AN INVESTIGATION OF THE WASTE MANAGEMENT PRACTICES OF EMERGING LIVESTOCK FARMERS: THE CASE OF THE KWAZULU-NATAL MIDLANDS”. The key findings of the study indicate that cost and ease of implementation govern the waste management practices implemented by emerging livestock farmers.
Preamble
Rationale for the Study
Therefore, it is common for resource-poor South African farmers to choose a combination of arable and livestock farming to maintain their assets (Vermeulen et al.). In view of this, many South African emerging farmers have been forced to respond to traditional or otherwise most cost-effective farming methods. methods to deal with their livestock waste (Martinez et al.
Study Premise
As a result of the human population becoming increasingly aware of the health and environmental risks posed by mass commercial livestock farming (Hermansen, 2003:4), a positive gap has emerged in the market, particularly for small-scale emerging farmers who breed livestock at a free-range level (Scholten et al., 2013:3). To determine whether South African emerging farmers have the potential to satisfy this customer-driven market, the study adopted a sustainable livelihoods (SLA) approach.
Aim of Research
In developing countries, such as South Africa, 25% of agricultural waste is not used sustainably (Chibundo, 2012:1). Agricultural waste in the form of fertilizers can be used to rehabilitate the soil thus helping in crop production (Mkhabela, 2002:135).
Objectives
Outline of Chapters
Then, Section 2.8 defines indigenous knowledge and discusses the importance of indigenous knowledge in relation to resource-poor farmers. Chapter three describes the characteristics of the study area by looking at its economic profile, population characteristics, geological features, political history and the current waste management facilities available.
Conclusion
Finally, Chapter Five discusses data obtained from the study findings in conjunction with key informant interviews and secondary literature resources in relation to the study objectives. The importance of the sustainability of new agricultural systems can be seen at the local level in rural areas and the condition of the surrounding ecosystems and at the national level in terms of food security.
Introduction
Conceptual Framework: The Sustainable Livelihoods Approach
According to International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI), adaptation takes place at macro and micro levels (Below et al., 2010:1). Agricultural adaptation is rather dynamic as it is based within various contexts, such as climatic, technological and socio-economic, and is largely based on the decisions that farmers make (Below et al., 2010:1).
Sustainable Development
Background
It stems from the premise that basic human needs (psychological, survival, safety, love and esteem) must be satisfied before a person acts unselfishly (Moldan et al., 2011:1). This is supported by the Millennium Ecosystem assessment, which according to Shackelton et al. 2011:2), emphasizes that human well-being is dependent on ecological.
Sustainable livestock farming
That said, livestock production is only one contributor to the collapse of the Earth as a system. These boundaries attempt to set prescribed biophysical limits to human development (Galaz et al., 2012:1) that assess the stability of Earth's planetary systems (Greenpeace, 2012:5).
Livestock waste management and environmental impacts
- Animal Waste
- Emerging farmer
- Waste hierarchy
- Livestock agricultural waste
- Feed waste
- Carcasses and slaughter by-products
- Pest control
- The reuse of manure and sludge
Livestock stocking rate or "the number of animals per unit area raised on a farm" also plays a fundamental role in providing the right amount of nutrition for livestock and landscape care (Todd et al and waste management strategies) as it helps distribute nutrients to the sediment .In the last few decades, despite local people's belief that manure is beneficial for soil fertility, "the use of manure by farmers is relatively low" (Mkhabela, 2002:25).
Waste Management technologies
Methods of waste disposal
- Burial
- Burning
- Incineration
- Rendering
- Composting
- Biodigestion
The process, according to Gwyther et al. 2012:2), involves the burning of animal waste in open-air pyres. However, the use of technologies such as afterburners can be used to mitigate this risk (Gwyther et al., 2012:3).
South African Policy Surrounding the Livestock Industry
The Agricultural Reform Policy of South Africa
These principles were consolidated in 1996 with the creation of Article 25 of the South African Constitution (Obeng-Odoom, 2012:166). To correct the previous failures of land reform, on 30 June 2014, President Jacob Zuma reopened land claims by re-signing the Restitution of Land Rights Bill (Frost Illustrated, 2014).
Agricultural Policies
- Local Agenda 21 (LA21): South Africa
- South African agricultural policies
The purpose of the NWMS is to achieve the objectives set out in the Waste Act. To achieve this, the NWMS addresses existing waste management issues in terms of the waste hierarchy (Figure 2.3).
