The number of participants is substantially higher than the numbers set out in the proposal. This is mainly due to the

demand and high levels of need for the learning group members. We have been unable to justify only working with a smaller

number of participants within each group. This has increased the logistical and work pressure on the small staff

complement considerably. The intention is to design an intensive but simple monitoring process early on in the

implementation cycle (by end January 2021), to ensure that coherence and momentum can be maintained.

The two work vehicles available to staff are old and repeated break downs is reducing implementation efficiency. At the

moment vehicles are being hired to accommodate for these problems, but this is an expensive and quite short-term solution.

The small window of increased local marketing opportunities that became apparent during the COVID 19 lockdown is

already closing, leaving participants and their service providers back in the quagmire of how to develop marketing

opportunities within an environment where competition with larger commercial concerns is all but impossible and where

institutional and government role-players are generally entirely unresponsive and unhelpful. In this context a process has

been initiated with our sister NGO AFRA to undertake a marketing dialogue process in communities to tease out potential

options for collaboration that can have beneficial outcomes. This is being addressed through creation of a partnership with

the uMgungundlovu District Economic Development Agency to set up local township “Pakhama” markets, as well as

collaboration in expansion of vendor licences in the larger Pietermaritzburg area. The pilot market planned for 19th

December was however postponed due to continued increase in COVD19 infections.

10.COMMENT ON FINANCIAL REPORT

NOTES ON EXPENDITURE

Expenditure has been compiled up until the end of December 2020.

1.Staff cost: Staff costs are slightly higher than the budget amount, but are within the 10% range (4,7%) as

suggested. Slightly increased cost is the result of December bonuses (through provision of extra leave) to staff on

this budget.

2.Third part fees: Third party fees are 16% higher than the amount allocated for this reporting period. Work load for

this period was considered higher than normal due to the need to both design and implement the farmer level

experimentation processes, with associated technical measurements and the need to design and set up the e-

survey for monitoring purposes.

3.Travel and Subsistence: This category showed a 30% higher expenditure than the budget allocated for this

reporting period. An organisational strategy is now in place to ensure more streamlined expenditure on this budget

item. An account has been set up with Avis Van Rental, which will reduce costs going forward

4.Operating expenses: Expenditure on this budget item has only been 37% of the allocated funds. An internal

decision was made to delay acquisition of the gardening tunnelsuntil early February 2021. As this is a large cost

item of around R130 000 (for 30 of the 100 tunnels in the project), MDF will wait for payment of the Milestone 2

amount, prior to putting in the order for the tunnels.

Below is a summary of the Financial report.

WWF_GT06177_ID315_CRA in mixed smallholder farming systems in KZN and EC. January 2021

WWF: GT06177 Financial report

Date: 22 January 2021

Milestone 2

ESTIMATES

ACTUALS

Code

Description

Project Budget

Full Year

Previously

Reported YTD

Actuals

This quarter

Actuals

Year-to-Date

(YTD) Actuals

Forecast minus

YTD Actuals

(=Variance)

2 Oct 2020-22

Jan 2021

Oct2020-Sept

2021

A - OPENINGBALANCE

R3 000 000,00

R1 659 492,00

R0,00

R1 659 492,00

Cash received

R187 500,00

Other income (interest,

FX gains/loss)

n/a

B - TOTAL income +

o/balance

R187 500,00

R1 659 492,00

R0,00

R187 500,00

R1 471 992,00

EXPENDITUREby code

Staff costs

R198 459,84

R585 600,00

R207 807,00

R377 793,00

Third party fees

R75 134,13

R221 700,00

R87 521,32

R134 178,68

Travel and Subsistence

R73 151,57

R215 850,00

R96 280,49

R119 569,51

Capital Asset costs

Operating expenses;

materials,0ffice

R200 342,86

R592 342,00

R73 457,88

R518 884,12

Meetings / Education /

Training

Project Promotion /

Communication/ Printing

/ Publication

Project Evaluation by 3rd

party

R14 911,60

R44 000,00

R0,00

R44 000,00

C - TOTAL

EXPENDITURE

R562 000,00

R1 659 492,00

R0,00

R465 066,69

R1 194 425,31

D – CLOSING BALANCE

R2 438 000,00

R1 340 508,00

-R277 566,69

R277 566,69

11.SIGNIFICANT PLANNED ACTIONS FOR NEXT REPORTING PERIOD

Linked to outcomes

Outcome

Activities

Planned actions (Milestone 3)

Livelihood

security at

household

level

1. Learning group

planning sessions

KZN: Ezibomvini, Stulwane, Vimbukhalo, Madzikane, Gobizembe,

Ozwathini, Spring Valley, Ofafa

EC: Rashule, Mafube, Mzongwana (Lufefeni, Hillside, Chibini,

Pamlaville)

2. Prioritized baskets of

appropriate practises

Field Cropping: Growth monitoring, yields, and marketing. Review

sessions on experimentation options

Gardening: Tunnels, drip irrigation, mixed cropping, herbs and

multi-purpose crops

Livestock integration: monitoring and experimentation

3. Learning and

implementation support

Tunnel construction and intensive homestead gardening

Poultry production; broiler and layer management

WWF_GT06177_ID315_CRA in mixed smallholder farming systems in KZN and EC. January 2021

Social

agency for

LED and

social safety

nets

1. VSLAs, business

development, farmer

centres

Marketing exploration workshops continuation;

22 VSLA’sin KZN; monthly mentoring

Pakhama market continuation of piloting this concept around

Umgungundlovu DM

2. PM&E system and

monitoring

Production and progress monitoring system design and

implementation

3. Iterative PID approach

for improved adaptation

and innovation

Seasonal review and planning for winter production cycle with

participating learning groups and planning for farmer level

experimentation

12.LIST OF ANNEXURES

Complementary information, including photographs

1.WWF introduction review and planning workshop outline

2.Ezibomvini planning and review workshop summary

3.Ozwathini planting workshop summary report

4.Marketing dialogue

5.Phakama market press release

6.Green Trust baseline survey summary

WWF_GT06177_ID315_CRA in mixed smallholder farming systems in KZN and EC. January 2021

PHOTOGRAPHS (Oct2020-Jan2021)

Figure 1: Mr Xaba from Madzikane (SKZN) planting a CA strip

croppingtrial using the two- row planter

Figure 2: Rashule group members (Matatiele) doing a CA 10x10m

plot with planting basins and rows

Figure 3: Using the Haracca planter in

Ozwathini to plant the summer cover crop mix;

millet, sunflower and Sun hemp

Figure 4: Nothile Zondi from Stulwane in

Bergville drawing her strip cropping plot layout

in preparation of the strip cropping

experimentation

Figure65: Masibambane VSLA in Ezibomvini (20 members),

during their annual share-out meeting, where ~R82 500 was

saved by the members (Nov 2020)

Figure 7: Chupile Buthelezi from Stulwane started and

increased her broiler production to 40 birds per cycle

Figure 5: Khulekani Daldla, from Stulwane

undertaking his calf rearing and feeding

business, with 10 calves, (Oct 2020)

WWF_GT06177_ID315_CRA in mixed smallholder farming systems in KZN and EC. January 2021

13.TWO COPIES OF ANY PUBLICATIONS

Desiree P. Manicom and Erna Kruger. January 2021. The Impact of COVID-19 ‘Hard’ Lockdown Disaster Management

Regulations on Small-scale Farmers: The Case of Central and Southern KZN Small-scale Farmers Employing Climate

Resilient Agriculture Production. Alternation Special Edition 32, 2020. Print ISSN 1023-1757; Electronic ISSN 2519-5476.

Pges 145-172.

A copyof the paper is provided in electronic format as an attachment to this report.

2FINANCIAL REPORT

The financial report excel sheet is attached as a separate document: WWF_Financial report_GT06177_ID315_CRA KZN-

EC_20210122. Documentation for explaining full expenditure summaries is available on request.

WWF_GT06177_ID315_CRA in mixed smallholder farming systems in KZN and EC. January 2021

ANNEXURES

ANNEXURE 1:WWF INTRODUCTION REVIEW AND PLANNING WORKSHOP OUTLINE.

