Milestone 7 - Progress report 6 | Mahlathini Development Foundation

WWF-Milestone 7: Sixth progress report above including

a focus on improving social agency for value chain

support

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

During this period,village-based learning groupsinKZN(12) and EC (7) respectively, have continued with theirprioritized

CRA learning and implementation processes. Heavy late season rainfall and flooding, more specifically in KZN has had a very

negative effect on crop growth and yields for field cropping and has led to extensive damage of roads and houses. Soaring

prices of fuel and inputs, more specifically in the EC, have had a dampening effect on participants’ micro poultry production

units and implementation. Theft andviolence in the communal tenure areas has seen a sharprise inthe last 6 months –

something that the participatingfarmers are hard pressed to protect themselves against. Women owning smallbusinesses

and livestock have been a target.

Notwithstanding, participating farmers (305 across EC and KZN) have continued to improve their production and incomes.

Average monthly incomes perparticipant, hasbeen the following: Vegetable production (R441), Broiler production(R936),

Egg production (R354). In addition, participants have kept some of their production towards household use.They are saving

around R6 600/participant per year in the VSLAs (Village Savings and Loan Associations).

Stakeholder engagement in the periodhas included among others:

•SANBI-LCP_Convenors’ workshop – 6-8 April _Gauteng and

•Farming for Climate Justice collaborative action research programme (F4CJ): Cross visit of Zingela Ulwazi farmers

from Mpumalanga to the Midlands” site and a Farmers’ OpenDay outlining all CRA activities and solidarity networks

–25 -26 April 2022.

NARRATIVE REPORT

PROJECT DETAILS

Project No and Title

GT06177_ID315_ Climate Resilient Agriculture in mixed smallholder farming systems allows for

sustainable food and nutrition security andlocal 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 August 2022

Project value

R3 000 000

Contractor’s name

Mahlathini Development Foundation

Project objectives

Increasedproductivity and resilience in the mixed smallholder farmingsystem through

implementation of a basket of Climate Resilient Agriculture practices:

1. Work with existing CCA learning groups to scale upproductionin 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

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’smost

appropriate basket of CRA practices to be implemented, within the present confined of the

COVID-19pandemic 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 learningand implementation support for the CRA* practices using a

Participatory Innovation Development (PID) approach

Outcome2 - 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

1PROGRESS PER OBJECTIVE AND OUTCOME

The last three months have been focused finalization of Conservation Agriculture experimentationand starting on yield

measurements for these. Focus has been provided for fodder supplementation (including cutting and baling of hay). Tunnels

and drip kits, learning on agroecological gardening practices and continuation with the poultry production aspects have been

given some attention (12 villages in KZN and 7 in EC).

We have continued with local marketing processeswhere possible, 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 Mid- March-Mid June 2022

Outcome

Activities

Progress (Milestone7)

Livelihood

security at

household

level

1. Learning group review and

planning sessions

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

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

EC: Rashule Nkau, Lufefeni, Mngeni, Ned, Mechachaneng, Nchodu

CCA introduction workshops held for 4 new villages in the EC

2. Prioritized basketsof

appropriate practises

Gardening:Tunnels, drip irrigation, mixed cropping, natural pest and disease control,

trenchbeds and eco-circles, tower gardens andgreywater management

Conservation Agriculture: Experimentation with close cropping, inter cropping crop

rotation, cover crops, perennial fodder crops, short season maize varieties and 2row

tractor drawn no till planters.

Livestock integration:Continuation of micro poultry enterprises (broilers and layers).

Procurement of brush cutters for more intensive veldgrass baling

3. Learningand

implementation support

Conservation Agriculture:

✓Planting and monitoring of CA plantings in 13 villages in KZN and EC.

✓Late planting of short season maize and cover crops plots in KZN (22

participants)

Livestock integration:

✓Fodder supplementationexperimentation andmonitoring in KZN (24

participants)

Gardening:

✓Tunnel construction training KZN and EC (21 tunnels)

✓Gardening learning and mentoring in bed design, greywater management,

organic soil fertility, natural pest and disease control (98 participants in EC)

✓Drip kit construction learning workshops in KZN and EC (59 participants)

Social agency

for LED and

social safety

nets

1. VSLAs, business

development,farmer centres

✓Monthly farmers market stalls for Midlands KZN

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

✓Continuation with bulk loanfund for two new groups (Ngongonini, Bergville

KZN).

2. PM&Esystem and

monitoring

✓Local marketing income monitoring

✓Poultry monitoring

✓CA crop growth and yield monitoring

✓Initiationof resilience snapshots

3. Iterative PID approach for

improved adaptationand

innovation

✓Casestudy (MidlandsCalf rearing linked to Conservation Agriculture,

fodder production and farmers’ association)

✓F4CJ: Open day and cross visit of Mpumalanga farmers

Progress overview.

CRA supportfor different activities is seasonal. During this period (March-June 2022) the following activities have been

undertaken:

•Conservation Agriculture: Measurement of yields, late season planting of winter cover crops, cutting and baling of

grass for winter fodder supplementation experimentation for 24 participantsin KZN.

•Construction of the remaining tunnels in KZN (Bergville, Midlands and SKZN) and EC, bringing the total tunnels

installed to 91, and a focus on construction of the drip kits for a total of 63 participants

•Gardeningtraining and implementation of trench beds, mixed cropping, mulching, liquid manures and tower gardens

for 98 participants across 5 villages in the EC(Matatiele), and Pest and diseas controlmanagement training in 3

villages in Bergville (KZN)

•Consolidation of Village Savings and Loan Associations (VSLA) record keeping for 26 VSLAs and training for VSLA

committees. Continuation with piloting of the Bulk Loan Fund in Bergville (Stulwane).

•Support for micro poultry enterprises; assistance with procurement, monitoring and training fora total of 118

participants across KZN and EC.

•Monthly market stalls have continuedfor Ozwathini only. In other areas, farmers have sold produce more informally

in their villages.

The table below provides an overview ofthe number of participants for all activities todate.

Table 2: Overview of participants in the WWF-GT project for all activities undertaken:June 2022

Note: For KZN cropping fields are on average 0,25ha/participant. For EC fields are on average 0,01ha or smaller.

Note: Gardens are small and average 0,025haper participant.

The proposed number of participantsfor 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 378 participants in the programme, 234 from KZN and 144 from the

EC. If the participants who are undertaking more htan one activity, e.g. for exampel both CA and tunnels are removed, then

there is a total of 305participantsin the programme InKZN the learning groups are well developed and are expanding every

year as more participants come on board. In the EC, the learning groups are newand in the process of being introduced to

the various aspects of CRA and working in learning groups.

Tunnels

Broilers

Layers

Fodder

supplementation

Total number of

participantsin

CRA learning

groups

ProposedCA

Actual 2020/21

Actual 2021/22

Field cropping

ha's

Proposed

tunnels

Actual 2020/21

Actual2021/22

Drip kits

Gardening ha's

Proposed

Broilers

Actual 2020/22

Proposed

Layers

Actual 2020/22

Proposed

Fodder

supplementatio

Actual 2020/21

Actual 2020/22

2021/22

378

135

172

155

19,1

18,6

0,46

100

2,3

100

2020/21

360

KZN

234

112

125

Bergville

Midlands

SKZN

144

Mzongwana

Rashule,

KwaNed

Nkau

Mechachaneng

Nkasele/

Nchodu

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: June 2022

Cost break down

Jun-22

Remainder

Budget (2021 and 2022)

Poultry

R184 770,22

-R48250,22

R80000,00

Tunnels (90)

R432 849,20

-R2 199,20

R430 650,00

Seedlings, marketing etc

R25490,14

R69009,86

R94500,00

CA (2 seasons)

R102 068,82

-R2 353,82

R127 715,00

Fodder supp

R7 708,31

R15291,69

R23000,00

R752 886,69

R2 978,31

R755 865,00

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

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

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

holdof. This includes day old chicks, point of lay hens, maize seed,fertilizer and seedlings. Prices have escalated dramatically.

Conservation Agriculture 2nd cycle of implementation

This late inthe summer season, participants are getting readyto weigh their yields for their CA field crops (maize, beans and

summer cover crops).Because of excessive late season rain recently, bean yields have been decimated and drying time for

the maize has been increased, with a greater threat of fungal contamination.

This is also the time that fodder supplementation workshops are held to organise the cutting and baling of grass and outline

the experiments to be undertaken in winter supplementation.In addition, participants plant winter cover crops between

February-April, either as a relay crop or in separate plots.

Winter cover crops consist of a mixture of Saia oats, fodder radish and fodder rye. The small table below outlines the

participants interested in planting (19) and those who actually managed to plant (12). Participants were interested in providing

some nutritious early winter fodder for their livestock and in improving their soil health. Excessive rain meant participants could

not manage the pre plant spraying and that fields were too wet to do planting.

Table 2: Participants who planted winter cover crops.

Midlands

Inthe Midlands, a demonstration plot was planted at Mrs Xulufrom Ozwathini and seed was provided to a further 5 participants.

She bought and fenced a new site just outside her homestead to plant different fodder species for her 5 cattle. The land that

Village

Famer’s Name & Surname

Planted

Area Planted (m2)

Ozwathini

Mariam Xulu

Yes

960

Thokozile Hlophe

Mr Sikhakhane

Gobizembe

Mr Zuma

Rita Ngobese

Stulwane

Thulani Dlamini

Yes

700

Khulekani Dladla

Yes

200

Nothile Zondi

Yes

300

Eqeleni

Sithabiso Manyathi

Yes

115

Thulani Dlamini

Yes

350

Lungile Dladla

Yes

286

Talente Mdluli

Vimbukhalo

Sibongile Mpulo

Yes

300

Sizwe Hlongwane

Yes

ZiboneleSithole

Yes

300

Gebezi Zondo

Sulubha Mkhwanazi

Yes

300

Ezibomvini

Phumelele Hlongwane

Yes

500

Ntombhenhle Hlongwane

was used to plant WCC was previously not used for farming. She sprayed with Roundup prior to planting the WCCusing a

Haraka planter. Germination was around 95%.

Figure 1: Right:After spraying herbicide rows were

marked for planting. Note newfencing for this plot.

Far -right: Winter cover crops germinating and

growingin the grass stubble around 3-4 weeks

later.

Other farmers whom weintended to assist

with planting the WCC were unable to plant in

time. The heavy rainfalls prevented farmers

from spraying the herbicides and also

preparing the fields. Most of these havenot

been planted before and are either filled with

grassor heavily infested with weeds that need clearing – none of which could be done

Bergville

We have conducted WCC workshopsfor farmers in Bergville and planted for a few using a Haraka planter in the presence of

other participants with an interest of planting WCC. Here a combination of relay cropping and planting in separate plots were

usedas strategies. In addition, farmers chosebetween broadcasting, planting the cover crops in rows and using the Haraka

planter.

Figure 2: rightand far right Sithabiso

Manyathi (Eqeleni) and Nothile Zondi

(Stulwane) practising with the Haraka planter

In thelearning sessions anumber of

different farmers tried out the Haraka

wheel planter for planting the cover crop

mix.

Sibongile Mpulo (Vimbukhalo) used the Haraka planter in two plots of M+B (maize and bean intercropped plots – after beans

were harvested) and planted the cover crops in rows in a further plot using the furrow method to observe the difference.

Phumelele Hlongwane (Ezibomvini) experimented with both broadcasting and the Haraka planter in her fields. However, on

monitoring it was discovered that she pruned the top part of her maizeto speed up drying and that this process covered and

trampled her cover crop seed.

Figure 3: Winter covercrops relaycropped in between

maturingmaize. Right: for Sibongile Mpulo (Vimbukhalo and

Far-right: for Nothile Zondi (Stulwane)

For most of the other participants who tried realy

cropping germination was very poor, mostly due to

their free range chickens feeding on the seed and

germinating plants.

Thulani Dlamini (Eqeleni) has planted 350 m2 down at the bottom end of his fields near the stream using a Haraka planter and

obtained 95% seed germination. He currently wants to expand from the planted area as he is slashing weeds in a 250 m2area

adjacent to his planted plot with intension ofspraying gramoxone when he is done with clearing weeds. Healso plans to

irrigate his planted area, by pumping water from the nearby stream and in future he wishes to keep seeds so that he can be

self-sufficient during every planting season. Sithabiso Manyathi (Eqeleni) also planted his separated plots further away from

his homestead and has two small plots (one where seed was broadcast and one where it was planted in furrows). Germination

was fairly good from his both plots.

Figure 4: Above left: Thulani Dlamini in his WCC plot Above Centre Sithabiso Manyathi’s WCC plotplanted in furrows and Above Right:

His plot where WCC seed was broadcast.

