Milestone 5 - Progress report 4 | Mahlathini Development Foundation

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

WWF-Milestone 5: Fourth progress report and 2nd

Round of learning and review sessions and prioritization

of practices for new entrants, as well as learning and

implementation support

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

During this period, village-based learning groups in KZN (11) and EC (7) respectively, have continued with their prioritized

CRA learning and implementation processes. The field cropping (Conservation Agriculture) reviews and planning for the

planting season were undertaken and planting has commenced in all areas. With respect to vegetable production, 70 micro-

tunnels have been installed in KZN (59) and EC (11), an agroecological gardening training has been undertaken. Bucket

drip kits have been installed in 42 of the 70 tunnels so far and is ongoing. 18 Participants from Bergville finalized their winter

fodder supplementation experimentation process. The household poultry production units (100 participants) have been

supported throughout: farmers are now providing monies for further orders of birds and feed.

Monthly farmers market stalls have been undertaken for 9 villages in Bergville and Ozwathini, involving 30 participants. An

overall income of R43 650,50 has been realized between end May and November 2021, an average of around R3 968,00

per market. Further marketing options exploration has continued, although monthly market stalls in the EC and SKZN have

not come off the ground. The social unrest in KZN has negatively affected the marketing process and alternatives are being

sought.

Stakeholder engagement in the period has included being part of the SANBI Okhahlama Catchment Indaba, being a

panellist for an Agroecology seminar on governance, submission of an abstract to the South African Mountains Conference,

continuation with the Research for Climate Justice process and co-hosting a webinar on CbCCA hosted by the Centre of

Sustainable Transitions(Stellenbosch) among others. MDF has also provided collaborative input and training in agroecology

and Conservation Agriculture to CREATE (PMB) working with physically challenged beneficiaries and to ERS (Matatiele) to

induct the eco-champs there into climate resilient agriculture implementation, respectively.

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

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)

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

Project outcomes

Outcome1 - 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 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

Reporting period

October 2020- 30 August 2022

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 the installation of micro tunnels and drip kits, learning on

agroecological gardening practices including for example mixed cropping and mulching, continuation with the poultry

production aspects, winter fodder supplementation and reviews and replanning for the 2nd round of CA implementation in

field cropping (11 villages in KZN and 7 in EC).

We have continued with local marketing processes, mostly with organic produce market tables at central points, such as

pension days, hospitals and taxi ranks.

Table 1: Progress against specific outcomes and activities for the period September-December 2021

Outcome

Activities

Progress (Milestone 4)

Livelihood

security at

household

level

1. Learning group review

and planning sessions

KZN: Ezibomvini, Stulwane, Vimbukhalo, Eqeleni, Madzikane,

Gobizembe,Mayizekanye, Ozwathini, Spring Valley,Ngongonini, Plainhill

EC: Rashule Nkau, Mzongwana (Lufefeni, Mngeni, Pamlaville)

Annual review sessions to assess progress and plan the 2021/22 planting

season in progress. Planning sessions held for CA implementation in 16

villages.

2. Prioritized baskets of

appropriate practises

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

purpose crops

Livestock integration: Winter fodder supplementation and baling of hay.

Initiation of micro poultry enterprises (broilers and layers). Use of cut grass

for composting of poultry and livestock manure.

3. Learning and

implementation support

Conservation Agriculture:

✓Seasonal reviews, learning inputs on mycotoxins, soil health and

water productivity

✓Planning of CA experimentation for 2nd round of implementation

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

✓Procurement and initiation of planting for 16 villages

Livestock integration:

✓Fodder supplementation experimentation and monitoring (18

participants)

Gardening:

✓Tunnel construction training KZN and EC-, 70 tunnels

✓Drip kit construction learning workshops for each village where

tunnels have been constructed

Social

agency for

LED and

social safety

nets

1. VSLAs, business

development, farmer

centres

✓Monthly farmers market stalls for98 villages from Bergville and

Ozwathini: September-December 2021

✓26VSLA’s in KZN; monthly mentoring and share out meetings.

Set up new VSLA in Ozwathini

✓Continuation with bulk loan fund: Set up two – one in Ngongonini

and one in Bergville.

2. PM&E system and

monitoring

✓Seasonal reviews for CA

✓Local marketing income monitoring

3. Iterative PID approach

for improved adaptation

and innovation

✓CA experimentation planning for all areas ;198 participants, based

on learnings form the review sessions.

✓Participatory team evaluation of progress for 1st year of

implementation to plan the next steps.

Progress overview.

CRA support for different activities is seasonal. During this period (September-December 2021) the following activities have

been undertaken:

➢The Conservation Agriculture (field cropping) activities has been planned for the 2nd round for 238 participants

across KZN and EC.

➢Support for micro poultry enterprises have continued and a total of 61 participants have been supported with

broilers and 47 with layers. This activity is extremely popular, as a quick win production strategy for income

generation and demand has far outstripped our ability to support smallholders. Participants have continued with

their production units and have paid for their own inputs, after the initial support

➢Gardening (vegetable production) is traditionally a winter activity and 70 participants have been supported with

micro-tunnels and drip irrigation kits. Small learning workshops in organic vegetable production have been held in

all the villages where tunnels have been installed

➢Livestock integration activities supported consisted of monitoring the winter fodder supplementation process for

the 19 participating farmers in Bergville (LS33, Premix 450 and protein blocks).

➢Monthly market stalls have continued for Ozwathini and Bergville.

The table below provides an overview of the number of participants for all activities to date.

Table 2: Overview of participants in the WWF-GT project for all activities undertaken: December 2021

Tunnels

Broilers

Layers

Fodder

supplementatio

No per annum

(135x2)

Proposed

Actual 2020/21

Actual 2021/22

Field cropping

ha's

Proposed

Actual 2020/21

Drip kits

2020/21

Gardeningha's

Proposed

Actual 2020/21

Proposed

Actual 2020/21

Proposed

Actual 2020/21

Total

298

135

172

235

100

1,75

100

KZN

55 (250)

112

198

Bergville

Midlands

SKZN

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

80 (48)

0,4

Mzongwana

Rashule

Nkau

Mafube

The proposed number of participants for the programme is 135 per annum (55 from KZN and 80 from EC), thus 270 in total

over the 2 years of implementation. At present there are 298participants in the programme, 250 from KZN and 48 from the

EC. In KZN the learning groups are well developed and are expanding every year as more participants come on board. In

the EC, the learning groups are new and despite participants coming in numbers to the introduction and learning sessions,

much fewer have undertaken the actual implmentation. It is unlikley in the time that remains that the number of participants

in the EC will increase significantly. Building of active members in learning groups is a slow and ongoing process. In

addition, the communities in the EC have a longstanding habit of refusing to implement if they are not provided with financial

support and labour. This is a throwback from the Government implementation processes in the region such as the Massive

Food Production programme where intpus were provided and land preparation was done by the Government.

