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WWF ZA06370C Smallholder CRA and Water Provision Milestone 6 Final Report

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WWF_184-ZA063760C – Water stewardship Milestone 4 | Erna Kruger
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WWF-MDF_ID1854-ZA06370C_Water stewardship in
the upper uThukela: Smallholder climate resilient
agriculture and water provision.
Milestone 6: Finalreport.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Overall achievements of this project include:
1.CRA implementation: 2nd round of CA planting for 22 collaboratively managed trials (CMTs across 6 villages) plus
102 participants crop growth monitoring (124 participants in total) with a total of 12,4ha of CA trials and 37,2ha of
CA fields in total. Annual reviews were undertaken, as well as planning, financial contributions and inputs sourcing
and delivery.
2.Runoff and water productivity results werecompiled for 8 of the 22 CMTs for the 2022/23 season. Data collection
for the 2023/24 season is still ongoing. Yield measurements were undertaken for 75 of the 124 participating farmers.
3.Crop diversity:Introduction ofa range of crops including different varieties of maize and dry beans, bird resistant
sorghum, cowpeas, pumpkins, summer cover crops (sorghum, Sun hemp sunflower) andfodder crops (turnips, tall
fescue, lespedeza and fodder beet) into the system.
4.Water access: 3 small water source development and reticulation schemes to communal standpipes were
undertaken. In Vimbukhalo and old borehole was refurbished and reticulated via two header tanks (7500l) to 6 taps
servicing 35 households. In Costone/Stulwane a spring was protected and reticulated via two header thanks (10
000L) to 7 taps servicing 19 households. In Costone/Stulwane a further 2 smallstream abstractions via 2 header
tanks (10000l) have been reticulated to 15 taps servicing 69 households.
5.Improved governance through the planning, implementation and review learning cycles for the climate resilient
agriculture learning groups and formalization of village level water committees in association with the Traditional
Councils and Local Authorities.
6.Multistakeholder engagementhas been undertaken at a number of levels:
a.Local level cross visits between villages for showcasing and learning related to conservation agriculture, resource
conservation implementation and governanceconsiderations
b.Community level cross visits between areas: Ozwathini and Impendlesmallholderfarmer visits to the Bergville
villagesto share learning around CA, village savings and loan associations and fodder production.
c.Regional stakeholder engagement: through the Northern Drakensberg Collaborative (water resources management)
and the Asset Research CA forumand working group(CA), KZNDARD (soil health and fertility, livestock production
and CA) and the uThukela District Municipality (water access).
d.National networking and collaboration with the African Climate Development Initiative, SANBI, SEAON-EFTEON,
the Water Research Commission and the Adaptation Network, through various events, processes and working
groups.
PROJECT NUMBERS AT A GLANCE.
PROPOSED
ACTUAL
COMMENTS
110participantsacross 5-8 villages
124 participants
Increasednumber of participants across 6 villages
20ha
37,2ha
Increasein area planted– includes trials and controls
11 fodder trials
11 fodder trials
Also included other partners: maize variety trials (Zylem), fodder beet
trials (Forge-Agri) and biochar trials (FSG-UKZN)
Runoff replenishment: 500000L/ha
240000L/ha
Lower than expected due to flooding
Water access: 20 households
131households
Three small schemes (borehole, spring, stream) supplying households
with between 50- 150l/day of water.
Water access quantity:7300kL(20
households)
6 350kL
Lower availability of water -increased number of sources servicing 123
households.
Water productivity replenishment:7
million L/ha
7 million L/ha
Expected target reached
WWF_184-ZA063760C – Water stewardship Milestone 4 | Erna Kruger
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NARRATIVE REPORT
PROJECT DETAILS
Assessment: The
project is going well
and is on track to
finish by the set date
On track to achieve outcomes
1
Yes
Concern about progress
2
Did not achieve outcomes
3
Project No and Title
Date of approval
Start and end date
Project value
Contractor’s name
Project objectives
Project outcomes
WWF_184-ZA063760C – Water stewardship Milestone 4 | Erna Kruger
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Reporting period
Significant approved
changes
Changes in capacity
to deliver outcomes
Milestone 6
1.Receipt and approval of 4rh and final Project Report
3Cor"npletion of Outcome 1 3 6 Activity 'i.3 E '1 {a
2.1.3.2.1 d. Crop growth monitoring for 25 CMTs, run-off and rainfall results compiled, for round 2.