The workshop introduces the programme of intensification across field cropping, gardening and integrated livestock

production using CRA practices, after doing a brief review of the latest Conservation Agriculture implementation (where

appropriate). Participants volunteer for the experimentation according to their abilities and individual choices.

AGENDA:

CA review

Changes due to CA

Challenges in CA

How will you continue

Discuss what each person will continue with; list and

name (for all those interested to continue with CA

The point here is for a brief review for all participants – we want to tease out differences due to CA, not weather, not

herbicides, not fertilizers to see if people understand what the CA part of the process does.

-How is CA different from normal cropping

-What does CA do

- what will happen if you only grow maize year after year

-What isthe purpose of planting cover crops?

-What isthe reason for crop rotation?

Landcare

(Limited funding

for CA inputs from

KZNDARD_

Inputs distribution

List of names, practices (e.g. maize only, maize and

bean intercrops, scc etc.) and quantities of inputs

(linked to the first list)

Here we saythat we have received support from Landcare to continue with CA, but only inputs – so we need people to

find a good way to distribute these inputs, through the LF or someone they trust. There will be a list and they must put

their names down and which inputs were taken (according to the plot sizes they have done before). But as the MT

programme is not continuing, they no longer have to follow the same experimental plots as before. Ask each person to

think about how they want to plant their CA plots (and or all plots to CA0, and then go round the circle and write up for

each person what they will do and what crops they want to plant. (We can still support with CC seed for those who

want….)

Intensive

experimentation

1000m2 :10x10plots

1000m2 strips

1-3 people volunteer to produce

seed (plots ≥250m2, fenced and

close to homestead)

Fodder supplementation

Only for those who are still keen on experimentation

(around 8/ village max; no more than 40 for whole of

Midlands and SKZN)

Growing seed to sell to other participants /to the project;

Dolichos, sorghum, Sun hemp, sunflower, turnips,

lespedeza, teff…)

This is for all those who are interested not only those with

2x1000m2plots

Explain that this is a different focus and only for those who are still keen on experimentation and who want to expand the

experimentation they are doing. Talk through all the different options from the (experimentation layout document). Make a

list of volunteers.

WWF

(Funding from

Nedbank green

trust for CRA

intensification and

marketing)

Gardens

Tunnel, trench beds, intercropping

mulching etc

New crops and ideas

Fields

CA and livestock

integration

Livestock

Fodder supplementation

Composting manure

Broilers: 10 extra chicks for those

already busy, w feed

Layers:10layers w feed for 4-5

participants

Traditional chickens:

Poultry feed production as a small

business

WWF_GT06177_ID315_CRA in mixed smallholder farming systems in KZN and EC. January 2021

Introduce this as a response to COVID to help those already implementing CRA to increase their production. Learning

workshops open to all with limited support and then specific help for those interested in increasing and marketing for

gardens, fields and livestock. Participants can pick one or more of the themes. Add names to who wants to do what

Marketing

(Just introduced –

further workshops

planned)

Plenary discussion on types of

markets in the community

New idea: Youth marketing group –

to assist with bulk buying of inputs,

support for collaborative marketing)

Pros and cons, no of people involved, income potential

(neighbours, pension pay-outs, school and school feeding

schemes, stokvels and funerals, bakkie traders, livestock

auctions…..)

Just introduce the idea and see if there are any volunteers

– get their details - we will discuss in more detail later- It

doesn’t have to be youth, but someone who wants to do

this– not someone who owns a vehicle and does this as a

favour to others –that doesn’t work well)

Just chat reasonably briefly about the marketing that is there and ideas people may have for different or improved

marketing options. Say that we will focus on this during the season and run workshops where we will try and bring

together the growers and sellers and see if we can set up something locally that works better. If people already have

names, they can provide for bakkie traders and or auctioneers, so that we can also interview them that would be great…

WWF_GT06177_ID315_CRA in mixed smallholder farming systems in KZN and EC. January 2021

ANNEXURE 2:EZIBOMVINI REVIEW AND PLANNING WORKSHOP;3RDOCTOBER 2020

Venue: Phumelele Hlongwane

Attendance: Erna, Madondo, Lungelo, 19 participants

Agenda: As above in Annexure 2.1

CA review summary

1. Better maize, less effort, less run-off, also no turning of the soil so that soil becomes more fertile

2. Through the CA programme we have also been given advice and support which we never had before

3. With continual monocropping you lose fertility. Insects and diseases will increase.

4. Cover crops help to fertilize the soil. This is something that not all farmers in the room were aware of or understood

5. Cover crops also help with feeding livestock

6. The short season yellow maize tastes good as green mealies, but it was something only a few people tried, but most did

not see it as we did not have the usual farmer gatherings to spread ideas.

WWF introduction

Response to COVID-19. Increase/ double production for those already active and implementing CRA for gardening, field

cropping, livestock. (Fruit? Strawberries, oranges, bananas?)

Criteria:

•Women headed: (not only women in household, but also households where women re the main or only

breadwinners)

•Unemployed: No one in household is employed

•Loss of jobs or income streams through COVID

•No grants; no pensions and only 1 child grant

Associated requirements

1.Must already be active

2.Must want to increase production for marketing

3.Must be involved in savings (VSLA or other)

4.Must have some access to water

5.Must have access to required labour

The principle of matching funding can apply for some activities like fencing. MDF can provide limited support in procurement,

if farmers pay upfront for the requested inputs. (We can no longer buy first and then be paid back –it’s an auditing

nightmare).

Participants interested in each activity

Note, run through description then get volunteers, mention numbers, but don’t get stuck there, list all who volunteer, but

mention there will be household interviews to follow up and check on criteria mentioned.

Note, pay attention to young people in the room and ensure their involvement. If other activities like traditional chickens and

piggeries for example come up, note the participants there (We will work out a process later)

For CA run through all the different things that have been tried and also all the different crops people have planted and may

want to plant. For this group pumpkins and peanuts were raised.

Activity

Participants who came forward

WWF supply*

WWF_GT06177_ID315_CRA in mixed smallholder farming systems in KZN and EC. January 2021

Gardens (11)

Phumelele Hlongwane, Nombono Dladla, Ntombenhle, Thuli

Madinani, Zodwa Zikode, Nonhlanhla Zikode, Nonhlanhla

Dlamini, Sduhla Sibiya, Cabangani, Landokuhle, Landwie Dlamini

3-5 tunnels/village x 6/yr:

3x5m trench beds is a

prerequisite

Broilers (4)

Cabangani, Thuli, ‘Phura’ Dubazana, Nombono

5/villagex6/yr: 25 broilers ,

25kg starter, 25kg finisher

each)

Layers (1)

Phumelele, Nonhlanhla Dlamini

1/village x 6 /year:10 layers

+1x50kg pellets/month)

Traditional chickens

(6)

Zodwa, Sduhla, Buyisiwe, Lungile Sithole, Landokuhle, Velephi

Zimba

(Young makothi made this her business – Buyisiwe)

Piggeries (2)

Zodwa, Nonhlanhla Dlamini, Thuli, Cabangani

CA:10x10’s (11) (Incl

Short seasons M -

PAN95A for all)

Phumelele, Nombono, Zodwa, Nonhlanhla Dlamini, Sduhla

Sibiya, Mantombi Mabizela, Landiwe Dlamini, Ntombenhle,

Velephi Zimba, Phumelele Gumede, Thozi Zikode,

CA: Strips (5-6)

Phumelele, Nombono, Zodwa, Ntombenhle, Thuli Madinani,

Nonhlanhla Dlamini (1st yr)

CA Landcare (with

crops) – if not

mentioned then just

M, B

1. Qinekile Dlamini (M, B, pumpkin, C), intercropping x 4 pots

2. Hlalalisiwe Nthonti (M, B, peanuts), intercropping x 4 plots

3. Landokuhle Hlongwane

4. Balungile Mkwanazi

Fodder

supplementation

10/village x 10/yr: once off

1x50kg premix and 1 x 20

litre LS 33

*Note: keep the lists of all who want, so that we can go back if we need to. If there are fewer in some villages and more in

others, we can then accommodate for that later.