In terms of expenditure, the budget allocations and use for the various activities is summarized in the small table below

Table 3: Summary of expenditure on CRA activities: November 2021

Cost break-down

Nov-21

Remainder

Budget (2021 and 2022)

Poultry

R184 770,22

-R48 250,22

R80 000,00

Tunnels (70)

R313 295,20

R117 354,80

R430 650,00

Seedlings, marketing etc

R20 843,14

R41827,43

R94 500,00

CA (2 seasons)

R99 227,02

R487,98

R127 715,00

Fodder supp

R4 502,39

R18 497,61

R23 000,00

R622 637,97

R129 917,50

R755 865,00

For all the activities (poultry, seedlings, CA and fodder supplementation) farmers were supported with a proportion of the

start up inputs and have contributed to their own inputs thereafter. MDF is still assisting in procurement and delivery. Due to

the combined effects of COVID-19and the social unrest, many agricultural inputs are in short supply and are not easy to get

hold of. This includes day old chicks, point of lay hens, maize seed, fertilizer and seedlings.

Fodder supplementation monitoring Narrative report

Four fodder supplementation workshops outlining the livestock nutrition and feeding were held in Stulwane, Eqeleni,

Ezibomvini and Vimbukhalo respectively in early July 2021 and the 4 different supplements (LS33, Protein Block, Premix

450 and Master 20) were delivered to participants by the beginning of August. The idea was to feed these supplements with

the veld hay bales that participants cut and stored.

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

The farmers were carefully advised to choose thin, old and lactating cows, as they would be in most need of

supplementation to both survive the winter months and maintain and build body weight. Each participant also chose one

healthy cow which would not be fed, but would serve as a positive control /benchmark.

Figure1: Above Left and Centre: Two of Danger Buthelezi’s (Stulwane) cows chosen for supplementation and Above Right: His control

cow.

Each farmer had a monitoring form, completed daily, with information

regarding supplementation ad the body condition core of his/her cows.

Figure 2: Right: Dlezakhe Holngwane’s (Stulwane) record keeping for

supplementation and body condition scores.

Results were compiled for 18 of the 19 participants across Vimbukhalo,

Stulwane, Ezibomvini and Eqeleni. Most of the participants provided

supplementation 3-4 times per week, some less (once every 2-3 weeks), as

cattle were in the mountains in the winter grazing areas and needed to be

brought home to the kraals to be provided with the supplements. This was a

bit of an unforeseen complication, as participants were meant to feed their

cows on a daily basis. Nonetheless, some increase in body condition

scoring was noticed over the 8-9 weeks of supplementation. Farmers noted

that most of the cows they chose to feed would not have survived the winter

without the supplementation. The table below outlines the results ofr the 18

participants

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

Table 4: Supplementation body conditions score results for 18 participants in Bergville.

Week 1Week 2Week 3Week 4Week 5Week 6Week 7Week 8

Not SupplementedControl Cow23333

Cow 122222

Cow 212333

Cow 311222

Not SupplementedControl Cow33331111

Cow122222333

Not SupplementedControl Cow333

Cow 1112

Cow 2222

Cow 3223

Cow 4223

Not SupplementedControl Cow33333

Cow 111111

Cow 222222

Cow 322222

Cow 422222

Not SupplementedControl Cow33333333

Cow122222333

Cow222222333

Cow322222222

Cow422222222

Not SupplementedControl Cow333

Cow 1222

Cow 2222

Cow 3222

Cow 4222

Not SupplementedControl Cow333334

Cow 1111222

Cow 2222233

Cow 3222223

Cow 4223333

Not SupplementedControl Cow3333333

Cow 12223333

Cow 22223333

Cow 32222222

Cow 42222222

Not SupplementedControl Cow33333333

Cow 1222233

Cow211111222

Cow311111122

Cow411111122

Not SupplementedControl Cow3333333

Cow 11122

Cow 22223

Cow 33344

Cow 43334

Cow 11111

Cow 22222

Not SupplementedControl Cow3333333

Premix 450Cow 111111

Khulekani DladlaProtein BlockCow 122222333

Not SupplementedControl Cow33333344

Cow 11111111

Cow 22222223

Not SupplementedControl Cow33333

Cow 111111

Cow 211111

Cow 322222

Cow 42222 2

Not SupplementedControl Cow33333333

Cow111111122

Cow222222333

Cow322222233

Cow411111122

Not SupplementedControl Goat444444

Goat 1444444

Goat 2333333

Goat 3333333

Goat 4333333

Cow 13333344

Cow 22223333

Cow 32222233

Cow 41112222

Ezibomvini

Phumelele Hlongwane

Premix 450

Protein Block

Buyisiwe Ndaba

Vimbukhalo

Lungile Dladla

Premix 450

LSS33

Master 20

Khosane Hlongwane

LSS33

Protein Block

Premix 450

Stulwane

Ntombi Dlamini

Zibonele Sithole

Nomusa Zikode

Nothile Zondi

Dombolo Buthelezi

Danger Buthelezi

Dlezakhe Hlongwane

Sabelo Mbhele

Body Condition Score

Khethabahle Miya

Type of supplements

Master 20

Premix 450

Thokozile Hlophe

Eqeleni

Village

Name & surname

Treated Cows

Thulile Zikode

Sthabiso Manyathi

Thulani Dlamini

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

From the above table it can be seen that body condition improved for most of the cows provided with protein supplements.

Cows for Zinbonele Sithole and Nomusa Zikode, both using Master 20 supplement maintained their body condition score

but did not improve. The cow that Kethabahle Miya was feeding however died.

Figure 3: Above Left: Nomusa Zikode’s cows, which were only provided with supplement sporadically as they remained in the mountain

pastures for extended periods and thus did not show an increase in body condition scores and Above Right:Kethabahle’s cow which died

from being underfed.

Overall, this experimentation process has been highly successful for participants, as they could clearly determine the value

of winter fodder supplementation for their livestock. They were supplied with enough supplement to feed their cows for four

weeks, meaning that all the participants also continued their experimentation by buying their own supplements after that.

Conservation Agriculture

Results for 2020/21 growing season

For the CA component, co-funding for adaptive research from the Maize trust is available and until 2020/21 the KZNDARD

LandCare unit has also provided support with seed, inputs and implements. It means that participant numbers in KZN are

much higher than those supported through this WWF-GT process.

Area

No of villages

No of participants

1000m2 trials (10x10

‘ s)

400m2 trials

Strips

Fodder species

Seed

Poultry

Two row planter

Short season maize

Actual planted

(hectares)

KZN

365

184

119

25,66

0,32

In the EC, the initial response to the CA learning workshops was very positive and inputs for the CA experimentation were

provided to almost 100 participants. However only 48 participants planted their CA trails according to the demonstration

workshops held. Most planted very small areas, around 100m2 only. As it is the first year of implementation, the trial layout

was pre-determined by MDF to be 4 10x10m blocks with maize and bean and maize and cowpea intercrops respectively.

This layout assists in the learning as it provides for visible outcomes in respect of clos spacing and intercropping within the

CA system, as well as fertilizer micro-dosing, and planting in basins and rows.

Below are a few indicative pictures of CA trials in Matatiele.

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

Figure 4: CA trial plots in Matatiele. Above Left: Nomasonto Jili (Mngeni ), Above Centre: Majibelo Pelo (Lufeleni) and Above Right:

Bhadini Nogwadi (Palmaville)

In KZN, a much more intensive monitoring process is supported through the Maize Trust process.

Figure 5: Clockwise from Top Left: A summer cover crop (SCC) plot with fodder sorghum, Sun hemp and sunflower, Phumelele

Hlongwane in her strip cropping trial showing maize, cowpeas and SCCs, and maize and bean intercropped plot, a strip of perennial

fodder, Lespedeza, and a two row no till planter used in Stulwane (Bergville).

