Get documents about "RAKGATLA PRIVY TO ARTIFICIAL INSEMINATION
Document Sample
Volume 42, No. 4 April 2009
ISSN 1996 - 1693
RAKGATLA PRIVY
TO ARTIFICIAL
INSEMINATION
OUTBREAK OF FMD
HORTICULTURE
SLOWS DOWN unaffected by
IN BOTETI Recession
April 2009
AGRINEWS April 2009
c o n t e n t s
Editorial
Addressing a press conference in
Gaborone , Mr Kgathi said many
beneficiaries were looking after
their crops at the lands instead of
ISPAAD Anticipated to Yield Positive Results spending time in their homes.
De Graaff tours farms in Ngwaketse South
De Graaff implored upon farmers to
take agriculture seriously.
Ethopians View Botswana Livestock Industry as excellent
Outbreak of FMD in Ngamiland Slows Down Progress
in Zone 4A (Boteti)
Frost Management He said the outbreak in Ngami-
land, which occurred in October
2007, is considered under con-
trol, as there have been no clinical
cases since 12th February 2009 in
Rakgatla Privy To Artificial Insemination Spanplerk crush in Kareng exten-
sion area.
Agric Research Launches RAEIN-Africa Rakgatla uses semen from differ-
ent exotic bulls, some as far as the
Americas, Germany and England.
He says that he prefers Brahman
because of their size and for easy
Mantirisi Prides Himself in Leatherworks calving.
Dairy Day
Horticulture unaffected by Recession The market for his products is
promising, and there is potential
for growth. He sells his products all
Hides And Skin’s Economic Value And The Current over Kgalagadi.
Economic Recession
Bee Absconsion
Honey bee colonies are very sensi-
tive to disturbances and absconsion
is an immediate response to a sud-
den deterioration.
Epena Ngatangue
Kediretswe Pule
Felix Mothatego, France Begensel and Tiroyaone Jeremiah
Mokgarebe Motswakhumo
AGRINEWS
Keabetswe Molebatsi Letters to the Editor
Thabile Mokgwane, Abadilwe Ralehika, Mokwadi Keitsile &
P/Bag 003 Gaborone
Baboloki Mosweu
Hendry Toto, Pius Nkunda & Mothusi Tlale Tel: 3906769
Fax:3956027
MoA website: www.moa.gov.bw
MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE
Summer is subsiding and The editor is concerned
winter season is setting because a majority of
on. There is no need for livestock farmers depend
a prophet to confirm this. on the range land to feed
Temperatures are dropping. their animals. Animal
Most vegetation does not population is increasing
enjoy low temperature. while grazing land is
The vegetation condition stagnant. This will put
especially grass has pressure on the range
started showing signs of land resulting in further
deterioration by as it loses degradation of herbage.
its green colour.
May the first strategy for
In the process vegetation livestock keepers is to cull
loses its nutritive value. the herd. Sell and keep
According to a research enough funds for buying
study by international supplementary feeds
Livestock Centre for throughout the drying
Africa on livestock and season.
sustainable nutrient
cycling in the mixed Another key issue is to
farming systems in Africa, decide the type of feed for
Herbage mass also the dry season. Locals soil
decreases after it reaches a are deficient in phosphorus
maximum at flowering. so feeds containing the
mineral such as Diculcium
Low herbage mass prevails Phosphate should be a
from the late dry season to priority.
early wet season. Rains
in the beginning of the Actually phosphorus
rainy season triggers supplementation should
germination of herbage. be performed throughout
the year because local
The above scenario soils are deficient in it.
indicates that, it is obvious Farmers are also advised to
that the setting on of dry the use concentrates of which
seasons should ring bells some of them are produced
to the livestock farmers locally for supplementary
that they should prepare purposes. Lastly farmers
a feeding strategy since should cultivate a habit
the degraded vegetation of consulting with their
would no longer support Extension agents in times
animals alone. of need
1
Anticipated to Yield
Positive Results
Article: France Begensel Kgathi stressing a point during a press conference meeting journalists about agric development
Photos: Henry Toto
T
he Integrated Support Programme More than 78 000 farmers were issued Mr Kgathi said the programme has been
for Arable Agriculture Development with seeds, totalling 2020 tonnes. well received by farmers, adding that
(ISPAAD) has been well received. many people are now at the lands instead
He said the average yield estimates for of spending time in their home villages.