Winter Fodder Supplementation

In March of 2022 workshops were conductedin Bergville across 4 villages to encourage the participants to cut the grass early

in preparation for dryseason while itis still nutritious for baling.The group in Stulwane now has access to a group brush cutter

and one that Nelisiwe Msele bought using her bulk loan fund finances. Both howeverneeded some repairs.Some of the

farmers who cut early could not dry their grass properly and are forces to cut again. Most farmers have waited until end April-

beginning May to cut their grass. However, we had an issue with the brush cutter as the starter was broken but was fixed

immediately within that week for farmers to get going with baling. The brusher cutter was left at Nelisiwe Msele after repairs

and made available for each farmer to use on request to field workers.

The small table below lists the learning group participants who have undertaken to cutgrass for baling in Bergville.

Table 3: Bergville participants volunteering for cutting and baling of veld grass for winter fodder supplementation April 2022

Vimbukhalo

Stulwane

Ezibomvini

Eqeleni

Zibonele Sithole

Nothile Zondi

Phumelele Hlongwane

Thulile Zikode

Sulubha Mkhwanazi

Danger Buthelezi

Dlamini

Lungile Dladla

Bongani Msele

Khulekani Dladla

Ntombenhle Hlongwane

Thulani Dlamini

Nosipho Msimango

Khethabahle Miya

Sithabiso Manyathi

Sibongile Mpulo

Kholiwe Dlamini

Simephi Hlatshwayo

Tshitshana Ndaba

Dombolo Buthelezi

Talent Mdluli

Gebezi Zondo

Sizwe Hlongwane

Inthe Midlands, we attended themonthly meeting held by the livestock association on the 11thof April2022 to provide a

small presentation on winter fodder supplementation.

Figure 5: Right: Winter fodder supplementation workshop in Ozwathini

(Midlands), April 2022

The livestock association members were encouraged to participate

on thisexperiment as it will benefit their livestock during the dry

season. Other members ofthe association have been intensively

rearing and selling calves and the supplementation may assist them

as well. The association members are currently rearing 10 calves

which were recently bought from Creighton.

Table 4: List of farmers from Ozwathini interested in winter fodder

supplementation.

Farmers Name & Surname

Cattle herd

Doris Chamane

Philani Ngcobo

Mariam Xulu

Thokozile Hlophe

Calves only

Mama Dube

Calf Rearing interest group in Ozawathini

The calf group in Ozwathini has been meeting consistently for more than two years now. This is one project the farmers

grabbed with both hands and never looked back despite challenges with procuringcalves. In 2021 the group was largely

inactive in terms of getting new calves asthey could not find suppliers, and only bought them twice. Nonetheless they still

continued to meet monthly and are currently in the process of drafting a constitution. The group recently bought another 10

friesland x angus crossbred calves from Creighton with the help of Brigid from INR. Unfortunately, this was the last group of

calves from Creighton. The farmers havedecided to continue buying calves from Esctourt which cost between R 850.00 and

R 1500.00 each rather than not buying at all as prices for the PMB suppliers are much too high. The reason is that the long

periods between calf purchases makes them feel stagnant, as they rear the calves and sell them off before the new batch

arrives. They would rather continue more consistently with a lower profit.

Due to the high level of interest in calves and the ever-increasing number of people joining the group (now at around 45

members), the farmers developed criteria for selecting those who will receive calves. The deciding factors were; monthly

payments, meeting attendance, noof times the person has received calves.

Farmersseem to have mastered the calf feeding program and the farmers who have been rearing calves for longer provide

support to the newer farmers. Howeve, they seem to have stopped buying colostrum and rather mix the calf milk with raw

egg. The calves are fed milk twice a day andcalf meal is slowly introduced and quantity gradually increased over time.

Some farmers have not sold the older caves and decided to establish a herd with them, and some have kept one or two

calves and sold the rest. The latest batch of 8 calves was bought in April 2022. In general the cross bred calves 9e.g.,

Friesland x Nguni) do better than the pure bred dairy calves.

Figure 6: Right: Mrs Xulu’s cross bred

calves doing very tweel. And Far-right:

Mrs Mdiande’s newly acquired 6-

week-old calf, which she is still

keeping inside.

Philani Ngcobo’s case

study

Mr Ngcobois an active member of

the livestock association from Ozwathini. He assists thelivestock associationwith scouting andliaison with the sellers of

calves. He also volunteered his transport to deliver the calves to members. He is active in providing advice to farmer members

regarding calf rearing. He said that he has raised over 20

calves,suffered not more than 2% mortality since joining

the association and has kept 1 of the cows, withthe

majority sold to abattoirs. He sells the calves to the

abattoir at 6months of age for around R3 000.00 per calf.

He has thus made an income of around R51 000 from calf

rearing. Costs incurred canbe high if calves aren’t cared

for carefully.

Figure 7: Mr Philani Ngcobo with the most recent calf her has

procured for hand rearing and sale.

Smallcalves are procured from farms in different areas,

depending on availability and price. This supply is

something that needsto be continually monitored, as it is not constant and new options appear anddisappear frequently. The

table below outlines the most reliable options. Mr Ngcobo prefers the calves supplied directly from the dairy farm in Creighton

as those have been stronger and healthier than other sources.

Table 5: The different locations where calves have been procured by the Ozwathini Farmers’ Association.

Farm Location

Type of Breed

Gender

Price

Creighton

Angus x Friesland

Bull calf

R400

Heifers

R400

Vainer

Jersey cross breed

Bull calf

R850

Heifer

R1500

Estcourt

Friesland pure breed

Bull Calf

R400

Heifer

R650

Friesland cross breed

Bull Calf

R700

Heifers

R800

The KZNDARD extension officers assist in diagnosing any diseases in the calves and also have access to veterinary services

for post-mortems if calves die. In this way it is possible to buy and keep healthy calves with goo weight gain potential

Mr Ngcobo said that they have also been advised about feeding the calves. As an example, the young calves are provided 2L

of milk twice a day at regular times. They cannot be overfed, as their second stomach is not well developed and if milk

overflows into that, it rots there and can cause diarrhoea and potentially death. They were also trained to clean theholding

pensdaily so that the calves are not exposed to bacteria. Vaccination is required 1 month after arrival, followed by another

injection after 3 months.

Matatiele

Despite the learning sessions anddemonstration plantings for Conservation Agriculture undertaken inboth Nkau and

Rashule villages for this croppingseason and provision of inputs to 30 participants to undertake their experimentation,

uptake of the CA methodologyhas still been extremelylow.

CA is a process, initially quite labour intensive, and only shows positive results after 2-3 seasons as the soil health and

fertility starts to build. Generally however, if positive results are not seen after the first season, participants revert to the

traditional local practice, consisting of ploughing and broadcasting seed. This is despite being supported with the inputs for

the CA experimentation, to reduce the opportunity costs of trying out something different. The traditional broadcasting

method is a minimal input, minimal output system, but is preferred in the area. It has meant that we have started with new

participants every season and have been unable to build up any traction in CA implementationin Matatiele. The soils in the

area aredepleted, compacted and very infertile and the remedial efforts required to bring the condition of the soil up to a

standard where CA can be effective is mostly prohibitive. Thus only a few farmers, who already have been looking after their

soils have found the CA advantageous for their production. This season, the heavy rainfall had a further negative impact,

with beans largely rotting before harvesting and high weed pressure. Weeds could notbe removed in time due to ongoing

rain. Below are a few indicative pictures.

Figure 8: Above: Examples from Nkau. Left: Malebone Bobore’s CA plot, looking reasonably healthy. Maize however was heavily infested

with stalk borer and yellowing towards the edge of her field due to competition with a stand of Wattle trees. Right; MatumeloTamane’s

field. Shehas been doingCA for around6 seasons and with her husband have embraced this implementation approach due to better

productivity in her fields. This season however has been disappointing with beans destroyed and high levels of weed infestation, reducing

her potential maize yield.

CRA implementation in EC, Matatiele update

Work continued in Matatiele to support intensive homestead food production: gardening and poultry (98 participants, across

5 villages). The groups for Nkasela/Nchodu andMechachaneneg were provided further training and support, in conjunction

with the eco champs supportingthe newly formedlearning groups; Phumla Nyembezi and Katleho Tsokele respectively.

Learning workshops have been undertaken in the CRA practices:

➢CCA introduction (Ned, Mechachaneng, Rashule, Nkasela)

➢Greywater management and tower gardens (Rashule, Nkau, Ned)

➢Bed design: trench beds and eco-circles (Ned, Rashule, Nkau, Mechachaneneg, Nkasela)

➢Soil fertility: Composting and liquid manures (Rashule, Nkau, Mechachaneneg, Nkasela)

➢Tunnelinstallation and (Nkau, Ned, Rashule, Mechachaneng, Nkasela),

➢Drip kitconstruction (Nkau, Rashule, Mechachaneng, Nkasela, Ned)

➢Mixed cropping and Natural pest and disease control (Nkau, Rashule) and

➢Poultry production and management (Ned, Rashule, Nkau, Mechachaneneg, Nkasela).

Trenchbeds (Ned, Mechachaneng and Nkasela)

•Trench beds are introduced as intensive organic vegetable production beds. They are designed to fit into a tunnel

with 3 1x5m beds inside the tunnel and 1x5m bed outside the tunnel for comparative purposes. A trench bed is a

way to increase soil fertility and water holding in your beds and garden. It is an intensive way of providing good soil

for vegetable production on a small scale, which involves digging a hole and filling it with organic matter, so that the

bed can be fertile for a long time. Materials needed to fill the trench bed, which need to be collected by farmers are

the following:

•Usedtins(mostly fish –not aluminum; for provision of aeration,water holding, iron andfor cleaning the environment)

•Old bones (for provisionof organic version of phosphate)

•Dry grass (source of carbon)

•Wet green materials (source of nutrients such as nitrogen)

•Manure and

•Topsoil (soil with good structureand organic matter)

The process is that ademonstration and training is held atone homestead and participants go home to complete their own

trenchbeds thereafter. They choose to work independently or in smallgroups for this activity. The trenches need to be

completed and planted before the tunnels can beconstructed.

In Ned, 10 participants have now completed their trench beds, At Nchodu 6 participants have completed theirs and at

Mechachaneneg 4. Some people are not willing to try having trenches in their household as they look like graves, but others

are keen to try them.

Figure 9:AboveLeft to right: Construction and filling of trench beds, prior to construction of the tunnel by the CRA learning group members

in Nchodu, at Phumla Nyembezi’s homestead.

At Mechachaneng a similar process was undertaken at Paulo Potlo’s homestead. Here the process took a little longer, as

participants misjudged the amount of materialsand organic matter required to fill the trenches.

Figure 10: Right and Far Right: Mr Potlo and the Mechachaneng

learninggroup members work on digging the trench beds andfilling the

bottom with usedtins, prior to further collection of organic materials.

The following seeds were provided to participants to grow out:

that were shared with farmers are as follows; Broccoli, cabbage,

rape, carrots, coriander, leeks and turnips. Theseare all crops

that can withstand the cold winters in thisarea

The 12 new tunnels have now all been constructed. Most farmers

were very enthusiastic about learning the skill of constructing

these tunnels and the demand for moretunnels is high. At present

there are more than 30 participants who are hopeful of receiving

tunnels in the future.

The small table below lists the latest beneficiaries of tunnels (Feb-April 2022).

Village

No of tunnels

Name of individual

Nkau

MaKamohelo Dyantyana

Malebone Bobore

Rhashule

Nothazamile Papiyana

Noncebo Zulu

Ntombovuyo Sekhulumi

Busisiwe Zitha

Ned

Caiphus Mochoba

Tshepang Kutwana

Sfiso Shozi

John Thefani

Nchodu/ Nkasela

Phumla Nyembezi

Mechachaneng

Paulos Potlo

In some of the villages, the learning group participants clubbed together to order

and pay for seedlings for their tunnels. The picture on the giht shows the

participants form Naku distributing their procured seedingls

Below are some pictures of gardensand tunnel construction Ned village as an example.

Figure 11: Right and far right:

S’fiso Shozi’s tunnel and a view of

his garden as well as his maize

field in the background

Figure 12: Right and Far-right:

Caphius Machoba’s tunnel under

constructionand a view of his

vegetable garden.

Figure 13: Right and far right: John

Tefani’s tunnel under construction

anda view of his garden, with his

maize field in the background.

Drip kits (Nkau, Rashule, Mechachaneng, Nkasela, Ned)

Drip kit installation workshops were held in 5 villages and participants supported to continue their drip kit installations

thereafter. Below are a few indicative photographs.

Figure 14: Right Nkau: Two group

members putting the small spaghetti

lines into the drip pipe – the

drippers. The bucketwith it’s gravel

and sand filter for use of grey water

andthe drip kit installed on one bed

in a tunnel.

Figure 15: Above Left and Right: Drip kit workshop and installation in Ned, at Sfiso Shozi’s homestead.