A broad-based summary of the results indicates that multi--cropping and crop rotation in smallholder CA systems leads to:

-Significantly reduced runoff: Runoff pans for 13 participants across KZN in their control and CA trial plots have

indicated an average 50% reduction in run-off due to implementation of CA

rainfall (mm)

runoff CA plot (L)

runoff control plot (L)

Bergville (6 participants, 4 villages)

Sum

1276,7

76,7

146,1

% Rainfall conversion

11%

SKZN (4 participants, 4 villages)

Sum

505,8

12,3

18,4

% Rainfall conversion

Midlands (3 participants, 3 villages)

Sum

939,1

37,3

64,1

% Rainfall conversion

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

-Slight reductions in bulk density of soil: Bulk density of soil is reduced over time through the CA multi-

cropping options, when compared to C monocropping and conventional tillage. The small table below compares

bulk density results in Bergville over three seasons

Bergville ρb (g/cm3)

2018/19

2019/20

2020/21

CA multi cropped plots combined

1,26

1,29

1,12

CA control (M)

1,36

1,40

1,23

Conventional control (M)

1,30

1,24

-Significantly improved Water Productivity (WP) for maize: WP for maize grown in a multi-cropping rotation

CA system is much higher than CA mono-cropped maize or conventionally tilled maize. Results for WP

calculations for 12 participants from Bergville over 2 seasons re shown in the small table below.

Cropping options

WP (kg/m3)

Ave WP:2 seasons

2020/21 (n=11)

2019/20 (n=9)

CA – Maize (M)

2,28

1,11

1,7

CA- Maize, bean intercrop (M+B)

2,50

1,21

1,9

CA- Maize cowpea intercrop (M+CP)

2,84

1,43

2,1

CA- Maize control (M-CA control)

1,1

0,8

1 ,0

Conventionally tilled maize (M-Conv Control)

0,75

0,36

0,6

-Significantly improved yield potential for maize: This is a combination of judicious use of external inputs as

well as soil fertility and soil health gains from CA over time. Yield advantages for maize through intercropping and

crop rotation are evident after a continuous CA implementation cycle of 4 or more years. The small graph below

summarizes maize yields for CA participants across 4 villages in Bergville (n=28). Yields of the CA multi-cropped

plots are consistently higher than consecutively mono cropped plots and control plots.

Soil health improvements are constrained by weather variability, lack of soil cover and reluctance to increase crop diversity

beyond the 2-3 crops that people habitually plant for food production.

-Production for food and sale of surplus:For Bergville,70% of participants have produced enough maize to

feed their families and 30% have also been able to sell surplus. Participants in the Bergville site have made

between R1000-R5000 each selling maize and beans in their communities and at pension points. For the

Midlands, the participants sell green maize to bakkie traders and into nearby towns. Here the average income was

around R2000 per 300m2 CA plot. This would equate to an income of around R66 600/ha. This is a significantly

higher income potential than selling dry maize per ton, which would equate to around R10 400 for the 2,6t/ha

EqeleniEzibomviniStulwane Vimbukhalo

Average of yield(t/ha)CA-M8.35 7.29 2.21 6.67

Average of yield(t/ha)CA-M intercrop9.95 12.62 4.25

Average of yield(t/ha)CA9.21 7.90 2.96 6.67

Average of yield(t/ha)Control4.71 6.21 2.75 1.98

0.00

2.00

4.00

6.00

8.00

10.00

12.00

14.00

t/ha

Maize yields Bergville 2020/21 (N=28)

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

average for these farmers. 80% of participants in the Midlands have sold some of their maize and actual incomes

ranged from as little as R120 (400m2) to a maximum of R39 550 (2700m2)

Farmer level review sessions and planning for 2021-22 planting season

Learning group seasonal review and planning sessions were held in all 18 villages where CA implementation is being

undertaken. A summary of the outcomes for the Bergville villages is provided in Annexure 1. Similar summaries are

available or the Midlands and SKZN groups as well.

A few significant comments made by farmers in the review sessions are provided as bullet points below:

•Short season maize produced well, despite small cobs, with little to no fungal infections. They reach maturity faster

than the normal hybrids

•Cobs produced from the hybrids PAN6479 and PN53 are bigger than cobs form traditional maize. In addition, the

leaves surrounding cobs for PAN53 do not pull away form the cob meaning that drying is faster and fewer cob rot

issues are experienced.

•Intercropping of maize and beans and close spacing of crops increases moisture in the plot, reduces weeds and

improves maize yields

•Weeding must be done in the first 6 weeks after planting to ensure that the maize grows well and there is no yield

reduction due to weeds.

•In all areas there have been some issues with the two row planters, with the settings for seed and fertilizer depth

at planting. Participants feel they need more technical support and training to troubleshoot these issues.

•CA has improved yields considerably – enough for feeding a family for a whole year

•Much reduced soil erosion

•Cover Crops are used to feed poultry and livestock

•Lespedeza grows well and we can even include some of this cut and dried material into the fodder bales for winter

feeding.

•Strips are easier to plant and weed than the blocks

•Bean yields have been consistently low and farmers want to experiment with planting beans later in the season

(January) and also with different varieties of beans which may be more resistant to diseases. One farmer in

Ozwathini planted her beans a few weeks before her maize and this worked well to improve the bean yields.

•Savings from VSLAs assist in buying inputs

Planning for Ca planting for the 2021-/22 cropping season

The table below outlines the different crops and crop combinations to be tried out in both KZN and the EC regions.

Table 5: Different cropping options chosen for individual participants undertaking CA experimentation for the 2021-22 season.

Area

Village

No of

part

Short

season

maize

Gadra

beans

Cowpeas

turnip

SCC

Fodder:

Lespedeza,

Tall fescue

Pumpkin

WCC

Jugo

beans

Bergville (85)

Ezibomvini

Stulwane

Vimbukhalo

Eqeleni

Midlands (54)

Ozwathini

Gobizembe

Mayizekanye

SKZN (59)

Madzikane

Spring Valley

Ngongonini

Plainhill

EC (37)

Mzongwana

Rashule,

Nkau

TOTALS

235

125

235

115

126

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

The initial planting demonstrations and workshops have been undertaken in all areas, inputs have been bought and

distributed, farmers have paid in their subsidies for inputs (R35 340.00) and planting has commenced.

In addition, a Climate Resilient Agriculture training session was held for the 14 eco-champs working in Matatiele, working

with ERS. The idea is to broaden the scope of their work into both implementing and promoting CRA alongside the other

grazing management and resource conservation work that they do. Field staff from CSA, SaveAct and ERS also attending

this two day training, of which one day was devoted to a theoretical input and the next day was a practical CA planting

process undertaken at ah homestead in Rashule.

Below are a few photographs of the CA planting season preparation

Figure 6: Right: Eco champs and learning

group participants in Rashule, EC get

ready to plant a CA trial plot after

slashing and spraying the weeds Far-

Right: KNDARD and Local Municipal

support in Bergville – tractor with boom

sprayer which sprayed for around 40

participants across Vimbukhalo and

Stulwane.

Gardening: Tunnels and drip kits

Introduction

For implementation of vegetable production, 70 mini tunnel and drip kits have now been procured from Socio-Technical

Interfacing and constructed along with the three small bucket drip kits for each tunnel. All villages have received some

training in construction of trench beds, as well as mixed cropping, mulching and natural pest and disease control.