Assistant Minister of Agriculture, Mr cereals is 500kg/ha in the communal sub
Shaw Kgathi was addressing a press sector and 1500kg/ha in Pandamatenga He said the impact of the programme is
conference in Gaborone. Mr Kgathi while the average yields for pulses is evident, as ploughing fields have now
said many beneficiaries were looking 250kg/ha in both sub sectors. been turned into productive fields.
after their crops at the lands instead of
spending time in their homes. The total estimated production is 93 000 The programme include among others
tones and 6500 tones for cereals and cluster fencing, drilling and equipping
He stated that government has spent pulses respectively. boreholes for potable water within the
P136million out of the allocated identified clusters, provision of seeds and
158.7million. The yield estimates and estimated fertilizers.
production however will be monitored
The programme aimed at improving food as the estimates could be affected by pest Nonetheless he said the recent floods
security in the country, was introduced outbreaks, rainfall and frost occurrences. had affected production, particularly in
last year following the termination of the Pandamatenga area including the
ALDEP III. A total of 5707 tones of fertilizer were elephants that destroyed fields in some
issued to districts out of which 5552 were parts of the country.
Mr Kgathi said over 237 588 hectares of distributed to 8226 farmers, whereas
land had been planted under (ISPAAD). 2020 tones of seeds were distributed to Regarding the distribution of government
78 261 farmers. farms, he said only 16 farms will be
distributed of which two have been
reserved to young farmers.
He said his Ministry is still in the process
of demarcating Banyana farm for effective
usage, adding that the 149 000 hectare
farm is underutilized.
The Ministry, he said has in addition
employed district coordinators whose
responsibility is to check agricultural
services and account for productivity in
the districts.
In addition, he said so far 579 farms have
been demarcated, of which 243 have
been allocated
journalist from different media houses listening 2 Kgathi BOPA
2
Degraaff taking a closure
look dairy meal at BCA farmer.
Article: Epena Ngatangue
Photos: Henry Toto in Ngwaketse South
T
he Minister of Agriculture He however was not happy with some At the Piggery, the Minister said he was
Honourable Christiaan De Graaff fields which have been left idling. He impressed by the quality of the pigs and
on the 2nd April 2009 toured some implored upon farmers to take agriculture hygiene at the area. He however said
fields in the Ngwaketse South to get first seriously, noting that government cannot there is room for improvement.
hand information on level of farm yields. afford to be pumping money into
agriculture when some Batswana are The Ministry buys pigs from South Africa
Minister De Graaff who was accompanied reluctant to utilize government support for breeding and in turn sells them at
by the Acting Permanent Secretary in the schemes. subsidized prizes to registered local
Ministry, Dr. Seja Maphanyane expressed farmers.
appreciation of what he saw. He told the Minister De Graaff assigned some Senior
farmers after the tour that he has no doubt Ministry of Agriculture officials to explore Minister De Graaff further said the
in his mind that there are some farmers how the under-utilized fields could be intention is to expand ISPAAD to cover
who have taken agriculture seriously. better used. Farmers complained about more commercial farmers
high prizes of fertilizers and shortage of
He said there are signs that some farmers labour. At Botswana College of Agriculture Dairy,
utilized the Integrated Support Programme Minister De Graaff encouraged the staff
for Arable Agriculture Development On a similar note, Minister De Graaff to do more to increase milk production.
(ISPAAD), noting that already more than toured the Ministry’s Piggery and Dairy
94 000 metric tones of cereal is expected at Sebele.
this season. The national cereal demand
is about 200 000 metric tones.
Dairy cows feeding
Degraaff admiring pigs
VIEW BOTSWANA LIVESTOCK Botswana to benchmark on how to access
international beef markets.
INDUSTRY AS EXCELLENT On top of that the delegation was
impressed by the coherent linkages that
exist with the local livestock sector.
They were impressed by the ministry of
Agriculture structure and the extension
service that starts from headquarters to
regions, Districts and ends at field/farmer
level through extension areas.
They also appreciated the relationship
between MoA institutions such as NVl,
BMC, Department of Research and
Ministry Headquarter.