CA – Associated practices (summary of these from both group responses and facilitator prompting)

Two-row planter

Phumelele, Zodwa, Cabangani, Ntombenhle, Phumelele Gumede,

Nombono

Cover crops: Dolichos, Sunflower Sun hemp,

Sorghum, turnip, cowpea, pumpkin

Pumpkin: all

CCs: all

Peanuts (5-6)

Fodder supplementation: teff, lespedeza

Ntombenhle (teff), Zodwa, Sduhla, Phumelele (Lespedeza)

CC Seed plots: Dolichos, sunflower, Sun

hemp, Sorghum

50/50 fencing support – MDF to decide on

size and contributions

Presently no volunteers

Composted manure

Zodwa, Ntombenhle

Poultry feed

Phumelele

Short season maize (Yellow) PAN 95A

Mantombi Mabizela, Landiwe, , Nonhlanhla Dlamini

Popcorn

Nonhlanhla Zikode, Cabangani, Hlalalisile, Landokuhle, Ntobmenhle,

Phumelele Hlongwane, Thuli, Nonhlanhla

Marketing discussion

1. Community

2. Pension pay outs: Far to carry, need transport –To explore for more people to be involved. The impression is this market

is quite big and people are not stopped from selling there

3. School: teachers. No one is aware of school feeding schemes. There was a “premier’s project where 10 women were

meant to supply the schools – but they took 3-4 months to pay, so the programme failed. Erna mentioned that as the

suppliers are obligated to buy locally this is still an option –not linked to ‘govt’ project

WWF_GT06177_ID315_CRA in mixed smallholder farming systems in KZN and EC. January 2021

4. Emmaus Hospital: A good market there

5. Stokvels. Funerals: Possible, but need to advertise and let people know what can be supplied – this is mostly about

supply and demand

6. Livestock auctions; there are those in Winterton, Bergville and Dukuza. The problem is one has to hire a vehicle and a

trailer to transport your animals, you also need to hire an “announcer” for the auction and often get low prices- so it is not

worth it. Here would need to explore mobile auctions locally…

It was mentioned that workshops will be arranged to get growers and buyers together and discuss options and the idea of a

youth-based business to work on input supply and marketing logistics was introduced. They would need smart phones and

laptops and have ongoing lists of growers names, contact details and produce, also coordinate buying of inputs like

seedlings, seed potatoes etc together assist with transport to markets for groups of people or consolidated produce, Xolani

Hlongwane volunteered to be involved (071 0326305). We undertook to have meetings to explore this idea further

Next steps

WWF baselines for all volunteers

Order seed and inputs for the experimentation

Plan for thematic learning workshops

Attendance register

WWF_GT06177_ID315_CRA in mixed smallholder farming systems in KZN and EC. January 2021

ANNEXURE 3:OZWATHINI CA PLANTING WORKSHOP REPORT SUMMARY

The CA planting demo in Ozwathini took place at the end of October at Doris Chamane’s household in Mathulini, Ozwathini.

A total of 38 participants were in attendance. The purpose of the demo was to introduce new participants to the practical

side of CA in terms of the principles discussed at the meetings prior. Furthermore, the demo served to introduce the

expanded trials from 400 to 1000m2.

Prior to planting there was short discussion on the importance of intercropping and crop rotation, in that to see results,

participants needed to be consistent when it comes to planting the maize with another crop and ensure that they rotate their

crops each year, hence the drawing of the layout prior to planting. For instance, if one planted maize only in plot one in

2020, then in the following season they would have to rotate that plot with a legume or with cover crops. A 1000 m2 trial

layout was first discussed and the measurements and line spacing explained. The plot layout agreed on was as follows:

It was further explained to the group that the 1000m2plots were experimental plots and farmers opting for them would have

to ensure that planting is done as per agreement as they would have to be closely monitored by the team, in terms of soil

health, runoff, growth as well as yields, and each experimental plot required an adjacent control plot which is planted the

conventional way. Other farmers who undertook to do the experimental 1000 m2 10x10 plots in Ozwathini were:

1.Nomcebo Zondi (Swidi)

2.Nokuthula Dube (Swidi)

3.Bab Myeza (Swidi)

4.Sbongile Dube (Mbalenhle)

5.Mrs Zondi (Swidi)

6.Mrs Mhlongo (Gobinsimbi)

7.Mrs Vuyani (Hlathikhulu)

8.Aaaron Nkomo (Swidi)

M+B

(1)

(2)

Beans

(3)

SCC

(4)

Lablab

(5)

M+B

(6)

(7)

(8)

SCC

(9)

Lablab

(10)

Figure 1: Ozwathini Planting Demo

WWF_GT06177_ID315_CRA in mixed smallholder farming systems in KZN and EC. January 2021

Figure 2: Ozwathini Plantingdemo, (top) planting of 10 x 10 plots by hand, (bottom left) SCC plot planted using haracca planter,

(bottom right) SCC lines planted using two row planter

WWF_GT06177_ID315_CRA in mixed smallholder farming systems in KZN and EC. January 2021

ANNEXURE 4:MARKETING DIALOGUE

13 November 2020

WWF_GT06177_ID315_CRA in mixed smallholder farming systems in KZN and EC. January 2021
20
CONTENTS
1.INTRODUCTION ANDCONTEXT20
2.WORKSHOP GOAL AND OBJECTIVES21
3.WORKSHOP REPORT21
3.1 Brief introductions from each participant21
3.2 Commodity Ranking 22
3.2.1 Commodities grown for the market 23
3.2.2 What criteria do you use to decide to grow what to sell?23
3.2.3 Challenges/ issues with local marketing23
3.2.4 Suggestions for improvement24
3.3 Commodity Focus groups24
4.APPENDIX25
4.1 Workshop Action Plan25
4.2 Attendance register 8 
1.INTRODUCTION ANDCONTEXT 
The Social Dialogue Workshop was organised through a collaboration between Mahlathini Development Organisation 
(MDA) and the Association for Rural Advancement (AFRA) to hear how small farmers and other food system actors in the 
uMshwathi Local Municipality were being affected by COVID 19, how they had responded and what support they needed to 
continue mitigating challenges and maximising any opportunities that had arisen during lockdown. 
Mahlathini (MDA) promotes collaborate pro-poor agricultural innovation. Itsvision is to support the harmonious living of 
people in their natural, social and economic environments in a way that supports and strengthens both the people and their 
environment. 
AFRA is a land rights advocacy non-governmental organisation (NGO) working to support marginalised black rural people, 
with a focuson farm dwellers. We are working towards an inclusive, gender equitable society where rights are valued, 
realised and protected, essential services are delivered, and land tenure is secure. We work intensively with communities in 
and around the uMgungundlovu District Municipality in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, and extensively in offering support and 
advice. AFRA is now engaging in food system issues since COVID 19 lockdown has had such a major impact on levels of 
hunger and rural livelihoods in the province (and country) directly impacting on the constituency we traditionally work with.
Furthermore, with the prospect of labour tenant land claims being settled in the next five years, AFRA is beginning to 
develop the relationships needed to support successful claimants to engage productively in the food system. AFRA thus 
welcomes the local collaboration with MDA and the small farmers it supportsas a way to learn by engaging.

WWF_GT06177_ID315_CRA in mixed smallholder farming systems in KZN and EC. January 2021

The organisers experienced some challenges in inviting a wide spectrum of food system actors to the workshop as originally

intended. Most participants who attended were small farmers and farm dwellers, the traditional constituencies that MDA and

AFRA work with. The intention had been to invite bakkie traders, stockvel members and street traders to participate.

Although there was interest from bakkie traders to attend, they were unable to do so because they were working on the day

of workshop. We have realised that we are at the beginning stages of developing relationships with a wide range of food

system actors and this will take place more slowly next year. However, a government extension officer attended and made

important contributions to understanding market constraints for small producers, particularly in relation to RASET (Radical

Agricultural Socio-Economic Transformation programme).

