WWF_GT06177_ID315_CRA in mixed smallholder farming systems in KZN and EC. May 2021
1
WWF-Milestone 3: Second progress report and PM&E
system development
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
During this period, after the project initiation, Village based learning groups were set up as follows: KZN –8 learning groups
(110 participants) and EC -8 learning groups (151 participants). All participants prioritized their basket of Climate resilient
Agriculture (CRA) activites they would be involved in for the season and throughout the project period.
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 (65 participants). Poultry producers have been provided support and management training
for their broiler and layer production activities (49participants).
The marketing dialogue process in Southern KZN (Ozwathini) in association with local stakeholders and AFRA, was
continued and also introduced in SKZN (Ngongonini) and Bergville (Ezibomvini, Eqeleni, Stulwane and Vimbukhalo). Two
market days have now been held in Emmaus (10th April and 8th May) and a market day has been set up for Ozwathini on 1st
June. The Phakama market process for Umgungundlovu DM, in association with Municipal and Government stakeholders
has been re-initiated and the first market in Imbali is set for the 19th June.
Learning and awareness raising cross visits have been conducted: 1 to Enaleni farm (camperdown) to learn about
agroecological farming practices in a mixed farming system and value adding; Conservation Agriculture and livestock
integration in Bergville to also look at cover crop production, fodder species, baling and fodder supplementation and farmer
centres and the Besters Livestock auction to give farmers an understanding of requirements and options for selling livestock
through formal auction.
Learning and mentoring workshops (trainings) have been conducted for intensive homestead production (organic gardening)
and poultry production (9 villages). A shade clot tunnel construction workshop has also been held in Bergville and 30 tunnels
have been procured for local household construction over the next few months.
A participatory monitoring and evaluation process has 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.
WWF_GT06177_ID315_CRA in mixed smallholder farming systems in KZN and EC. May 2021
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Date of
approval
6th October 2020
Start and
end date
1st October 2020-30th September 2022
Project
value
R3 000 000
Contractor’s
name
Mahlathini Development Foundation
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)
Project
outcomes
Outcome 1 -Food and nutrition security at household level for poor, rural homesteads with enough farming
income to sustainably maintain farming activities in the short term
1.Activity 1 - Learning group review and planning 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 andgroups 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 learningto build local
adaptation and innovation capacity
Reporting
period
October 2020- 22 January 2021
Significant
approved
changes
None
Changes in
capacity to
deliver
outcomes
None
2PROGRESS PER OBJECTIVE AND OUTCOME
The last three months have been focused primarily on field cropping with Conservation Agriculture and livestock integration
activities. 249 Participants in KZN and 65 in Matatiele have implemented a range of practices including intercropping, cover
crops, short season maize varieties, use of two row tractor drawn planters, strip cropping, production of livestock fodder and
poultry feed, production of seed for OPV cover crops and legumes and crop growth and progress has been monitored.
We have also initiated the winter season activities around poultry (broilers, layers) and tunnel construction for intensive
organic vegetable production, both with provision of the materials and training.
WWF_GT06177_ID315_CRA in mixed smallholder farming systems in KZN and EC. May 2021
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We have continued with local marketing processes, both with organic produce market tables at central points such as
pension days, hospitals and taxi ranks and also with exploring options for community based livestock auctions.
Table 1: Progress against specific outcomes and activities for the period February –May 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,Ngongonini, 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:
Farmer level experimentation in a range of practices
Mid- season crop growth monitoring and initiation of yield
measurements
Cross visits and in season progress meetings
Livestock integration:
Poultry production learning workshops (x 9)
Preparation for expansion of broiler and egg production; housing
sanitation and orders for birds and inputs
Continuation with calf rearing and buying and selling of calves and
weaners in Ozwathini
Cutting of veld grass for baling and winter feed supplementation –
Bergville
Cross visit to commercial livestock auctions in Ladysmith and
Lions River and meetings with Bergville Livestock Association re
community-based auctions
Gardening:
Tunnel construction training – Bergville and Ozwathini
Ordering and distribution of 30 tunnels KZN and Matatiele for
construction
Intensive 3 day organic gardening training for staff and lead
farmers– Ozwathini
Cross visit to Enaleni Farm; Agroecological farming and value
adding
Social
agency for
LED and
social safety
nets
1. VSLAs, business
development, farmer
centres
Local marketing workshops inclusive of youth; SZKN – Ozwathini,
Eizbovmini, Stulwane and Vimbukhalo- Bergville and Ngongonini
– SKZN
Meetings with Umshwathi (Greytwon), Umgeni (Pietermartizburg).
Ubuhlebezwe (Ixopo) and Okhahlamba (Bergville) LMs regarding
collaboration and options for local marketing initiatives in their
areas
Local stalls at Emmaus pension points 10th April and 8th May
Local stall planned for Bamshela (Ozwathini) for 1st June
Market stall planned for Phakama market in Imbali PMB for 19th
June
12 VSLA’s in KZN; monthly mentoring and share out meetings
Workshops with VSLA committee members and groups x 2
regarding alternative approaches to bulk loan funds in VSLAs and
saving for inputs.
WWF_GT06177_ID315_CRA in mixed smallholder farming systems in KZN and EC. May 2021
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2. PM&E system and
monitoring
PM&E planning and design workshop with external evaluator
Development of PM&E framework for this programme
Fine tuning and use of monitoring tools incl: CA crop growth
monitoring, poultry production monitoring, CRA impact snapshots
3. Iterative PID approach
for improved adaptation
and innovation
PROGRESS KZN
Intensive monitoring of the implementation of the range of Conservation Agriculture farmer level experimentation was
undertaken. The number of participants undertaking the CA experimentation are large, thanks to additional support for this
process from the maize Trust and the DARD Landcare programme for this season. In the villages targeted for the Green
trust activities, 249 participants partook in the CA farmer level experimentation process. They implemented a wide range of
CA practices including intercropping with legumes, planting summer over crops, planting livestock fodder and poultry feed,
using the two-row tractor drawn no till planter, strip cropping, planting for keeping seed (specifically for legumes and cover
crops) and trying out short season maize hybrids. This is summarized in the table below.
