Innehållsförteckning för Vol 21 - No 2 2024 från AgriProbe

South Africa hosted the 28th African Commission on Agricultural Statistics (AFCAS) in December 2023 in Johannesburg. A significant number of African countries were represented at the event. Some of the key institutions present were the African Development Bank (AfDB), the African Union Commission (AUC), the East African Community (EAC), The World Development Bank, the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), Southern African Development Community (SADC), the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations, and the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA). This AFCAS event was jointly hosted by the FAO, Statistics South Africa (Stats SA) and the Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development (DALRRD). The AFCAS is a statutory body of the FAO and its meetings are held every two years. During the event, the…

Beaufort West is the largest town in the arid Great Karoo region and is known as the "Capital of the Karoo". The town became prosperous with the introduction of Saxon Merino sheep. The three largest industries in the town are the agricultural sector, which is the largest employer, the transport and logistical support sector, and the tourism sector. In February this year the Western Cape Department of Agriculture (WCDoA) concluded its fourth consecutive Career Exhibition in Beaufort West, located in the Central Karoo District. This initiative, stemming from a decision made during a World Food Day celebration in Murraysburg in October 2019, aims to bridge the educational gap for rural youth by exposing them to diverse career pathways and educational opportunities. “This Career Exhibition had a massive impact on the…

Dr Rebecca Mmamakgone Kgetsa Mathobela (33) is a qualified and experienced professional animal scientist who was born and raised in a rural area called Ga-Mothapo in the Limpopo Province. She grew up in the villages where most households engage in livestock farming for a living. Therefore, she wanted to study something that is relatable to her livelihood and that will ultimately grant her an opportunity to give back to her community during and after her studies. She holds a four-year Bachelor of Science Degree in Agriculture and Master of Science in Animal Production from the University of Limpopo and she graduated with her PhD in Animal Science from Stellenbosch University in March 2024. Updated and documented scientific information on the pig value chain in the urban farms gathered in this…

Introduction Food inflation weakens the purchasing power, reducing the food basket items purchased at a household level. Van Wyk & Dlamini (2018) argue that a 1% increase in food prices leads to a 21.3% reduction in household welfare in South Africa (SA), consequently contributing to food insecurity. Agricultural commodities are reactive and sensitive to commodity market changes compared to other commodities. Internationally, the FAO Food Price Index (FFPI) assists us in measuring the monthly changes in global prices of a food basket of five commodities (cereals, vegetables, dairy, meat and sugar) (FAO, 2024). For example, the global export prices of wheat and coarse grain declined in January 2024 as the large seasonal producer supply increased and this led to softer cereal consumer prices, whilst rice prices surged by 1.2%, reflecting…

CapeFarmMapper (CFM) is a web portal that allows users to access and interact with a vast amount of spatial data – also known as Geographic Information System (GIS) data. Data pertaining to agriculture, natural resources and climate (and many others) can be displayed as layers upon a wide selection of base maps – some of which will be familiar to users of Google Maps and similar applications. CFM has evolved from a simple web-based GIS viewer, aimed mainly at our own officials and rural planning partners, to a heavyweight application with hundreds of data layers and advanced functionality, serving many thousands of users each month. The GIS team were recently awarded the gold medal in the team innovation category in the Western Cape Government’s annual Service Excellence Awards. CFM was…

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS J van der Merwe, B. Booysen, R Julies, A Zulu, P Mkhatswha, I Terblanche, C Lamberts (APSD) Dr BJ Grobler, Veterinarian, Animal Sciences, Stellenbosch University J Jordaan & students, Agricultural Management, NMU, George Campus ABSTRACT Service providers for performance measurement in beef herds require specified datasets from beef farmers based on restricted mating seasons. In the developing sector data recording by farmers is limited and continuous mating practiced. A workable performance measurement methodology has been developed by field workers of the provincial Department of Agriculture based on a cooperation between farmer and service provider ensuring the generation of performance data to be used for improved breeding and selection for herd efficiency and growth. Key words: performance testing, continuous mating, beef cow herd INTRODUCTION It is generally recommended that restricted…

Our cover was inspired by saffron’s blooming potential and honeybee triumphs. Explore South Africa’s burgeoning saffron industry, promising significant returns and job opportunities in the Western and Northern Cape in the Elsenburg Journal on page 59. Learn about Achmat Kazie’s inspiring journey from five hives to the thriving Bee Inspired Honey Company, driven by a quest for natural remedies on page 20. Both saffron and honeybees exemplify resilience and innovation, transforming lives and agricultural practices in South Africa’s Western Cape province.…