Greywater management and tower gardens (Rashule, Nkau, Ned)

Workshops on greywater management and tower garden construction have been undertaken in three villages. Tower gardens

that were installed in February at Nkau were looking very good and further towers were installed at Rashule and Ned. During

these workshops attention is also given to mixed cropping and introduction of new vegetable types andvarieties for thearea.

For those interested to take on this practise, shade cloth is provided. They source thepoles, ash, gravel and manure for

constructing the beds. Below are a few indicative pictures.

Figure 16: Above Left: Two view of Malebone Bohore’s tower garden in Nkau, started in February 2022. Swiss chard, Chinese cabbage

andbeetroot are flourishing. Above right: Construction of a tower garden at Andiswa Malunga’s homestead in Ned (May 2022)

CRA implementation in KZN

Bergville

Another 5 tunnels have been installed recently, bringing the total number in Bergville to 41 tunnels. The demands has been

high as participants see the tunnels as an option for production in winter and also for making a small income from selling

produce. Below are a few indicative photographs. The enviro champ team of 8 youths assisted in construction.

Figure 17: Above: Tunnels in Ezibomvini: Left: Sdudla Sibiya’s tunnel. She is an ageing pensioner, who isreasonably active but struggles

dueto being the only adult in the household. Above centre: filling trench beds for Nonhlanhla Zikode, prior to constructing the tunnel over

thebeds and Above Right: A completed tunnel for Hlulekhile Dlangisa a new member ofthe learning group who was very active in the

marketing sub-group and is increasing her production capabilities.

Table 6: the list of tunnel beneficiaries for Bergville _2021-2022

NAME AND SURNAME

VILLAGE

TUNNEL AND DRIP

1.HLULEKILE DLANGISA

Ezibomvini

Tunnel

2.SDUDLA SIBIYA

Ezibomvini

Tunnel

3.NONHLAHLA ZIKODE

Ezibomvini

Tunnel and drip

4.CABANGANI HLONGWANE

Ezibomvini

Tunnel

5.LANDIWE DLAMINI

Ezibomvini

Tunnel and drip

6.PHUMELELE GUMEDE

Ezibomvini

Tunnel

7.NONHLANHLA GUMEDE

Ezibomvini

Tunnel

8.PHUMELELE HLONGWANE

Ezibomvini

Tunnel and drip

9.ZODWA ZIKODE

Ezibomvini

Tunnel and drip

10.NOMBONO DLADLA

Ezibomvini

Tunnel and drip

11.MANTOMBI MABIZELA

Ezibomvini

Tunnel

12.SIMEPHI HLATHSWAYO

Eqeleni

Tunnel and drip

13.NOMAVILA NDABA

Eqeleni

Tunnel

14.THOLWEPHI MABASO

Eqeleni

Tunnel

15.STHABISO MANYATHI

Eqeleni

Tunnel

16.TALENT KHUMALO

Eqeleni

Tunnel

17.NTOMBAKHE ZIKODE

Eqeleni

Tunnel and drip

18.NA KHUMALO

Eqeleni

Tunnel

19.SIZENI DLAMINI

Eqeleni

Tunnel

20.MAKHOSONKE MABIZELA

Eqeleni

Tunnel

21.THULILE ZIKODE

Eqeleni

Tunnel

22.LINDIWE DLADLA

Eqeleni

Tunnel

23.SLINNDILE MPINGA

Stulwane

Tunnel

24.UINICE MKHIZE

Stulwane

Tunnel and drip

25.NELISIWE MSELE

Stulwane

Tunnel and drip

26.NOKWALIWA HLONGWANE

Stulwane

Tunnel

27.NOTHILE ZONDI

Stulwane

Tunnel and drip

28.KHULEKANI DLAMINI

Stulwane

Tunnel and drip

29.NOKWANDA ZONDO

Stulwane

Tunnel and drip

30.THULANI DLAMINI

Stulwane

Tunnel and drip

31.DOMBOLO DLAMINI

Stulwane

Tunnel

32.BANGENI DLAMINI

Stulwane

Tunnel

33.SBONGILE MPULO

Vimbukhalo

Tunnel

34.GEBEZI ZONDO

Vimbukhalo

Tunnel

35.ZIBONELE STHOLE

Vimbukhalo

Tunnel

36.NOMUSA ZIKODE

Vimbukhalo

Tunnel

37.MTOBHO DLODLO

Vimbukhalo

Tunnel

38.BUKISILE MPULO

Vimbukhalo

Tunnel

39.BUYISILE NDABA

Vimbukhalo

Tunnel and drip

40.PHUMELELE ZIMBA

Vimbukhalo

Tunnel

41.MSHOSHA GUMEDE

Vimbukhalo

Tunnel

A further 13 drip kits have been installed during this period in Eqeleni, Ezibovmini and Stulwane, in participants’ tunnels, to

prepare for winter planting. In addition, orders were taken for seedlings.

Figure 18: Above left to right: Drip irrigation being installed at Nomavila Ndaba (Stulwane), Sthabiso Manyathi (Eqeleni), Makhosonkhe

Mabizela (Eqeleni) and Mshosho Gumede (Ezibomvini).

Althoughmost participants are only now starting to plant in their tunnelsagain, having focused on their field crops for the

summer season, afew have well

planted tunnels.

Figure 19: Right: Phumelele Gumede

(Ezibomvini) in her tunnel at the

beginning of April, showing plantings of

spinach,beetroot and cabbage and

Far right: Planted tunnel for

Nombuyiselo Shozi from Madzikane in

SKZN.

Southern KZN

A total of five tunnelshave been installed in Ngongonini,with the last two for Edna Nzimande and Thandekile Mvemve

respectively, being finalized in April 2022. These ladies were not confident enough to bend their own poles and thus needed

to be assisted to contract their tunnels. One more tunnel was also finalized in Madzikane for Nombuyiselo Shozi, who a

longstanding member of learning group. She

Table 7: Tunnels installed in SKZN between 2021-2022

Name and surname

Village

Date installed

Nombuyiselo Shozi

Madzikane

31 March 2022

Mandla Mkhize

Ngongonini

07 October 2021

SylvinaKheswa

Ngongonini

20 October 2021

Samson Chiya

Ngongonini

04 November 2021

Thandekile Mvemve

Ngongonini

06 April 2022

Edna Nzimande

Ngongonini

29 April 2022

Mavis Ndlovu

Plainhill

07 October 2021

Zamekile Dlamini

Plainhill

21 October 2021

Khonzeni Chonco

Plainhill

29 October 2021

Gabisile Phungula

Springvalley

19 May 2021

Mzikayifani Sosibo

Springvalley

28 September 2021

Bonginhlanhla Dlamini

Springvalley

18 May 2022

5.Poultry production monitoring: KZN and EC

Participants have continued with their micro-poultry production units and a few new participants have been brought on board

over time. Some constraints have included the unrest, which reduced availability of feed and chickens after July 2021, as

well ascold winters in both Bergville and the EC.

After the first batch of both broilers and layers, which was subsidised, participants continued by paying for their own birds

and feed. In most cases MDF supported the ordersand assisted with transport. In Bergville and the EC options for local

purchasing exist, although those can be quite expensive. For SKZN and Midlands the main centre is Pietermaritzburg,

making transport rather exorbitant. The table below outlines payments farmers have made.

Table 8: Farmers’ payments towards their micro-poultry production businesses

Area

Month

Layers

Broilers

Own Contribution

Subtotal per area

Midlands (17 participants)

Apr-21

140

R5 760,00

Jun-21

390

R11 140,00

Aug-21

390

R11 100,00

Oct-21

170

R7 040,00

Nov-21

400

R3 350,00

Feb-22

303

R5 658,00

Mar-22

100

R6 300,00

R50 348,00

SKZN (7participants)

Apr-21

120

R1 430,00

May-21

R1 050,00

Jun-21

R2 250,00

Oct-21

R550,00

Jan-22

R430,00

R5 710,00

EC (25 participants)

Apr-21

R2 800,00

May-21

147

R3 400,00

Jul-21

R4 140,00

Sep-21

R1 870,00

Oct-21

R550,00

R12 760,00

Bergville (63 participants)

Apr-21

R3 300,00

May-21

400

R2 500,00

Jun-21

337

R2 000,00

Jul-21

120

265

R2 550,00

Nov-21

870

R8 580,00

Feb-22

1450

R5 500,00

R24 430,00

TOTALS

727

5647

R93 248,00

A second round of poultry production monitoring has been undertaken, for a total of 70 participants across KZN and the EC.

Monitoring has now been done for 83 of the total of 122 participants. Below isa table summarizing the monitoring

information. The full data sheet is provided in Annexure 2.

Table 9: Poultry monitoring summary: May 2022

Poultry monitoring summary: May 2022

Participant information

No of participants monitored

Percentage female

Averageage

Percentage youth

Percentagepensioners

Percentage in VSLAs

Average monthly income

81%

54 years

11%

16%

54%

R2 102,40

Broiler information

No of participants monitored

Averageno of birds/farmer

% Mortality

Overall input costs

Overall sales

Overall profit

Ave income per farmer/batch

Average monthly income

Percentagewho made a loss

11%

R135 521,84

R222 060,00

R84248,16

R1 404,14

R936,09

30%

Layer information

No of participants monitored

Averageno of birds/farmer

% Mortality

Overall input costs

Overall sales

Overall profit

Average monthly income

Percentagewho made a loss

11%

R38589,00

R75108,00

R40306,92

R353,57

21%

For broilers the averageno of birds per farmer has increased from 27 to 35 per farmer between August 2021 and May 2022.

Averagemonthly incomes have decreased somewhat from August 2021 from R1113 to R936. Mortality rates have been

high for a few individuals, mostly due to unhygienic conditions and diseases in the poultry houses andincome is lower as

costs for inputs has increased by around 16% between August 2021 and May 2022. Generally, however, participants have

improved their feeding and hygiene regimes in the poultry houses and are farming more efficiently than before.

For layers, participants are still receiving eggs from their first batch of layers. Monthly incomes for sale of eggs have

decreased from R928 in August 2021 to R354 in May 2022. This is primarily due to farmers using eggs for own consumption

instead of selling them and also due to lossof sales due to markets becoming unavailable in KZN after the unrest in 2021. It

is also as a result of a decreasein laying form hens where feed was changed, which was necessitated due to substantial

increase in price of Layers mash and also in the better brands not being available from local towns. This is particularly

problematic in Matatiele.

Below are a few indicative pictures of poultry production

Figure 20: Above Left to Right: Ozwathini- Mrs Zulu

young broilers. Ozwathini-Mrs Sibiya layers. Ozwathini-

Mr Zuma- maturebroilers

6.Village Savings and Loan Associations (VSLAs)

For the two prospective new groups inOzwathini (Midlands)induction meetingshave been held. These outline the rules

and processes of the VSLA groups.

Records are kept by thebookkeepers and groups on a monthly basis and

summarized into a database. As groups start their annual savings cycles at

different times the monthly summary provides as running total, but not the total

amountsaved annually. There are presently 26 VSLAs being supported. A rule of

thumbshowing annual savings per VSLA to be around R120 000, indicates that

the overall savings for all 26 VSLAs per annum is around R3,1million. As there

are 470 VSLA members, this amounts to an average of R6 600 saved per

participant per annum.

Right: The Masakhane VSLA in Ngongonini during their annual share out session,

where theydistributeda total of R138 854 between the 22 members. Individual

members received between R526 and R7889at the share out as the annual

savings. The low amounts are due to loan owings being subtracted from the

member’s share out.

Table 10: VSLA updated summary for 26 groups; April 2022

A bookkeeper’scommittee trainingwas held on 22ndApril 2022 in Bergville (29 participants from 14VSLAs) toremind

committeemembers of their roles and responsibilities. Groups need to be remindedofthe rules every so often to avoid

unaccountable behaviours creeping in. Handouts in isiZulu were prepared that committee memberscould providetotheir

group memberswhen these arereviewed ineach of the 26 VSLAs.One of the practices that is most concerning and also

quitecommon is forcedlending for members, to increase the income of the group through interest on these loans. This puts

the poorer members of the groups at a disadvantage and needs to be reduced to a minimum. See Annexure1 for notes on

thismeeting.

In addition, regular monthly meetings have been held with the one farmer Bulk Loan Fund(BLF) group, calledQalasha,

that is operational in Stulwane Bergville. This group has total of (12) twelvemembers. The first meeting of Qalabusha BLF

was held on the 17th of December 2021 in Stulwane. This group was established by12 memberswho contributed R2 000

each to establish the group/loan fund. The total loan fund stands at R24 000. All members have taken out loans.

The closing balances at the close of themeeting that was held on the 20th of May 2022 were as follows:

Total amount paid in today:R 6 440

New loans taken out: R 8 200

Money remaining in the box: R 240

Loansunpaid excluding interest: R23 760

The interest is 15% over 6 months. This works to2.5% per month. We can safely conclude that members have seen the

benefit of low interest and longer loan repayment periods as the group fund is being extensively used.