Table 2: CA experimentation implementation in KZN (Nov2020-April 2021)
Area
No
Village name
No of
participants
1000m2 trials
(10x10 ’s)
400m2 trials
Strips
Livestock
Fodder species
Seed
Poultry feed
Two row planter
Short season
maize
Actual
experiments
planted
(hectares)
Bergville
1
Eqeleni
15
1
3
14
2
2
1,38
2
Ezibomvini
30
17
2
12
3
3
1
7
2,46
3
Stulwane
33
22
12
10
5
4
6
10
3,79
4
Vimbukhalo
24
10
15
20
2
2
3
10
2,11
Midlands:
Ozwathini
5
Ozwathini
27
12
15
8
5
1
6
4
3
2,72
Midlands:
Swayimane
6
Gobizembe
25
3
15
7
4
1
6
2
8
1,6
7
Emayizekanye
35
7
28
7
8
1
2,32
SKZN
8
Madzikane
7
3
4
4
2
0,34
9
Springvalley
13
13
0,52
10
Ofafa
12
12
0,48
11
Ngongonini
11
11
2
2
0,44
12
Nkoneni
17
11
1
1,7
249
72
129
93
29
8
17
22
44
24,93
Support a range of intensified production activities.
For the present period we have continued the focus on field cropping and livestock integration, and the monthly mentoring
for the 12 Village Savings and Loan Associations being supported.
We have initiated local marketing activities in Ozwathini, Ngongonini and Bergvill and, have conducted cross visits in CA
(Bergville), organic value adding (Enaleni farm), and local livestock auctions (Besters-Ladysmith). We have initiated the
winter season activities by finalising participants and orders for poultry participants (broiler and layers (50 participants across
KZN and Matatiele) and have continued to conducted poultry learning and support sessions (3 in Matatiele, 1 in Ozwathini
and 3 in Bergville). We have also ordered 30 small tunnels and have conducted a 3- day intensive gardening training course
for staff and lead farmers.
WWF_GT06177_ID315_CRA in mixed smallholder farming systems in KZN and EC. May 2021
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Mr Luyanda Njanjala from WWF joined the team for local visits on the 8-9th March for Bergville and the 29th March-1st April
for Matatiele. In addition, we hosted an African Farmer reporter in Bergville for a feature article on conservation agriculture,
LM officials on site visits to CA farmers and DARD Landcare officials on site visits in Bergville, SKZN and the Midlands.
Specific activities have included:
Activity
Description
Date
No of participants
Enaleni farm x-visit
(with AFRA
Agroecological farming practices and
value adding (See Annexure 1)
19th February
2021
8 (Ozwathini) and 4 MDF staff, 7
AFRA
Ozwathini,
Bergville_ Ezibomvini,
Stulwane,Vimbukhalo,
Eqeleni
Local marketing initiatives: Stall at
pension pay outs in busy areas (See
Annexure 2)
4th March
10th ,11th , and
17th March, 5th,
9th, 10th April
20 (Ozwathini), 9 AFRA
18 (Ezibomvini), 28 incl 8 youth
(Stulwane)
14 (Vimbukhalo)
Bergville
Livestock association meeting; intro
of MDF
3rd March
3 MDF staff
Bergville_Ezibomvini,
Eqeleni
Tunnel construction training
22nd and 23rd
March
5 MDF staff, 29 community
members
Ozwathini -
3 day intensive gardening training
23-25th March
8 MDF staff, 2 AFRA staff, 4
youths and 7 community
members
Livestock auctions
cross visit (w AFRA
Visits to two livestock auctions in
Ladysmith and Lions River to talk to
farmers and the AAM auctioneers
19th April
7 MDF staff, 2 AFRA staff and 8
youths and 18 community
members
Delivery of layers and
inputs
Start up of small egg laying
businesses in Bergville, SKZN and
Midlands
26th-28th April
18 participants across 6 villages
Strengthening of Innovation platforms and networks
For the Village Savings and Loan Associations (VSLAs) an exploratory process has been put in place to tailor these groups
more towards being able to support productive activities. New models need to be developed for these groups to be able to
accommodate larger production loans, more savings and longer saving cycles. Led by Mr Nqe Dlamini from StratAct, we
have had 2 internal workshops to develop potential scenarios and have also conducted village level scenario development
workshops: 2 in SKZN (Ngongonini, Madzikane) and 2 in Bergville with representative from the 12 VSLAs. A summary of the
scenarios developed is presented in Annexure 3.
Other work with the innovation platforms included the local marketing coordination, continuation with the Ezibomvini learning
group farmer centre, and initiation of a village based small maize mill in Ezibomvini as well.
PROGRESS IN MATATIELE (EC)
Intensive monitoring of the implementation of the range of Conservation Agriculture farmer level experimentation was
undertaken.61 Participants across 5 villages undertook the CA experimentation, mostly intercropping with legumes (beans
and cowpeas0 and close spacing, as this has been the first year of introducing CA in the area. A few participants also
undertook planting of cover crops and use of the 2- row planter. Most participants planted very small areas to CA, despite
being provided with inputs to do 400m2 CA plots. The implementation is summarized in the table below.
Table 3: Implementation of CA experimentation in Matatiele November 2020-April 2021
Area
No
Village name
No of
participants
1000m2 trials
(10x10 ’s)
Inter cropping
Strips
Livestock
Fodder species
Two row planter
Short season
maize
Actual
experiments
planted
(hectares)
Matatiele
1
Mngeni
30
1
12
0,48
2
Lufefeni
13
1
13
3
0,14
WWF_GT06177_ID315_CRA in mixed smallholder farming systems in KZN and EC. May 2021
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3
Palmaville
5
5
0,05
4
Rashule
23
18
0,72
5
Nkau
8
8
1
1
0,32
Support a range of intensified production activities
Besides the CA monitoring, the 5 village- based learning groups explored their present poultry production activities through
walkabouts and discussions. This was followed by 1 day poultry production learning sessions and poultry orders (both day
old broilers and layers) for initiation and intensification of small poultry businesses for 17 and 13 participants, respectively.