2.WORKSHOP GOAL AND OBJECTIVES

Goal:

To identify the positive and negative impacts of COVID 19 on food production and markets, and to canvas views on

opportunities for recalibrating the local food system and improve marketing opportunities for small farmers.

Objectives:

•To identify challenges participants faced as farmers, traders and consumers during COVID 19

•To identify what farmers are already producing and what they’re doing with their produce

•To explore local marketing options for selling surplus produce

•To identify priority areas of support to improve relationships between producers and other actors in the food

system

3.WORKSHOP REPORT

oBrief introductions from each participant

Participants were asked to say who they are, where they are from and what impacts COVID has had one their

activities.

I have 11 children at home –eight adults and none of them is working. We live from the produce from our fields. I’m 67

years old and if it weren’t for support for my farming, we’d be going hungry as a family. Although water is a constraint, the

children wake up early at 4 am to go and fetch water and that allows us to water crops. It is difficult though. I am not an

educated woman. “

“Mahlathini told us that there should be no household without onions, without beetroot, without spinach. If you do not have

water, use the water that you wash with. This has worked for us. You should see the size of our cabbages right now.”

“We had planted maize last season but we got nothing from our labours because we couldn’t sell anything once lockdown

came. The cabbages and beans went black in the fields. Lockdown was very difficult to deal with.”

Another twelve participants said they had also had this experience of lockdown“.

“We couldn’t get permits during lockdown because it was very challenging to get to Greytown. But I tried to carry on with my

farming anyway and I went door to door to sell spinach.”

“Lockdown badly affected us. I had expected to sell green maize, butternut and spinach in March but this didn’t happen. And

those family members who were working were sent home so there was no contribution from them at the time we needed it.

The traders stopped coming because they weren’t allowed to move either.”

Another fourteen participants said they had also had this experience of lockdown.

“This year I expected a difference from previous years because of the changes I’ve been making to my farming. But

lockdown ended everything. Even seedlings were unavailable until Mahlathini brought us seedlings, which we planted, and

WWF_GT06177_ID315_CRA in mixed smallholder farming systems in KZN and EC. January 2021

that allowed us to eat at home and I was also able to give some to the oGogo (pensioners) to sell.”

“I farm maize, beans, cowpeas, and recently I’ve bought young calves which I grow out to sell. I have 8 calves. I also have

layers’ hens and pigs, which I slaughter and sell locally as for meat. Recently I’ve bought some rabbits as well. The KZN

Department of Agriculture has been assisting us since 2011 along with Makhathini and INR.”

“Makhathini gave us maize and beans, and I also grew beetroot, spinach and green peppers in my garden and now I do not

need to buy these things.”

“I grow maize, beans, cowpeas as well as a range of vegetables. There are 11 children and 8 adults in our household. We

are all working. In July when things were very bad they came and helped with transport. Our main problem is water, there is

none. Have to fetch water from the river. Mr Ndlovu has also provided us with training.

In summary, participants reported the following:

They couldn’t sell maize, beans were attacked by pests, cabbages dried up because of water shortage. They

couldn’t sell anything because travel permits were so restrictive, they could not go to PMB or Greytown for inputs,

supplies or for selling.

It’s been difficult to sell maize, butternuts etc. as these are usually sold to bakkie traders or in town and this was

not possible during lockdown. They were hard hit and asked for help to link to bakkie traders.

They couldn’t access inputs beyond those that Mahlathini (MDF) assisted them with such as seed and seedlings.

This ensured that they at least had something to eat as a family.

How did they resolve these challenges?

Selling door to door in the community (e.g. spinach), gave surplus to the needy and family members.

a.Commodity Ranking

WWF_GT06177_ID315_CRA in mixed smallholder farming systems in KZN and EC. January 2021

3.2.1 Commodities grown for the market

All participants agreed that they produce first for household food and then sale of surplus produce. They sell primarily locally

in their communities, to bakkie traders and vendors in town (Pietermaritzburg, Greytown).

Generally, plots are small, except for the few larger farmers and cooperative members in attendance and that also limits the

scale of production. There is a need to attract youth into agriculture

The list of commodities sold is shown below:

Field crops

Horticultural crops

Livestock

Potatoes (July is a good month)

Avocados

Eggs (R50/30)

Maize

Cabbage

Broilers (R100-R120)

Beans (late beans grow and sell

better than early beans)

cowpeas

Spinach

Traditional chickens (R120)

Sweet potatoes

Green pepper

Pork (slaughtered locally, dressed by

butchery) (R2000/pig)

Amadumbe

Beetroot

Calves (grown from small to 5-6 months

@R4000/calf)

Carrots

Growing feed for animals – prospective

business

Brinjals

Peas

Oyster mushrooms (1-2

people)

3.2.2 What criteria do you use to decide to grow what to sell?

There was a discussion around sales, indicating that farmers who sell are informed by the needs/demands of the ‘market”

and that one cannot just plant something and then start hoping to sell at harvest time. One group of women work as a

cooperative and decide what to plant together and how many of the members will plant what. This helps them to meet the

demand of the bakkie traders. Participants showed well developed insights into demand linked to seasonality. As an

example green mealies are sold in summer, but as the participants cannot plant early, they generally market their green

mealies between late January and March. Participants also mentioned that they plant a continuity of crops; potatoes, maize

and peas, to have a crop for sale throughout the year.

They mentioned that bakkie traders buy a lot of their produce, but that this system is not coherent. Some people protect their

sources of buyers and others have an arrangement to point to other farmers once their produce is finished. Prices are

negotiated with the traders and sometimes farmers have to accept very low prices; meaning that it can be very variable.

The small list below summarizes the criteria discussed:

Seasonality and timing of harvest (when demand is high)

Access to and/or availability of land (including rotational planting)

Demand, what customers want to buy (local customers and bakkie traders)

A commodity that is easy to grow

Availability of support services and specifically extension services (MDF and DARD, Mr Ndlovu)

Affordability of capital / cash-flow to buy inputs

3.2.3 Challenges/ issues with local marketing

•We all grow the same thing and then there is too much supply for the local community

WWF_GT06177_ID315_CRA in mixed smallholder farming systems in KZN and EC. January 2021

•We order the potatoes together and grow it together and then we cannot sell

•Community members want to buy on credit and also insist on cheap prices

•People who are working want cooked food; like take-aways and don’t buy locally

•If someone has a buyer, they will not share that information with others

•Business is a bit slow if one sells locally

•Jealousy between farmers hampers local selling

•We are competing with commercial farmers, who can start selling earlier in the season and have large volumes.

The commercial farmers have their own transport.

•Attempts to sell at Umkondeni market were disappointing as there were issues with payment. Marketing agents

prefer to work with commercial farmers

•There have been issues with sales to local shops such as SPAR, in terms of farmers not keeping to the agreed

upon quality in supplying potatoes This led to SPAR refusing to take their potatoes.

•RASET has been very problematic as the Umswhati officials got people to plant but then did not come through

with buying the produce. There has also been some conflict with the ILembe RASET process, as they have sold

produce into the Umshwati area and local farmers were unhappy about that.

In summary, marketing for smallholders is very difficult as presently local markets are limited and selling commercially is

almost impossible. The processes designed to assist such as the Radical Agrarian Socio-Economic Transformation

Programme (RASET) and the Development agencies are mired in inefficiencies and local politics and have been largely

ineffective.

3.2.4 Suggestions for improvement

•Set up a local fresh produce market – talk to traditional Authority to assist with this

•Find bakkie traders to whom we can sell in bulk and coordinate our supply together

•Work together more coherently to sell to bakkie traders and street vendors

•Need further discussions with decision makers in Government

1.Commodity Focus groups

It was discussed that famers need to start small and try out different options and discuss how they can build on what we

already know and do – and based on their capacity.