Although there was some reluctance to disclose the use of loans the following information was provided at this meeting.

Use of loans: R12 400 (51.7%)has been used for enterprise development. R7 600 (31.7%) has beenused for non-productive

consumption and R4 000 (16.7%) has been used to settle debts outside the BLF. This means that half of the borrowers are

usingloans for income generation, however notforfarming activities besides one borrower who bought a cow. In thisinstance,

a brush cutter and microloan venture. The young lady explained unapologetically that she borrows at 15% and charges 25%

interest per month. This means that she is making 22.5% interest per month from her clients. MDF doesnot condone use of

this loan fund to settle other debts or for use in a loan shark venture. The community members, however, appear to be quite

Apr-22

No. AREA

GROUP NAME

NO. OF

PEOPLE

START Date

lastmth of

records

# SHARES

BOUGHT

TODAY

VALUE OF

(TODAY)

CUM # OF

VALUE OF

TOTAL

LOAN REPAID

TODAY

NEW LOAN

TAKEN

MONEY IN

BOX

NEW

BALANCE

1EzibomviniEzibomvini19 November Dec-2139 R3 900,0039 R3 900,00R0,00R3 900,00R0,00R3 900,00

2EzibomviniUkuzama 13 August Mar-2245 R4 500,00302 R30 200,00R4 500,00R9 900,00R440,00R35 140,00

3EmazimbeniNyonyana 23 October Apr-2254 R5 400,00372 R37 200,00R3 880,00R5 500,00R4 440,00R45 520,00

4EmabunziniIsibonelo 19 November Nov-2164 R6 400,00113 R11 300,00R0,00R6 400,00R0,00R11 300,00

5 Eqeleni

Masibambane

20 October Mar-2249 R4 900,00287 R28 700,00R2 140,00R6 100,00R5 760,00R36 600,00

6 Eqeleni

Masithuthuke

19 November Mar-2264 R6 400,00311 R31 100,00R2 310,00R8 000,00R720,00R34 130,00

7StulwaneMbalenhle20 November Mar-2236 R3 600,00143 R14 300,00R2 020,00R4 300,00R1 680,00R18 000,00

8Ndunwane

Mphelandaba

15 October Jan-2221 R2 100,0050 R5 000,00R730,00R1 800,00R2 200,00R7930,00

9EmabunziniSakhokuhle19 November Oct-2169 R6 900,00719 R71 900,00R13 830,00R0,00R20 630,00R106 360,00

10 Vimbukhalo Ukhamba 20 November Feb-2286 R8 600,00259 R25 900,00R2 850,00R11500,00R10,00R28 760,00

11 StulwaneVukuzenzele17 December Apr-2252 R5 200,00255 R25 500,00R255,00R25 500,00R6 810,00R32 565,00

12 StulwaneUmtwana 216 December Apr-2236 R3 600,00160 R16 000,00R980,00R4 500,00R210,00R17 190,00

13 StulwaneUmtwana 116 December Apr-2248 R4 800,00R1 940,00R4 600,00R2 140,00R4 080,00

14 Emadakeneni Azam14 January Apr-2219 R1 900,0083 R8 300,00R660,00R2 500,00R8 960,00

15 StulwaneIthembalethu19 January Apr-2263 R6 300,00222 R22 200,00R1 950,00R8 200,00R80,00R24 230,00

16 StulwaneZebra14 January Apr-2247 R4 700,00181 R18 100,00R1 030,00R5 700,00R30,00R19 160,00

17 Emahlathini Sizakahle36 MarchApr-22 62 R6 200,00R6 200,00R0,00R6 200,00R0,00R6 200,00

18 StulwaneSondelani14 November Apr-2250 R5 000,00258 R25 800,00R3 520,00R2 000,00R80,00R29 400,00

19 StulwaneMzizi18 November Mar-2270 R7 000,00266 R26 600,00R1 420,00R8 400,00R110,00R28 130,00

20 Emabunzini Qhubekani19 November Oct-2157 5 700,00R 675 67 500,00R 12 240,00R R0,0017 940,00R R97 680,00

21 Emahlathini

Masiphumulele

10 MarchApr-22 29 R2 900,0059 R5 900,00R200,00R3 200,00R6,00R6 106,00

22 StulwaneThuthukani19 December Apr-222R200,00256 R25 600,00R1 970,00R2 000,00R495,00R28 065,00

23 StulwaneInkanyezi19 December Apr-2248 R4 800,00202 R20 200,00R1 900,00R6 700,00R30,00R22 130,00

24 Ngongonini Masakhane22 February Apr-2295 R9 500,00192 R19 200,00R10 720,00R2500,00R10 090,00R38 200,00

25 Madzikane Madzikane15 MarchFeb-22 41 R8 200,00499 R99 800,00R16 400,00R0,00R74 570,00R116 200,00

26 Madzikane Senzokuhle15 MayOct-21R29 800,00R1 500,00R31 300,00

TOTAL 4701246 R128 700,005903 R676 200,00R88 945,00R139 400,00R148 471,00R837 236,00

VSLA summary

comfortable with theseactions. An in-depth monitoring process for the performance and opinions of each individualmember

will be undertaken to ensure that this process is in fact working and to strongly advise against presentdebt activities.

Local marketing

The small table below providesa running total of sales from the market stalls between April 2021 and March 2022.

Table 11: Sales records for local market stalls in Ozwathini: June 2021-May 2022

Summary of market incomes for Ozwathini Market Stall: June-2021-May 2022

Date

No of

farmers

Villages

Amount

Market

Produce; in order of sales

2021/06/04

R11 527,50

Bamshela -

Ozwathini

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

vegetables

2021/08/04

R3 866,00

Bamshela -

Ozwathini

Pork, buns, slaughtered chickens, eggs, amadumbe,

potatoes, cabbage, swt potato, carrots, spinach, avocado,

pumpkins

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, 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

2021/12/02,03

R2 964,00

Bamshela -

Ozwathini (taxi

rank)

Lettuce, broccoli, cauliflower, spinach, carrots, beetroot,

cabbage, potatoes, onions, pumpkin.

2021/12/03

R1 400,00

Ozwathini-

social media

Combopacks - via social media in Pietermaritbrug

2022/01/05,06

R2 610,00

Bamshela -

Ozwathini (taxi

rank)

Potatoes, carrots, eggs, chillies, onions, cabbage (half and

chopped), green beans, beetroot, avocado, brinjals, green

peppers, chopped mixed veg.

2022/02/05,12,19

R3 010,00

Bamshela -

Ozwathini (taxi

rank)

Eggs, chicken, potatoes, green mealies, green peppers,

brinjals, chillies, …

2022/03/11

R1 216,00

Bamshela -

Ozwathini (taxi

rank)

Potaotes, green pepper, amaranthus, onion, green mealies,

eggs

2022/05/03,04

R2 565,00

Bamshela -

Ozwathini (taxi

rank)

Cabbages, eggs, spinach, carrots, butternut, green maize,

potatoes, sweet potatoes, green pepper, chillie, onions,

amadumbe

R39 708,50

Figure 21: Above Left and Centre: View of producesold at the March 2022 market stall in Bamshela by the Ozwathini learninggroup

members. Visible is Amarnathus, potatoes and eggs. Above Right: Setting up the marketing table for the May 2022 market stall.

A total of R 39708,50 has been made across the 10 markets held thus far. On average the monthly earnings for each

participant is R441.

The farmers in Midlands had a number of climate related setbacks in the season and at least two plantings of vegetables

including crops such as broccoli, purple cabbage, cauliflower and spinach were completely destroyedby storms and hail.

Roads have also been washed away, which has made transport of produce to and from the market stall very difficult. In

addition, ongoing challenges with social grant payments has meant that the expected clientele at the markets have not always

been there. Lately the grant pay out dates are changed with little to not notice or the officials only arrive very late in the day to

disburse the grants. There ahs been a slow attrition of the numbers of farmers involved in these markets. Farmers have also

managed to build local relationships in their villages in this time and a larger proportion of produce is now sold directly from

their homes.

For Ozwathini, the marketing groupnow manages the whole process of marketing independently, and MDF only supports on

rare occasions when transport shortages are unavoidable. They also keep their own records and provide copies for MDF for

reporting purposes. Farmers have learnt which produce has high demand at the marketstalland can now estimate the

quantities needed for each market reasonably accurately. They still sell out, however, but no longer have large quantities of

unsold produce to take home again. They have also built a reputation among buyers, as they have been careful to be there

regularly. They provide social support to each other and if individuals have family emergencies, others in the group will take

their produce to the market and do the sales for them.

It has not been possible to secure a regular market outlet in Bergville and thus farmers have resorted to selling individually at

farmgate. For SKZN and Matatiele, the local politics and group dynamics have not been conducive to setting up these local

market stalls. Individuals sell informally from the farm gate. This has been especially for very fragile produce such asspinach

and eggs, as these are easier to sell directly.

Strengthening of Innovation platforms and networks

The table below summarizes stakeholder interactions for the period (March- May 2022).

Table 12: Stakeholder interactions summary. March 2022-June 2022

Activity

Description

Dates

OkhahlambaLocal Municipality

(OLM)

Fresh produce market, planting support, materials provision.

Visit to Stulwane spring protection project

12th May2022

F4CJ

Farmers open day and cross visit from farmer in Mpumalanga

(Zingela Ulwazi)

10,11 April 2022

ESS research - WRC

UKZN research in ecosystem services mapping supported by

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

champs, spring protection work in Stulwane

Ongoing

uThukela Water

Visit by team to theUthukela District Municipality followed by

invitations to officials tojoin the water access workin Stulwane

– to date unsuccessfully

Ongoing

WWF- Water Source Areafocus

WWF team visit to the area, with subsequent joint funding

proposal development in volumetric water benefit accounting

16 March-13 May

2022

SANBI- Living Catchment

Programme

Planning for the next multistakeholder platformmeeting to be

held on 14th June 2022

April-Amy 2022

SANBI LCP- catchment

convenors workshop

Capacity strengthening workshop for convenors across all

WSA areas- held in Gauteng

11-12 April 2022

Below are a few photogrpahs of the Stulwane spring protection activity, supported through the WRCUKZN research team

with swet equity and collection of monies form the 23 households participating in the project.. The v-box with header tanks,

pipes and 4 taps were installed between Febraury and May 2022 and is now fully operational.

Figure 22: Above Left to Right: The v-box under construction for protection of the spring. The two header tanks installed and connected to

the spring – they have filled up and water is flowing, and oneof the 4 taps installed for the 23 households to collectedwater from. All

households are within 200-400 m of a tap.

The F4CJ (Farming for LCimate Justice) action research process in collaboraiton with Coventry uNiversity in the UK and

Zingela Ulwazi, an NGO from Mpumalanga has served ot highlight the importante of solidatry networks at the community level

and their intrinsic role in development of social nad economic agency for women livingin rural areas. The farmers’ day and

exchange held at the end ofApril was a well attended event. Participants were very excited nad eager to share the epxeriences

acorss KZN and Mpumlanaga. Beloe are a few indicative photopgrahs. The full report is attached in Annexure 3.

Figure 23: Above left: MDF participants brought their produce and livestock including rabbits to showcase. Centre: Zingela Ulwazi

participants showcased their value adding and beauty products made form traditional medicinal plants and Right: The participants worked

in smaller groups to undertake at SWOT analysis of solidarity networks in their regions

2GAPS AND CONSTRAINTS

Work has been hampered byongoing high levels of rainfall, which has caused flooding, made roads impassable and has

slowed down field work. This has caused difficulties in the yield calculations undertaken for the field crops.In addition, livestock

owners have forced their livestock into the villages early, disregarding the need formore time for the harvest to drybefore

harvesting, forcing the crop producers to harvest maize that is still wet.

In addition, the situation in the villages has become alotmore volatile.As a result of joblosses in the cities, many people

return home to the rural areas, which has resulted in increased competition for livelihoods. For example, in Bergville there

has been anincrease in livestock theft in theEmmaus area and inthe last month alone livestock has been stolen from

Phumelele Hlongwane, Mantombi Mabizela, Sdudla Sbiya, and Thalente Mabaso, all female members of our learning groups.

Womenheaded households are targeted in a brazen manner in broad daylight and the owners are either fired at or pelted

with stones. These events haveprompted other woman livestock owners to send away their goats to householdswherethere

are men. Inaddition to the above events, there have beenfive murders in the six months in thearea and in the Eqeleni Area,

there isa serial rapist, making the deployment of our female field staff problematic. A similar situation of increased theft and

violence has been reported in the Midlands area of KZN.

This isgenerally seen as an outcome of deepeningpovertyandvulnerability brought on by COIV-19, theunrest in the province

in 2021 and crop and livelihoods losses brought onby the high levels of rain and flooding. MDF has initiateda small emergency

relief fund from our very limited savings to try and support affected learning group members. In addition, female staff members

ae now accompanied when working in the field.