1.3.3.1d. Yield measurements not undertaken as yet -as harvesting only undertaken in May-June.
1.3.4.1d. Monitoring of 11 fodder trials. Planning for winter supplementation only undertaken around June-July.
3.1.3.6.1 a Review and planning meetings held. Final seasonal review to be undertaken around July-August
2024.Cluster meetings held around specific thematic issues(marketing). 2 Workshops to discuss water and
resource stewardship and management. Attendance of 1-2 multistakeholder eventsincluding Northern
Drakensberg Collaborative.
WWF_184-ZA063760C – Water stewardship Milestone 4 | Erna Kruger
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1PROGRESS PER OBJECTIVE AND OUTCOME
Table 1: Progress against specific outcomes and activities March 2024
Outcome
Activities
Progress (Milestone 5)
CA with VWB for
reduced runoff and
water productivity
Development of CA farmer level trials for
a minimum 25 participants with
measurementof run-off, rainfall,bulk
density, evapotranspiration and water
productivity for around 8-12 participants.
ü22 CMT’sacross 6 villagesplus102participantscrop growth
monitoring(124 participants in total)
üCA trials (12,4ha), CA total (37,2ha), planned and planted for year
2
üRunoff and rainfallresults compiled for 8 participants(yr1).
Installation of runoff pans x 8 for year 2
Inclusion of a range of options for
cropping different varieties of maize,
legumes and cover crops. Measurement
of cropping areas, crop growth and yield
for a minimum of 75 participants
üRange of trials including remedial fenced and foddertrials
alongside strip cropping and block trials for intercropping and
crop rotation
üInclusion of12 new maize varieties and liquid fertilization trials for
10 participantsin collaboration with Zylem Regen Z.
Fodder supplementation farmer level
experiments undertaken for a minimum
of 11 participants with monitoring of
growth, yield and animal condition
scoring
üFodder trials for 11participants planned for year2, incl. cowpeas,
Dolichos, cover crops, tall fescue and lespedeza.
üInclusion of small experimental fodder beet production plots
(supported by Forge Agri in Mooiriver).
Improved access to
water at household
level for both
consumption and
farming through
community owned
water provision
projects.
Water committees and externalservice
providers plan and implement a local
water supply scheme through protection
of atleast 1 spring and reticulation to
~20 households
üStulwane/Costone: Finalisation ofnew water access process
from 2 in stream springs in upper catchment for 69households,
with 4 header tanks and 15 taps(27 February 2024).
üWater samples submitted to Umgeni water and analyses done
(February 2024).
Improved governance
and water stewardship
in the communal
tenure areas of the
upper uThukela
through multiple
stakeholder
engagement activities
with the CRA learning
groups
CRA learning groups undertake
meetings and stakeholder engagement
üCA farmervideo production through Screensahre Africa,in
successful CA implementation.
üuThukela Water Partnership -Northen Drakensberg Collaborative
(NDC) – Core team andstakeholder meetings and stakeholder
(12 and 20 March 2024).
üMeetings with Water service Providers, Local Municipalityward
Councillorand traditional ward councillor to formalise the self-
supply water provision options in Costone/Stulwane.
üFinalisation of water committees’ roles and responsibilities
development process for the 2 sub-committees for Sections A
and B in Costone/Stulwane (February 2024).
This project has been undertaken in 4 main villages in the Emmaus region of Bergville , with two new villages incorporated:
Eqeleni, Ezibomvini, Stulwane/Costone, Vimbukhalo and Emdadakneni and Emajwetha.
Below is a small map and GPS coordinates of these villages.
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Figure 1: Map of area with 6 villages indicated for Conservation Agriculture implementation. In addition, the local water schemes for
Costone and Vimbukhalo are indicated.
Village Name
GPS coordinates.
Ezibomvini
-28.877401, 29.392335
Qeleni
-28.863970, 29.375138
Stulwane
-28.911230, 29.375236
Vimbukhalo
-28.877292, 29.412480
Emadakaneni
-28.904890, 29.358744
Emajwetha
-28.878032, 29.384272
CAWITH VWBFOR REDUCED RUNOFF AND WATER PRODUCTIVITY
The intention was to provide for 2 seasons of the collaboratively and farmer managed trials to have two sets of data for the
run-off, water productivity and yields. Data analysis has been completed for 2022/23 to date. Finalisation of the present
season will only be possible around July-August 2024.