In this session participants were divided into the six main commodities in the area; vegetables, field crops (maize and

potatoes), poultry and livestock to discuss the following questions:

-What are we presently doing that is working well and

-New ideas going forward based on today’s discussion

The report backs from each group is presented below:

Commodity

Present successes

New ideas

Vegetables

*We can grow cabbage, spinach and green

pepper well

*Link with other businesses and get ideas on how

we can go forward

WWF_GT06177_ID315_CRA in mixed smallholder farming systems in KZN and EC. January 2021

*We are able to sell door to door and to

bakkie traders and we tell each other if

someone is short and someone else still has

*Get mentors who will advise us on how to improve

going forward

*Need to strengthen local networks in order to

improve our chances of success

*Need to work together to ensure that commodity

does not run out.

Poultry

*Traditional chickens are easy to rear and sell

in small number locally. There is a big market

for traditional chickens in Northdale. If they

are fed properly, they produce a lot of eggs.

We have heard we can sell them overseas at

R400 each

*It is more profitable to produce our own eggs

and sell, rather than buying eggs and re-

selling them

* Layers: would be good to get bigger houses and

layer cages rather than single room with sawdust

* Many business ideas, can cook and sell meat

*Need to raise chickens in different stages to

ensure they are always available

*Need to link with feed suppliers to get training on

which feed types are best for which types of

chicken.

*Potential to produce feed locally

*Form a coop and work together

Potatoes

*We have knowledge on how to grow

potatoes and it can be profitable to sell

potatoes

Livestock

*Calves, chickens, goats, pigs and rabbits

can be reared and sold.

Calves: able to sell calves,

*Selling calves is working well

*Rather sell bulls than cows

*Look for restaurants where we can sell rabbits

*Rear goats for milk and cheese

Maize

*Sell green- mealies to bakkie traders and

neighbours

*Feed livestock once maize is dry

*Want a mill to make maize meal

*Want to be able to produce own seed, treat it and

sell it to others

*Want to learn how to make starch

*Popcorn seed

Beans

*Beans only take 3 months to mature and can

be intercropped with other field crops

*They can be stored for extended periods

*They can be prepared in a variety of ways

and are important in traditional ceremonies

4.APPENDIX

oWorkshop Action Plan

DATE: Friday 13 November 2020

Who to invite: (10 participants each from: farm dwellers, Mayizekanye, Ozwathini, as well as traders, institutional role

players, bakkie traders, stokvel members, school feeding scheme suppliers – to make and overall number of about 80

participants.

AFRA: Samke, Mpume, Donna and Sibahle, Nokuthula (social media)

MDF: Erna,Tema, Nonto

VENUE: Gobizembe hall (large venue for a big group, electricity and ablutions)

TIME: Starting time: 10 AM. Taxis to arrive at 09h00-09h30

NOTE: Snack packs to include apples, oranges, juice, water, boiled eggs, peanuts…

WWF_GT06177_ID315_CRA in mixed smallholder farming systems in KZN and EC. January 2021

NOTE: Registration desk has to include sanitizers and extra masks for those who do not have

WORKSHOP AGENDA

Time

Activity

Person

Responsible

Notes

9:30-

10:00am

Registration

Nonto, Sbahle

Nonto to do attendance

registers and buy box of

masks for distribution

AFRA to make up snack

packs and distribute

(Donna, Samke)

10:00–

10:45am

Part 1: Introductory session:

1.Introduction; Purpose of the workshop; outline of the

intention of the local food system dialogue Explore ideas

around markets and marketing, help you build your own

marketing system. Brief exploration of who the actors are in

a market system (Samke input)

2.Exploration of impact of COVID 19 on participants’ lives and

livelihoods. (Ask the question to plenary and record

comments, interrogate aspects as they are mentioned)

Samke and

Donna

Recording:

Mpume, Tema,

Nonto

Support:Erna,

MDF: bring flip chart stand,

paper, pens, coloured

paper, scissors, name

tags?

10:45am-

12:00pm

Part 2: Commodity Ranking:

Note; The discussions and points raised by participants need to be

recorded as verbatim as possible

Facilitate a matrix ranking exercise in plenary by asking the

questions:

1.What do farmers sell?

2.How do you as a farmer decide what to grow to sell and

what is a good market; What criteria do you use

3.Use matrix ranking and scoring to analyse value chains for

commodities and to prioritize 3-4 commodities to explore in

more detail.

Tema and Erna

Recording:

Mpume, Samke,

Sbahle Nonto

Support:Donna,

12:00-

12:15pm

Short comfort break after dividing participants into their sub-

groups from the prioritized commodities

Tema, Erna

12:30-

1:15pm

Part 3: Commodity Focus Group:

Note; each subgroup needs someone who can facilitate and also

record the conversations in detail

Participants are divided into groups according to their commodity of

choice (Tema, Samke)

In each sub-group the following questions are considered and written

on flipcharts: Consider inputs, production, harvesting, processing and

markets for this commodity:

1.Which inputs are required: what do they cost, where are

they bought, how are they transported?

2.How is the commodity produced: steps and costs ito labour,

time, diseases, losses, etc.

3.Issues around harvesting or preparation for marketing:

steps, issues, transport, labour, costs

4.Processing? Is this done? E.g.

Tema and Erna

Recording:4

groups:

Mpume, Samke,

Sbahle Nonto

Support:Donna,

Tema

Facilitators assist in

discussion

Record on flipchart: three

columns-

description, challenges,

opportunities for each

section (inputs, production,

harvesting, processing,

marketing)

Nonto: Translate the 6

questions alongside into

isiZulu and make four

copies – one for each

subgroup facilitator

WWF_GT06177_ID315_CRA in mixed smallholder farming systems in KZN and EC. January 2021

5.Marketing: how does this work? Prices, marketing costs,

logistics, issues, role players

6.Any further thoughts or ideas?

1:30pm-

2:15pm

Lunch (local caterer)

Tema and Nonto

2:15pm-

2:45pm

Part 4: Feedback and Way Forward:

Way forward:

What are the next steps?

-Further exploration of commodities and discussions about developing

local market options – who is keen?

- Individual interviews – volunteers?

Summary description of process and find out who wants to be

involved.

Samke and

Tema

Social Media

Nokuthula

13 November 2020

Reporting

Tema and Erna

(overall report)

By 27 November

Recorders (to send everything they have done)

Samke, Mpume,

Nonto, Sbahle

Before 20 November;

email to

info@mahlathini.org

oAttendance register

WWF_GT06177_ID315_CRA in mixed smallholder farming systems in KZN and EC. January 2021

ANNEXURE 5:PHAKAMA MARKET PRESS RELEASE ANDINVITATION

PAKHAMA MARKETS LAUNCH

19th December 2020

DUT CAMPUS, IMBALI

“Sibuyisa Umnotho”

The post-lockdown economic recovery campaign of the uMgungundlovu District has embraced a multi-faceted approach to

resetting the economy. This includes the formal sectors of leather and foot-ware, logistics, manufacturing, tourism and the

establishment of 2 major developments along the N3. It also focusses on two critical components of our economy, being the

agricultural sector and the invigoration of the local township economies.

To address these two, the uMgungundlovu District Municipality, together with the Msunduzi Municipality, the District

Economic Development Agency, the Department of Agriculture, the Durban University of Technology (DUT) the Golden

Chair, the land rights NGO AFRA and the Small scale farmer support NGO, Mahlathini have all pulled together to launch

what we hope will become a standard feature in the townships of the KZN Midlands.

The Pakhama Markets will be launched under strict Covid regulations, as the first of hopefully many, markets that will give

our farmers, our crafters, our professionals and our musicians a platform to showcase their locally produced goods and

services. The intention is that it is replicated across the townships of the District, in a similar manner to Park Runs, whereby

each township will provide this platform to link local entrepreneurs with their communities. The intention is that it is not

facilitated by a profit-based entity and that the supporting partners, do so as part of their organisational operations.

“For too long our local entrepreneurs have been excluded from accessing markets and outlets, so that their talents and

passions can begin to feed their dreams and their families. Phakama Markets, will begin to provide a regular and reliable

outlet and in time, will become a place where we will see the local economy thriving and supporting local talents.” District

Mayor, Clr T Mapumulo.

