1. Project layout and achievements Contribution of Extensionists
Province of the
EASTERN CAPE
DEPARTMENT OF RURAL DEVELOPMENT AND AGRARIAN REFORM
Contribution of Extension Programs on poverty alleviation in the Inxuba Yethemba local municipality- A case study of Siviwe independent emerging farmers
Dastile M., Ngambu S.
Department of Rural Development and Agrarian Reform, Chris Hani District, P.O.BOX 222, Cradock Eastern Cape, South Africa
Department of Rural Development and Agrarian Reform, Chris Hani District, P.O. box 112, Queenstown Eastern Cape, South Africa
Project Support
Introduction
Genetically improved animals introduced to farmers have enhanced the quality of livestock and this has contributed to sustainable food security and better access to markets. The farmers acquire these animals through livestock improvement scheme program in their Local Extension offices.
The Comprehensive Agricultural Support Grant strives to provide effective agricultural support services, promote and facilitate agricultural development by targeting beneficiaries of land reform’s restitution and redistribution; and other previously disadvantaged producers who have acquired land through private means and are engaged in value-adding enterprises domestically and exports.
Picture 1: Handling facilities donated by DRDAR through CASP and Dohne Merino rams from Livestock improvement scheme
Picture 2: Infrastructure upgraded through CASP program
Project layout and achievements
Siviwe is leasing on the Municipality land and the farm is 2052ha and they benefited in CASP and Livestock improvement program.
Project beneficiaries are able to earn salaries monthly and pay monthly 2 permanent workers. Wool production has become a key commodity since the introduction of Dohne merino rams for genetically improvement. The project is shearing about 360 sheep twice a year and they are hiring Shearers and pay them R5 per ewe and lamb while R15 per ram moreover; wool sorters are getting R50 per day.
Old structure New structure
Conclusion
DRDAR programs are playing a very important role in modifying our emerging farmers to be batter and grow commercially. The combination of the two programs has shown a significant contribution in improving Socio – Economy and poverty reduction.
Contribution of Extensionists
Extension officer promote sustainability of livestock project through proper herd management and camps, fodder flow and record keeping. Extension advice regarding the monitoring of the carrying capacity is among prioritized approaches. This is achieved through farm trainings which encourage the farming as business concept. This allows farmers to sell good quality wool, culls and weaners to keep the cash flow and this help them to conserve the available resources such grazing areas for the breeding stock.
Acknowledgements
Authors wish to acknowledge:
Members of Siviwe independents
DRDAR- Chris Hani District
Colleagues who Abetted to assemble this presentation