For the 2022/23 season the following tableprovides and overview of the results obtained (detail is provided in Annexure 1 of
this report).
Table 2: Metrics for Conservation Agriculture trials in Bergville 2022/23.
Plot description
Bulk
density
(g/cm3)
Runoff (% of
rain converted
to runoff)
Water
productivity
(kg/m3)
VWB
(kiloL/ha)
Maize
yields
(t/ha)
CA trial multi cropped plots (Maize and
beans and maize and summer cover crops
intercropping)
1.91
6.4%
3.4
6 996
4.9
CA control (Maize mono cropped plots)
1.95
6.2%
1.5
270
1.8
Conventional tillage control plots
2.04
2.1
0
2.1
WWF_184-ZA063760C – Water stewardship Milestone 4 | Erna Kruger
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COMMENTS
Lowest
bd for
CA trial
plots
No difference
between trial
and control for
this season.
~VWB of
223kiloL/ha
CA trial WP
double that
of CA
control
~7000kiloL
water
benefit for
CA trial
compared to
conventional
tillage.
Yields for
CA trials
are 270%
higher
than CA
control.
This table clearly indicates the advantages of using a multi cropping (intercropping, crop diversity and crop rotation) strategy
in Conservation Agriculture with a combined volumetric water benefit of 7,2 million litres/ha.The VWB of clearing alien trees
is around double that number per hectare cleared(based on daily water use of the trees, rather than streamflow reduction).
There is however a significant water benefit for using Conservation Agriculture in this landscape, with very positive
implications for water stewardship and land use management.
Collaboratively,managed,trials,(CMTs),
The 2ndseason of CA experimentation included the same CMT’s (26 participants), as the first season, to be able to build on
their results. The fenced (to improve soil cover- 2 participants) and remedial (to improve soil condition and fertility- 1
participant) trials were also continued.
Weather conditions this season have followed a similar trend to the last tow years, with very dry, hot conditions early in the
planting season (October-November), followed by very high levels of rainfall between December and January, interspersed
with three hailstorms and followed by dry, hot conditions mid-February to mid-March. As a result,despite a good annual
rainfall a yield reduction of around 16% is expected compared to the 2022/23 season.
Mid-season crop growth monitoring placed the participants in three distinct groups:
ØThose with good germination and growth planted the earliest – 1stweek of November (28%)
ØThose with moderate growth experienced hail 3 storms between mid -December and mid-January (52%)
ØThose with bad germination and growth planted later (end November- mid -December) and experienced high
levels of water logging(high percentage clay soils with low organic matter)(20%).
Figure 2: Ezibomvini. Above Left: Phumelele Hlongwane, whose field recovered well from hail damage to provide for moderate growth and
aboveright: Dumazile Dlalisa, whose field showed 100% germination and very good growth.
A larger emphasis on fodder crop production for this season is seeing 21 participants growing extra plots of fodder crops
including cowpeas, Dolichos, Lespedeza, Tall Fescue and turnips. The total area under fodder crops for CA trials is around
2100m2, over and above the12,4ha of CA trials to be undertaken. Three new villages have been included namely
WWF_184-ZA063760C – Water stewardship Milestone 4 | Erna Kruger
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Emadakaneni, Emajwetha and Ezinyonyane, as considerable interest in implementation of CA was generated through the
open days and multistakeholder processes.
The table below outlines the CMT participantswith associated activities such as runoff pansand rain gauges(8
participants), specific trials in stover retention/ fencing (2 participants) and remediation of plots (1 participants) and the
fodder experimentation trials.