Head of the District Portfolio Committee for Economic

Development and Planning, Clr Jabu Ngubo confirms that

“This platform, which is hoping to create, monthly, Black-

owned “shopping centres” in each township, will give our

local visionaries, builders, plumbers, artists, chefs,

farmers and crafters a platform to present their offerings to

the local communities. We are encouraging our local

communities to support us in making this a convenient

shopping / entertainment, family orientated platform.”

The first Pakhama Market is taking place as follows

Date 19th December 2020

Time 7 am to 12 pm

Venue DUT Campus, Imbali

To exhibit at no cost at this launch event, contact Mr

Oscar Dlomo phakama@umdm.gov.za

Please note that applications close at 4pm on the 11

December 2020

WWF_GT06177_ID315_CRA in mixed smallholder farming systems in KZN and EC. January 2021

ANNEXURE 6: GREEN TRUST BASELINE SURVEY RESPONSES-KZN

A household survey looking at demographic, livelihoods, farming and financial management information was administered to

105 participants during October 2020. Participants are members of learning groups across 9 villages in KZN (Bergville

Midlands and Southern KZN). Participants in the survey all belong to the climate resilient agriculture (CRA) learning groups

in those villages and undertake a range of farming activities.

The poverty in the villages is extreme, with an average monthly income of R2 720 for a household of on average 6

members. A full 40% of households have lost income and or jobs due to the COVID19 pandemic. 85% of households rely

entirely on state grants for income.

Within these constraints, farmers undertake gardening (using agroecology and soil and water conservation practices), field

cropping (using Conservation Agriculture) and livestock integration (livestock health management, fodder production and

winter supplementation). They also rear broilers, layers and traditional chickens. Farming is primarily for household food

provision, good nutrition and for sale of surplus. Only a few farmers produce crops for sale only.

Intensive vegetable production is constrained by access to water for irrigation and fencing in many cases and thus the main

activities are conservation agriculture and livestock integration. Local markets for fresh produce, eggs, live chickens and

livestock has increased during the COIV19 lockdown. All smallholders in the learning groups are keen to increase their

production and work together to increase this tenuous new marketing option. Presently those already involved in small

agricultural businesses make around R1000/ month on average from their enterprises.

Marketing consists mostly of door to door selling in the villages, selling at spaza shops, taxi ranks, pension pay-out points

and as vendors in local towns. Those close to big cities can also take advantage of van/bakkie traders. Major challenges are

access to transport for input supply and marketing as most respondents use taxis for this and cannot afford the highly priced

rental of local vans for this purpose. In addition, the lack of secure and reliable markets hampers production.

83% of respondents are already involved in savings activities and working in local groups that provide small loans. This

helps them to smooth their consumption, buy household items, service their debt and buy agricultural inputs and is a crucial

element of their cashflow management and financial resilience.

The most commonly mentioned way in which these respondents work together is through bulk buying of agricultural inputs.

In addition, they share equipment and labour during the planting season and work together in their savings and loan

associations. Caring for each other and assisting those in need in the community is seen as an important aspect of building

social agency. Only a few have come together to form cooperatives, local water committees and farmer centres.

The sections below provide very brief summaries of the survey results.

Demographics

Average age =57 years. Range 26-86 years

Age Range

Percentage of participants

26-40yrs

41-50yrs

16%

51-60yrs

33%

≥61yrs

43%

79% of participants are female

Average household size is 6 members (consisting of 3 adults and 3 children)

Interestingly 24% of participants are unmarried, 8,6% are widowed and 67,4% are married.

Levels of education are low: with 30% of participants having no schooling, 54% having a primary school qualification, 12%

having a high school qualification and only 2% having a post school qualification.

WWF_GT06177_ID315_CRA in mixed smallholder farming systems in KZN and EC. January 2021

Incomes

Incomes can be a sensitive topic, but in our sample, 100 of the 105 respondents divulged their incomes sources and

amounts in this survey

Overall average income for households is R2 720/month. A full 85% of households rely entirely on state grants for their

income and have no other source of income. 40% of Households have lost jobs or income (farming, vending, remittances

and other) due to COVID 19. In addition, 29% of participants are in what is now being called the “missing middle” – those

people too young for state pensions and with adult children, thus too old to receive child grants.

Income Sources: (N=100)

(Amount in brackets is the value of the income source in Rands)

Income in

Rands

No of

participants

Farm worker; general labour (R2 833)

R8 500

Work in town; general worker (R800)

R 3 111

State grant - old age pension (R1 860)

R137 697

State grant - child support (R440)

R84 558

State grant - foster care (R830)

R 2 490

State grant - disability (R1 860)

R 9 300

Remittances from spouse and/or children (R1 000)

R 7 007

Income generation - self-employed - farming (R1 406 to R3 614)

R 25 312

Income generation - self-employed - vendor

Income generation - self-employed - other

Household average income per month (R440-R7 680)

R2 720

100

Barely receiving income - missing middle – not old enough to get pension, too

old for child grants (R529)

Barely receiving income - lost job/income due to COVID-19

Farming activities

Participants were asked about their range of farming activities, including some of the CRA practices they are already familiar

with. The table below summarizes the results. Most of the participants are undertaking field cropping using Conservation

Agriculture principles, while some are also using agroecological practices for intensive homestead gardening in their

vegetables production. Livestock integration through fodder production, supplementation and hay-baling is as yet not that

common and only a few participants are involved in broiler and layer production. For poultry support has been primarily

around sanitation, bird health management and feeding regimes. Practices are being initiated for production of poultry feed.

Farming Activities

No of

participants

Comments

Conservation Agriculture

Average land size/participant is 0,144ha

Intensive homestead food

production

Using agroecology and soil and water conservation principles.

Commonly grown vegetables and crops include cabbage, spinach,

green pepper, tomatoes, onions, mustard spinach, Chinese

cabbage, brinjals, lettuce, leeks, spring onions, kale, amadumbe,

sweet potatoes, potatoes and some herbs including rosemary,

parsley and coriander.

Vegetable production

Not using agroecology. Similar crops to the above mentioned are

planted

Fruit production

Oranges, naartjies, lemons, avocadoes, paw-paws, bananas,

peaches, grapes, guavas apples, figs. Each household only has a

few trees; between 1-10.

WWF_GT06177_ID315_CRA in mixed smallholder farming systems in KZN and EC. January 2021

Poultry

•Broilers

•Layers

•Traditional poultry

8 (37)

3 (13)

56 (19)

Numbers in brackets indicate the average number of chickens per

participant. Layers and broilers are kept and fed conventionally

with commercially produced rations. Traditional poultry are

generally left to forage and may or may not be provided shelter.

Livestock

•Goats

•Cattle

•Horses

•Sheep

38 (9)

48 (9)

3 (3)

3 (16)

A few participants also keep pigs and are interested in keeping

rabbits.

Numbers in brackets indicate the average number of livestock per

participant.

Access to water is a huge constraint, as even those who may have enough water for household use often do not have

access to water for agricultural purposes. From our survey only 20 respondents (19%) mentioned limited access to water for

irrigation and are mostly using buckets for irrigation. In addition, 14 (13%) respondents have no access to household water

and either had to ask from neighbours or buy their household water.

Access to Water for household needs:

No of

respondents

Spring

Stream

Household tap

Communal tap

Rainwater

Total access to water

Financial management and small businesses

Of the 105 respondents interviewed, 58 are members of Village Savings and Loan Associations (VSLAs) supported by

Mahlathini and a further 29 have other saving arrangements (savings accounts and stokvels).

These savings are used for a number of household purposes as shown in the small table below. Each participant may use

their savings and small loans for a number of different purposes. The main uses are buying household needs and items,

servicing debt and farming inputs.