Participants have ordered and paid for seedlings for these tunnels and seed/seedlings of new and different types of

vegetables and herbs have also been provided to participants. In some areas, the installation of the drip kits is still lagging a

bit.

In Bergville, where the large majority of tunnels were constructed, a team of 4 local youths were trained up and supported to

put up the tunnels with the participating households. Participants have been selling their vegetables, produced in their

tunnels and gardens since August.

The tunnels have been put up as follows:

Area

No of tunnels installed

No of drip kits installed

Bergville: Stulwane, Ezivbomvini, Vumbukhalo, Eqeleni

Midlands (Gobizmbe, Maiyzekanye, Ozwathini)

SKZN (Spring Valley, Ngongoninin, Madzikane, Plainhill)

Matatiele (Rashule, Nkau, Mafube)

10 (+1)

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

The last round of tunnel construction is likely to focus primarily on Matatiele, as there is now considerable interest in these

tunnels to ameliorate some of the harsh weather conditions in the area.

Figure 7: Midlands: Above Left: Drip kits installed in MamZondi’s tunnel in Gobizembe, Above centre: Laying out the pipes after 0putting in

the string drippers for Mrs Xulu (Ozwathini) Above Right: Making of the stone and sand filters for the bucket drips for Mrs Mhlongo

(Ozwathini) and Above Far Right: Installed drip system for Mrs Chamane’s (Ozwathini) mulched beds in her tunnel.

Figure 8: Above Left and Right: Productive tunnels for two participants from Nkau (Matatiele) Novusukile Qundane and Martha Mbongwe

Figure 9: Right: Packing the

trenches for Duduzile

Knhukhu (Rashule), with

members of the learning

group and field staff form

SaveAct also in attendance

and Far Right: Her

completed tunnel.

Local marketing

The monthly market stalls at local pension pay out points in Bergville and Ozwathini continued, but difficulties due to the

provincial looting and unrest has necessitated some adjustments. Two of the main factors here is that SASSA have

discontinued their village-based pension pay outs since September, using the unrest as their reasoning. A further difficulty is

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

that many ATMs and banks will not be re-opened in some of the hardest hit towns like Bamshela and Wartburg, where our

farmers are active.

The Ozwathini learning groups have adjusted their strategy by moving their market stall from the shopping area in Bamshela

to a taxi rank and also be selling there on 2-3 days per month (for the duration of the social grants pay run). They have now

narrowed down their selling days to 2 consecutive days in a month, given logistical and produce quality issues when trying

to maintain the stall for three days. Their strategy has worked quite well. There has however been a downswing in the

produce they are managing to sell from around 50% of offerings on a day to around 40% of offerings. They are content to

continue this process by themselves. They record sales and provide MDF field staff with the information.

In Bergville, in association with the

Okhahlamba LM two other NGOs Farmer

Support Group and Philakahle, a market day

was held in early October (5th) at the Bergville

fresh produce market. The idea was to see

whether this market cold be resurrected and

the unused infrastructure there, put to good

use. Around 14smallholder farmers and

farmers’ cooperatives were invited to bring

produce to sell alongside the MDF groups and

all local businesses were informed by word of

mouth and delivery of flyers and putting up of

posters.

Figure 10: Right: MDF learning group members

setting up their stall at the Bergville fresh produce

market and Far Right: the flyers distributed to all

businesses in Bergville.

The market was mostly a failure, as it is too far

form town to allow walk-ins and the local

businesses did not support the market. They

did however buy the produce when we

eventually drove over to them. The LM officials lost focus before the market even happened and the KZNDARD, decided to

set up their own market on a different day, despite being positive in the planning sessions. This exercise will thus not be

repeated. This however leaves the Bergville groups in a difficult situation, as they now need to try and find a venue in

Bergville town for their market stall. This is taking a while to organise.

The small table below provides a running total of sales from the market stalls between April and October 2021.

Table 6: Sales records for local market stalls in Ozwathini and Bergvillee. April-November 2021

Summary of market incomes for Market stalls: April- November 2021

Date

No of farmers

Villages

Amount

Market

Produce; in order of sales

2021/04/10

R2 419,00

Emmaus

Pork meat, dry beans, traditional mats, vegetables,

pumpkins, processed chilli, green maize, eggs

2021/05/09

R1 580,00

Emmaus

Vegetables, pork meat, dry beans, dry maize, sweet

potatoes, pumpkins, incema, broilers

2021/06/04

R11 527,50

Bamshela -

Ozwathini

Eggs, pork, sweet potato, mealie cake, broilers,

beans, vegetables

2021/06/09

R5 072,00

Emmaus, Stulwane

Pork meat, broilers, vegetables, pinafores, dry beans,

dry maize, processed chilli, vegetables

2021/07/10

R3 415,00

Emmaus, Stulwane

Pork meat, vegetables, broilers, processed chilli, dry

beans

2021/08/04

R3 866,00

Bamshela -

Ozwathini

Pork, buns, slaughtered chickens, eggs, amadumbe,

potatoes, cabbage, swt potato, carrots, spinach,

avocado, pumpkins

2021/08/07

R2 379,00

Emmaus

Pork, broilers, sweet potatoes, amadumbe, eggs,

spinach, onion, cabbage, chillies, tomatoes, snacks

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

2021/09/09

R3 745,00

Emmaus

Broilers, traditional chickens, potato seed, spinach,

mustard spinach, cabbage, carrots, lettuce, eggs,

processed chillies, amadumbe.

2021/10/08

R845,00

Bergville fresh

produce market

Spinach, mustard spinach, cabbage, beetroot, leeks,

onions, tomatoes

2021/09/03,06,07

R5 448,00

Bamshela -

Ozwathini

Eggs, spinach, chillies, green peppers, carrots,

tomatoes avocados, beans, pumpkins, bananas,

lettuce, herbs, sweet potato, amadumbe, potatoes,

maize and potato seed

2021/10/05,06

R3 354,00

Bamshela -

Ozwathini (taxi rank)

Eggs, slaughtered chickens, beans, cabbage, spinach,

beetroot, lettuce, amadumbe, green peppers, carrots,

onions,, tomatoes, avocados, amadumbe, lemons

2021/11/03,04

R2 964,00

Bamshela -

Ozwathini (taxi rank)

Potatoes, pork, eggs, spinach, cabbage, dry beans,

lettuce, red cabbage, cauliflower, broccoli, onions,

green peppers, chillies, herbs

2021/10-11

R990,00

Sale to shops in

Bergville: Boxer and

Saverite

Spinach

TOTAL SALES

R47 604,50

From this table an average of 13 participants have been selling at each market making an average of R305/selling day per

participant. A copy of the market day report or November in Ozwathni is provided in Annexure 2.

The dip in earnings for the Bergville participants after the social unrest (August to October 2021), is very obvious and they

made only 50% of what they were managing before that. Selling at the Fresh produce market totalled only R850. An

alternative option now needs to be sought. The contraction of the market for Bamshela has not been that severe.

Figure 11: Above Left to Right: Produce from gardens and small poultry units on display or sale at the September local market in Bergville.

On the right is the delivery of spinach from farmers to Saverite in Bergville.

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

Figure 12: Above; Views of produce on sale at the October market in Bamshela (Ozwathini).