Table 3: CMTsand associated activitiesoutlined for ?? participants; November 2023
Village
Name and Surname
Trial
type
Plot
Size
(msq)
CMTs
Fenced
500 m2
Remedial
trial
Runoff
pans
(3/field)
Fodder:
grasses
Fodder;
Cowpeas
Fodder:
Dolichos
Fodder
SCC
1
Ezimbovini
Phumelele Hlongwane
Strip
1000
2
Blocks
1000
3
Landiwe Dlamini
Blocks
1000
4
Zodwa Zikode
Blocks
1000
5
Nombono Dladla
Blocks
1000
6
Mantombi Mabizela
Blocks
1000
7
Cabangani Hlongwane
Blocks
1000
8
Vimbukhalo
Sbongile Mpulo
Strips
1000
9
Zweni Ndaba
Strips
1000
10
Bukisiwe Mpulo
Strips
1000
11
Balungile Mkhathini
Strips
1000
12
Sindisiwe Makhathini
Blocks
1000
13
Eqeleni
Thulani Dlamini
Strips
1000
14
Ntombakhe Zikode
Strips
1000
15
Sthabiso Manyathi
Strips
1000
16
Thulile Zikode
Strips
1000
17
Nomavila Ndaba
Strips
1000
18
Makosonke Mabizela
Strips
1000
19
Smephi Hlatshwayo
Strips
1000
20
Stulwane
Nelisiwe Msele
Blocks
1000
21
Nothile Zondi
Blocks
1000
22
Thulani/Danger Dlamini
Strips
1000
23
Khulekani Dladla
Strips
1000
24
Nondomiso Zondi
Blocks
1000
25
Emajwe
tha
Lungile Dladla
Strips
1000
26
Madakaneni
Xolile Zikode
Strips
1000
27
Sibongile Zikode
Strips
1000
28
Buyisiwe Sithebe/ Ndaba
Strips
1000
29
Buyisiwe Hlongwane
Blocks
1000
28
29
2
1
8
10
5
3
2
Trial plot layouts have been kept the same for the past three seasons, tobe able to clearly and quantitatively measure
trends and changesfor the inter cropped plots. This season, 2023/24, the participants have started on rotation of crops and
have also opted to include both cowpeas and Dolichos. Plot layouts are as shown in the diagram below.
Layout(Plots and Strips)
yr1
yr2
yr3
yr 4
Plot 1
M
M
M
M+B
Plot 2
M+B
M+B
M+B
SCC
Plot 3
SCC
M+B
SCC
M
Plot 4
M
M
M
M+B
Plot 5
M+B
M+B
M+B
CP
Plot 6
SCC
M+B
SCC
M
Plot 7
M
M
M
M+B
Plot 8
M+B
M+B
M+B
Dolichos
Plot 9
SCC
M+B
SCC
M+Pk
Plot 10
M+Pk
M+Pk
M+Pk
M
or
M+CP
M+CP
M+CP
M
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NOTE: M=maize-PAN53, B=beans-Gadra, CP=cowpeas-Mixed Brown,
SCC=summer cover crops- Sun hemp, sunflower and fodder sorghum,
Pk=Pumpkin-Flat White and Dolichos=Lab-Lab beans.
All participants contributed financially towards the procurement of inputs – a
subsidy amount of roughly 30% of the cost of the inputs. These inputs were
delivered and distrusted through the learning group facilitators in each village
during the month of October 2023. The practise is for learning group
members to work together to plant each other’s trials in each of the villages,
to ensure timely planting. Planters and equipment are shared between the
group members.
Figure 3: Inputs for CA trials weighed and packaged for distribution to farmers.
Fodder,production,and,supplementation.,
This aspect introduces farmer level experimentation in the production of fodder crops for both cut and carry options and in
situ grazing as well as a fodder us0plementation process, linked to cutting and baling of veld grass for the winter season.
The number of participants for this aspect is reasonably small, with 11 participants in 2023/23 and 16 participants in
2023/24.Fodder nutrient analysis was included for the 2022/23 season to assist farmers to plan both quantities and mixes of
fodder crops to feed to their livestock.This process was explained in the milestone 4 report.
The table below summarizes the nutrient analysis undertaken in both march and June 2023 and indicates fibre and protein
content as the two main ingredients.
Table 4: Fodder nutrient analysis for a range of fodder production options in the Bergville villages (July 2023).
Species
Moisture %
NDF %
ADF %
Quality
Protein %
Quality
Lespedeza (Cut Feb)
39,02
67,13
54,59
Very bad
10,31
Good
Lespedeza (June regrowth)
25,64
40,42
32,77
Good
4,84
Poor
SCC (Mature, still green)
54,07
59,09
36,56
Moderate
10,49
Good
SCC (dry, seeded)
47,28
38,65
27,79
Very good
4,73
Poor
Beans (full plants with seed)
58,27
46,40
36,49
Moderate
16,73
Very good
Beans (dry stover, without seed)
10,13
34,17
26,02
Very good
8,94
Good
Maize (dry stover)
18,16
39,07
20,92
Very good
5,90
Maintenance
Veld (Cut Feb- green)
51,88
78,76
45,50
Very bad
5,08
Maintenance
Veld (Cut May- June- dry)
11,27
40,36
23,06
Good
7,12
Moderate
The quality indicators used in the community level workshops to outline the
feed value are shownalongside. This indicates that the best options are
mature green summer cover crops, bean stover with seed, maize stover and
veld grass cut in May-June).