Use of savings and small loans (N=87)

No of

participants

Pay for household needs, e.g. food, electricity

Buy big ticket household items, e.g. fridge, stove, furniture

Buy farming inputs only for consumption

Start and/or improve other business enterprise

Buy farming inputs only for business

Buy inputs/stock for non-agri-business

Renovate, extend or construct a house

Finance traditional ceremonies, e.g. umemulo

Pay-off debts

All respondents see themselves as farmers who produce primarily for household food consumption and sell of surplice

produce. They thus consider themselves as running small businesses. A much smaller proportion farm for sale only (9

respondents).

WWF_GT06177_ID315_CRA in mixed smallholder farming systems in KZN and EC. January 2021

Only 70% of the respondent could confirm their intention to “double production”. The remaining respondents do not have the

resources or land to increase their production to that extent and are unsure that they could produce enough to have a

surplus for sale.

Current business activities:

No of

respondents

None

Producing and selling fresh produce / vegetables and horticultural crops such as potatoes,

sweet potatoes, amadumbe and fruit

Producing and selling grains: maize

Producing and selling grains: beans

Producing and selling other grains (e.g. sorghum, sunflower, Sun hemp, cowpeas etc.)

Rearing and selling broilers/live chickens

Rearing and selling goats

Rearing and selling cattle

Selling eggs

Selling farming inputs (farmer centres)

Willingness and intention to double production

Willingness and intention to sell surplus

In terms of marketing, most smallholders sell informally to neighbours in their villages, in spaza shops and pension pay out

points. Those living closer to large centres like PMB also sell to bakkie/van traders who come to their villages. A few have

tried larger outlets in town such as Spar ad Boxer, but mostly these relationships do not continue and a few sell in town at

stall or to vendors.

How produce is sold: (N=50)

Door to door to neighbours in the village

Operate a walk-in outlet from the house or outside the home

Bakkie /van traders

Publicplaces, e.g. schools, clinic, halls

Taxi ranks and streets in town

Pension pay-out points

Sell to formal buyers, e.g. Spar, Boxer, etc.

A snapshot of progress with small agricultural businesses, provided by responses from 28 respondents is shown below. It

indicates and average monthly profit of around R1 000/participant.

Last month's expenditure and income/profit and loss of business:

Equipment, tools, etc.

R -

Inputsor stock

R 35 250

Travel/taxi

R 2 579

Wages

R -

Other expenses

R 8 600

Total expenses

R 46 429

Summary of revenue

R 75 530

Summary of expenses

R 47 424

Profit/loss

R 28 106

WWF_GT06177_ID315_CRA in mixed smallholder farming systems in KZN and EC. January 2021

Key challenges

Many of the challenges mentioned below are intractable problems not easily solved at a local level by individuals. In

addition, participants are frustrated by lack of support from their municipalities and Government Departments.

Key challenge

Resolution

To secure partnership with school feeding

scheme suppliers and other markets (8)

-Try talk to their municipality. They have been trying but no luck. The

municipality doesn't help them.

-Go and sell in town (3)

Theft, livestock invasions (9)

Fencing

Impact of climate change; hard soils, poor

crop growth (3)

Plant cover crops to recover the soils Continue with CA (2)

Marketing

Will negotiate with bakkie traders, buy a van/bakkie

Water (11)

-Get a Jojo tank (8)

-Borehole

-Grey water and rainwater harvesting (4)

Too much labour during weeding and pest

problems (termites, birds, stalk borer,

cutworm (5)

Buy chemicals

Transport to collect inputs, high input costs

(3)

-Ask help from Mahlathini

-Need to get people to assist.

Livestock diseases

Called state vet but he did not help.

Access to tractors, take too long to come

No easysolution but 3 tractors now available in Swedi maybe the

situation might improve.

Local people buy on credit (6)

They wait until they're paid, or not sell to those people again

High cost of input stock

Increase prices

NOTE: the numbers in brackets denote the number of respondents

Actions, learning support and collaboration

Below the responses to two questions; What do you intend doing to increase your opportunities for success and what do

you want to learn from Mahlathini to do so, are summarized according to the number of respondents wo gave a particular

answer.

What do you intend doing that would increase opportunities for your success? (N=96)

Extend cropping field and plant more vegetables to be able to sell surplus; including amadumbe and potatoes (56)

Order more broilers, expand broiler house and sell even in town (19)

Embrace CA to save costs and to increase production (13)

To start a vegetable garden, include tunnels and plant more fruit trees (11)

Start with layers project; eggs are always in demand (8)

Learn about small businesses, financial management skills (7)

Buying more calves (6)

Need assistance with fencing (4)

Spaza shops (3)

Do fodder experimentation to improved fodder availability in winter and also supplementation (2)

And plant cover crops, for the same reason and to improve soil fertility (2)

Start a business selling traditional chickens (2)

Continue with savings VSLA. (2)

Save money, buy farming equipment, get transport to deliver and purchase.

Reduce area under sugar cane and plant sweet potatoes

WWF_GT06177_ID315_CRA in mixed smallholder farming systems in KZN and EC. January 2021

Stagger planting to spread risk.

Thinkof different marketing options available and make sure to get a market before planting

Fencing for poultry feed plots

Sell goats and sheep

Would like to purchase a saw so she can cut her own meat

Work closely with learning group

What do you want to learn from Mahlathini?

Conservation Agriculture: Planting cover crops, saving on production inputs, planting different types of grains, increasing

soil fertility and soil erosion reduction, intercropping, planting in bigger fields

Social agency: Helping others to learn and provide free produce to the needy. To be independent and to learn to work

hard and help other people as Mahlathini does for me. To be involved in helping the community by providing for needs

from Mahlathini. Working in a group (so they plant together). Learn as a group because it’s better than working alone.

Networking with others

Livestock production: Livestock management, disease control fodder experimentation

Vegetable production and tunnels, new practices

Financial management: business management skills, savings, value adding, marketing options

Broiler and layer production

Skills acquired by the respondents through their involvement in the learning groups and VSLAs to date are summarized

below, according to those skills mentioned by these participants.

Working together skills acquired:

No of

respondents

Putting a bulk buying logistical plan in place

Negotiating with suppliers and/or service providers

Bulk buying of food items/groceries and distributing it equitably

Bulk buying of non-food items

Bulk buying of production inputs

Resolving water access problems (water committee)

Sharing labour, e.g. during planting and harvesting

Sharing tools and equipment

Sharing transport

The most commonly mentioned way in which people work together is bulk buying of agricultural inputs such as seed,

seedlings and fertilizer. The difficulty however is in transporting these inputs back to the villages. Participants use taxis (63

respondents), or hire local vans (39 respondents). They also rely heavily on Mahlathini for support (63 respondents).

WWF_GT06177_ID315_CRA in mixed smallholder farming systems in KZN and EC. January 2021

ANNEXURE 7: GREEN TRUST BASELINE SURVEY RESPONSES-EC

A household survey looking at demographic, livelihoods, farming and financial management information was administered to

33 participants during November 2020. Participants are from 6 villages in the Nkosana, Mafube and Mzongwana TA areas.

The poverty in the villages is extreme, with an average monthly income of R2031,15 for a household of on average 6

members. Around 64% of participants rely entirely on state grants for their income. A reasonable percentage of participants,

42% make an income from farming ranging from R100-R8600/month. These participants are those in the “missing middle”

who are unemployed, but not eligible for state grants. Very few participants (2), lost income or jobs due to COVID19, which

is more an indication of the very high levels of general unemployment in the area, than an outcome specifically related to the

pandemic.

Within these constraints, farmers undertake gardening, field cropping and livestock production. They also rear broilers,

layers and traditional chickens. Farming is primarily for household food provision, good nutrition and for sale of surplus.

Only a few farmers produce crops for sale only.

Around 42% of the respondents for this survey are youth (24 to 35 years of age); partly due to the extremely high

unemployment levels in the area and also partly due to the surveys being conducted by local youth.

Around 51% of respondents are presently involved in field cropping, 72% in household gardening, 36% in livestock

production and only around 5% in poultry production. These levels of production are quite low for rural areas and provides

an indication of the difficulty of entry into production for youth in these rural areas.