Strengthening of Innovation platforms and networks

The table below summarizes stakeholder interactions for the period (September- November 2021).

Table 7: Stakeholder interactions summary. September-November 2021

Activity

Description

Dates

Okhahlamba Local Municipality

Okhahlamba LM: Fresh produce market, planting support and

materials provision

10/04 and

ongoing

KZNDARD

Provincial launch of multi planting season 2021/22 Opened by the

KZN premier Mr Sihle Zikalala

Planting support and materials provision

29/09

SANBI Living catchment

Programme

Co-convening of Okhahlamba Multistakeholder Forum with the

INR.

SANBI Uthukela Catchment

Indaba

Show casing of community level CRA work and local spring

protection activities (~100 participants)

10/02-04

CREATE

Introduction of CRA and tower gardens to 12 physically challenged

beneficiaries

20/09

Farming for Climate Justice

(F4CJ)

Participatory research support process through UCT and Coventry

University, UK. Subgroup on solidarity economies, led by Tema

Mathebula from MDF, in Ozwathini

Ongoing

ESS research - WRC

UKZN research in ecosystem services mapping supported by

MDF: water walks, focus group discussions planning, eco-champs

Ongoing

SAMCC

Abstract accepted for conference in March 2022

Agroecology network: Food

governance CoP

Panel member for Agroecological Transitions and Local

Governance. E Kruger

17/11

Centre for Sustainability

Transitions

Co hosting webinar on CbCCA implementation processes

02/12

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

Figure 12: Above left: The KZNDARD seasonal launch – MDF stall, Above Centre: The tower garden built as a demonstration for

CREATE participants and Above Right: Visitors in Phumelele Hlongwane’s garden during the Uthukela catchment Indaba.

A total of 26 Village Savings and Loan Associations (VSLAs) have been supported, including a new group set up in

Ozwathini in October 2021. Most of these groups are in Bergville (22) with another 3 in SKZN and 1 in Midlands. In the

Matatiele site, MDF works in partnership with SaveAct who manage the savings group aspects. Further meetings have been

held in Ngongonini to set up the Bulk Loan Fund (BLF) in that area.

The table below provides a summary of transactions for each of the VSLAs for the period of March-October 2021. A total of

468 participants are involved and have a combined VSLA value of just over R1 million.

Table 8: Summary of saving and loan transactions for all VSLAs across KZN: March-October 2021

VSLA summary

No.

AREA

GROUP NAME

NO. OF

PEOPLE

START Date

VALUE OF TOTAL

VALUE OF

LOANS REPAID

NEW BALANCE

Ezibomvini

November

R37 600,00

R10 100,00

Ezibomvini

Ukuzama

August

R3 000,00

R33 500,00

Emazimbeni

Nyonyana

October

R 87 000,00

R78 900,00

Emabunzini

Isibonelo

November

R45 200,00

R5 580,00

R43 260,00

Eqeleni

Masibambane

October

R72 140,00

R66 400,00

Eqeleni

Masithuthuke

November

R61 200,00

R23 840,00

R52 040,00

Stulwane

Mbalenhle

November

R59 600,00

R34 300,00

R48 100,00

Ndunwane

Mphelandaba

September

R4 200,00

R33 920,00

Emabunzini

Sakhokuhle

November

R78 700,00

R76 290,00

R65 720,00

Vimbukhalo

Ukhamba

November

R67 300,00

R62 090,00

R55 760,00

Stulwane

Vukuzenzele

December

R42 900,00

R14 500,00

R28 780,00

Stulwane

Umtwana 2

December

R37 200,00

R20 160,00

R13 120,00

Stulwane

Umtwana 1

December

R64 000,00

R24 320,00

R35 660,00

Emadakeneni

Azam

January

R12 500,00

R7 710,00

R3 970,00

Stulwane

Ithembalethu

January

R 52 200,00

R 31 000,00

R28 690,00

Stulwane

Zebra

January

R 27 900,00

R 20 150,00

R2 319,00

Emahlathini

Sizakahle

March

R 36 100,00

R 15 630,00

R30 240,00

Stulwane

Sondelani

November

R 41 500,00

R 34 870,00

R22 990,00

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

Stulwane

Mzizi

November

R 49 000,00

R 29 950,00

R31 210,00

Emabunzini

Qhubekani

November

R 67 500,00

R 55 980,00

R64 680,00

Emahlathini

Masiphumulele

March

R 24 900,00

R 6 380,00

R16 940,00

Stulwane

Thuthukani

December

R 89 100,00

R 46 440,00

R89 880,00

Ngongonini

Masakhane

March

R16 100,00

R56 160,00

Madzikane

March

R68 600,00

R7 250,00

R64 350,00

Madzikane

Senzokuhle

May

R29 800,00

R 1 500,00

R31 000,00

Ozwathini

Sikhulule

October

R2 800,00

TOTAL

468

R1 159 140,00

R544 140,00

R1578 448,00

Figure 13: A view of Masibambane VLSA in Eqeleni during their share out meeting. All monies are laid out on a mat prior to sharing, to

ensure full transparency and agreement from the members.

Despite increased financial pressure and vulnerability of participants, these VSL groups have continued with their savings

and small loans. Participants use their small loans for consumption smoothing as well as small farming enterprises, including

poultry, vegetable production and field cropping.

3GAPS AND CONSTRAINTS

For the past three 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, broilers and seed. This situation has been exacerbated by the civil unrest in the province in

July 2021.Some of the small centres where smallholders buy supplies and food have started to rebuild and mostly supplies

are now available. SASSA however has made a decision to discontinue all rural pay points and now only provide pay-outs in

the centres. This has put a dampener on the local marketing strategies that have been used, as people now once again buy

their supplies in town where they get their grants.

In addition, COVID-19 is still a concern in these communities. Many of the rural inhabitants are anti vaccination, due to a

strong distrust of the state, as well as buying into a lot of the fake news circulating on social media.

4COMMENT ON FINANCIAL REPORT

NOTES ON EXPENDITURE

Expenditure has been compiled up until the end of November 2021

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

1.Staff cost: Staff costs are somewhat higher than the budgeted amount for this period. This was compensated for

by reducing the 3rd party and external evaluation fees for this period.

2.Operating expenses- Materials: This budget item is on target according to the budget. The only materials still to be

procured are 30 tunnels and a few outstanding inputs for the 2021/22 CA experimentation.

3.Overall expenditure for the period of September-November 2021 has been 5% higher than the allocated funds.

Below is a summary of the Financial report.

5TWO COPIES OF ANY PUBLICATIONS

6FINANCIAL REPORT

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

EC_20211130. Documentation for explaining full expenditure summaries is available on request.