The Western Cape Department of Agriculture (WCDoA) is pleased to announce a significant milestone for its agri-processing facility located at Elsenburg. In April the facility received a certificate for the FSSC 22000 accreditation, marking its recognition as a certified production facility. This achievement underscores the Department’s commitment to ensuring food safety excellence within the Western Cape agricultural sector. The WCDoA Agri-processing Hub together with its Agri-Processing On Wheels (APOW) is the first of its kind established in government by the WCDoA. Getting this recognition also makes it unique as it is the first government facility with this type of accreditation. Its primary goal is to support producers in processing their own products or applying for funding schemes to expand their businesses. The facilities are key to support clients in processing…

Just two years ago, Achmat Kazie from the Cape Metropole ventured into the world of beekeeping with only five hives, a passion for nature’s intricate balance and a desire to make a difference. This initial success quickly led him to start the Bee Inspired Honey Company, which now produces a diverse range of authentic raw honey and natural products made from honey, beeswax and propolis. “We collect propolis for its medicinal value and incorporate it into our various beeswax products, which range from lip balm to lotion bars and beard balm,” says Achmat. Embracing the power of social media, Achmat began to share his journey, captivating audiences with the wonders of beekeeping and the creation of his unique products. Through his videos, he not only showcased his entrepreneurial spirit but…

The cooperation agreement between the Western Cape and Burgundy (now Bourgogne-France Comté Region), which was signed on 12 September 2002 between the Premier of the Western Cape and the President of the Regional Council of Burgundy and renewed in 2011, includes cooperation in the areas of agriculture, trade and tourism. As part of the furtherance of occupational linked skills development in agriculture and agro-processing, the Western Cape Department of Agriculture, through its Programme: Agricultural Education and Training, offers an opportunity to previously disadvantaged individuals from the wine and cellar industries to gain international experience. The focus of this initiative is on Viticulture and Oenology, wine processing techniques, wine chemistry and barrel maintenance, to name a few. During 2022 ten cellar workers from different wine estates and cellars throughout the Western…

Hunting per se often gets branded by some environmental groups as the ogre operating within the natural environment and often its contribution to the South African social economy and environmental conservation is ignored. However, research has shown that if conducted in a responsible and ethical way, hunting provides pathways for boosts in local and national economies, infrastructure development, environmental conservation through investment in wildlife species and wilderness areas. It is also vital for enhancing social development through job creation and environmental education. Several local studies have been done to back up the above impacts on local social economies, and very recently Zimbabwean environmentalists listed the following barriers and opportunities for local economic growth in the hunting economy: • Negative perceptions of trophy hunting.• Realising potential tourism revenues from state and…

Veterinary medicines are commonly used in all forms of animal husbandry for the prevention and treatment of disease and to improve performance in livestock production. However, chemical residues in food can pose serious risks to consumer health, particularly through the proliferation of antimicrobial resistance and direct toxic effects. As a result, residue limits are legislated worldwide and consequently analytical methods are required for regulatory oversight. Residue monitoring and compliance evaluation are also mandatory to facilitate international trade. The European Union (EU) is the world’s biggest importer of food and offers valuable economic opportunities for South African producers. However, access to this lucrative market is subject to extensive controls, which include guarantees of equivalence to EU domestic requirements related to residues of veterinary medicines, pesticides and other contaminants. Prospective exporters are…

ZL Mtshiselwa1 , M Lingani2 and M Mjonono3 Abstract Saffron, the most expensive spice in the world has been on the market for many decades across the world. However, its commercial production in South Africa is fairly new and the best production practices are still under investigation. Therefore, the study seeks to provide an economic analysis of Saffron production in South Africa. In the 2021/2022 production season, the production of Saffron in South Africa covered an area of approximately eight hectares, with five commercial producers across the country. Two commercial producers were interviewed in Touwsriver and Calvinia through structured questionnaires. The results showed that the production of saffron per hectare needs a capital investment of R1,76 million, whilst the gross margin per hectare for the establishment year is-R1,53 million. The gross margin…

On 26 March 2024, I tabled the Western Cape Department of Agriculture’s 2024/2025 Appropriation Budget of R1.018 billion in the Western Cape Parliament. I was honoured to have Vivian Jacobs, the 2023 Agri-Worker of the Year, and Annemarie Verwey, a national ambassador for the Karoo, joining me. During the tabling of the Budget, I reflected on my five ministerial priorities and the extent to which they have impacted the achievements of agriculture during my term. 1 My first priority is structured education, training and research. Over the last five years, we have provided agricultural education and training, offered short skills courses, approved financial support, introduced a New Diploma in Agriculture, and obtained accreditation for qualifications. Additionally, there has been a 77.4% increase in schools offering at least one agricultural subject. 2…