Recommendations developed with the farmers are:
•Maize and veld grass would benefit from supplementation with a source of non-protein nitrogen such as
urea/SP33 or premix54, which would allow the rumen microbes to digest it, and then to serve as a protein source.
•The fibre content of the Lespedeza could be improved by harvesting it before it is mature to reduce the stem: leaf
ratio (December-January). Lespedeza needs to be harvested and dried carefully to reduce the loss of leaf
materials.
•The dry bean residue can be fed ‘as is’ but would benefit from retaining some of the bean seed, though this is
perhaps a loss in terms of household income or nutrition. In this regard, planting of cowpeas to use full plants
(leaf, stem and seed) as feed has been suggested. NOTE: Farmers planted cowpeas before as a part of the
experimentation process but discarded this in favour of dry beans. Now, with a better understanding of the
potential value of cowpeas as fodder, interest has resurged.
Uses NDF%ADF %protein
Prime dairy (Very good)<40<30 >11
Good dairy (Good)40-4431-35 >8<10
Good beef (Moderate)47-5336-40 >7-8
Maintenance 54-6041-42 <7
Poor quality61-6543-45 <7
Very bad>65 >45
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•It is possible that the livestock that are given access to the summer cover crops will discard some of the stalky
material and this could be returned to the maize lands to provide soil cover, which is one of the requirements of
conservation agriculture.
For the 2023/24 season 15 farmers planted fodder trials, as shown in the table below.
Table 5: Fodder planting participants, crops planted and date of planting.
Villages
Name and surname
Size (m2)
Crops
Planting dates
Stulwane
Nelisiwe Msele
400
Sccand cow peas
15/12/2023
Nothile Zondi
800
Lespedeza, sorghum,turnip, cow peas, tall fescue
02/12/2023
Thulani Dlamini
800
Turnip, sorghum, lespedeza, tall fescue
04/12/2023
Khulekani Dladla
420
400
Pan 5A 190(short season maize hybrid), tall fescue,
lespedeza, turnip, sorghum, cow peas
Old lespedeza, cow peas, Scc
05/12/2023
09/12/2023
Dumephi Hadebe
200
Cow peas, sorghum, turnip and tall fescue
12/12/2023
Emajwetha
Lungile Dladla
200
Tall fescue, cow peas, sorghum
28/11/2023
Bukiwe Mlambo
400
Sorghum, cow peas, turnip, tall fescue and lespedeza
28/12/2023
Simephi Hlatshwayo
140
Cow peas, sorghum
06/12/0023
Eqeleni
Tholwephi Mabaso
400
Cow peas, sorghum, cow peas
07/12/2023
Nomusa Hlongwane
400
Cow peas, sorghum and Scc
12/12/2023
Balungile Sishi
200
Cow peas, sorghum, Scc
12/12/2023
Ntombakhe Zikode
216
Lespedeza, tall fescue, turnip, sorghum, cow peas
08/12/2023
Sizeni Dlamini
Damaged by hail
Mthokosizi Shange
200
Lespedeza, turnip, cow peas
14/12/2023
Ezibomvini
Bongani Phakathi
720
Scc, cow peas and sorghum
12/12/2023
Note 1: The Sorghum planted was a specialised bird resistant variety.
Note 2: 10 of the 15 farmers planted the fodder and cover crops in strips intercropped with the Zylem regenZ maize varieties.
Zylem is an agricultural services company based in Pietermaritzburg that supports and promotes sustainable and
regenerative agriculture. They provided 10 varieties of both white and yellow maize: a mixture of open pollinated varieties as
well as drought tolerant and vitamin A rich hybrids, alongside liquid based fertilization.
Monitoring of the fodder crop trials showed a range of germination and growth:
ØGood germination, weeding and growth (33%)
ØGood germination, but late weeding and average growth (45%)
ØLittle to no growth- lack of weeding and water logging (20%)
Figure 4: Clockwise from top left: Bird resistant sorghum and
old and new plantings of Lespedeza at Khulekani Dladla
(Stulwane) and a Zylem maize variety trials and summer cover crop strip cropping plot at Sthabiso Manyathi (Eqeleni).