Inputsfor layers and point of lay hens were delivered at the end of April 2021.
Specific activities included:
Activity
Description
Date
No of participants
CA mid- term monitoring
and mentoring
Mngeni,
Lufefeni,Palmaville,
Rashule, Nkau
20th to 22nd January
and22nd -25th February
56 participants
Poultry production training
Nkau, Rashule and Mafube
31st March, 6th April and 7th
April 2021
19, 17 and 18 respectively
Delivery of point of lay hens
and inputs
Mzongwana, Nkau,
Rashule and Mafube
28th-30th April
13 participants
The table below outlines the contributions provided by MDF and by the farmers themselves for both KZN and EC towards
their small poultry businesses.
Table 4: Poultry inputs contributions from MDF and participant farmers, April 2021
MDF Contribution
Layers
Broilers
Layers
Mash
(50kg)
Broiler
starter (50
kg)
Broiler
finisher
(50 kg)
Feeders
10-12l)
Drinkers
(10-12l)
Amount in
Rands
Matatiele
30
90
3
4
4
15
9
SKZN
33
40
4
4
4
11
11
Bergville
60
170
6
7
7
23
23
Midlands
50
30
5
1
1
8
8
Total
173
330
18
16
16
57
51
Prices
R 19 800
R 3 300
R 4 500
R 5 040
R 5 040
R 4 270
R 3 825
TOTAL
R 45 780
Payment by
participants
Layers
Broilers
Layers
Mash
(50kg)
Broiler
starter (50
kg)
Broiler
finisher
(50 kg
Feeders
10-12l)
Drinkers
(10-12l)
Paid
already
Matatiele
13
117
1
1,5
1,5
R2 320
SKZN
3
1
Midlands
40
100
R5 760
Bergville
200
R2 000
Total
56
417
2
1,5
1,5
0
0
R10 080
Grand
Ttotal
229
747
20
18
18
57
51
WWF_GT06177_ID315_CRA in mixed smallholder farming systems in KZN and EC. May 2021
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3MONITORING AND EVALUATION
The participatory process has been instituted, led by the external evaluator Margaret Jack. A process has been designed for
monitoring and the monitoring tool has been finalised. In addition, we have decided on the process for the mid-term
evaluation around September 2021. Please see Annexure 4.
4GAPS AND CONSTRAINTS
For the past four months work has continued, despite enhanced difficulties in the broader environment including the higher
poverty rates in rural areas, increased prices for food and agricultural supplies, and difficulties in supply for some agricultural
commodities such as layers and broilers, as well as bonemeal and seedlings.
The improved rainfall this season has led both to improved growth in rainfed farming and larger issues with erosion
experienced by farmers.
Within MDF, one of the younger field staff members has resigned and has been replaced by a senior field staff member,
Michael Malinga, who brings around 18 years of project management experience to the table.
5COMMENT ON FINANCIAL REPORT
NOTES ON EXPENDITURE
Expenditure has been compiled up until the end of April 2021
1.Staff cost: Staff costs are slightly higher (15%) than the budget amount. This is likely to continue as it was deemed
necessary to replace a junior field staff member with a senior staff member to better manage the complicated
logistics of this project.
2.Travel and Subsistence: This category showed a 15% higher expenditure than the budget allocated for this
reporting period. Ongoing issues with ageing field vehicles as well as a hike in vehicle rental fees from AVIS were
both unavoidable costs.
3.Operating expenses: Expenditure on this budget item has only been 59% of the allocated funds.
4.Overall expenditure for the period of October 2020 to April 2021 has been 86% of allocated funds. Third part fees
and fees for Evaluation are expected to be higher in the coming period.
Below is a summary of the Financial report.
WWF_GT06177_ID315_CRA in mixed smallholder farming systems in KZN and EC. May 2021
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WWF: GT06177 Financial report
Date: 14 May 2021
Milestone 3
ESTIMATES
ACTUALS
Code
Description
Project
Budget
Full Year
Previously
Reported
YTD Actuals
This quarter
Actuals (Feb,
March,April)
Year-to-
Date (YTD)
Actuals
Forecast minus
YTD Actuals
(=Variance)
2 Oct 2020-
14 May 2021
Oct2020-
Sept 2021
A - OPENING BALANCE
R3 000
000,00
R1 659
492,00
R187 500,00
R97 433,31
R562
500,00
R1 096 992,00
Cash received
R562 500,00
Other income (interest, FX
gains/loss)
n/a
B - TOTALincome +
o/balance
R562 500,00
R1 659
492,00
R187 500,00
R562 500,00
R562
500,00
R1 096 992,00
EXPENDITUREby code
1
Staff costs
R396 919,68
R585 600,00
R207 807,00
R250 578,00
R458
385,00
R127 215,00
2
Third party fees
R150 268,26
R221 700,00
R87 521,32
R17 000,00
R104
521,32
R117 178,68
3
Travel and Subsistence
R146 303,13
R215 850,00
R96 280,49
R72 921,77
R169
202,26
R46 647,74
4
Capital Asset costs
5
Operating expenses;
materials,0ffice
R401 489,41
R592 342,00
R73 457,88
R162 498,52
R235
956,40
R356 385,60
6
Meetings / Education /
Training
7
Project Promotion /
Communication/ Printing /
Publication
8
Project Evaluationby 3rd
party
R29 823,20
R44 000,00
R44 000,00
C - TOTAL
EXPENDITURE
R1 124
803,68
R1 659
492,00
R465 066,69
R502 998,29
R968
064,98
R691 427,02
D – CLOSING BALANCE
R1 875
196,32
R1 340
508,00
-R277
566,69
-R405 564,98
-R405
564,98
R405 564,98
11.SIGNIFICANT PLANNED ACTIONS FOR NEXT REPORTING PERIOD
Outcome
Activities
Planned actions (Milestone 4)
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: Yield measurements, storage milling and
marketing
Gardening: Tunnels, drip irrigation, mixed cropping, herbs and
multi-purpose crops
Livestock integration: Winter fodder supplementation
experimentation process, next round of calf rearing, to sell as
weaners or yearlings.