7SIGNIFICANT PLANNED ACTIONS FOR NEXT REPORTING PERIOD

Outcome

Activities

Planned actions (Milestone 6)

Livelihood

security at

household

level

1. Learning group

planning and review

sessions

✓KZN: Ezibomvini, Stulwane, Vimbukhalo, Eqeleni. Madzikane,

Gobizembe Mayizekanye, Ozwathini, Spring Valley, Ngongonini,

Plainhill

✓EC: Nkau, Rashule, Mafube, Mzongwana (Lufefeni, Mngeni,

Chibini)

WWF: GT06177Financial reportDate: 30 November 2021Milestone 5

Project BudgetFull Year 2nd

Oct 2021-

August 2022

Oct 2020-

November 2021

A - OPENING BALANCER3 000 000,00R1 847 500,00R968 064,98R740 547,98R1 659 492,00R188 008,00

Cash receivedR1 431 975,00

Otherincome(interest, FX

gains/loss)

n/a

B - TOTAL income + o/balanceR1 431 975,00R1 847 500,00R1 016 350,00R1 431 975,00R1 431 975,00R415 525,00

EXPENDITURE by code

1Staff costsR1 210 066,50R624 466,50R743 120,58R171 615,50R914 736,08R295 330,42

2Third party feesR458 919,00R237 219,00R155 321,32R28 800,00R184 121,32R274 797,68

3Travel and SubsistenceR446 809,50R230 959,50R215 850,00R51 776,86R267 626,86R179 182,64

4Capital Asset costsR0,00

5Operating expenses; materialsR755 865,00R181 523,00R531 092,60R94 854,90R625 947,50R129 917,50

6Meetings / Education / TrainingR0,00R0,00

Project Promotion/

Communication/Printing /

Publication

R37 260,00R19 260,00R4 500,00R4 500,00R32 760,00

8Project Evaluation by 3rd partyR91 080,00R47 080,00R14 107,50R14 107,50R76 972,50

C - TOTAL EXPENDITURER3 000 000,00R1 340 508,00R1 659 492,00R351 547,26R2 011 039,26R988 960,74

D – CLOSING BALANCER0,00R1 659 492,00-R691 427,02R389 000,72-R351 547,26-R800 952,74

ESTIMATES

ACTUALS

Code

Description

Previously

Reported YTD

Actuals

This quarter

Actuals

(September-

November 2021)

Year-to-Date

(YTD) Actuals

Forecast minusYTD

Actuals (=Variance)

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

2. Prioritized baskets of

appropriate practises

✓CA: Implementation of 2nd round of experimentation including

intercropping, multi-species cover crops, fodder production, strip

cropping and crop rotation.

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

multi-purpose crops

✓Poultry production: Continue process for 100 participants cross

KZN and EC.

3. Learning and

implementation support

✓Drip irrigation and intensive homestead gardening, including

natural pest and disease control.

✓CA: cover crops, soil health, mycotoxins

Social

agency for

LED and

social safety

nets

1. VSLAs, business

development, farmer

centres

✓Marketing exploration workshops continuation and monthly

farmers market stalls

✓26VSLA’s in KZN; monthly mentoring

✓Set up Bulk loan fund VSLAs and initiate bottom-up food supply

chains

2. PM&E system and

monitoring

✓Production and progress monitoring system design and

implementation

3. Iterative PID approach

for improved adaptation

and innovation

✓

8.LIST OF ANNEXURES

Complementary information, including photographs.

ANNEXURES

1.Bergville: Learning group CA seasonal review session summary: September 2021

2.Market day report for Ozwathini: November 2021

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

1.BERGVILLE:LEARNING GROUP CA SEASONAL REVIEW SESSION SUMMARY:SEPTEMBER 2021

1.Bergville Learning Groups: CA assessment 2020/2021 (Written by Michael Malinga)

Herewith the CA reviews assessments conducted across 4 villages which are our main focus in the Bergville area with the

responses combined in these villages of interest. As per planning for 2021/2022 season, many participants in these villages

have shown interests in continuing with 10x10’s and strip demonstration trials regardless of our input support for this

upcoming planting season. The participants have asked us to establish a quotation of actual prices for inputs required to

plant demonstration trials on their own. We must also assist them in determining the quantities required by each farmer to

plant his/her demonstration trial and the contribution required with regard to his/her trial size so that they can buy in bulk and

separates the input accordingly amongst each other.

2.SECTION A: GENERAL CA

3.What have been the highlights of the past season?

➢One farmer from Eqeleni has joined the learning group this season; she experienced an increased harvest as

compared to previous seasons. She plans to also increase her planting area this season.

➢The first-year participants are happy to discover a new method that reduces their input cost and saves on renting

tractors and oxen drawn planters in the community. Now their cows can rest during the planting season.

➢Other farmers are happy to have produced enough maize to sustain them with their families as the majority was

able to get over 3 drums

➢ Bukisiwe Mpulo who planted both 10x10 blocks and strip is happy to have harvested high maize and beans yield

from both her experiment plots.

➢Mtobho Dlodlo who planted short season maize in December 2020 her harvest was much better as did not

experience maize rot on her harvest.

➢Other participants are happy to have received high rainfall last year and believe it has played a huge role on their

increased maize harvest.

➢Other participant who joined us this year is happy that she got 50 kg of maize harvested from her 400 m2

demonstration trial. She wants to try again planting her experimental plots trial this upcoming season.

➢The participants from Ezibomvini were happy with their cover crops saying were beautiful in their fields.

➢Phumelele Hlongwane further stated that intercropping maize with beans has assisted her on her harvest as she

noticed that intercropping preserve moisture, reduce weeds infestation resulting to high harvest with reduced labor

input on these plots.

4.What are some of the issues or problems of the past season?

➢Chickens and pied crows reduced the seed germination as they dig out the seeds from the seed from the

planted fields after planting

➢Other farmers did not harvest their summer cover crops because pigeons and other wild birds were helping

themselves on them before harvest

➢They experienced high pest infestation in Beans and Cowpea as they did not receive Decis forte pesticide

which they suspect played a role in obtaining low beans yield. Stalk borer was an issue to other farmers but it

was not as terrible

➢The majority also agreed to have experienced low yield in beans as a result of high rainfall prominent during

the harvest season which spoiled their beans during the drying stage.

➢Other farmers say that their beans had a vigorous vegetative growth followed by wilting and dying after

experiencing early flowering stage. Other farmers stated that their beans completed the flowering stage but

the leaves and pods started to shrink at an early fruiting stage.

➢One farmers experienced water logging on her demonstration trial positioned on a foot slope. All the floods

were collected on her demonstration trial resulting to her maize being stunted with yellow leaves and did not

shoots cobs.

➢One farmer says her pumpkins had poor seed germination and suspect that it because of spraying the

roundup a day after planting.

➢The majority complained by poor germination where they had planted Lablab and have resorted into planting

other crops on the lablab plot.

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

➢Nelisiwe Msele experienced poor germination on all her plots. She Suspects that since they are planting in

groups, other people are not careful enough when placing seeds on the planting basins. Every time when

they are planting someone has to do a follow up to ensure that they do not place seeds in contact with

fertilizer as its causes poor seedling emergence and this is something you cannot detect when planting but

the damage can be observed after 2 weeks when plots have patches as result of poor seedling emergence.

➢Jerome Ndaba from Vimbukhalo says that his strip plots were severely damaged by a hailstorm and believe

he did not see the harvest as a result, especial the beans that were flowering at the time.

➢Two farmers complained that they did not obtain maize this year because they crops were destroyed by

horses and livestock in Stulwane since their fields are not fenced.

5.What are the possible solutions to challenges faced?

➢Across all villages, they believe that planting beans in January will assist them in evading high rainfalls that

spoils their beans during the maturing stage.

➢Or experimenting with other beans variety with resistance to rotting as a result of high rainfall which may

occur during the maturing stage.