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WATER ACCESS
Localised, community led, self-supply options were explored with both Vimbukhalo and Stulwane villages. The process
relies on specific interest shown by the community, followed by a water source survey undertaken with a small group of key
informants. Thereafter, depending on the strength and position of the sources a few scenarios are mapped out with the
assistance of an engineer, to show water source protection and gravity fed reticulation optionsas well as costs. At this stage
the specific householdswhocan benefit from each scenario are also outlined. The intention is to provide for a patchwork of
reticulation options that can as a whole provide access to tapped water for the whole community. Water committees are
formalised on the basis of the sub-locations and participants decide whether to be part of the process or not. Those involved
provide both a financial and labour contribution to the process, as these small schemes are built by the community
themselves, with some guidance from an engineer and a building foreman.
Three small schemes have been supported.
Village
Type and no of taps
No of
Households
Comments
Stulwane
(Milestone 2
report)
Protected spring in wetland
with 7 taps
25
Strong perennial source, supplying around 100l/hh/day. Scheme
works very well, with highly functional water committee
Vimbukhalo
(Milestone 4
report)
Refurbished borehole with 7
taps
53
Pumping for 8hrs per day requirement was not followed, thus
reducing the available water. The group is too big to manage well.
Supplies ~50l/hh/day
Stuwlane
(Milestone 5
report)
Small stream abstractions
(2) with 14 taps
67
Divided into two sections (A and B), with committees for each to
allow for better ongoing management. Supplies ~70l/hh/day.
One aspect that was not well planned for is the need for reasonably substantial budgets for ongoing maintenance and post-
installation repairs and tweaking of the system. Community members seem to learn only from experience the dangers of
over-utilization and attempts to add further taps and pipes to the designed system. This is despite setting up the rules and
processes for operation at inception. Management is thus somewhat of an iterative and ongoing process. Each committee
has thus focused more on ongoing contributions from the members to allow for maintenance.
The Stulwane stream abstraction scheme was divided into two sections, village A and B with separate sources and systems
and committees. Work for these small schemes was divided into 3 phases, to allow for full community involvement and also
to keep joint track of budgets. Phase 1 consisted of developing the sources and reticulation to the first break pressure tanks.
Phase two consisted of laying the pipes and setting up the header tanks for both schemes and phase 3 consisted of the
reticulation to the allocated taps.As the sources are quite high up in the surrounding hills, getting the materials on site was a
huge undertaking. Getting the pipes across the extensive dongas in the area was also a challenge. The community were
extremely enthusiastic and fully involved in provision of labour, for all three phases.
Figure 5: Above left to right: the source development consisting of a settling chamber and v-box in stream, the rigid carbon steel piping
installed to cross the gullies and installation of the break pressure tanks.
Phase 3 was initiated in early January 2024. The first challenge was having to refurbish the sources and some of the piping.
Sever upstream flooding compromised the design – despite having planned for this outcome. The v-box lids were washed
away and piping was broken by tumbling rocks. Lids have now been anchored better, and sleaves provided for the
vulnerable sections of the piping.
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Figure 6: Above left to right> A view of the flooded source, the v-box lid now anchored with an additional layer of masonry and hard piping
sleaves added for vulnerable piping, which cannot be buried due to rocky streambed conditions.
A further break pressure tank also had to be included in the Village A reticulation as the air valves included in December
weren’t functioning properly. Thereafter pipes for reticulation to the households and installation of taps were undertaken.
Figure 7: Above left to right: The Village A break pressure tank, installing pipes and an example of one of the 15 taps installed.
Water quality tests undertaken by taking samples from the header tanks, in January 2024 and analyses for drinking quality
by Umgeni Water, indicated high levels of turbidity as well as coliforms and E.coli. the intention is to undertake further
sampling when the streamflow is lower and more stable as a comparison. Participating households are aware of the need to
filter and purify water if it is to be used for human consumption. A total contribution of R26500 has been provided by the
participants. There are however still some households who have not paid their fee. A full community meeting is planned for
early April to clearly outline the operational rules and constraints of this system, set the roles and responsibilities for the two
water committees and outline a management and maintenance process for these two small schemes.