According to the Ethiopians their
institutions are disengaged mainly
because of the federal system they use. In
the system things are not run centrally, but
regions run their affairs independently.
The delegation however revealed that
customer oriented reforms known as the
Ethopian delegates touring the BMC
Business Process Reengineering (BPR) is
underway in Ethiopia to make regions
work together.
Article: Kediretswe Pule Feed Processor and Hurvitz Group
Photos: Pius Nkunda Feedlot. Ethiopia is proud of a large population
of livestock. There are 40 million cattle,
In particular the Ethiopians were 28 million sheep, 24 million goats and
A
fter a week long tour of livestock impressed by the fact that a local 7 million equines (donkeys and horses).
projects, the 16 Ethiopian men corporation composed of natives only The objective of the tour was therefore to
delegation confessed that the wholly owns BMC. In addition the benchmark in Botswana’s seemly
Botswana livestock industry is excellent delegation was impressed by the ability advanced livestock industry
compared to theirs, though they have of the BMC to access i n t e r n a t i o n a l with a view to improve theirs
more livestock especially cattle. markets like
the EU.
After a short brief by the Directors
of Veterinary Services and Animal T h e
Production departments, in the Ministry delegation
of Agriculture Head Quarters on the revealed that
activities of the two departments the Ethiopia sells live
delegations visited livestock projects and animals to the
institutions. middle east only,
adding that it is
The delegation visited the National not profitable. They
Veterinary Laboratory (NVL), Dibete admired the fact that
Ostrich Multiplication Unit, Botswana BMC is able to make profit
Meat Commission (BMC), Mosi Farm, through selling carcass or beef.
Tswana Pride Chicken Farm, Feed-master On that note Ethiopians came to
April 2009
OUTBREAK OF FMD
IN NGAMILAND SLOWS DOWN PROGRESS IN ZONE 4A (BOTETI)
Article: Epena Ngatangue Minister De Graaff, however, assured
Photos: Henry Toto residents that his Ministry would
continue with the regular inspections
and blood sampling of cloven/hoofed
Mr. Slumber Tsogwane
animals in readiness to apply when the
A
griculture Minister Christiaan De FMD situation in Ngamiland is fully
under control. For the outbreak in the Kuke in the Ghanzi
Graaff regretted that the outbreak district in October 2008, the Minister said
of 2007 Foot and Mouth Disease it has been eradicated and the exports
(FMD) in Ngamiland has slowed down “It is also very important that when we
go through the process of converting markets regained.
progress and setback gains made in
endeavor to declare zone 4a (Boteti) FMD zone 4a to an EU export zone, there is
no movement of cattle from vaccinated All in all farmers promised that they
free without vaccination. would do everything they could to guard
zones to this zone,” he told the residents.
against the spread of FMD into their area.
Minister De Graaff was briefing residents Some felt that fencing of the communal
of Boteti recently on the control of areas is overdue.
livestock diseases and the implications
on the marketability of beef to export They complained about delays in the
markets. He spoke more specifically insertion of Bolus of which the minister
on the possible upgrading of veterinary said the delay was caused by unforeseen
disease control zone 4a to a European circumstances and promised that
Union (EU) export zone. everything will be on track soon.
He said since zone 4a directly shares a On the Integrated Support Programme
relatively porous border with Ngamiland for Arable Agricultural Development
(zone 2), where there is an active outbreak (ISPAAD), farmers who owned tractors
of FMD. Hence it cannot be declared and engaged by the programme should
FMD free without vaccination until the be taught how to plough and plant. They
outbreak has been fully controlled. also said some tractor owners are charging
Minister De Graaff addressing the residents in Boteti
them more than the P400 stipulated by
“In addition, livestock management in the government.
two zone is mainly under a communal
system, therefore there is a possibility The Minister agreed with the farmers
of disease spreading from Ngamiland to Another challenge faced by the Ministry,
that tractor owners should be taught
zone 4a,” he told the gathering. according to Minister De Graaff, is the
but on the same note warned those
constant damage to the Makalamabedi
unscrupulous farmers charging more that
Minister De Graaff said as long as the fence by elephants in the Moreomaoto/
they are likely to push themselves out of
disease is still present in Ngamiland the Shorobe portion. He said this the area in
business if they continue doing that. He
World Organization for Animal Health jeopardy because buffaloes could cross
said they are likely not to be considered
cannot grant zone 4a the FMD free over and mix with cattle in zone 4a.
during the next season.
without vaccination status.
