Farmer's Weekly (South Africa)
Programme drives advancement for small-scale farmers in KZN
Livestock and crop farmers in KZN received an agricultural development plan to help grow their income, writes Jyothi Laldas.
The KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (KZNDARD) has launched a programme that aims to address poverty among farming communities in KZN.
The uMnotho kuBantu programme is directed at eradicating poverty by connecting small-scale farmers to markets and providing training to ensure the production of high-quality products while creating self-sufficiency in small-holder agriculture.
Late last month, livestock and crop farmers at Imbali Unit 14 in Pietermaritzburg were among the first to receive the multifaceted agricultural development plan, which has been devised to grow a thriving economy.
Agriculture MEC Super Zuma hosted his first meeting with farmers a week prior, where challenges hindering progress were discussed. In response, the department introduced a livestock programme devised for genetic improvement to the community. Beef bulls were handed over to the Msunduzi Livestock Association for this purpose.
The department also provided farmers with machinery including tractors, which will be used at the Willowfountain grazing camp. Additionally, several households received seedlings, garden tools and extension services under the One Home One Garden programme.
Zuma said the province was facing high levels of poverty and unemployment. “We are here in Msunduzi to end all this through agriculture, and we are building a legacy for our children,” he said.
Zuma also raised the alarm over stock theft in the province, saying government was working towards having a special identification mark to be placed on livestock for each district which would make recovery easier for farmers.
Msunduzi Livestock Association chairperson Simphiwe Miya said they were indebted to the department. He said local farmers were faced with constant challenges as their livestock were often sold at a loss. “However, now that the department had provided bulls for genetic improvement, farmers are guaranteed a profit. The Department of Agriculture has proved that they care about us. We extend our gratitude to MEC Zuma,” said Miya.
Umgungundlovu district mayor Muziwokuthula Zuma praised the department for its dedication to the District Development Programme, which, he said, had brought change to countless KZN families. He urged Imbali residents to work hand in hand with the department and lauded Zuma for returning with interventions just 10 days after the first meeting with farmers and the community. “We are working towards the betterment of the lives of our people, but this also requires you as the community to commit yourselves and to leave no room for laziness.”
Also speaking at the event, Pietermaritzburg mayor Mzi Thebolla said was a special day for the residents of Imbali.
“If we want our lives to change, it is important that we work together.
It is our collective responsibility to end poverty and work towards food security and this we can achieve.
“We are a responsible government, and we are grateful for MEC Super Zuma’s dedication and hard work,” said Thebolla.
The KZNDARD also has ongoing communal investment infrastructure programmes under Msunduzi Local Municipality.
Two dip tanks, at Khoti and KwaNube, are currently under construction, while a new service provider has been appointed for the Empushini dip tank and another for the Zayeka cattle crush pen.