3COMMENT ON FINANCIAL REPORT

NOTES ON EXPENDITURE

Expenditure has been compiled up until the end of May 2022

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

reducing the external evaluation fees for this period.

2.Operating expenses- Materials: This budget item is on target according to the budget.

3.Overall expenditure for the period of March-May 2022 has been 15% higher than the allocated funds. As the

programme is nearing closure, it isexpected that field activities will wind down and that costs for the finalMilestone

will be proportionally lower.

Below is a summary of the Financial report.

4TWO COPIES OF ANY PUBLICATIONS

Presentation ofa paper: CbCCA in central Drakensberg improves resilience ofsmallholder farmers. (E Kruger, M Toucher

and R Henriksson) at the Southern African Mountain Conference 14–17 March 2022.

The presentation is attached to this report.

5FINANCIAL REPORT

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

EC_20220530. Documentation for explaining full expenditure summaries is available on request.

WWF: GT06177 Financial reportDate:30 May 2022Milestone 7

Project BudgetFull Year 2nd

Oct 2020-

August 2022

Oct 2020-March

2022

A - OPENING BALANCER3 000 000,00R2 222 500,00R2 328 839,53R417 866,25R2 746 705,78-R524 205,78

Cash receivedR1 847 500,00

Otherincome(interest, FX

gains/loss)

n/a

B - TOTAL income + o/balanceR1 847 500,00R2 222 500,00R1 847 500,00R2 222 500,00R2 222 500,00R777 500,00

EXPENDITURE by code

1Staff costsR1 210 066,50R624 466,50R1 032 073,58R167 277,00R1 199 350,58R10 715,92

2Third party feesR458 919,00R237 219,00R213 426,32R117 177,00R330 603,32R128 315,68

3Travel and SubsistenceR446 809,50R230 959,50R333 294,28R93 518,43R426 812,71R19 996,79

4Capital Asset costsR0,00

5Operating expenses; materialsR755 865,00R181 523,00R692 910,35R27 893,82R720 804,17R35 060,83

6Meetings / Education / TrainingR0,00R0,00

Project Promotion/

Communication/Printing /

Publication

R37 260,00R19 260,00R12 500,00R12 000,00R24 500,00R12 760,00

8Project Evaluation by 3rd partyR91 080,00R47 080,00R44 635,00R44 635,00R46 445,00

C - TOTAL EXPENDITURER3 000 000,00R1 340 508,00R2 328 839,53R417 866,25R2 746 705,78R253 294,22

D – CLOSING BALANCER0,00R1 659 492,00R0,00R0,00R0,00-R777 500,00

ESTIMATES

ACTUALS

Code

Description

Previously

Reported YTD

Actuals

This quarter

Actuals (March-

May 2022)

Year-to-Date

(YTD) Actuals

Forecast minus YTD

Actuals (=Variance)

7SIGNIFICANT PLANNED ACTIONS FOR THE FINAL REPORT

Outcome

Activities

Planned actions (Milestone 8)

Livelihood

security at

household

level

1. Learning group

planning and seasonal

review sessions

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

Gobizembe Mayizekanye, Ozwathini, SpringValley, Ngongonini,

Plainhill

✓EC: Nkau, Rashule, Ned, Nkasele, Mechachaneng, Mngeni

2. Prioritized baskets of

appropriate practises

✓Write up of final results in terms of yield, growth, learning,

experimentation

✓Section on challenges and successes with recommendations for

future actions

3. Learning and

implementation support

✓Winter fodder supplementation progress report

✓Continuation of gardening training and support in the EC

Social

agency for

LED and

social safety

nets

1. VSLAs, business

development, farmer

centres

✓26VSLA’sin KZN; monthly mentoring and progress with bulk loan

funds

✓Summary of marketing strategies and approaches, income and

livelihood benefits for participants

2. PM&E system and

monitoring

✓Finalization of resilience impact assessments (x3) and snapshots

(min 30)

3. Iterative PID approach

for improved adaptation

and innovation

✓Discussion and recommendations

8.LIST OF ANNEXURES

Complementary information, including photographs.

ANNEXURES:

Annexure 1: Notes on VSLA bookkeepers’ training – 22 April 2022

Annexure 2: Poultry monitoringdata sheet_ May 2022

Annexure 3: F4CJ cross pollination workshopand Farmers open day_ 25,26 April 2022

ANNEXURE 1:NOTES OF EMMAUS VSLABOOKKEEPER WORKSHOP 22APRIL 2022

Purpose of this report

The purpose of this report is to share strategic discussions that took place during the Village Savings and Loans Associations

(VSLAs) workshop for the group leaders and mainly the chairpersons and the bookkeepers. Recommendations are presented

towards the end of the workshop. At least a minimum of two representatives from each VSLA were invited to this workshop.

Attendance

This workshop was attended by 29 representatives from 14 VSLAs in Emmaus, Bergville. These VSLAs were Mbalenhle,

Vukuzenzele, Thuthukani, Ithembalethu, Zebra, Sondelani, Mzizi, Umntwana 1& 2, Senzakahle, Masiphumelele,

Mphelandaba, Ukhamba and Inyonyana.

A key highlight is that the workshop was attended by the secretary of the ward councillor. The secretary demonstrated interest

in understanding how VSLAs work and how they benefit villagers in the ward. She was more interested on expanding

Mahlathini programme to the entire ward.

Purpose of the workshop

The purpose of the workshop wasthree-fold;

▪First, to assess theproficiency of the bookkeepers regarding recording VSLAs’ transactions and records,

▪Second, to present a platform for the leaders of the VSLAs (record keepers and chairpersons) to share their experiences

with regards to the governance and operation of their respective VSLAs, and

▪Lastly, toidentify key areas which require adjustments for improved functionality and record keeping of the VSLAs

Structure of the workshop

A participatory approach was adopted in facilitating the discussions during the workshop. Besides the usual protocol, this

workshop was structured in the following way;

▪What members of the VSLAs have learnt in operating their groups

▪Key resolvable challenges facing the VSLAs

▪Non-negotiable rules of the VSLAs

▪Next steps

▪Short presentation of the BLF

Challenges facing the VSLAs

The following are main challenges raised by participants during the workshop:

▪Forced lending (or forced borrowing) leading to over-indebtedness and delinquency

▪Too much money towards sunset

▪Granting of loans to borrowers who do not qualify based on the total value of their shares

▪Borrowers do not want to declare what they use their loans for

▪Delinquency leading to delayed group fund dissolution meetings

▪Holding a first savings meeting immediately after a share-out meeting tend to plant seeds of delinquency

Challenges facing leaders of the VSLAs

The workshop confirmed that record keepers are recording transactions clearlyand in transparent ways. However, group

leaders and in particular record keepers raised the following challenges:

▪There is pressure to grant loans in instances where shares bought by a borrower donot justify a loan. In some

instances, refusal to grant a loan maybe personalised. Again, chairpersons tend to betray record keepers by siding with

applicant borrowers.

▪Ownership of a VSLA is shifted to group leaders. In some instances, record keepers are seen as gatekeepers for

members to access loans.

Discussion

The following observations were made during the workshop.

The institutional make-up of VSLAs is tilted on using them as vehicles of improving access to cash and consequently making

moneyfor members. This is manifested by reluctance of some members in the VSLAs to accept loan terms that seek curb the

levying of exorbitant interest on loans. Currently, interest is charged on decreasing balances at 10% per month. The loan term

is 3months but can be extended to 4 months. A rule that interest should belimited to 4 months is grossly ignored.

However, our programme faces a bigger problem than this. Borrowers are charged the minimum of 30% interest over a

periodof 3 months. Those borrowers who stretch loan repayment up to 6 months may end up paying over 60% interest

per loan. This may result the poorer members to finance the group elites whoare able topay-offtheir bigger loans quicker.

The question is: what can be done to:

1.Curb exorbitant interest – as this practice may be responsible to discouraging enterprise development

2.Protect the interest of non-borrowers and those only eyeing for lump-sum cash payouts at share-outs

3.Maximise financial returns based on interest onloan. In other words, a financial reward in theform of a service and/or

product must be developed for the borrowers to see that they are getting more from the interest they are paying.

There is competition of loans at the start of a saving cycle. This is the main reason members take small but non-productive

loans. This tails-off as the loan fund grows. The growth of the loan fund is the main trigger for forced lending. The desire that

all members of a VSLA must borrow remains the painful reality of most VSLAs.

Borrowers hardly declare the use of their loans and/or lump-sum payout at the end of saving cycles. This is a clear indication

that most cash drawings are used for consumption smoothing and less on enterprise development or productive activities.

This may be the manifestation of the burden micro-savers bear resulting from financialexclusion. Technically, VSLA are used

as aform of insurance against irregular incomes and shocks that many households face. This was made clearer by the

defenders of non-borrowers.

Too much money towards sunset is one of the major challenges VSLAs face. This tends to complicate both governance and

operation of a VSLA. First, is the issueof security of the group funds. Box keepers confirmed that they live in fear once there

is too much money in the box. The issue of operating a bank account was discussed. Second, there is less time (or no time)

for borrowers to service their loans. Third, bigger loans tend to trigger to delinquency.

However, few major positive experiences that can be augmented to enhance the VSLA and enterprise development

programme have been registered.

▪Somegroups have been in operation for more than 5 years. Their membership has not changed that much. This is

manifestation of social capital and the strength of collaboration. Some VSLAs are readyto move next levels such as

the BLF and new products/services.

▪Members of the VSLAs appreciate the work of Mahlathini. They want more services and want to keep Mahlathini the

longest in their communities. This appreciation provides Mahlathini with opportunities to develop and test innovative

products and services that are most likely to enhance the CRA agenda.

Recommendations

The following recommendations are made;

1.Non-negotiable rules in IsiZulu be developed and given to VSLA

2.BLF must be promoted. BLF carries some benefits, and mainly, reduced interest rates, longer loan repayment period and

flexible options tostart (and to operate) a business enterprise. BLF promises to discourage forced lending, excessive

money in the box, insecurity, etc. However, BLF must be made to support specific enterprises.

3.Development of innovative products and/or services. Mahlathini must find ways to balance consumption smoothing and

enterprise development. VSLAs goals must be mademuch clearer and very specific. For instance, a target saving for

seeds and fertilisers, fencing, water, vegetable vending, etc. The same way members save for end-year groceries maybe

explored to promote bulk buying of farming inputs.

4.Discourage VSLAs to hold first savings meetings on the same day as share-out meetings. This is because many members

do not stay for the duration of the meeting. This is when some members use the opportunity to take huge loans that are

not proportional to their shares.

5.Developsimple constitution framework in preparation for VSLAs to operatebank accounts with reputable local banks.

Banksneed “stokvel constitutions” for similar groups like VSLAs to open bank accounts.

6.Promote record keepers and chairperson (and some group elites) to takeon specific enterprise development ventures

which support Mahlathini’s development agenda. This may need a re-look at the concept and experiences of our farmer

centres.

Next steps

The following actions must be implemented in the next 2 months:

1.Presentation of non-negotiable rules to VSLAs during their savings meetings. These mustbe signed by all members of

a VSLA.

2.Printingof final individual savings books which include key non-negotiable rules.

3.Prepare VSLAs for establishing BLF immediatelyafter their share-out meetings.

4.Present simplified version for opening and operating a VSLA bank account.

Conclusion

This report has shown that record keepers have the necessary experience (and capacity) to keepclear and transparent

records. However, more people in the group should be trainedin record keeping to reduce dependency on one person. The

report also demonstrates readiness of VSLAs to take on new products and services such as BLF.

ANNEXURE 2:POULTRY MONITORING DATA SHEET:MAY 2022

AreaVillageName and Surname

Gende

Age (yrs)

Ave mhly

income

(Rands)

CRA activitiesLG VS LAStart dateNo

Mortality/ba

tch

Feed/ bird/ day

(kg)

Total batch

feed (kg)

Feed costs

cost of

purchasing

(R/chick)

Other inputs. E.g.

med, sawdust,

taxi..

Total input costsSalesProfitStart dateNo

Mortality/b

atch

Feed/ bird/

day (kg)

Total monthly

feed (kg)

Feed costs

Other inputs.

E.g. med,

sawdust..