WWF_GT06177_ID315_CRA in mixed smallholder farming systems in KZN and EC. May 2021
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Poultry production: Set up and monitoring for 50 participants
cross KZN and EC.
3. Learning and
implementation support
Tunnel construction and intensive homestead gardening
Poultry production; broiler and layer management
Social
agency for
LED and
social safety
nets
1. VSLAs, business
development, farmer
centres
Marketing exploration workshops continuation and local marketing
stalls set up;
12 VSLA’s in 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 reviews for field cropping and implementation for winter
production cycle with participating learning groups and planning
for farmer level experimentation
12.LIST OF ANNEXURES
Complementary information, including photographs.
ANNEXURES
1.Enaleni farm cross-visit: Agroecological farming
2.Ozwathini marketing workshop: Progress summary March 2021
3.Proposed alternative approach to bulk loan funds in VSLAs
4.WWF CRA implementation draft M&E framework
WWF_GT06177_ID315_CRA in mixed smallholder farming systems in KZN and EC. May 2021
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PHOTOGRAPHS (Feb-April 2021)
Figure 1: Mrs Tumelo
(Nkau –Matiele, with
eggs from her 20
layers andfar right:
Her Conservation
Agriculture
intercropped maize
andbean field –
March 2021
Figure 2: Above left; Phumelele Hongwane’s (Ezibomvini-Bergville) strip cropping trial showing short season maize, beans and summer
cover crops- sun hemp, sunflower an sorghum. Above right: Mrs Xulu’s (Ozwathini- Bamshela) maize and bean intercropped CA plots
Figure 3” Above left: Tunnel construction training in Eqeleni Bergville and Above right: 3 day gardening training in Ozwathini showing
participants planting and mulching a mixed crop trench bed inside a newly constructed tunnel.
WWF_GT06177_ID315_CRA in mixed smallholder farming systems in KZN and EC. May 2021
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6TWO COPIES OF ANY PUBLICATIONS
African Farmer: March 2021. Pges 22-26: Village Life: Transforming through collaboration. Th big picture in Conservation
Agriculture. Using CA to improve yields and livelihoods in rural KZN and Not-till: The farmer’s friend.
https://www.africanfarming.com/#dearflip-df_23710/32/
A copy of the African Farmer online magazine is provided in electronic format as an attachment to this report.
7FINANCIAL REPORT
The financial report excel sheet is attached as a separate document: WWF_Financial report_GT06177_ID315_CRA KZN-
EC_202100517. Documentation for explaining full expenditure summaries is available on request.
Figure 4: Above left: Mphitizile Jili’s CA intrcropped plot (Mngeni village, Mzongwana Matatiele) showing good growth and canopy cover
and Above Right Bhadini Nogwadi’s CA plot in Palmaville, Mzongwana., also showing good growth and attention to detail.
Figure 5: Above left. The Farmers’ market stall at Emmaus pension day, with gazebo and branding. Around R2400 was made by farmers
on the day. Above Right: Stock pens at the Besters livestock auction sale yard. Participants spoke to the farmers selling there and Mr
Geldenhuys from AAM to explore their options for selling livestock through auctions.
WWF_GT06177_ID315_CRA in mixed smallholder farming systems in KZN and EC. May 2021
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ANNEXURES
ANNEXURE 1:ENALENI FARM CROSS VISIT:AGROECOLOGICAL FARMING
Focus Area:
WWF Local food systems
Name of Meeting:
Agro-Ecological Orientation
Date:
18 February 2021
Venue:
Enaleni Farm
Present:
Lungelo Buthelezi, Mazwi Dlamini, Donna Hornby, Sibahle Mthembu, Nokuthula Mthimunye, Mondli Zondi, Ayanda Madlala,
Babhekile Nene, Dumazile Nxusa, Sli Miya, Temakholo Mathebula, Dolly Mzobe, Nokwanda Gwamanda, Mildred Myeza,
Sbongile Ndlovu, Lindiwe Zondi, Constance Mcanyana, Nomusa Ndlela, Dolly Chamane, Nontokozo Mdletshe, Samkelisiwe
Mkhize, Thobile Mweli.
1.Activity:
Agro-ecological orientation at Enaleni Farm
2.Objectives:
•Small scale farmers to connect with farm dwellers (who have an interest in farming) around agricultural activities.
•Learn about agro-ecological farming practices and explore these in their own gardens.
•Possible marketing strategies that famers can use to attract customers.
3.Background:
Members of Qina Mbokodo (supported by Association for Rural Advancement-AFRA) –farm dweller women’s structure
consisting of members from 7 local municipalities within uMgungundlovu District and aiming to strengthen the voices of
women) and small scale farmers (supported by Mahlathini Development Foundation-MDF) from Ozwathini took part in an
agro-ecological orientation on the 18th of February. This exercise involved participants who either have an interest in farming
or are already practicing farming to learning more about using land/space available to them.
An orientation at Enaleni Farm seemed the perfect fit as it is relatively small scale, 10ha agro-ecological farm, a working
example of the celebration and diversity of heritage breeds. The mixed farming system of plants and animals presented
participants with an opportunity to ponder the relationship between animals, plants and a non-industrialised approach to land
usage and food production.
Pictures below illustrate some of what participants saw during the farm orientation:
Participants were shown different chicken breeds and
what they feed on (greens)
Intercropping of different plants. In the picture is maize
intercropped with legumes.
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An example of animals (chicken and rabbit) sharing
the same space, something that was foreign to
participants.
Goat cheese processed in Enaleni Farm.
An example of a product processed on the farm,
stewed apricots
Homemade pasta and other foods processed in the
background.