The role of waste management in food security
Uses of livestock by South African emerging farmers
In some ethnic groups, it is traditional for a married woman to wear a leather skirt made of cowhide or goat skin (Bayer et al., 2005:15). However, this waste is overlooked and is usually disposed of through landfills and incineration (Lin et al.
Climate Change
In addition, nitrogen can be lost to water bodies through surface runoff (Aneja et al., 2012:93). The presence of livestock further increases greenhouse gas emissions as they produce significant amounts of methane and carbon dioxide (Ding et al., 2012: inpress).
The Link between Animal-Sourced Products and Human Health
- The use of antibiotics and hormones
- Livestock diseases
Furthermore, when waste, in the form of manure, is spread in agricultural fields, livestock are at risk of reinfection (Yongabi et al., 2013:6). After being used by the system, hormones are excreted through bile, feces or urine (Bartelt-Hunt et al., 2011:94).
Market access
- Supporting Emerging Livestock Farmers
However, BATAT struggled with its implementation due to the lack of attention to the needs of emerging farmers (Greenberg, 2010:7). A lack of progress during the early years of implementation led to the integration of the two organizations in 2008 (Greenberg, 2010:11).
Agricultural Indigenous Knowledge
Importance of indigenous knowledge to emerging farmers?
Sixty percent of the world's cultivated land is still cultivated using traditional systems (Mugwisi et al. For centuries, farmers have planned agricultural production and conserved natural resources using instruments of indigenous knowledge” (Mugwisi et al.
Conclusion
In addition, farmers use livestock waste, in addition to mixed cropping and mulching, to maintain soil fertility and water conservation (Mugwisi et al., 2012:10). Farmers are known to burn waste and spray livestock urine on crops to replace agricultural chemicals (Mugwisi et al., 2012:10).
Introduction
Location
Geographical and Ecological Features
The Midlands is a local term used in South Africa designating a mid-altitude area in KwaZulu-Natal (Mucina and Rutherford, 2006:796). Consisting of the Moist Midlands Mistbelt and the Dry Midlands Mistbelt, the Midlands Mistbelt in KwaZulu-Natal is considered a center of endemism as a result of its unique characteristics (Mucina and Rutherford, 2006:423).
Economic profile
Mkhabela and Materechera state that approximately 75% of the 1.6 million people living in the Mediterranean Meander still participate in smallholder agricultural activities. Dwellings in the form of traditional huts and squatter villages define the rural sector of the district and are the most common form of housing within these areas (uMgungundlovu District Municipality, 2009: 39).
Population characteristics
One of the most threatened vegetation types in KwaZulu-Natal is the Midlands Mistbelt Grassland (Ferraz, 2000:42). Naturally occurring forestry is scarce in the regions of the Midlands, largely due to the success of the commercial forestry sector (Figure 3.4).
Waste Management institutional arrangements in the study area
Existing Waste Management
Within the uMgungundlovu District Municipality, there are vast areas of agricultural land and therefore large capacity of waste that is produced and underutilized (Nothling, 2013). Within the uMgungundlovu District Municipality, 200,000 tonnes of waste is generated annually (Jagath, the nature of which is illustrated in Figure 3.5.
Institutional Support
Nature of waste received from rural areas at uMgungundlovu District Municipality landfills. uMgungundlovu Landfills Local Municipality Officer. The structure consists of four departments: The technical department; the Department of Financial Services; the community service department and; the business service department (Mlotshwa, 2007:63).
Political History
Many NGOs have also been established by private institutions with the aim of providing assistance to developing and subsistence rural farmers across the country in an effort to give back to the community. For example, with regard to lobola, transactions were usually made without moving the cattle to the groom's house (McClendon, 1997:48).
Conclusion
Introduction
Research Methodology Design
Mugabe (2011:58) says that a research design is “a strategic framework for action that the researcher can use as a bridge between the research question and the conduct of the research”. With this in mind, in order to adequately address each of the aforementioned objectives, the research design initially focused on the theoretical framework surrounding the livelihoods of emerging livestock farmers in the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands (Section 2.2).
Secondary Data Collection
Quantitative data was obtained from data collected from the structured questionnaire as well as key informant sources.
Primary Data Collection
Key Informant Interviews
Informant is involved in support initiatives for emerging farmers in uMngeni as well as coordinates a farming association for. Informed approves waste licenses for farmers in KwaZulu-Natal and therefore provides insight into best practices for waste management;.
Emerging Farmer Questionnaire Design
In the study, short, simple questions were asked to ensure that the respondent understood the questionnaire and provided the required information. Assuming that this percentage is prevalent in rural areas, most of the questions in the survey were closed-ended to ensure that the respondent interpreted the questions correctly; that the requested data has been obtained and that the subject has understood that the survey will be used for research purposes only.