Total input

costs

No of eggs/

month

Sales/ quarterProfit /quarter

MidlandsOzwathiniDoris ChamaneF66 2000

Layers, broilers, potatoes, maize, calves, veg

YN 5/6/202130 10,09 120 R780,00R90,00R870,00R3 190,00R2 320,00 5/6/202119 1 0,21120 R780,00 R180,00 R960,00432 R2 160,00R1 200,00

67 3500

Layers, Broilers, Vegetables

YY03/03/2022 30 10,17221,85R2 052,11R240,00R35,00R2 327,11R3 190,00R862,897/19/202120 200,120R0,00 R225,00 R225,000R0,00-R225,00

MidlandsOzwathiniMartina XuluF67 3000

Layers, potatoes, pigs, calves, goats, veg

Y N5/6/202139 10,158180,12R1 170,78R180,00R1 350,78912 R4 560,00R3 209,22

MidlandsOzwathiniNdabezinkhulu MiyezaM69 4000

Layers, potatoes, pigs, cattle, veg

Y N5/6/202120 00,5 300 R1 950,00R180,00R2 130,00480 R2 400,00R270,00

MidlandsOzwathiniAaron NkomoM622500 LayersY N5/6/202120 0 0,25150 R975,00R180,00R1 155,00480 R2 400,00R1 245,00

MidlandsOzwathiniJabulile BhenguF672000 LayersY N7/19/202120 0 0,1590 R585,00R0,00 R585,00480 R2 400,00R1 815,00

MidlandsOzwathiniNomabo ZondiF654500 LayersY N7/19/202120 00,2 120 R780,00R0,00 R780,00480 R2 400,00R1 620,00

MidlandsOzwathiniNtombizodwa HlopheF654500 Broilers, layersYN7/19/2021210 10,02 1739 R11 302,54R0,00R11 302,54R25 080,00R13 777,46 7/19/202120 0 0,25150 R975,00R0,00 R975,00480 R2 400,00R1 425,00

MidlandsOzwathiniDolly MvelaseF571000 BroilersYN 7/19/202120 10,21 180 R1 170,00R0,00R1 170,00R2 280,00R1 110,00

MidlandsOzwathiniNompumelelo ButheleziF553500 Broilers, layersYN7/19/2021110 30,07 360 R2 340,00R680,00R3 020,00R12 840,00R9 820,007/19/2021250 2 0,08600 R3 900,00R180,00R4 080,005952 R29 760,00R25 680,00

MidlandsOzwathiniNokuthula DuboF552000 BroilersYN 7/19/202120 20,33 270 R1 755,00R180,00R1 935,00R2 160,00R225,00

MidlandsOzwathiniMariam Mhlong0F792000 BroilersY N 7/19/202120 00,20 180 R1 170,00R180,00R1 350,00R2 400,00R1 050,00

802000 Broiler, vegetablesYY03/03/202220 00,10 90 R765,00R160,00R925,00R2 000,00R1 075,00

MidlandsOzwathiniCaroline ButheleziF56 2000

Broilers,Layers Maize, Vegetables

YY05/01/2022 45 100,33519,75R4 417,88R360,00R200,00R4 977,88R4 200,00-R777,88

MidlandsOzwathiniThembekile HlongwaF582000 Broilers, potatoesYN20 70,34198,9R1 690,65R80,00R140,00R1 910,65R1 300,00-R610,65

MidlandsOzwathiniElgina NdimandeF60 4000

Broilers, Maize, Vegetables

YY02/09/2022 19 190,3182,46 R700,91 R152,00R852,91R0,00-R852,91

MidlandsOzwathiniLindiwe KhanyileF72 2000

Broilers, Layers, vegetables, maize

YY11/02/2022 23 00,22227,7R1 935,45R184,00R2 119,45R2 300,00R180,55 7/19/202110 00,5 150 R1 125,00R1 125,00240 R1 200,00R75,00

73 2000

Broilers, Maize and vegetables

Y Y30 10,0565,25R554,63R240,00R590,00R1 384,63R2 900,00R1 515,38

MidlandsOzwathiniNora SibiyaF79 2000

Layers, maize, vegetables

Y Y7/19/202110 10,2259,4 R445,50R445,50216 R1 080,00R634,50

MidlandsOzwathini MyezaM69 5000

Layers, maize, vegetables

Y Y7/19/202120 10,26148,2R1 111,50R1 111,50456 R2 280,00R1 168,50

MidlandsOzwathiniNokuthula SibiyaF29 1000

Broilers, Layers, vegetables, maize

Y Y7/19/202110 20,62148,8R1 116,00R270,00R1 386,00192 R960,00 -R426,00

MidlandsOzwathiniSeptember SkhakhaneM452000 BroilersY N 5/6/2021110 00,05 225 R1 462,50R0,00R1 462,50R13 200,00R11 737,50

MidlandsGobizembeLindiwe ZondiF42 2500

Layers, potatoes, maize, veg

Y N05/6/202120 2 0,1478 R507,00R0,00 R507,00432 R2 160,00R1 653,00

MidlandsGobizembeZwelinjani ZumaM67 4000

Broilers, Vegetables, Goats

YN03/03/2022 23 00,17 176 R1 495,58R184,00R45,00R1 724,58R2 300,00R575,43

MidlandsGobizembeThombi MbulaF67 2000

Broilers, Amadumbe

YN02/09/2022 10 60,25 45 R382,50 R80,00R462,50R400,00-R62,50

MidlandsMayizekanyeNtombi ShanduF49 2100

Broilers, maize, veg

YN 5/6/202110 00,52 234 R1 521,00R40,00R1 561,00R1 200,00-R361,00

MidlandsEzibomviniZodwa ZikodeF55 1500

Broilers, maize, pigs, veg

Y Y 5/12/202130 10,07 95 R617,50R90,00R707,50R2 900,00R2 192,50

571000 Broilers, maize, vegetables17/11/202150 70,4 774 R6 579,00R400,00R45,00R7 024,00R4 730,00-R2 294,00

BergvilleEzibomviniCabangani HlowngwaeF451000 LayersN Y5/15/202110 0 0,2575 R562,50 R180,00 R742,50240 R1 080,00R337,50

F46 2100

Broilers,Layers, maize and veges

NN24/11/2021 245 150,16 1656 R14 076,00R1 960,00R93,00R16 129,00R25 300,00R9 171,00 5/15/202110 00,4 120 R780,00R40,00 R820,00240 R1 200,00R380,00

BergvilleVimbukhaloSibongile MpuloF631500 Broilers, maizeYY6/3/202130 10,14 110 R715,00R90,00R805,00R2 900,00R2 095,00

BergvilleVimbukhaloCebisile HlongwaneF241000 LayersN Y6/23/202110 0 0,50150 R975,00R975,00 240 R1 080,00R105,00

254000 LayersN Y10 0 0,50150 R1 125,00R0,00R1 125,00240 R1 200,00R75,00

BergvilleStulwaneKhetabahle MiyaF60 5500

Maize,broilers, cattle, goats, veg

Y Y 5/6/202130 00,50 675 R4 387,50R4 387,50R3 000,00-R1 387,50

BergvilleStulwaneZawani SitholeF23 2500

Maize, pigs, broilers, traditional poultry

Y Y 6/2/202120 60,14 110 R715,00R715,00R1 400,00R685,00

BergvilleStulwaneNothile ZondiF39 3000

Broilers, maize, beans

Y Y40 00,13 225 R1 912,50R1 912,50R4 400,00R2 487,50

BergvilleStulwaneMakhethi DladlaF54 2300

Broilers, maize, beans

Y Y 12/2/202220 20,28 229 R1 948,46R160,00R2 108,46R1 980,00-R128,45

BergvilleStulwaneThulani DladlaM56 2000

Layers, maize, beans

Y Y15/05/202110 0 0,260 R450,00R40,00 R490,00240 R1 320,00R830,00

BergvilleStulwaneNondumiso SgubuduF221500 BroilersN Y6/3/202120 00,14 110 R715,00R715,00R2 000,00R1 285,00

BergvilleStulwaneHlanganisile HlongwaneF402100 Broilers, MaizeYY15/02/202223 40,22 186 R1 577,05R184,00R1 761,05R2 090,00R328,95

BergvilleStulwaneNeliwe DlaminiF262000 BroilersN Y5/5/202120 00,25 214 R1 816,88R160,00R1 976,88R2 200,00R223,13

BergvilleStulwaneNtombifuthi MkhizeF68 3800

Broilers, maize, beans

YY11/09/2021 40 00,13 234 R1 989,00R320,00R2 309,00R4 400,00R2 091,00

BergvilleStulwaneZinhle ButheleziF281000 Maize, BroilersNN6/3/202120 10,07 95 R807,50R807,50R1 900,00R1 092,50

BergvilleStulwaneSlindile MpingaF272000 PoultryYY11/08/2021 20 50,1387,75R745,88R160,00R905,88R1 650,00R744,13

BergvilleStulwaneKhulekani DladlaM50 1800

layers, beans, maize

Y N15/05/202110 2 0,2560 R465,00R465,00 192 R960,00 R495,00

BergvilleStulwaneNelisiwe MseleF50 2000

Layers, Maize, vegetables

Y Y15/05/202110 00,4 120 R930,00R40,00 R970,00240 R1 200,00R230,00

BergvilleEzibomviniThengani DubazanaF601500 BroilersY Y 6/3/202130 90,16 105 R683,28R683,28R2 100,00R1 416,72

BergvilleEzibomviniNombono DladlaF57 2000

Maize, livestock, broilers, veg

Y Y 5/7/202130 00,14 110 R715,00R715,00R3 000,00R2 285,00

BergvilleEzibomviniNtombenhle HlongwaneF511000 Maize, BroilersYY5/7/202130 10,17 118 R769,08R769,08R2 900,00R2 130,92

BergvilleVimbukhaloNomthandazo ZunguF54 1700

Broilers, tradi poultry

N N 5/27/202130 00,16 216 R1 404,00R1 404,00R3 000,00R1 596,00

55 3900

Broilers, maize, beans

YN08/11/2021 30 20,33415,8R3 534,30R240,00R65,00R3 839,30R3 080,00-R759,30

BergvilleEzibomviniHlulekile NdlangisaF591000 LayersN N5/15/202110 0 0,130 R195,00R195,00 240 R1 080,00R885,00

BergvilleEzibomviniThoko HlatshwayoF53 1800

Broilers, maize, vegetables

YY05/10/2021 30 00,33445,5R3 786,75R240,00R25,00R4 051,75R3 300,00-R751,75

BergvilleEzibomviniPhumelele ZunguF54 1500

Brilers, maize, vegetables

YN22\11\2021 30 30,16194,4R1 652,40R240,00R40,00R1 932,40R2 700,00R767,60

BergvilleEzibomviniPhumelele HlongwaeF42 3000

Maize, broilers, layers, livestock, pigs, veg

Y Y 6/3/202140 20,21 359 R2 334,15R2 334,15R3 800,00R1 465,8520 0 0,21126 R819,00R819,00 480 R2 160,00R1 341,00

43 2500

Broilers, Layers, vegetables, maize

YY29/11/2021 60 520,08 116 R987,36R480,00R1 467,36R880,00-R587,364040 0,125 150 R1 125,00R3 900,00R5 025,000R0,00-R5 025,00

BergvilleVimbukhaloGebezi ZondoM79 3900

Broilers, maize, vegetables

YY26/07/2021 60 40,25 630 R5 355,00R480,00R40,00R5 875,00R6 160,00R285,00

BergvilleVimbukhaloTshitsana ndabaF691500 BroilersN N 5/27/202130 120,19 154 R1 000,35R6 875,35R1 800,00-R5 075,35

BergvilleVimbukhaloThakasile NdabaF411500 BroilersN N5/27/202130 120,27 219 R1 421,55R1 421,55R1 800,00R378,45

421800 poultry, maizeNN2021/11/2140 60,25 383 R3 251,25R320,00R3 571,25R3 740,00168,75

BergvilleVimbukhaloKhosi HlongwaneF541000 Broilers, maizeYY5/6/202130 70,21 217 R1 412,78R1 412,78R2 300,00R887,23

551800 broilers, maizeYY2021/11/1135 180,14 109 R923,36R280,00R40,00R1 243,36R1 700,00R456,65

BergvilleVimbukhaloZweni NdabaF551000 Broilers, maizeYY5/7/202130 40,19 222 R1 444,95R1 444,95R2 600,00R1 155,05

BergvilleEqeleniThulani DlaminiM55 1000

Broilers, maize, vegetables

YN23/09/2021 20 80,13 70 R596,70R160,00R35,00R791,70R1 320,00R528,30

BergvilleEqeleniMqobi MdluliM22 1500

Broilers, maize and vegetables

YN11/11/2021 40 100,11 149 R1 262,25R320,00R40,00R1 622,25R3 300,00R1 677,75

BergvilleEqeleniNtombakhe ZikodeF54 1000

Broilers, maize, vegetables

YY20/11/2021 25 00,11 124 R1 051,88R200,00R35,00R1 286,88R2 750,00R1 463,13

BergvilleEqeleniNah KhumaloF53 1000

Layers, Maize, beans

Y Y16/09/202110 20,5 120 R900,00R35,00 R935,00192 R864,00 -R71,00

BergvilleEqeleniMbuso ZikodeM2000 Layers, maizeYN5/15/202110 8 0,424 R180,00R35,00 R215,0048 R216,00 R1,00