Production constraints are summarized as lack of access to water, droughts and hail and extreme weather conditions, lack

of access to seeds and production inputs, livestock theft and pests and diseases in both crops and livestock. Assistance

from Mahlathini is required primarily in improvement in farming knowledge and skills. Requests were also made for funding

assistance with inputs and equipment and in marketing.

Presently very few respondents are actively marketing produce (24%). This is done through selling from their homes and in

public spaces such as schools, clinics and taxi ranks.

The sections below provide very brief summaries of the survey results.

Demographics

Average age =45 years. Range 24-84 years

Age Range

Percentage of participants

24-35yrs

41%

36-50yrs

21%

51-60yrs

21%

≥61yrs

17%

45% of participants are female

Average household size is 6 members (consisting of 3 adults and 5 children)

Interestingly 55% of participants are unmarried, 6% are widowed and 39% are married. This could be the result of a much

larger proportion of respondents being youth (41%). This is a much higher percentage than expected and cold be both due

to very high levels of unemployment in the area and due to involving local youth themselves as enumerators for the survey.

Levels of education are low: With 6% of participants having no schooling, 67% having a primary school qualification, 18%

having a high school qualification and 9% having a post school qualification. Again, the somewhat higher percentages of

high school and post school qualifications are due to involvement of a higher number of youth in this initiative.

Incomes

WWF_GT06177_ID315_CRA in mixed smallholder farming systems in KZN and EC. January 2021

Incomes can be a sensitive topic, but in out sample, 29 of the 33 respondents divulged their incomes sources and amounts

in this survey

Overall average income for households is R2 031,15/month.

Income Sources: (N=100)

(Amount in brackets is the value of the income source in Rands)

Income in

Rands

No of

participants

Farm worker; general labour (R2 833)

R2 400

Work in town; general worker (R800)

State grant - old age pension (R1 860)

R24 180

State grant - child support (R440)

R20 680

State grant - foster care (R830)

State grant - disability (R1 860)

R5 580

Remittances from spouse and/or children (R1 000)

R 1 007

Income generation - self-employed - farming (R100 to R8 600)

R14 118

Income generation - self-employed - vendor

Income generation - self-employed - other

Household average income per month (R440-R10 000)

R2 031,15

Barely receiving income - missing middle – not old enough to get pension, too

old for child grants (R529)

Barely receiving income - lost job/income due to COVID-19

Farming activities

Participants were asked about their range of farming activities

Farming Activities

No of

participants

Comments

Field cropping

Average land size/participant is 0,123ha

Gardening and vegetable

production

Gardens are generally very small 20-100m2, due mainly to lack of

water for production

Fruit production

Generally peach trees only, but also some apples, apricots and

plums; between 1-10.

Poultry

•Broilers

•Layers

•Traditional poultry

2 (17)

1 (3)

8 (20)

Numbers in brackets indicate the average number of chickens per

participant. Layers and broilers are kept and fed conventionally

with commercially produced rations. Traditional poultry are

generally left to forage and may or may not be provided shelter.

The numbers of participants involved in poultry production is

surprisingly low.

Livestock

•Goats

•Cattle

•Horses

•Sheep

12 (32)

12 (15)

0 (0)

1 (128)

Numbers in brackets indicate the average number of livestock per

participant. This indicates that not many participants have

livestock, but those who do generally have comparatively large

herds

Access to water is a huge constraint, as even those who may have enough water for household use often do not have

access to water for agricultural purposes. From this survey, around 21% of respondents have no access to household water

and have to get water from neighbours, or buy. Only 24% of respondents have water provided through taps (communal and

household), 34% collect water from nearby springs and streams and 21% do some rainwater harvesting.

This situation is obviously unconducive to agricultural production

WWF_GT06177_ID315_CRA in mixed smallholder farming systems in KZN and EC. January 2021

Access to Water for household needs:

No of

respondents

Spring

Stream

Household tap

Communal tap

Rainwater

None

Total access to water

Financial management and small businesses

Of the 29 respondents interviewed, 12 are members of Village Savings and Loan Associations (VSLAs) supported by

SaveAct and a further 8 have other saving arrangements (savings accounts and stokvels).

These savings are used for a number of household purposes as shown in the small table below. Each participant may use

their savings and small loans for a number of different purposes. The main uses are buying household needs and items and

farming inputs.

Use of savings and small loans (N=28)

No of

participants

Pay for household needs, e.g. food, electricity

Buy big ticket household items, e.g. fridge, stove, furniture

Buy farming inputs only for consumption

Start and/or improve other business enterprise

Buy farming inputs only for business

Buy inputs/stock for non-agri-business

Renovate, extend or construct a house

Finance traditional ceremonies, e.g. umemulo

Pay-off debts

All respondents see themselves as farmers who produce primarily for household food consumption and sell of surplice

produce. Around 37% of participants presently do not produce enough to sell surplus and only enough to supplement

household food production.

Only 53% of the respondent could confirm their intention to “double production”. The remaining respondents do not have the

resources or land to increase their production to that extent and are unsure that they could produce enough to have a

surplus for sale.

Current business activities:

No of

respondents

None

Producing and selling fresh produce / vegetables and horticultural crops such as potatoes,

sweet potatoes, amadumbe and fruit

Producing and selling grains: maize

Producing and selling grains: beans

Producing and selling other grains (e.g. sorghum, sunflower, Sun hemp, cowpeas etc.)

Rearing and selling broilers/live chickens

Rearing and selling goats

WWF_GT06177_ID315_CRA in mixed smallholder farming systems in KZN and EC. January 2021

Rearing and selling cattle

Selling eggs

Selling farming inputs (farmer centres)

Willingness and intention to double production

Willingness and intention to sell surplus

In terms of marketing, most smallholders sell informally to neighbour in their villages, in spaza shops and at schools, clinics

and taxi ranks.

How produce is sold: (N=20)

Door to door to neighbours in the village

Operate a walk-in outlet from the house or outside the home

Bakkie /van traders

Publicplaces, e.g. schools, clinic, halls

Taxi ranks and streets in town

Pension pay-out points

Sell to formal buyers, e.g. Spar, Boxer, etc.

Progress with small agricultural businesses, provided by responses from 8 respondents is shown below. It indicates and

average monthly profit of around R2 993/participant.

Many of the challenges mentioned below are intractable problems not easily solved at a local level by individuals. In

addition, participants are frustrated by lack of support from their municipalities and Government Departments.

Key challenge

Resolution

Access to seed and equipment (11)

-Save money to buy seed, or produce own

- Look for funding to support projects

Livestock theft (4)

-Government interventions

Drought and hail (extreme weather

conditions) (4)

-Build small dams

-Acquire netting for gardens

Lack of access to water (4)

-Buy JoJo tanks

Poor soil fertility (2)

-Soil testing

Pests and diseases (2)

-Buy pesticides

Livestock deaths; goats miscarry and calves

die (2)

-Learning and information on improved livestock management

Transport and access to markets (2)

NOTE: the numbers in brackets denote the number of respondents

Actions, learning support and collaboration

Below the responses to two questions; What do you intend doing to increase your opportunities for success and what do

you want to learn from Mahlathini to do so, are summarized according to the number of respondents who gave a particular

answer.

What do you intend doing that would increase opportunities for your success? (N=33)

Improve crop production knowledge and skills (8)

Access farming inputs, transport and labour (6)

Work harder (6)

Find productive land (2)

Improve skills for rearing calves and pigs

WWF_GT06177_ID315_CRA in mixed smallholder farming systems in KZN and EC. January 2021

Medication for sheep and getting production implements

Access grants and funding for production

Hire tractor, buy inputs

What do you want to learn from Mahlathini?

Soil and water conservation for improved productivity, improved farming methods for improved yields, new practices, pest

and disease control (19)

Animal husbandry, including broilers and layers (5)

Increase crop diversity, fruit production (3)

Climate resilient agriculture practices (2)

Assistance with how to do marketing and sale of produce (2)

Soil testing (2)

Assistance with saving money for inputs

Provision of funding and equipment