“The situation was made worse by theft of
The minister addressed meetings in
The World Organization for Animal is an solar panels which supplied electricity to
Kumaga, Rakops, Xhumo and Mopipi.
Intergovernmental Organization founded the fence,” he said.
He was accompanied among others
in 1924. It has its headquarters in Paris, by the Deputy Permanent Secretary Dr.
France. The Minister however said his ministry
Moetapele Letshwenyo and the Member
is working with that of Wildlife,
of Parliament for the area Mr. Slumber
It guarantees transparency of animal Environment and Tourism to find ways of
Tsogwane
disease status world wide as well as addressing the problem.
collecting, analyzing and disseminating
veterinary scientific information. The The Minister took the opportunity to
organization also provides expertise update residents on FMD situation in
and promotes international solidarity for Ngamiland and Ghanzi districts. He
control of animal diseases. said the outbreak in Ngamiland, which
occurred in October 2007, is considered
The organization also guarantees under control, as there have been no
the sanitary safety of world trade by clinical cases since 12th February 2009
developing sanitary rules for international in Spanplerk crush in Kareng extension
trade in animals and animal products. area.
Residents listening attentively to the minister
5 April 2009
April 2009
pr
Apr 20000
0
009
FROST
Article & Photos: Tiroyaone Jeremiah
management
I
f we are to take a flashback to the year wind thus causing extra damage. Frost for frost protection is increased potential
2007, most people can remember prevents plants from having firm contact for disease outbreaks. Pathogens of many
the tragedy that hit most commercial with the soil and exposes the roots to diseases grow rapidly in moist and humid
winter local farmers when very low wind desiccation. conditions.
temperatures that last for over a week
swept away all their crops. The very same The critical temperature or frost tolerance Mulching is one of the most important
period is approaching and every farmer varies with plant development and color ways to maintain healthy plants under
should be alert to avoid being caught off of the fruit. Protection is required to keep frosty temperature. Mulch is any material
guard by this epidemic called frost. Crops the plants above the critical temperature applied to the soil surface for protection
like tomatoes, potatoes, melon cucumber, and avoid injury. There are many or improvement of the area covered.
green peppers, cabbage are highly frost variables that affect the actual critical Mulches keep the soil cooler in the
sensitive right up to their maturity while temperature for a given plant and the summer and warmer in the winter, thus
fruits, cereals and orchard crops are amount of frost injury. These are duration maintaining a more even soil temperature.
affected by frost at the flowering stage. of cold, growing conditions prior to the
cold event, cultivars: (because of plant In addition to many advantages, mulch
Severe winter weather conditions can habit, or avoidance, rather than genetic such as dried grass clippings, hay or straw,
create many problems for crop plants differences), stage of development, super leaves can be used temporarily to cover
jeopardising their health and even their cooling (in the absence of ice nucleation tender plants to protect them from frost
lives. The frost can significantly damage points, plant sap can cool below the injury.
different parts of the plants resulting in low freezing point without forming ice
agricultural productivity. Various crystals), soil type and condition Another approach to modify the micro-
measures can be taken to (moist dark soil holds more climate to enhance plant productivity by
tackle this problem. heat than dry light plastic material is the use of row covers.
Frost occurs when soil), incidence of Row covers may be used during the cold
temperature freezing wind. season to conserve warmth, stimulate
around the germination and early growth, protect
plant drops Soil moisture plants from frost injury, and improve the
below 0°C. a n d quality of the crops. Row covers reduce
At this evaporative cooling and the rate of
temperature, cooling under the cover.
water turns compaction
into ice can have Growing of crops under green house
crystals on the a significant conditions might also be effective to
surface of the effect on circumvent heavy frost. Plastic sheet
plants. temperature. A will conserve and retain the temperature
moist compact soil trapped inside the tunnel at the daytime.