BergvilleEqeleniSthabiso ManyathiM51 1200

Layers, maize vegetables

Y N5/15/202110 100,20R0,00 R35,00 R35,000R0,00-R35,00

BergvilleEqeleniNomavila NdabaF75 1890

Layers, maize, vegetables

Y Y5/15/202110 0 0,2163 R472,50R35,00 R507,50240 R1 440,00R932,50

BergvilleEqeleniSimephi NkosiF64 2000

Broilers, maize and vegetables

YY28/11/2021 70 60,11 317 R2 692,80R560,00R40,00R3 292,80R7 040,00R3 747,20

BergvilleEqeleniSmpeho HlatshwayoF65 2000

Broilers, mazie, goats, veg

Y Y 5/12/202120 10,26 214 R1 389,38R0,00R1 389,38R1 900,00R510,63

MatatieleNkauNompumelelo MboboF552000 Broilers,layers NN5/6/202118 20,27 194 R1 263,60R40,00R1 303,60R2 400,00R1 096,40 5/6/2021420,2112,6R81,90R81,9048 R216,00 R134,10

MatatieleNkauMalebone BoboreF612000 BroilersYN 5/6/202117 00,17 130 R845,33R845,33R2 550,00R1 704,68

MatatieleNkauNolast MjokweniF535000 Broilers, vegYN5/6/202112 10,09 45 R289,58R30,00R319,58R1 650,00R1 330,43

MatatieleNkauMartha MbongweF602000 Broilers, vegNN5/6/202120 30,17 130 R845,33R50,00R895,33R2 550,00R1 654,68

MatatieleNkauNokuphiwa TamaneF41 1000

Maize, potatoes, broilers, layers, veg

YN 5/6/202114 10,19 111 R722,48R35,00R757,48R1 950,00R1 192,53 5/9/202112 0,2175,6 R491,40R491,40288 R1 296,00R804,60

MatatieleRhashuleThokozile NkukhuF594000 LayersY03/05/202170 0,1226 R178,00R45,00 R223,00

MatatieleRhashuleNoncedo ZuluF404000 Layers, maize, vegY03/05/2021700,1226 R178,00R45,00 R223,00168 R756,00 R533,00

MatatieleRhashuleMatankiso RajoaleF5420 Layers, vegY

MatatieleMzongwanaAngel LucweleF63 2000

Maize, layers, vegetables, traditional chickens, livestock

N N08/202112 00,25 3*40kgR1 140,00R150,00R1 290,00480 R960,00 -R330,00

MatatieleMzongwanaElizabeth SefolokweF682000 Broilers, livestockNN08/202150 9 250g 50kg R1 140,00R1 150,00R0,00R1 655,00R6 000,00R2 055,00

MatatieleMzongwanaMoselantja TlaliF38 R900LayersNN08/202110 30,25 3*40kgR1 140,00R150,00R1 290,00480 R960,00 -R330,00

MatatieleMzongwanaNomthandazo NdabaF58 R900 LayersNN08/202110 0,25 3*40kgR1 140,00R150,00R1 290,00480 R960,00 -R330,00

SKZNMadzikaneJabulile XabaF49100 Broilers, maize, vegY30/04/2021100 00,07 360 R2 340,00

SKZNSpringvalleyGabisile PhungulaF651000 Layers, veg, maizeN29/06/202120 00,1274.4R509,64R90,00 R599,64

SKZNSpringvalleyLinda PhungulaM682000 Layers, maizeN29/06/2021600,1222,32R152,89R45,00R197,89

SKZNSpringvalleyGoodness SoniF634000 Layers, maizeN29/06/202110 00,1237,2R254,80R45,00 R299,80

SKZNSpringvalleyBonginnhlanhla DlaminiM5050 Layers, maizeN09/12/202150 0 0,12186 R1 274,00R180,00R1 454,00

SKZNNgongoniniThokozani KheswaF452000 Maize, broilers, veYY5/6/202110 00,12 54 R351,00R351,00R1 000,00R649,00

SKZNNgongoniniZanele KheswaF602000 PoultryYy13/01/2022 30

2000 Broilers, maizeYY03/06/202115 00,12 81 R526,00

SKZNNgongoniniLetheni MkhizeF6660 Layers, veg, maizeY30/04/202130 20,12104,2 R713,80R713,80

SKZNNgongoniniMoses ZuluM66 8Layers, maizeN30/04/202110 00,1237,2R254,80R45,00 R299,80

SKZNNgongoniniThokozani KheswaF452000 Maize, broilers, veYY5/6/202110 00,12 54 R351,00R351,00R1 000,00R649,00

6763 45

No 83 F81%2394 267212786699R38 589,01R75 108,00R40 306,92

LG 76%

Ave monthly income

R2 102,40108,82R135 521,84R222 060,00R84 248,16

VSLA 54% Age 54,483871NO 60 NO 38

Youth

11%

ve no of birds/farmer

Ave no of birds/farmer

>65yrs

16% Mortality 11% Mortality 11%

No who can't afford intpus for next batch

20%

No who can't afford intpus for 2nd batch

21%

Ave batch income/farmer

R1 404,14

Ave monthyl income

R353,57

Ave monthly income/farmer

R936,09

Participant information: Poultry monitoring May 2022

Broilers

Layers

ANNEXURE 3:F4CJ CROSS POLLINATION WORKSHOP AND FARMERS OPEN DAY

1.Introduction

On the 25thand 26th of April a cross pollination Open Day and Focus Group Workshop was carried out in Swidi (Ward 14)

Ozwathini, KwaZulu-Natal where women farmers from Bushbckridge, Mpumalanga visited farmers in KwaZulu-Natal. The

workshop was organised by MDF staff namely Nkanyiso, Lungelo and Tema and was facilitated by Tema and Agnes. The

workshop also included 30 farmers from Swayimane who also travelled to be part of the discussions. A total of 103 farmers

were in attendance on the Open Dayand 76 farmers were present on the second day, which was the focus group workshop.

Also in attendance wasthe Local Councillor and the Extension Officer from the Department of Agriculture. The cross

pollination workshop was a follow up to the focus group workshops that took place in February this year in the respective

areas. The purpose of the cross pollination workshop was to share findings from the focus group discussions and it was also

meant to be a platform for cross learning and sharing around solidarity networks and the role they play in supporting agro

ecology.

2.Open Day

The open day started on a sombre note as it took place at atime where the Ozwathini community was shaken up by a

recent murder where a body was exhumed from an abandoned pit latrine not far from where the hall. Also, the recent floods

in Durbanaffected quite a number of farmers some who could not attend due to losing loved ones in the floods. Bab

Skhakhane from Ozwathini, Nondabula welcomed all those who were present and the session then opened with a prayer

which was led by Mrs Chamane from Gobinsimbi for all those who lost their loved ones. Thereafter introductions of the

farmers from the different areas followed wherea representative from each area briefly explained who they were and the

activities they were involved in, after which Tema explained the purpose of the day and gave abackground to the research

and how it tied to the event. The cross pollination workshop was an opportunity for the two farmer groups to gain insights

into each other’s networks and activities within those networks. The workshop also sought to explore whatenables and

hinders these networks and also how the two farmer groups can collaborate to promote agro ecology initiatives and promote

sustainable farming in their areas. A video was pre-recordedby Dr Mudimu from the F4CJ Team which was meant to be

played in the workshop but could as there was no electricity on both days.

Display stalls of some of the different farmer groups were set up which included: livestock, conservation agriculture,

marketing group, Swayimane Gobizembe Group from Mahlathini and the Mpumalanga Group stall which had a wide variety

of products including Tupperware, soaps, powders and teas and shoes. Mayizekanye farmers were notable to bring any

produce to the event as it was raining when they left and they had not dug any of the tubers. Farmers from both

organizations gave presentations on their networksand how they function. The images below depict some of the produce

that wasbrought to the event.

MDF Marketing and Farmers’

Association

Livestock

Conservation Agriculture

ZU Stand: Soaps, teas, powders, Tupperware, shoes

Presentation on F4CJ Solidarity Group Research

Tema gave a presentation on the findings of the Farming for Climate Justice Research on solidaritynetworks where she

explained that groups/networks are often formed in response to a shock or a threat that compromises the stability of

communities. According to literature, events such as wars, famines and even crime often give rise to solidarity networks as

people form groups to collectively overcome the challenges that stand before them. These networks however are not only

centred on what is wrong but many times are formed as a way to include marginalised groups in the allocation of resources

and also for capacity building amongst other things. It was explained to the group that the Open Day was mainly a day of

getting to know one another, the focus group would take place the following day which willhave a more in depth focus on

the networks.

MDF Solidarity Networks: Tema

Tema explained to the group that the first focus group revealed that there are indeed a number of solidarity networks within

the different villages, most of which centre on food production and savings. These groups include but aren’t limited to the

farmersassociations, conservation agriculture, livestock production, mushroom and savings groupsamongst others and

though there may be elements of agro ecology within these groups, many are still largely dependent on conventional ways

of producing food. The farmers’ associations managed by the Department of Agriculture which are the oldest groups having

started in 2013 and are still operational. These groups mainly focus on the conventional farming of grain crops, namely

maize and beans. Potatoes are also a major commodity within this group. Garden workshops are conducted but at a much

smaller scale. The Conservation Agriculture learning networks areanother example of a solidarity network in the KZN

groups. This network promotes the growing of field crops under no till, ensuring permanent cover and integrating crop

diversification in the production system. MDF has also introduced intensive gardening through the installation of tunnels,

with trench beds inside and dripirrigation kits. In these tunnels farmers practiced mixed cropping of various vegetables

including kale, mustard spinach, beetroot, spinach, cabbage and herbs. It wasalso explained to the group that MDF

supports savings groups to save towards agricultural inputs, of which two havebeen set up in Ozwathini. In Swayimane,

farmers were already part of savings groups and stokvels. These groups play a bigger role in supplementing household

income than going towards agricultural initiatives although the farmers did say they joined the groups using funds made from

farming.

Zingela Ulwazi: Agnes

Agness from Zingela Ulwazi also gave a presentation and explained to the group that ZU women are involvedin wide variety

of activities which include agro-ecology, permaculture, arts and craft and also processing amongst others. She emphasized

that the women from Mpumalanga are passionate about agro ecology and do not use chemicals at all. She explained to the

group that the farmers make use of manure and grass to increase organicmatter in soil.For chemical control she described

one of the remedies they use which include chillies, garlic and onions to kill insects. The women grow vegetables such as

spinach, beetroot, lettuce, cabbage, onions, green pepper, chillies, pumpkin andherbs. The herbs include lemon grass,

basil, curry leaves and moringa amongst others. Agnes also shared

that the group practices seed saving for vegetablesand moringa and

the also trade seed amongst themselves. She also sharedthat they

grow rose geranium which they use to make perfumes. Apart from

food production, the ZU group is also involved in processing which

includes soaps, perfumes, dried herbs, dried fruit and powders. The

ZU stand was very popular at theevent with most farmers flocking to

it to ask about the products and some even purchased some for

themselves.

Local Extension Officer: Sbu Mkhize on behalf of DARD Farmers’

Associations

Sbu Mkhize, the local extensionofficer addressed the farmers and

explained some of the work they do across the Midlands areas. He gave a background on the farmers associations which

are: Estezi, Baxoleleni and Mathulini Farmers associations which were all established by his colleague Wiseman Ndlovu

who hasbeen supporting these groupssince their inception. The farmers have received extensive training on maize and

bean production, including varieties, planting times, spraying programs and even market access. With the assistance of Mr

Figure 24: Agnes explaining products toa group of

Local Farmers

Ndlovu the farmers were able to venture into the green mealies market and supply bakkie traders from nearby

Pietermaritzburg and also from Durban areas. Futhermore, the farmers have also been trained on potato production, with a

trial currently running with support from Cedara that assesses the performance of mondial, sifra and panamera varieties

under different treatments. Sbu also explained to farmers that they have been working with MDF for a number of years, in

fact Mahlathini started working in Ozwathini as per request of the local extension officer who had a keen interest in

conservation agriculture.

Presentations from Farmers

The farmers also had an opportunity to present on their different networks and explain what the commodities on display

were and their uses.