Sampling Procedure
Farmers in the sample group therefore vary from those who are better off living in close proximity to markets, developed areas and other commercial farms, to those who live in rural areas with no access to communal services and limited access to local markets. Using purposive and convenience sampling methods, farmers who had livestock on their property were selected to avoid the inclusion of subsistence farmers in the sample population.
Data Analysis
In cases where the head was unavailable or unable to provide information, the family member or employee responsible for the farming operations responded.
Limitations and Data Accuracy
Conclusion
Introduction
Population statistics
The results agreed with statistics reported in the 2011 South African national census that 52% of the population of uMgungundlovu District Municipality is female (Lehohla, 2011:53). Likewise, the results of the study indicate that six percent of the women in the sample group had no education (Figure 5.2) and 36% of the population had received secondary education.
Municipal service delivery
Current Waste Management practices of emerging farmers
The contamination of water bodies
Also a popular tourist attraction, the dam is the source of water for half the population of KwaZulu-Natal (Jogiat, 2014:1). When determining the water footprint of animal husbandry practices, water degradation due to these practices must be taken into account (DWA - Deputy Director).
Waste Management Technology Needs of Emerging Farmers
Waste disposal options
Of those farmers who do have access to a landfill, 92 percent have ever dumped animal waste in a landfill. The UDM Municipal Manager further stated that indiscriminate burial and dumping of livestock waste, although not recommended by policy, is common in rural areas of the Midlands Meander.
Waste management as a challenge to emerging farmers
According to the DAE waste manager, all agricultural waste (Table 5.1) produced by emerging farmers is organic and therefore biodegradable. Furthermore, waste volumes generated are significantly low, making emerging farmers less of a priority regarding the regulation of waste in the agricultural sector (DAE Waste Manager).
The slaughter of livestock
However, this depends on the market the interviewee is dealing with, in addition to the number of cattle available in the country. Since local slaughter of animals is assumed to occur rarely, it is therefore not treated as a threat to natural resources.
The influence of policy on emerging farmers
Agriculture as a solution to past injustices
Of the farmers interviewed, only 22% are aware of the livestock breeding guidelines prescribed by the KZNDAE. Six percent of the sample population had no schooling at all (Figure 5.2), all of whom lie within the 36+ age group.
Support given to emerging farmers
These assumptions, coupled with the views expressed by key informants, gave a clear indication that agricultural practices, particularly waste management practices used by emerging livestock farmers, are negligible and of low priority. There was a clear lack of municipal interest among local emerging farmers, with 96% of survey participants saying they had received no assistance from a municipal source.
The role of emerging farmers in national and local food Security
The importance of proper waste management to local food security
Results indicated that 38% of respondents engaged in crop cultivation in addition to livestock farming, indicating that multiple livelihood strategies are used in the area. When asked if they believed that livestock farming was more beneficial to their livelihoods than crop farming, 36% of the sample group disagreed (Figure 5.14), while 24% disagreed.
Heath care and pest control
According to British regulations (2006:1), cypermethrin can kill insects and crustaceans even at low concentrations. The use of sanitation and protection, like waste management, depends on the current financial status of the farm.
Protection of livestock
In addition, indigenous traditional farmers have a great deal of traditional knowledge about the characteristics of livestock that help them with livestock husbandry. Regarding the use of livestock, the main reason for livestock keeping among new farmers who kept different livestock species was for monetary reasons (Figure 5.19).
Conclusion
Introduction
Key Summary
The waste management practices used by developing farmers in the midlands of KwaZulu-Natal were simple, cost-effective and easily implemented. Objective Five: Identify the knowledge network used in waste management practices of the developing livestock industry.
Recommendations
Livestock and common stock in South Africa and agrarian reform, African Journal of Range and Forage Science, 1:1-5. Marketing Constraints and Opportunities of Nguni Cattle in Communal Areas of South Africa: Review, African Journal of Agricultural Research.
Questionnaire to emerging farmers within uMgungundlovu District
Key Informant Interview- Commercial farmer
Key Informant Interview- Livestock Researcher
Key Informant Interview- Director of a local farmers association within
Key Informant Interview- Manager of municipal function of
Key Informant Interview- State Veterinarian Representative of
Key Informant Interview- Waste manager at the Department of
Key Informant Interview- Deputy Director at the Department of Water
FIGURES 9.1- 9.8