Participants taking a tour in Enaleni farm and engaging with farmer owner through Q&A.
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4.Reflections:
After the orientation around the farm, participants had a discussion session to share what they had learnt, what they would
like to practice in their gardens, what they would like to see more of and shared questions that they still had. Below are their
responses:
i.Lessons learnt:
a)Sheep and free-range pigs sharing the same space and grazing area.
b)Animals (livestock) that live together – back home we separate them according to their type and this
takes up a lot of space and is limiting as we sometimes have to choose which ones to herd.
c)Weed or other greens are something that we always remove from the garden, we were not aware that it
can be useful in farming e.g. ugquzu and umsobo.
d)The importance of making use of the land that is already available to you. We always assume that one
needsmany hectares of land to practice farming but today we learnt that this is not the case.
e)We learnt about mix breeding of cattle.
f)We were exposed to different breeds of chickens.
g)The food that we eat has a long term effect on our health. We need to engage more in organic ways of
farming and not rush to making profit as this has a long term impact on us and our customers.
h)The milking process needs not be brutal.
i)The importance of the farmer-animal-plant relationship.
j)We were not aware that animals also need their own “maternity ward” where they can be taken care of
and fully recover from the birthing process.
k)Livestock need to be taken care of and most importantly, they need to be loved.
l)Cooking ingredients mostly come from the farm which means less money spent on buying food.
m)This process showed us that there is more to learnt from agriculture
n)Using the available land to make profit e.g. this farm is less than 10 ha but there is everything
(plantations, grazing area, kraals, restaurant)
o)There is money in farming.
ii.What is already being practiced in their gardens
a)Inter-cropping, cover-cropping – we are happy with the cover crop process that has been recently
introduced to us and only seeing the benefit after practicing. At first we thought it was too much work.
b)Use of cow and other animal manure in the garden
c)Grazing area rotation
iii.Questions for the Farmer owner
a)Why is the donkey given special treatment compared to other animals on the farm
b)The rabbit breeding period is too short – is that it normal?
c)Monkeys are a challenge for us as they eat all the plantations –how do you deal with them?
5.Marketing strategies:
Richard Haigh (owner of the farm) took us through some of the marketing strategies that he uses on his farm, some of which
farmers can draw from;
•Processing of produce to increase longevity – most small scale farmers had challenges with selling their produce
not knowing that if you also process your own food, it will have a longer shelf-life.
•Creating or having a logo when packaging your food is important as it sets you apart from other producers,
eliminates the middle man and creates an identity.
•Do your own marketing – market/open days
•Add value by bottling your produce
•Produce a variety of things.
6.Way Forward:
•Participants were taken by the processing of their own food – they shared that they would like to know more about
the subject
•To take all the learnings from the process and implement them in their gardens
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•Markets seem to be a challenge for small scale farmers (SSF) – they would like to explore more strategies to
share.
•Proposal to visit the farm again or visit another farm to capture practical examples of what they can do to improve
as SSF.
7.Closure:
In closing, Richard expressed what Enaleni means to him; it is the relationship between animals, plants, the people and the
soil. There is a need to keep a balance of all these as they complement each other.
ANNEXURE 2:OZWATHINI MARKETING WORKSHOP:PROGRESS SUMMARY MARCH 2021
Introduction
On the 04th of March a workshop around marketing and youth involvement was held in Ozwathini. 20 Farmers attended the
meeting, 7 youth members from AFRA and 2 staff (Ayanda Madlala and Siya Sithole) from AFRA.
Farmerscommented that youth did not come as they have little interest in farming and getting dirty. In addition, farmers felt
that they wanted to manage their own marketing processes as they have been doing to date. Below are some of the pictures
that were taken during the workshop.
Figure 1: Pictures that were taken during the Ozwathini youth and marketing meeting
Process
After introduction of the AFRA youth and their process, an update was given on the social action/ march organised around
marketing in Bamsehla. Baba Ngcobo explained that the march organised to make business owners aware that they would
prefer them to buy produce locally, rather than from outside the area. This was supported by the local authorities and DARD
officials in the area.A meeting with these owners was set of the 8th of March.
Farmers provided a recap of their most important marketing avenues:
•Locally to their neighbours
•Bakkie traders
•Local shops Riverside and Macaphuna)
•Some farmers from Ilembe used to supply local schools but the contract ended
•Some farmers said they go to Bhamshela and set up a table and sell there (especially during busy pension days).
Crops sold through these avenues are:
•Mealies
•Amadumbe
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•Sweet potatoes
•Potatoes
•Beans
•Butternut
•Cabbage
MamaChamane said that their biggest problem is that they are not registered as a Co-op and farmers from Ilembe are a
registered co-op which makes it easy for them to get incentives from the municipality and that is why they are able to supply
schools. Baba Ngcobo said he was helping with registering of the co-op and the process is still on stand-by, as they submitted
all the required documents but have not had a response yet. There is a feeling that business owners prefer to work with
cooperatives, rather than individuals and that it would be easier to work in a group to ensure continuity, volume and quality of
production.
MamaMzobe said that she once had a relationship with one farmer who was supplying schools,but they offered really low
prices, i.e. R5/cabbage which she could not sustain. BabaNkomo from KZNDARD encouraged farmers to work together,
support and uplift each other so that they can all be successful. They need to make sure that their produce is clean and also
the packaging is good and they should be loyal to their customers so as to keep a good relationship.