Figure 25: Sbu Mkhize from DARD addressing the group

Ms Chamaneand Ms Zondi : Marketing and

Farmers’ Association

Ms Hlopheand Mr Skhakhane:

Livestock, savings

Bab Myeza: MDF Marketing and

Farmers’ Association

Mrs Majola: Mushrooms

Mrs Xulu: Conservation Agriculture

Mrs Mpeli: Swaymane Group

Table 1: A summary of farmer presentations at the Open Day

•MDF

•Zingela Ulwazi

•Conservation Agriculture learning group: no till, soil cover,

diversification

• Intensive garden production (organic): trench beds, drip kits,

tunnels, smaller scale

•Marketing Group (once a month, vegetables, fruit, meat and eggs)

•Farmers Associations: Oldest Group, Field Experimentation,

conventional farming practices, chemical application, potato trials

•Savings Group: Meet once a month, save between R 100 to

R1000. Take out loans, mainly for businesses

•Livestock Group: Calf rearing, from 1 week to 6-8 months then sell,

winter supplementation for lactating sick and weakcattle, cover

cropsas part of livestock integration

•Mushroom Group: oyster mushrooms, obtained stock from Cedara

, Sold to neighbours, very high demand, did not plant them this

year due to not receiving stock

•Organic food production (vegetables and herbs): spinach, beetroot, onions, green

pepper, pumpkin, lemon grass, herbs

•Natural pest control methods and techniques used and NO chemicals

•Stokvel groups (stokvels and savings groups)

•Art and craft (pottery, mat making etc)

•Seed saving (saving of seed and trading between farmers)

•Permaculture

•Processing

- Soap (African potato mixed with oil, turmeric –grated and dried)

-Curry leaves ( driedand used as preservative for meat, also used as a spice)

-Lemon grass (good for BP. Diabetes, sinus, ulcers)

-Moringa ( used in soft porridge, spice, bread, yoghurt-overall health boost)

-Mpesu (traditional Viagara)

Table 2: Differences and similarities between the Mpumalanga and KZN groups.

The discussions were very fruitful and sparked a lot ofinterest between the two groups about each other’s farming and other

activities, mainly because they are so different in terms of their approaches to food production. What sparked the greatest

interest were the various products the ZU women had brought and also some of the organic practices they shared.

Furthermore, the ZU women’s advanced knowledge on thedifferent types of herbs was quite interesting for the MDF group.

The ZU were also interested in local pumpkins which they said were much larger than those they grow back home. There

was also a keen interest around amadumbe andsweet potatoes, for which the local farmers save seed. There was also a

keeninterest on the rabbits which were also on display,and Ozwathini farmers gave a brief explanation on why they keep

rabbits, adding that they use their urine and manure to boost their crops and they also sell them to neighbours. The day

ended with further interactions around the stand and demonstration of the no till haracca planter and the baler. The group

alsospent time going around the different stands andeven purchased some of the products on display.

Mpumalanga (ZU)

KZN (MDF)

Organic Vegetable production, permaculture

Fieldcrop production, conservation agriculture, Oyster

Mushrooms (Gobizembe)

Organic vegetable production, micro-tunnels

Herbs (lemon grass, geranium, curryleaves, coriander,

parsley etc), moringa

Herbs (parsley, coriander, basil, rocket, thyme)

Market: soaps, spices, dried herbs, powders, tea, dried

fruit, Tupperware, shoes

Market: green mealies, sweet potatoes, amadumbe,

vegetables, Ilembe enterprise)

Art and craft

Livestock (rabbits, layers, broilers)

Savings/stokvel groups

Figure 26: Mpumalanga farmers shared that they loved how

big the pumpkins were as theirs are significantly smaller

Day 2: Focus Group Discussion

The second day, which was the focus group workshop had a significantly lower number of farmers, with an attendance total

of 76 farmers. The focus group workshop aimed at zooming into the existing solidarity networks and how these survive

throughchallenges, discuss ways in which groups are formed and why some of them don’t make it and also conscientize

the group on the need to continuously stretch yourself inorder to progress and go forward.

The workshop opened with Bab Myeza welcoming all who were present and leading the group in prayer. Thereafter, Tema

gave a reflection on what was discussed at the Open day and the purpose of the focus group. Before we could get into the

business of the day, ZU women shared a warming up exercise to kick start the session which got everyone energized and

excited.

Introductions

The facilitators observed that despite the success of the Open Day, people were seated according to their respective areas,

and the demarcations were quite clear. In order to makethe focus group more interactive, they asked the farmers to all

switchseats and seat next to someonethey do not know, even if the person does not speak their mother tongue. Thereafter

a short exercise was carried out where each farmer was given a piece of paper and instructed to write their name but not

with the hand they’re used to. In other words if theyare left handed, they had to use their right hand and vice versa. Initially

the group was surprised but they attempted to do the exercise and all wrote their names. When reading out the names,

some were clear and some were hard to make out. Even the names that could be read out clearly, had a shaky handwriting.

Subsequent to this exercise, farmers hadto have a five minute chat with their neighbour and then each person introduce the

person they were seating next to. Although this exercise took some time, it was useful as the farmers became much more

relaxed and open thereafter.

Opening Discussion

To introduce the purpose of the day, Tema usedthe “Comfort, Stretch, Panic” model by Ryan and Markova which is a tool

for learning to move out of your comfort zone. This model places thecomfort zone at the centre, where everything is secure

and unchallenged until something comes and causes a disruption in the system. This in some waysinfuses new energy and

new lifebut also pushes one towards the panic zone as they try to navigate unchartered waters. If one successfully

overcomes feelings of doubt and fear they become open to acquiring a new skill which will then propel them to grow. Tema

explained that the previous exercise was meant to challenge the farmers’ perceptions about themselves and the space they

were in at the time where everyone naturally sat next to who they felt the most comfortable and probably expected a similar

introduction to the previous day. When asked how the exercise made them feel, most respondedthat at first they were in

disbelief, some laughed and others thought it was crazy.

It was further explained to the

group that in order to grow one needsto be stretched enough to

permanently move out of the comfort zone. Everyone (in the group) had

heard about solidarity networks and care economies and how these often form the building

blocks around which people organize and managetheir lives and resources. Within these networks how confident can we

be that the way we cultivate our land is in harmony with nature and will be sustainable for years to come? What makes this

Ryan and Markova, 2006

networks work and what hinders them? Is there any potential to form a new solidarity network around agro ecology? For

new ideas to become entrenched, the old way of thinking has to become obsolete, and for old ideas to die, something has to

disrupt the system in such a way that carrying on with business as usual will now be costly. Case in point, the heavy rains in

KZN during the summer months had knock on effects on farmers, in that by worsening soil erosion on ploughed fields, yields

dropped and so did their income which all coincided with ever rising food prices.

Understanding the Nature of Groups: Role Play

There was a short presentation on how groups are formed and the different stages of group development. Using the

Tuckman’s model of group development, the facilitators explained to that groups go through various stages starting with

formation where everyone is new and is just getting toknow one another. At this stage nobody wants to step on toes and

people are generally polite. From here on the groups go to the storming stage where friction begins to take place and

conflicts emerge as people try to find themselves within the group. If the groups survive this stage theygenerally proceed to

form ground rules, or some form of a system of operation which is then following by performing stage where they put their

plans into action. As the farmers have identifiedtheir various solidarity networks, these have gone and are still going through

thesevarious stages. Some groups developto maturity while others dissolve alongthe way. There are various factors that

influence whether groups stick together and the following section by Agnes sought to bring to light some of these factors.

A Practical Demonstration of Solidarity: Role Play

Agnes facilitated the session which was a role play depicting two scenarios. The first scenario was about an organisation

that rana soup kitchen and was efficient because everyone worked together. SCENARIO 1:

-Group opened witha meeting to discuss plan for the week

-Various tasks were delegated to relevant departments

-Feedback was provided based on tasks performed

-Follow up meeting to review progress

-Recording of what was discussed at meeting

-Proceeded to order necessary goods for the kitchen to keep running

This scenario depicted how good communicationand feedback as well as transparency led to smooth operations and

progress within the organisation.

SCENARIO 2:

-Farmers work in individual fields, some advanced in age

-When they ask their neighbours for assistance e.g. seed, the neighbour refuses

-Truckcollecting produce comes to individual farms, when finds produce is not enough, farmer tells driver to come

back rather than recommended others

-Lack of cooperation between the farmers

-Ultimately truck leaves without taking any produce from them.

The second scenario depicted individual farmers who refused to work together, and when an opportunity to supply the

market came they all lost as they would notassist each other for various reasons.

The farmers were asked to give feedback on what they observed and what this exercise taught them about groups. The role

playgave a clear depiction of how the

success of any group/network is

dependent on a variety of factors, most

important one being solidarity,

transparency and respect. This exercise

alsogave the groups an opportunity to

reflect on their own groups and whether

theseare functional or not. Below were

farmers’observations:

SCENARIO 1: Soup Kitchen

SCENARIO 2: Individual Farmers refusing

to work together

Figure 27: Role Playing Session

Group Exercise around Solidarity Networks

The last exercise for the day was on the

solidarity networks identified by both the KZN

and Mpumalanga farmers in the previous

workshops. The group was broken up into six

groupsof between 11 and 13 members and

each group had a particular network they

needed to sit and discuss. The main aim of

this exercise was to identify factors that

hinder these networks from functioning well,

and come up with solutions. Each group had

to randomly select a network from a basket

and then hold a discussion around it.The six

networks that were chosen from the basket

were:

1.Stokvels

2.Organic Farming Group

3.Art and Craft

4.Farmers’ Association

5.Processing/value adding

6.Church

The Table below gives a summary of what the farmers discussed in their respective groups

Group 1: Savings Group/Stokvel

Challenges

Solutions

Lackof trust

More transparency

Non/irregular payment of loans

Dialogue with the owing party

Good management style

Agreement

Transparency

Respect

Proper planning

Record taking

Trust

Knowledgeable

Love

Unity

Progress

Compassion

Strategy

Communication

No management

Disagreement

Secrecy

No mutual respect

No collective planning

Jealousy

Lackof trust

Division

Competition

No Progress

Breakdown in communication

Nobody wins

Group division

Draft and follow the constitution

Lackof planning

Meet and work on group plan

Abseentism

Impose fines

Group 2: Organic Farming

Challenges

Solutions

Insect damage and disease spread

Natural remedies/teas, mixed cropping: e.g onion and

cabbage, spinach and chillies, rotating crops to prevent

spread of diseases

Dry soil

Add compost, rabbit wee, mulch, raisedbeds

Unsupported seed

Use certified seed

Livestock damage to crops

Cover crops with netting or fence area

Lackof water

Plant on raised beds, store water in tanks, mulch, plant

crops that require less water

High cost of organic fertiliser

Use animalmanure

Group 3: Farmers’ Association

Challenges

Solutions

Climatechange

Introduce practices that protect crops from climate change

Lackof money for inputs/High input costs

Save up towards inputs as a group

Insufficient land

Approach local chief and ask for more land

Limited access to market

Approach big supermarkets (Pick n pay, Spar, Boxer,

Game, Checkers) and write up agreement to supply them

Lackof water

Request borehole from department

Lackof local farm workers

Get more workers from the community, sit down and sort

out differences

Group 4: Art and Craft

Challenges

Solutions

No designated venue

Request for a venue from local induna, propose to work

there on weekends as a start

Hard to get working equipment

Get donations to purchase equipment

Raw materials not always easyto find e.g. thatch grass,

twine, beads, wool etc.

Find reliable suppliers

Lackof skills

Get training from local people who have already started

doingart and craft

Sewing: not enough sewing machines, lack of material,

thread, needles and scissors

Ask local businessmen to sponsor the purchase of washing

machines and scissors from experienced tailors

Group 5: Processing

Challenges

Solutions

Unhealthy preservatives

Organic preservatives

Low shelf life of produce

Drying, e.g. mangoes, make achaar, for tomatoesmake

ham, canned tomatoes and sell seedlings

Insects

Use of organic sprays

Lackof knowledge on processing/value adding

Get training

Group 6: Church

Challenges

Solutions

Infighting

Encourage members to love one another

Gossiping

Confront gossipers and end gossiping

Starving members

Donation of food and clothes

Sick members

Taking care of the sick and providing food for them

Unemployed pastors

Provide for them through church offerings

Youth loving the world

Youth services addressing challenges plaguing the youth

Women who get married then run away

Lackof infrastructure maintenance

Church committees should meet with congregation and

raise this issue

Pastors who drink and smoke

They should be expelled from the church

Farmer Presentations

In closing, Mpumalanga farmers gave a short on organic practices using the

three legged pot: water, soil fertility and sustainability. They explained the

importance of farming in a sustainablemanner that does not deplete soil

nutrients and conserves water thus promoting sustainability and resilience to

climate change. They used the tower gardenand eco circle as examples of

organic practices that protect and enrich the soil. Mrs Sibisi from Ozwathini

alsogave a presentation on a chayote, a crop she grows which she explained

that it lowers cholesterol levels in the body, protects against free radicals and

helps prevent the onset of diabetes. Shecirculated the vegetable amongst

them for them to see and also somefarmers took it home. Two farmers from

Swaymanehave already planted it.

Field Visit

After the workshop, the team visited Mrs Xulu’s household where they saw the various activaties she does including rabbit

production, broiler and layer production, piggery as well as the winter cover crops which she had planted to feed her cattle in

winter.

Figure 28: Mrs Xulu's household, Swidi Ozwathini