In addition to being highly nutritious, oyster mushrooms may promote heart and immune system health, encourage healthy blood sugar control, and provide antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. In celebration of the incredible contributions of women in agriculture, two outstanding farmers stole the spotlight at the Women in Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development Annual Recognition Awards in October 2023. Zokhanyo (Zozo) Bikani, a spirited mushroom farmer from the Western Cape, was one of two farmers who received the coveted ministerial award for Best Performing Woman PES Farmer. Minister Thoko Didiza presented awards to 45 incredible women, honouring their efforts in tackling hunger, creating jobs and revitalising rural areas. Minister Didiza expressed the importance of acknowledging the hard work of women in agriculture, particularly the unsung heroes who are not just driving…

Upon discovering how food increasingly become expensive and unaffordable, Tanya van Stade from the Kuils River area in Cape Town woke up to a dream of establishing a vegetable garden in an effort to address food security challenges. Tanya did her own further research and discovered how lucrative chilli production can be and produced bird’s eye chillies followed by 300 Carolina Reaper chilli plants, which has been declared the hottest chilli in the world according to the Guinness World Records. She planted various chilli seed varieties in plastic bags but due to restricted space in her backyard, an unutilised swimming pool was also used for production purposes. At the later stage she also ventured into other vegetables in order to intensify production, however, land became a limiting factor. Therefore, other…

“The purpose is to entrench the WCG value of caring by appreciating and recognising employees in exemplary cases.” The Service Excellence Awards (SEA) is an annual intervention within the Western Cape Government (WCG) that promotes a citizen-centric culture, entrenches professionalism, and recognises and rewards excellence. The purpose is to entrench the WCG value of caring by appreciating and recognising employees in exemplary cases. The awards this year further explores a WCG recognition system that extends to WCG citizens and provincial municipalities for encouragement of service excellence. The following thirteen categories were awarded: • Best Frontline Service Delivery Employee• Best Support Service Employee• Best Public Service Leader• Best Public Service Innovator Employee• Best Frontline Service Delivery Team• Best Support Service Team• Best Collaborative Programme/Project• Best Public Service Innovation Team/Project• Best Red…

The Africa Farm Management Association (AFMA) stands as a consortium of practitioners deeply engaged in the agricultural process, emphasising interests in farming and agribusiness management. This diverse assembly comprises of corporate producers, managers, consultants, researchers, academia, policy-makers, agro-dealers, farming and marketing organisations, as well as agribusiness companies associated with agriculture, horticulture, livestock and rural enterprise. The core objective of the congress was to advance the knowledge of farm management, and facilitating the exchange of information, ideas and experiences through both theoretical frameworks and practical applications. The 13th AFMA Conference took place in November 2023 in East London, integrating delegates not only from various African countries but also from beyond the continent. Throughout the congress, delegates, including students, presented their research outputs, complemented by enlightening plenary sessions. A total of 22…

In the heart of Cape Town, amidst the bustling streets and towering buildings, an unexpected celebration of agriculture unfolded at the Concourse, 7 Wale Street in March. It was a convergence of innovation, progress and tradition, all orchestrated by the Western Cape Department of Agriculture (WCDoA), coinciding with the much-anticipated annual budget speech delivered by Dr Ivan Meyer, Western Cape Minister of Agriculture. In a symbolic gesture reflecting the agricultural roots of the Western Cape, Minister Meyer, for the third consecutive year, embarked on his journey to Parliament on a tractor, capturing the attention of media and citizens alike. This unique mode of transportation served not only as a spectacle but also as a reminder of the crucial role agriculture plays in driving economic growth, job creation and exports. Central…

1 Introduction Agriculture (incl. forestry and fisheries) in South Africa contributes 3% of the national economy and 6% to total employment. The total income generated from agriculture and related services industry grew by 11,2% in 2022, having increased from R404,8 billion in 2021 to R450,2 billion in 2022 (Stats SA, 2022). Furthermore, employment increased from 783 745 to 814 518 jobs between 2021 and 2022 respectively, showing a growth rate of 4% (30 773). The recorded employment numbers in agriculture and related services industry are higher than pre-pandemic employment numbers recorded for 2019, 2018 and 2017. This growth is ascribed to animal and animal products, which contributed the largest share of R172,8 billion, followed by horticultural crops at R109,5 billion and field crops at R95,4 billion (Stats SA, 2022). Following…