The 2nd African Organic Conference â Mainstreaming ... - ICROFS

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2 nd AFRICAN ORGANIC CONFERENCE 2012 May 2-4, 2012 in Lusaka, Zambia COMMUNITY&BASED&RANGELAND&AND&LIVESTOCK&MANAGEMENT&(CBRLM)&AS&A& MULTIPLE:BENEFIT&STRATEGY&FOR&IMPROVING&MEAT&PRODUCTION&WITH&&LOW& EXTERNAL&INPUTS&& COLIN NOTT Integrated Rural Development and Nature Conservation, Wiebke Volkmann, GOPA-CBRLM and Namibia Centre for Holistic Management, Namibia canott@iafrica.com.na, Website: www.irdnc.org.na Abstract This presentation focuses on mixed agricultural production on communal (open access) land in Namibia.. Both subsistence and commercial farming experiences a decline in carrying capacity and crop yields over the past decades. Because of the multiple production goals of livestock owners in communal areas any intervention to address farming practices requires a flexible, holistic approach. The key strategy of CBRLM involves combining the animals of various owners in a negotiated grazing area and herding them according to a grazing plan. This does not directly stem from a desire to produce and market organic produce but it satisfies most of the criteria of organic production and therefore is seen as a relevant contribution to this conference. Previous agricultural extension had tried to curb overgrazing and loss of top soil and perennial grasses by encouraging farmers to reduce their stock numbers. Besides being socially unacceptable this strategy has also not had the desired result of reversing land degradation. (MAWF, 2009). This paper describes the recent efforts on communal land with regards to improving quality and sustainability of livestock and the resource base which it depends on. The Namibian NGO Integrated Rural Development and Nature Conservation (IRDNC) together with relevant line ministries was instrumental in developing community facilitation processes and a legal framework and joint ventures that now return material, financial and decision making benefits to rural communities from tourism and wildlife enterprises. Building on this success the organization went on to explore ways to reduce the risks of ecological break down and of limited income streams by enhancing the traditional livestock practices of rural communities. CBRLM requires few or no external inputs for raising healthy animals while lowering the risk and improving the money earning capacity of pastoralists who up to now were at the mercy of erratic climate, climate change and market dynamics. The practice is gaining momentum because it builds on and combines culturally acceptable forms of management (herding) with sound ecological and scientific knowledge. Ecological benefits of CBRLM are not limited to the production of healthy animal and dry land crop produce but also to enhancing ecological services, such as an improved water and mineral cycle, biological management of “problem organisms” and increased soil carbon sequestration. The economic advantages from herding come through reduced losses (to predators, abandonement, stock theft and neglect of disease or injury) as well as improved animal nutrition and from that better animal condition and production (milk, birth rates, slaughter weights and grading). Job opportunities and improved livelihoods in rural areas, reduced conflict over resource use and water infrastructure maintenance, reduced and shared labor especially for HIV/AIDS affected households and the social cohesion through a joint purpose are some of the social benefits that have come from herding and planned grazing. This paper also discusses how the grass roots experiences of an NGO (IRDNC) are informing and inspiring large scale national development programs and policy making. Key words: communal land, sustainable rangeland management, policy making, indigenous livestock, lowinput agriculture. BOOK OF ABSTRACTS 41
2 nd AFRICAN ORGANIC CONFERENCE 2012 May 2-4, 2012 in Lusaka, Zambia GUIDELINES&FOR&THE&PRODUCTION,&PROCESSING,&LABELING&AND&MARKETING&OF& ORGANICALLY&PRODUCED&FOODS&IN&SUDAN& BATOUL MOHAMMAD ABDO Ministry of Agriculture and Irrigation, Khartoum, Sudan batatis77@hotmail.com Abstract 1. These guidelines have been prepared for the purpose of providing an agreed approach to the requirements which underpin production of, and the labeling and claims for, organically produced foods. 2. The aims of these guidelines are: - To protect consumers against deception and fraud in the market place and unsubstantiated product claims; - To protect producers of organic produce against misrepresentation of other agricultural produce as being organic; - To ensure that all stages of production, preparation, storage, transport and marketing are subject to inspection and comply with these guidelines - To harmonize provisions for the production, certification, identification and labeling have organically grown produce; - To provide guidelines for organic food control systems in order to facilitate recognition of systems as equivalent for the purposes of imports; exports and local consumption. - To maintain and enhance organic agricultural systems in Sudan so as to contribute to local and global preservation. 3. These guidelines are at this stage a first step into official harmonization of the requirements for organic products in terms of production and marketing standards, inspection arrangements and labeling requirements. In this area the experience with the development of such requirements and their implementation is still very limited. Moreover, consumer perception on the organic production method may, in certain detailed but important provisions. AN&INNOVATIVE&TRAINING&METHOD&FOR&FARMERS&AND&GARDENERS&AS&INITIATED&BY& THE&BIODYNAMIC&AGRICULTURAL&ASSOCIATION&OF&SOUTHERN&AFRICA.& HELEN VAN ZYL Biodynamic Agricultural Association of Southern Africa info@bdaasa.org.za: South Africa. Abstract Given the burning issues in world agriculture it is incumbent on those concerned and involved to develop a methodology of training that answers the urgent and challenging needs on the ground with farmers and gardeners in southern Africa. The Biodynamic Association has developed training modules for farmers and gardeners over the past 5 years. The purpose is to expand and develop biodynamic and organic agriculture. The intention is to research and continually re examine what are the most appropriate courses needed for each region. This presentation will focus on the early stages of setting up and initiating training modules. Based on a wholistic approach and the concept of collaboration, the local skills can be incorporated to form a training circle who develop training modules to meet the specific needs of the region. While theory is applied practically in the training a key innovative component is the ability to co create together through active participation. 42 BOOK OF ABSTRACTS
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