Frost can injure active tissues will store more heat than This is due to the accumulation of CO2
that are insufficiently ‘hardened’ to a loose dry soil and therefore gas in the inner climate.
withstand the cold temperatures, which has more heat to transfer to the crop at
may lead to stunted growth and even night. Cultivation just before a frost can Some farmers also make fire from the
death of plants. Flower buds, vegetative increase the risk of injury, because the direction of wind to warm the air that is
buds, branches, stem, crowns, bark, roots, soil is looser and drier after cultivation. moving towards the crops. The warmed
or even the whole plant may be injured Soil under a grassy cover crop will hold air will in turn warm the air surrounding
by frost. The resulting injury may be more heat if the grass is mowed short. the crops and by that it is unlikely that ice
permanent or on rare occasions the crops crystals will form around leaf surfaces or
may recover. Sprinkler irrigation systems (and flooding crops experiencing severe injuries.
on rare occasions) are used to protect the
Winter desiccation commonly called crops from freezing temperatures and This concludes that frosty temperature
“winter drying” or “winter burn, occurs are the most common method of frost causes serious damage to crop plants,
due to intensity of frost spells. During protection. As the water applied to the because it is a natural phenomenon,
severely cold weather, the ground may plant cools, heat is released preventing it cannot be wiped out but can be
freeze to a depth beyond the extent the plant from freezing. If a film of water managed through various means like
of the root system, thereby cutting off is maintained by continuous application proper irrigation, row covers, mulching,
water supply to the plants. Injury due of water, the temperature of the plant protective barrier and wind breaks and
to desiccation is commonly seen as tissue will remain above freezing, even green house cultivation. Most of these
discoloured, burned leaves or whole if a layer of ice forms. One negative practices are economically diverse but
plant. It is worst on the side facing the side effect of more frequent irrigation have good impact on crop productivity
April 2009 6
Rakgatla
RAKGATLA PRIVY TO ARTIFICIAL INSEMINATION
says that soils in the area lack phosphorus
Article: France Begensel Artificial insemination also gives one a therefore the need to supplement his
Photos: Mothusi Tlale variety or choice of breed one wants to cattle with di Calcium Phosphate feeds
use as opposed to a bull. He said that and P6.
D
one can buy semen from different bulls
espite living in close proximity and keep it for as long as he wishes as Rakgatla’s ranch is divided into four
to the diamond mining town opposed to a bull which might die. He paddocks. Each of them has a borehole
of Jwaneng, having friends and added that with artificial insemination and all the four are joined together by
relatives staying there, Mothusi Michael it is very easy to control cows as one a pipeline that runs through them. The
Rakgatla has no desire to stay in that would know with which semen to use ranch measures 9 km by 8 km. the four
town. Rakgatla has found solace in and when. paddocks have been divided into 10
livestock production. For him life in small paddocks measuring 3km by 2km.
Gakanyane, 21 km west of Jwaneng, is Rakgatla uses semen from different
wonderful and stress free; there is plenty exotic bulls, some as far as the Americas, In each of the paddocks he keeps about
of free milk, wild fruits and meat. Germany and England. He says that he 80 cattle which he moves to another one
after four to six months. Sometimes the
Rakgatla has been involved in cattle cattle are kept in the kraal for sometime
production since he was a little boy. to make them get used to people. He
He looked after his father’s cattle with says that cattle in paddocks are kept
his bother. As he grew up he started to in accordance with their age for easy
have more love for the wet nosed beasts monitoring.
(cattle). The young farmer adds that one must
have proper infrastructure in place to
As his love for cattle production do well in cattle production. One must
grew coupled with the unfriendly ensure that during artificial insemination
unemployment statistics in Botswana, cows do not mix with a bull. This is
he started exploring ways in which to avoid the bull from mounting the
he could grow. He approached the cow and inserting its own semen, thus
Young Farmers Fund under the Citizen impregnating the cow.
Entrepreneurial Development Agency
(CEDA) who funded him half a million It is very important to maintain the
pula (P500 000), so that he could buy highest hygienic standards. He says that
100 cows and start production. At some prefers Brahman because of their size dirt might kill the much needed sperms.
stage he attended an extensive Artificial and for easy calving. Rakgatla buys the Rakgatla says that it is very easy to notice
Insemination course at Ramatlabama. semen at Ramatlabama Bull Stud at when a cow is ready. He says “it will
P5.00 for local bulls and P80-P105 for keep still for a few moments as if waiting
In his endeavors to have quality breeds, exotic breeds. He says that for foreign for a bull to mount it. It also mounts other
Rakgatla decided to use artificial breeds it’s different depending on which cows in the kraal.