➢To those farmers who have experienced reduced maize yield must ensure weeds are removed within the first

6 weeks after planting between the vegetative and tasseling stage so that the plants experiences less

competition during the reproductive stage as it is sensitive and cannot share the resources with tall weeds.

The plants at this stage are tall enough and have a thick canopy cover to fight growing weeds underneath.

6.SECTION B: CA EXPERIMENTATION

1.What are the observed differences between CA and normal planting practices? (Include for example soil fertility, soil

health, compaction, run-off, water holding, pest and diseases, yields)

➢The planting season was delayed for farmers using conventional tillage because the soil was muddy as a

result of high rainfalls experienced in November 2020 and it was not easy for them to work the soils

compared to us using CA as we only use hand hoes to open basins/planting station where we place our

seeds and fertilizer.

➢Since we started using CA we are getting high yields on our fields. The farmers are now able to produce

enough maize yields processed into maize meal to sustain their families.

➢In the past when farmers were using conventional tillage, they use to experience high soil erosion which

washed away the soil including seeds and fertilizer. They using to collect their seeds down slope after heavy

rainfall, but they see that now even after heavy rainfall their soils is not affected and seeds remain intact on

the plant basins. They have further stated that they have seen traces of fertilizer from the previous seasons

on the planting basins when planting.

2.What were the observed yields? Can you explain why they were either good/bad (maize, legumes and cover crops

➢Maize yields were excellent as many participants are happy with their harvests ranging from 1 bag to filling 1-

4 drums and believed that these results can be attributed to high rainfall experienced last year, applying CA

practices coupled with a perfect selection of our maize varieties for planting in their area.

➢ Beans yields was not as pleasant to many farmers as they have experienced low to zero yields due to high

rainfall experienced late towards the harvesting season. They believe shifting the planting window beans to

January will improve their harvest.

➢Summer Cover Crops farmers had mixed emotions about them as other farmers say they harvested excellent

yields and were able to feed their chickens from their harvest. Others says that they did not get enough yields

as seeds were eaten by pigeons and sorghum attracted kids who came to steal it from plots and while they

were at it, they destroyed other crops on their pathway leading into plots where cover crops were planted.

3.Explain outcomes of use of herbicides – describe how these were used and what the outcomes were? How much hand

weeding was required? What could work better?

➢As for the herbicide the majority farmers sprayed 300ml/16L of water and applied the chemical day before or

after planting and very few farmers applied the chemical 5 days before planting.

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

➢The farmers have stated that spraying Roundup was effective in killing herbaceous weeds however its

difficulty to control Bluegrass it undergoes discoloration after several days of spraying and grow back to its

original form.

➢They have lost count to how many times they weeded and others says 3 to 4 times as they have experienced

high rainfalls this season.

➢They will continue spraying the Roundup followed by mechanical weeding.

4.Explain the outcomes of the close planting in CA experiments vs normal planting spacing.

➢Close space reduces they yield potential and its difficult weed

➢Some farmers have resorted to using their normal spacing on their experiment plots

➢Others favors close spacing as it reduces weed infestation and preserve moisture for their crops when the

plants have established high canopy cover.

5.Explain use of CA planters (MBLI, animal drawn, 2 rows). How did the arrangements work? Explain why CA planters

used or not.

➢Some of our farmers still use CA planters with few farmers at Stulwane using MBLI and 2-row planters was

used in Vimbukhalo and Stulwane.

➢The 2-row planter in Stulwane does not drop the seeds hence they will need our field workers to assist them

in fixing the problem before they start the planting season.

➢The 2-row planters at Eqeleni place the seeds deep in the ground resulting in low seedling emergence. They

need to be assisted with calibrating it.

➢Other farmers prefer using hand hoes instead of MBLI because it is difficult to open the planting basins when

the soil is dry but they say it works well when they plant beans using MBLI planters.

➢At Stulwane they have a haraka planter which does not work efficiently because offload all the seeds in one

go; they would like to get a new haraka.

6.What are the observed differences between the 10x10s and strip cropping?

➢Many farmers prefer planting Strips because it easy to plant even 2 people can do it. Weeding the strips was

also easy to many compared to 10x10s. The strip was also good to others because they see that it allows air

flow on their crops.

➢They say planting 10x10s is time consuming as they need to measure 10mx10m blocks which requires many

ropes and sticks for measurements. However, other farmers were conflicted because they say; it is to weed

the 10x10s compared to the strips because of it has shorter rows per block.

➢Other farmers who planted both strip and 10x10s suggested that they would like to plant both types in one

day because it requires time and energy to weed when planted in different dates.

7.What are the observed outcomes of planting cover crops? Explain which ones have been planted, how and how they

have been used?

➢Summer Cover Crops, farmers had mixed emotions about them as other farmers says they harvested

excellent yields and were able to feed their chickens from their harvest. Others says that they did not get

enough yields as seeds were eaten by pigeons and sorghum attracted kids who came to steal it from plots

and while they were at it, they destroyed other crops on their pathway leading into plots where cover crops

were planted.

8.What are the observed outcomes of the mixed cropping (M+B and M+CP) when comparing to single planting of M?

➢Farmers had mixed emotions about intercropping M+B and M+CP as other farmers saw that planting M only

produces high yields for them. However other farmers said intercropping M+B is like hitting two birds with one

stone because planting them both in one plot: provides them with Carbs and protein.

➢However, other farmers said that plots/strips with M+B have healthy vegetative growth and big cobs as

opposed M only and M+CP plots. Intercropping M with legumes fixes atmospheric Nitrogen required by plants

for growth and that why they see big cobs where they have intercropped with Beans.

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

➢An M+ CP plot tends to produce small cobs because Cowpeas grow tall and compete with maize plants for

water and nutrients.

➢M only plots are not bad because they provide them with small cobs compared to other plots, but the cob

quantity is high as they have planted many lines on those plots producing more yields for them.

9.What are the observed outcomes of crop rotation?

➢They have experienced greener maize and more yields when they have planted maize on a plot that had

Lablab, Cowpeas and Beans from the previous season.

➢They also noticed that Maize plots planted on plots that had SCC from the previous season tends to be much

healthier with less diseases indicating that cover crop are able to remove soil borne diseases.

➢Even the soil that had cover crops are darker when compared to other soils that had other plants which a sign

that cover crops adds more organic matter on the soil.

10.What are the observed outcomes of planting perennial fodder species? Explain which were planted, how and how it

worked.

➢The farmers who planted fodder species were happy about the outcomes of their harvest as the Lespedeza and

Tall Fescue grew well on their plots

➢Ntombakhe and Thulile Zikode from Eqeleni who planted both the Lespedeza and Pensacola, said that their

livestock liked the Pensacola more than the Lespedeza. They have spotted their livestock foraging on the

Pensacola plots.

➢Nothile Zondi and Khulekani Dladla who also planted both the Pensacola and Lespedeza were also joyful that

their plots grew well, were even able to incorporate their fodder on the bales prepared for winter supplementation.

They also both harvested the Lespedeza seeds to plant this season.

11.What were the observed differences between the normal maize planted (OPVs and hybrids) and the short season

(early) maize planted?

➢All Farmers from 4 villages agreed that maize hybrids (Pan53 and Pan6479) provided by MDF produced cobs

which are bigger in size compared to maize cobs produced from their traditional seeds.

➢The hybrids seeds are able to produce secondary cobs which are not common on the OPVs.