The design of this system falls within the free basic water allocation and also within the pre-defined rules from the Water
Service Authority (WSA) for abstraction and storage from streams for self-supply options. Both the traditional Council and
the ward councillor have been centrally involved in the implementation process. repeated attempts to directly involve the
WSA (uThukela Water) have been unsuccessful.
GOVERNANCE AND WATER STEWARDSHIP
Local,governance,–,adaptive,planning,–,community,level,implementation,
In association with the Centre for Water Resources Research at UKZN, and under the auspices of the Water Research
Commission a social-ecological mapping of land use patches, including a technical mapping of ecological and water
resources as well as a veld assessment was undertaken. This participatory approach was thendeveloped into a resource
management adaptive planning process with the CRA learning groups and village-basedmanagement structures.
Through the efforts of the Livestock association, the CRA learning group and the Water committee in Costone/Stulwane,
community members have been mobilized to work together, in a genuine effort to implement the co-developed community
WWF_184-ZA063760C – Water stewardship Milestone 4 | Erna Kruger
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resources management plan(detailed report in Milestone 5). In Costone/Stulwane the community have focused on erosion
control in the grazing area, fixing of fencing and movement of cattle, river clean-ups and digging of communal refuse pits,
wattle clearing on the stream edges and management of the restorationexperimental site (initiative led by the Institute of
Natural Resources. The eco-champs, originally employed through the DUCT Amanzi Ethu programme, we kept on to
provide support to the communitygroups undertaking these activities. extremely interesting to note how the communities,
and especially the Costone/Stulwanegroup are taking on challenges that are starting to encompass the broader community
and spearheading a process for broader involvement as an organic, evolutionary step in this process and also how the
government stakeholders are slowly being brought on board by the community themselves to provide the needed support
and assistance. The fact that the community has developed enough confidence to engage stakeholders and ask for support
it a significant step in their improved agency and in developing improved governance in their communities.
The efforts in Ezibomvini have been somewhat more sporadic, but have included river health monitoring, river clean ups and
some wetland rehabilitation to date.
These planning and implementation processes are to be continued going into the future. Focus areas now would include
erosion control and restoration in upper catchment area of Costone/Stulwane to protect both the water schemes and
previous erosion control works form previous damage, as well as protection of roads and low-level bridges in both Stulwane
and Ezibomvini from flood damage. Follow up with the fire protection teams employed under the EPWP to undertake
firebreaks in these communities is also planned.
Stakeholder,engagement,
Through the SANBI-funded Living Catchments Project, a multi-stakeholder partnership was initiated in the upper uThukela
Catchment in 2021. Building on this, WWF-SA has supported the strengthening and expansion of the partnership to include
other stakeholders within the Northern Drakensberg Strategic Water Source Area (SWSA). This partnership is now known
as the Northern Drakensberg Collaborative (NDC). Over the last two years, face-to-face and online meetings of partners
have taken place and have allowed for sharing of experiences as well as discussions around the vision and functioning of
the partnership. A field trip totheStulwane community outside Winterton,was also undertaken in October 2023,to allow for
learning and reflection around real-life cases of spring protection, community action, climate smart agriculture and
environmental rehabilitation. One of the intended outcomes of the
fieldtrip was to take the partnership forward towards establishing
themes of communities of practice that have more focused
interactions.This process is to be continued in the next Northern
Drakensberg Collaborative meeting planned for the 20thMarch 2024.
Figure 8: A recent video production on regenerative agriculture was
undertaken in association with Screenshare Africa. Here they are
interviewing Nombono Dladla in Ezibomvini around her conservation
Agriculture practices.
A wide range of stakeholders and role players at local, provincial and
national level have been involved. The list below provides some
examples:
ØFarmer level cross visits between villages in the same area
and from smallholder farmers in other regions of KZN
(Implendle, Ozwathini).
ØVillage cluster workshops and events including Conservation Agriculture open days and local marketing initiatives
review and planning workshops.
ØInvolvement of the Traditional Council and ward councillors in resource management and water stewardship
activities.
ØInvolvement of the uThukela Development Agency, the Okahlamba Local Municipality and the KZN department of
Agriculture in ongoing agricultural and marketing activities.
ØPartnership with SEAONS-EFTEON node in the uThukela region
ØCollaboration with a number of commercial partners including Irrigation and Drainage Services, Zylem RegenZ,
Forge Agri, Capstone Seed and AGT Foods.