Tema then explored the option of a market table (pension pay outs ormonth end) in Bamshela as an option. Some farmers
felt that there is no easy space for a table in Bamshela. A few individuals had tried it before, selling cabbages, but found that
the going was slow as potential customers preferred to go to Boxer. Generally farmers thought this was a great idea. Baba
Ngcobo offered to speak to a shop owner in bamsela who has a large open yard, which would be a good venue.The market
day was initially proposed to be in the last week ofMarch just before the Easter holidays participants felt they would have a
larger range of produce later (maize, beans, potatoes, Amadumbe, sweet potatoes, cabbages, eggs and broilers), so the first
week of June was pegged as a date. Mama Bhengu said she planted herbs (parsley, coriander and thyme) and she is hoping
that by June they will be ready to be sold Mahlathini was given the task of organizing tables, gazebos, posters and flyers for
the day. Farmers were given the task of making a list of all the vegetables they have when the market day approaches, as
well as discussing prices for their produce. Mama Mzobe also encouraged farmers to make use of social media for advertising
their crops, she said last year her daughter posted her beans on whatsapp and that’s how she got a lot of customers, all her
beans was sold out very quickly
AFRA would have a meeting with Umshwathi Local Municipality andraise thequestion of potential support for such marketing
initiatives.
Way forward and actions
•Nontokozo to create afacebook page for advertising. The facebookpage was created successfully; it is called
Ozwathini Farmer’s Association.
•Whatsapp group to be created so as to advertise using whatsapp also.
•Temato send Siya the Ozwathini mapping (participant’s list, GPS coordinates, type of farming, extent ofland
access).
•Ayanda to engage with Umshwathi Municipality on farmer’s needs.
•Farmers to meet with Bhamshela business owners on the 08th of March.
•To appoint a committee that will help us organize and set up market day.
The Ozwathini Farmer’s Association consist of 212 farmers who are from different villages namely Mathulini or Gobinsimbi,
Appelsbosch,Hlathikhulu, Ireland, Mkhakhasini, Nomhele, Mbalenhle. Baba Vilakazi isthe chairperson of the Ozwathini
Farmer’sassociation. Mr Wiseman Ndlovu is the agricultural extension officer in Ozwathini.
ATTENDANCE REGISTER
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ANNEXURE 3:PROPOSED ALTERNATIVE APPROACH TO BULK LOAN FUNDS IN VSLAS
The purpose of these notes are to summarize the discussions of the MDF team regarding an alternative approach for
bulking the loan fund of a VSLA.
This approach is influenced by the experiences that farmers are struggling to save enough money for production inputs. For
example, a farmer requires about R10 000 for produce a hectare of maize. The hypothesis is farmers will take out bigger
loans from a bigger loan fund. The following ways are proposed for bulking a loan fund.
1.VSLAs should be encouraged to charge membership fees for a minimum of 3 years, but ideally for 5 years. A minimum
of R10 per meeting (per month), however, a larger membership fee should be encouraged using the same approach.
This will depend on the affordability of members.
2.VSLAs should be encouraged to phase out annual share-out, but how? Members should commit to inject a lump sum
at each share-out meeting for at least three years (share-outs). In other words, a VSLA should set a target of the
amount of lump sum each member should inject immediately after 2021 share-out. The same should happen in the
next 2 years at least. An example and calculation is presented below.
3.VSLAs should be encouraged to open and operate banks accounts. A bank account most convenient and safe for a
VSLA that transact large sums of money.
Adopt a stepped approach (using an example of a VSLA with 15 members) – and at 25% interest per annum.
Financial Year 1 (ending 2021) – each member pays R2 000 as a lump sum immediately after the share-out. This lump
sum injection will build R30 000 loan fund which will be immediately available to members. Members continue buying
their share on monthly basis from the primary VSLA. An assumption is made that the R30 000 would have grown by
25% per annum to R37 500 at least.
Financial Year 2 (ending 2022) – each member adds another R2 000, again immediately after the share-out. Now the
VSLA has R67 500 loan fund available to members. The VSLA may achieve R84 375 by the end of the year at 25%
growth. Again, members continue buying shares from the primary VSLA.
Financial Year 3 (ending 2023) – by this time, the R84 375 may grow to over R100 000 (R105 469) by the end of 2023
(year 3). Members still continue buying shares from the primary VSLA.
It must be noted that each member only contributed R4000 to start with in the first two years. The scenario will be different if
they could inject the same amount of R4 000 in the first year and not make any future contributions but let the loan fund
grow. The magic of compounded interest will be like this.
The same R4 000 per member (R60 000) will earn R123 105 interest in 5 years.
Discussion
Year
Lump Sum
by Member
Bulk
Injection
Interest
Earned
Total Loan
Fund
12 00030 0007 50037 500
22 00067 50016 87584 375
384 37521 094105469
410546926 367131836
54 00013183632 959164795
Year
LumpSum
by Member
Bulk
Injection
Interest
Earned
Total Loan
Fund
14 00060 00015 00075 000
2 -75 00018 75093 750
393 75023 438117 188
4117 18829 297146 484
54 000146 48436 621183 105
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VSLA member must be given option to operate a separate “VSLA” for the proposal above. This can be referred to as
secondary VSLA while the original be referred to as primary VSLA. No members should be coerced to join the
secondary VSLA.
Only members of the primary VSLA should be allowed to establish a secondary VSLA. This is the only route to
participate in the secondary VSLA. This is very significant! It will prevent non-members of primary VSLA taking short
cuts to “making money” in the secondary VSLA.
The VSLA should be a limit of the maximum loan size. In this instance, it is proposed that the maximum loan amount be
set at R10 000 and payable over a period of up to 10 months. In this instance, we should do our best to promote 5%
interest per month.
All members should have equal investment (or lump sum injection). This will make it easy to calculate and share out
interest whenever they decide to do so.
We should encourage that secondary VSLAs only start sharing out interest that is generated by their lump sum
investment at least from the end of the third year.
VSLA constitution and rules of participation should be enhanced to support this approach, loan bulking.
There will be two pilots for this approach, one in Southern KZN and one in Bergville.
ANNEXURE 4:WWFCLIMATE RESILIENT AGRICULTURE DRAFT M&E FRAMEWORK APRIL 2021
Mahlathini Development Foundation (MDF) is conducting a Covid-response project in two provinces in South Africa. Due to
the economic crisis created by Covid-19, people in rural areas may be highly affected. This project works with currently
active rural farmers who are already familiar with climate resilient agriculture (CRA) to boost their production and increase
diversity of produce. The two areas of project implementation are the mid and lower Drakensberg regions KZN (Bergville,
SKZn and Midllands 110 participants) and in the Umzimvubu catchment area of the Eastern Cape (Matatiele, 160
participants).