➢The majority further stated that, they have noticed that the Pan53 leaf husk does not open even after full

maturity which is a good trait as it prevents birds from picking the upper exposed seeds on the cobs. This

also inhibits rainwater from penetrating through an opening created on the apex of the cob during the

maturing stage as OPVs dry out, ensuring that the drying period of Pan 53 is quicker. Even the cobs of

Pan53 are less affected by the common occurring maize rots experienced on the OPVs with leaf husk that

opens during the drying stage.

➢The short season maize reach maturity faster even when they are planted after couples of weeks of planting

normal maize. They reach maturity simultaneously as if they were planted on the same date. However, the

hybrids have better cobs.

12.What are observed outcomes of fungal infection of cobs and potential mycotoxins

➢All villages said that they have not observed any significant fungal infections this season.

7.SECTION C: INPUT COSTS AND SAVINGS GROUPS

Inputs

1.How will you plan to buy your own inputs without input subsidy assistance?

➢They will use the share out or loans from the VLSA to buy inpus

➢One farmer said, she will be able to buy inputs using the remittance provided by her son.

➢Danger Buthelezi said he will sell one of his livestock to buy inputs for this season.

2.How much can the savings group assist? What size loans ore share outs are to be used for cropping?

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

➢They would like us to find quotations to establish how much they can borrow from the VLSA or use from their

share out.

➢The field workers must assist them with calculations of quantities and the contributions required by each

farmers for inputs taking into considerations their experimental plot size.

3.Is bulk buying for the learning group an option? How can you arrange this? (lists, collection of monies etc…)

➢The farmers are willing to buy in bulk and the monies will be collected by their learning groups facilitators.

8.SECTION D: MARKET OPTIONS & FARMERS CENTRE

1.Can you give an indication of marketing options and how well this has gone?

➢The farmers have stated that since they have not been producing large quantities, they have been eating

their food.

➢With fewer farmers able to produce enough food to sell or donate some of their produce to their neighbors

➢Na Khumalo from Eqeleni sold 50 kg of her maize at the pension point

➢Zodwa Zikode sold 200kg yellow maize to buyers from Pietermaritzburg through our Field workers

➢Other farmers sold their bean harvest at the pension points.

2.Can you give a rough estimate of monies made from field crops in this season?

➢R1000-R5000

3.% of group who has been eating only and eating and selling…

➢Eating only 70%

➢Eating and selling 30%

9.SECTION E: PLANNING FOR THE COMING SEASON

Discuss options for the coming season, what each person wants to plant and how. Also, with the understanding that inputs

cannot be provided. Support can be given for new crops and varieties (e.g. short season maize) and also for planting of

cover crops and fodder species.

Decided about planting of 10x10s and strips and which crops to be tried.

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

2.MARKET DAY REPORT FOR OZWATHINI:NOVEMBER 2021

Ozwathini Market Day Report: November 2021

On the 03rd and 4th of November we had another successful market day in Ozwathini. We set up at the PMB taxi rank near

the main road. On the 03rd we made R1280 and on the 04th we made R1684, over two days of the market we made R2964.

Mama Doris Chamane made the highest on both days (Day 1- R530 and Day 2- R740) with a grand income of R1270 made

over 2 days. The reason why she was the highest is because she was the only farmer who had potatoes and the demand

for them was very high since they were selling at R70 per 10kg bag and R50 per R7kg bag. Although there are some

challenges with the venue because there is no formal agreement with the rank manager in terms of the venue. Most of the

farmers had spinach, cabbage and a little bit of other vegetables, we encouraged them again to grow different vegetables

like lettuce, red cabbage, cauliflower, broccoli, onions, green peppers.

Table 1: Produce brought on our first market day.

Name and Surname

Village

Produce

Quantity

Price

Expected income

1.Mrs C.N.

Buthelezi

Swidi

•Eggs(30’s)

•Cabbage

•Beetroot

•Spinach

R50

R10

R500

R20

R50

2.Mrs N. Dube

Swidi

•Carrot

•Spinach

•Chives

R10

R20

R40

3.Mrs D. Mwelase

Swidi

•Cabbage

•Spinach

R10

R50

4.Mrs N. Hlophe

Hlathikhulu

•Green beans

•Dry Beans

1 (5kg)

R10

R150

R30

R150

5.Mrs M. Xulu

Swidi

•Spinach

•Pork

•Herbs

•Beetroot

•Carrot

R10

R30

R10

R60

R450

R50

R60

R50

6.Mrs D.

Chamane

Gobinsimbi

•Broilers

•Spinach

•Potatoes

•Cabbage

•Dry beans

•Chillies

11 -10kg

1-7kg

R110

R10

R70

R50

R10

R70

R10

R440

R100

R770

R50

R280

R10

7.Mrs N. Zondi

Gobinsimbi

•Onions

•Chillies

•Green Peppers

•Carrot

R10

R40

R30

R110

R60

8.Mrs T.

Ndimande

Mkhakhasini

•Broccoli

•Onions

•Chives

•Beetroot

•Herbs

•amaranthus

R10

R50

R15

R10

R50

9.Mrs N. Sibiya

Mkhakhasini

•Dry Beans

2(2kg)

1(5kg)

R70

R150

R140

R150

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

Figure 1: Some of the pictures that were taken during market day 1.

Table 2: Produce brought on our second market day.

Name and Surname

Village

Produce

Quantity

Price

Expected

income

1.Mrs C.N.

Buthelezi

Swidi

•Eggs(30’s)

•Spinach

•Pumpkin

R50

R10

R200

R40

R20

2.Mrs N. Dube

Swidi

•Carrot

•Spinach

R10

R20

R50

3.Mrs D.

Mwelase

Swidi

•Cabbage

•Spinach

•Lettuce

•Tomatoes

R10

R40

R30

R130

4.Mrs M. Xulu

Swidi

•Carrot

•Pork

•Beetroot

R10

R30

R10

R40

R270

R40

5.Mrs D.

Chamane

Gobinsimbi

•Broilers

•Spinach

•Potatoes

•Cabbage

8x10kg

110

R10

R70

R10

R330

R100

R560

R40

6.Mrs N. Zondi

Gobinsimbi

•Onions

•Chillies

•Green Peppers

•Carrot

R10

R50

R45

R120

R40

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

7.Mrs M.

Mhlongo

Gobinsimbi

•Spinach

R10

R170

Figure 2: Some of the pictures that

were taken during market day 2.

Table 3: Total Sales for The Month of November

NOVEMBER INCOME FOR EACH FARMER FROM SALES

Name and Surname

Day 1 (03/11/2021)

Day 2 (04/11/2021)

Total Income

Mrs Doris Chamane

R530

R740

R1270

Mrs Nomcebo Zondi

R230

R184

R414

Mrs Mariam Mhlongo

She wasn’t there on

the first day.

R160

Mrs Nora Sibiya

She wasn’t there on

the first day.

Mrs Nokuthula Dube

R40

R65

R105

Mrs CN Buthelezi

R170

R355

R525

Mrs Xulu

R110

R80

R190

Mrs T Ndimande

R20

She wasn’t there on

the first day.

R20

Mrs N Hlophe

R150

She wasn’t there on

the first day.

R150

Mrs D Mwelase

R30

R100

R130

GRAND TOTAL

R1280

R1684

R2964