ØCollaboration with academic institutions including the ARC (Agricultural Research Council), the WRC (Water
Research Commission), UKZN, University of the Free State, Rhodes University and University of Cape Town. And
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13
ØClose working relationships with sister NGOs including The Farmer Support Group, the Institute of Natural
Resources and the Wild Trust.
2FUTURE AND RECOMMENDATIONS
The project has been proceeding according to plan and all activities are on track.There is increased interest in neighbouring
villages and the region to work with Conservation Agriculture and the model for development of resource conservation
implementation and improved governance at village and community level. In addition, there is agreat need for further activities
related to water access in the region, as well as building improved relationships with the local authorities andthe newly formed
Umgeni-uThukela WaterService Authority.
3COMMENT ON FINANCIAL REPORT
The scope of activities undertaken, far exceeded the contractual brief, primarily due to high demand in the villages. Budgets
for implementation were overspent butaugmented bysignificantcommunity level contributions.
Table 6: Summary of expenditure on CRA and water access activities 2022-2024.
Cost breakdown
Feb-24
Remainder (2022-2024)
Budget (2022-2024)
Inputs for Conservation Agriculture
R262 598,56
R50 681,44
R250 000,00
Spring Protection
R246 164,40
-R4 464,40
R218 000,00
Engineering fees
R143 715,52
-R47 268,52
R96 447,00
Sub-totals
R652 478,48
-R88 031,48
R564 447,00
Total 2022-2024
-R88 031,48
Community contributions (CA and water
access).
R89780,00
NOTES ON EXPENDITURE
Expenditure has been compiled for the full implementation period.
1.Disbursements received to date equal R1156500,00
4FINANCIAL REPORT
The financial report excel sheet is attached as a separate document:”WWF-ZA06370C-Smallholder CRA and Water
Provision_MDF_ Financial reporting template_Milestone 6_20240315”Documentation for explaining full expenditure
summaries is available on request.
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14
Project number and Name:WWF_184-ZA063760C – Water stewardship Mahlathini
Completed by:ErnaKruger
DescriptionTotal ProjectBudget
Current Year
budget
Previously
Reported
Actuals
Current Year
Actuals
Reporting PeriodMay 2022-April 2024July-December2023
June-December
2023
July2023-
December
2023
A - OPENING BALANCER 0,00R 0,00R 0,00R 0,00R 0,00R 7 36 50 0,00R 0 ,00
Approved WWF IncomeR 1 285 000,00R 420 000,00R 55 6 500,0 0R 420 000,00R 9 76 500,00R 0,00R 308 500,00
B - TOTAL income + o/balanceR 1 285 000,00R 420 000,00R 556 500,00R 420 000,00R 976 500,00R 736 500,00R 308 500,00
EXPENDITURE by code
1Staff costsR 432 000R 216 000R 405 000,00R 27 000,00R 43 2 000 ,00R 18 9 000 ,00R 0,0 0
2Third partyfeesR 96 447R 48 000R 90 431,07R 6 015,9 3R 96 4 47,00R 41 984,07R 0 ,00
3Travel and SubsistenceR 211 770R 109 350R 205 245,29R 6 524,71R 21 1 770 ,00R 10 2 825 ,29R 0,0 0
4CapitalAssetcostsR 218 000R 109 000R 174 989,35R 43 010,65R 21 8 000 ,00R 65 9 89,35R 0,00
5Operating expensesR 250 000R 125 000R 228 228,91R 21 771,09R 25 0 000 ,00R 10 3 228 ,91R 0,0 0
6Meetings/ Education / TrainingR 20 533R 10 267R 15 399,00R 5 133,5 0R 20 5 32,50R 5 133,0 0R 0,00
7
ProjectPromotion/Communication/
Printing /Publication
R 56 250R 28 125R 43 217,87R 1 3 032 ,13R 56 250,0 0R 15 092 ,87R 0,0 0
C - TOTAL EXPENDITURER 1 284 999,50R 645 741,50R 1 162 511,49R 122 488,01R 1 284 999,50R 523 253,49R 0,0 0
D – CLOSING BALANCER 1 284 999,50R 645 741,50R 0,00
ESTIMATES
Code
Total Actuals
to date
Total Current
Year Budget
minus Current
Year Actuals (D -
G = I)
ACTUALS
Total Project
Budget minus
Total Actuals to
date (Variance)
C - H = J