This project differs from MDF’s usual modus operandi in that it usually works with groups of farmers and introduces them to
CRA, while this project works more intensively with individual farmers within these groups and assists them to implement a
diversified basket of practices which includes vegetables, field cropping, and livestock integration. This M&E framework is
designed to capture these changes, to assess whether this new model is working and to what extent it is working.
The aim, objectives, outcomes, and short-term gains of the project are set out below.
Project aim
Increased productivity and resilience in the mixed smallholder farming system through implementation of a basket of Climate
Resilient Agriculture (CRA) practices
Project objectives
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)
EK: Number of groups they join incl VSLA
Project outcomes
1. Food and nutrition security at household level for poor, rural homesteads with enough farming income to sustainably
maintain farming activities in the short term
2. Development of social agency for community-led LED and social safety net improvement of the natural resource base
Short-term gains
•Increased availability of locally produced healthy food (vegetables, field crops, poultry and livestock)
•Doubling the food production (70%-100% increase) will allow these households to have enough of a range of food
stuffs to be self-sufficient and make enough income from their surplus to sustain their farming system
•Improved distribution of reasonably priced food and feed through local marketing systems will alleviate shortages in the
villages and provide for easier access and
•Development of a community level social security net will improve social stability and well-being.
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Project monitoring
From the changes that MDF wants to create, we have identified four aspects that need to be monitored:
1.Increased yield and production
This includes % size increase in land used, increase in yield, increased diversity in what is farmed (vegetables, field
cropping, and livestock integration)
2.The use of more climate resilient agricultural (CRA) practices, and an intention to continue using them
This includes increased variety of adaptive CRA practices (for example, rainwater harvesting, tranches, more resilient crops,
etc). It also needs to measure any change in attitudes towards this way of farming.
3.Improved selling and marketing of produce grown
This includes amounts sold and a percentage increase in farmer income, the role of youth in marketing, livestock auctions,
setting up market stalls at events, vendors selling produce, and bakkie traders. The assumption is that most farmers are
trying to sell on their own, but ceilings for sales are low and transactions costs are high, so marketing together begins to
reach economies of scale. This has to be facilitated by MDF. This alsoincludes VSLA records. MDF’s experience is that
without some money available very little can change for these farmers. MDF initiates the VSLAs and gathers monthly
monitoring data.
4.Increased social agency
This includes inclusion in learning groups, VSLAs, and any other joint activities undertaken. Within a systemic development
methodology, it is assumed that through working and learning together, people develop the ability to work together and
become better at problem solving, and more motivated to tackle challenges. An example of how social agency might work is
that farmers participate in learning groups and savings groups, and then may decide to form a joint planting group, or set up
a small water committee, or seek formal recognition from local authority. The ultimate aim is to encourage these farmers to
find a voice and engage with external stakeholders.
These data will be collected using quantitative tools that rely largely on MDF staff visiting farmers. They will be entered into
an excel spread sheet (one per area) for collation and analysis. They will be compared to baseline data, and to expected
results.
The monitoring tool that staff will use is copied below. This is abridged for the purposes of this framework document, with
tables’ rows and spaces for writing answers removed.
1. CHARACTERISTICS OF THE PARTICIPANT
•Name and Surname:
•Village:
•Age:
•Gender:
•Household head (Yes/No):
•Number of household members (Children & adults):
•Main source of income (social grant/employment/self-employment/unemployed):
•Number of child and pension grants:
2. INCREASED YIELD AND PRODUCTION
a)What is the total land size used:
Increased in farming
(Size) [Covers
diversity and
production]
Before (Size in m2)
Now (Size in m2)
Comment:
Gardening
Field
cropping
Livestock
(No of cattle, goats,
chickens, pigs…)
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Trees and other
resources (no of fruit,
indigenous…)
b) What activities are undertaken:
Increased diversity in
farming practices
Yes/No Before
Y/N now
Comment: why or why
not
Gardening
Field
cropping
Livestock
Trees and other
resources
c) Practices, crops planted, livestock kept (detail and changes that give more detail to b))
Increased
diversity (1)
Management
and practices
before
Number
of
practices
Before
No
now
What has changed;
new crops
What has changed;
new practices
What has changed;
new management
Gardening
e.g. use of
manure, flat beds
e.g Chinese cabbage,
leeks
e.g Trenches,
mulching, mixed
cropping, P&D control
e.g Drip irrigation,
tunnel
Field cropping
e.g. traditional
cropping maize
e.g beans, cowpeas
cc
e.g. CA,
intercropping, cover
crops,
e.g Close spacing,
herbicides
Livestock
Trees and other
resources
d) Growing season; longer, different, increased
Increased growing
season
Yes/no Before
Yes/no
Now
Comment
Gardening
e.g.Now grows crops in winter in garden and
fields
Field
cropping
Livestock
Trees and other
resources
e) Increase in diversity and yield
Increased
productivity
Types
BEFORE:
Quantity
(KG, No)
NOW:
Quantity
(KG,No)
Comment
Gardening
e.g. spinach
40kg
80kg
Increased yield in trench beds
Field cropping
Livestock
Trees and other
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resources
3. CLIMATE RESILIENT AGRICULTURE PRACTICES AND ATTITUDES
a)Five fingers conservation principles
Please list the practices and rate them
Detailed description of what is there- list practices.
Water management:
Control of soil movement:
Soil health:
Improved crop management:
Improved livestock management:
Looking after indigenous plants:
b)How has this project helped you to deal with climate change and variability in your garden? Complete table below
Past Issues
Past practice
Present practice
Impact (incl soil
health and fertility
and soil and water
conservation
Lessons
c) Please rank the following elements for each practice you have decided to experiment with: Use a scale of -1 to +3 Note;
This question works in tandem with the question above and now ranks the ‘impacts’ mentioned above.
-1 = worse than normal practice, 0=no change, 1=some positive change, 2=medium positive change, 3= high positive
change
Name of
practice
Soil
Water
Productivity
Labour
Pest and disease
control
Cost and
maintenance
Livelihoods
Adaptation
1
2
3
d) Water management
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Increased water
use efficiency
(incl RWH,
water holding,
water access,
water
productivity)
Increase
Access
Increase RWH
Increase water
holding
increase water
productivity
(irrigation)
SCALE
0= same or worse
than before; 1=
somewhat better
than before, 2=
much better than
before
e) What have you learnt about dealing with climate change and the climatic extremes (intensity of rain, wind and sun)? How
likely is it that you will continue to use each of these changes you have made? 0 = not at all likely, 1 = maybe, 2 = absolutely
will. And how likely are you to tell friends about this (same scale).
Practice
Continue to use
(0-2)
Tell friends (0-
2)
Comments or reasons
4. HOUSEHOLD SELLING AND MARKETING
a) Income and food provision
Increased
livelihood
security
(income)
Income before (ave monthly in
Rands)…b4 COVID
Income now (Ave monthly in
Rands)…
Comments
Markets
List marketing options used before
List marketing options used
now
Comments
Increased
livelihood
security
Food types
(staples, veg,
livestock, fruit)
Quantity/ week
(kg)
No of times
eaten /week
(1-7)
Sales/week (in
Rands)
Comments
b) Why do you not sell more produce? What are some of the challenges you face?
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
c) Safety nets and diversification
Increased livelihood
diversity/options
Income options
Before
Income options
Now
Comment; name
new options e.g.
which crops, etc
Scale
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1=social grants; 2=
remittances;
3=farming income;4=
small business;
5=employment
Savings (safety,
security,
achievement)
Amount per month
Before
Amount per month
Now
Use of savings
Scale
1=food; 2=household
use; 3=education; 4=
production; 5=other
d) VSLA
Member of a VSLA?
Amount added
Amount
loaned
What were loans used for?
4. Social agency
a)Do you share your knowledge and experiences with the learning group or community members?
b) How do you share the knowledge gained with other members of your community?
c)What helps you to learn more about new innovations and information? (Specify what the farmer has learnt)
a)Listening to other farmers experiences and experiments
b)By doing and experimenting in own garden
c)Motivated by other farmers work and experiences
d)Learning workshops
d) Groups and activities
Collaborative
actions/social
agency
Activities in groups Before- name
Activities in groups Now
E.g. savings,
church, learning
groups, coops,
farmers
associations, work
teams, selling,
inputs, farmer
centres, water
committees …
Informed decision
making
Information used to choose
activities Before
Information used to choose
activities Now
e.g. Other
community
members,
learning in
groups, written
info, radio,
facilitators,
extension officers,
etc
Positive mindsets
Rate your mindset Before
Rate your mindset now
SCALE:0=less
positive about the
future; 1=the
same; 2=more
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positive about the
future; 3=much
more positive
Evaluation
The aim of the evaluation is to assess whether mixed farming methods can provide sustainable livelihoods for small-scale
rural farmers, and the extent to which the activities undertaken by MDF work towards that aim. Two evaluations are
scheduled for this project: a short formative evaluation in September 2021; and a longer summative evaluation in August
2022.
In the formative evaluation, MDF and I will ensure that we have gathered and analysed as much monitoring data as
possible, to be able to assess whether agricultural, marketing, and agency behaviour have changed, and whether this has
resulted in improved livelihoods. Using this information for each project area, I will conduct a series of staff workshops
where they reflect on the model and talk about the monitoring results: how and where it is working well, and how and where
it is working less well. We will also check on the assumptions of the project and whether they are helping or hindering
achievement of outcomes, and what can be done if they are. A staff workshop was conducted early in 2021 to solicit staff
views on what to monitor, and some of the assumptions that this project and model are based on. The assumptions are:
1. It is assumed that mixed farming is a resilience strategy.
2. It is assumed that youth are interested in and are able to start small businesses.
3. It is assumed that new networks and relationship will form for local food systems.
4. It is assumed that farmers will learn financial literacy and planning skills from VSLAs, and that they will use extra income
from farming to maintain farming activities.
5. It is also assumed that farmers will have the time, labour, and motivation/hope/get up and go/ to makes the changes that
MDF suggests.
The evaluation workshop will largely rely on a SWOT analysis. Taking the results of each area, we will jointly consider the
reasons for what the monitoring data are showing. A SWOT analysis is a useful tool because it includes an examination of
internal and external forces. This project will take different forms in the different areas because of the contexts – local power
structures, municipalities, the geography and distance to markets, etc – and we can begin to separate out the different
SWOT factors that exist in each context. Once we have some understanding of why things are going well and less well, and
whether our assumptions are correct or not, the staff will then be guided on generating action plans for moving forward.
SWOT looks at:
STRENGTHS
OPPORTUNITIES
WEAKNESSES
THREATS (OR CHALLENGES)
This relates to the project itself, internal processes, and
what works well and less well. It is at this level that we will
be able to consider the assumptions
This relates to the external context in which the project sits.
Here, we will try to uncover more assumptions that were
made at the beginning, eg, there are no local barriers to
joint marketing strategies
WAY FORWARD
A plan will be developed to adapt implementation so that
strengths are played to, weaknesses avoided, and efforts
are made to address the assumptions directly
WAY FORWARD
A plan will be developed to adapt implementation so that
opportunities are grasped, threats and challenges are
actively avoided, and efforts are made to address the
assumptions directly
OUTSTANDING INFO WE NEED
We may need to adapt the monitoring forms to gather
more information
OUTSTANDING INFO WE NEED
We mayneed to adapt the monitoring forms to gather
more information
The summative evaluation will repeat the formative process and work to engage with farmers too to provide a more
evidence. I will conduct a few field visits before the formative evaluation process to assess how monitoring is being achieved
and any challenges facing staff who gather those data.