insemination. He says that “artificial bull the semen comes from. Some of the
is cheaper compared to using bulls. A semen he gets through the bull directory. Cattle production is not an easy task
bull can cost up to P30 000 or more.” reveals Rakgatla. There are cattle diseases
He added that sometimes one would Breeding season in Rakgatla’s ranch is like Pasturella, Botulism and lumpy Skin,
buy a bull that has already gone past its normally done late October and early which are a menace in the area. Rakgatla
production peak, which means the bull December. This is because these are the follows a vaccination calendar.
will not produce as much as one would times when it is easy for cattle to calve. At
expect. the same time these are the times when Rakgatla advices other young farmers
rains start, therefore, better prospects for to go into livestock production to avert
He also said that he prefers a artificial growth. poverty. He says that buying prices at the
insemination to a bull because sometimes Botswana Meat Commission are good.
the climatic conditions negatively affects Proper care management of the ranch is He also says that this is the right times
the bulls production more especially of utmost importance revealed Rakgatla. to venture into cattle production because
those imported. Sometimes they are He says that rotational grazing must be the Ministry of Agriculture is working
easily affected by diseases and that they practiced. He says that one must ensure on raising the number of cattle from
take longer to acclimatize to the new good harvest supplement feeding. He 2.5million to 3.5 million in five years
environment.
7 April 2009
Article: France Begensel working towards generating information She added that her institution would
Pictures: Mothusi Tlale and knowledge appropriately packaged strengthen and establish a platform for
to influence policy and practice in the the innovation systems actors to have
T
he Department of Agricultural area of programme focus; building skills increased voice to effectively participate,
Research recently launched and knowledge of developing actors drive and influence science, technology
the Regional Agricultural for interfacing science, technology and and policy.
Environmental Initiatives Network society.
(RAEIN-Africa) at Maharaja in Gaborone. The Regional Director further revealed
Shumba_Mnyulwa revealed that the that the chief expectation of RAEIN-
Speaking at the occasion the Regional existence of RAEIN-Africa is to create AFRICA sponsored projects is creative,
Director, SADC, Doreen Shumba- an enabling environment for innovative innovative, inclusive, high quality research
Mnyulwa said her organization is interventions, poverty reduction and that demonstrably addresses outcomes
sustainable development. She said they desired by the ISP-TEESA Programme.
would achieve this by strengthening The Secretariat is particularly
institutional systems for managing science concerned that research results are
and technology for poverty reduction communicated to end-users and that
and sustainable development; building there is improved communication
micro-meso to macro bridges to between researchers and end-users.
facilitate application and use of The RAEIN-AFRICA is interested in
science and technology to support fostering research that is integrated
sustaining livelihoods.
Regional Director of RAEIN-Africa Doreen Shumba Mnyulwa
April 2009
2009
09
09
8
across disciplines and takes an innovation standards of identification). science and technology policy, operations
and systems approach and all research and society
issues should aim to inform policy Innovative ways of improving awareness
making processes. For this particular call, and stakeholder participation in the Promoting adoption and upscaling of
the following list is prioritized: actualisation of Article 23 of Cartagena successful biotechnologies to improve
Protocol on Biosafety? (CPB) and and sustain livelihoods in southern
Institutions and governance development of some guidelines for African communities.
(transparency, accountability, devolution) stakeholder engagement
with reference to establishment and Social, economic and environmental Understanding how communities are
implementation of National Biosafety considerations when introducing GMOs adapting to the impacts of climate change
Frameworks (NBF)s.
Developing an assessment tool for Strengthening understanding
Biosafety regulations – Developing southern African countries of the status of biofuels
a southern Africa code of practice Building effective partnerships in southern African
to improve application of existing to improve performance societies (farming
technical rules and standards of innovation systems in systems, socio-
in enforcing the biosafety biotechnology economic implications,
instruments (sampling of GMOs, markets and trade and
detection techniques and Innovation systems in interfacing corporatism)
Dr Pharoah Masupi of DAR The Dean of the facility of agriculture
9
April 2009
LEATHERWORKS
The market for his products is
Mantirisi displaying some of his products
promising, and there is potential for
He says that leather needs very special growth. He sells his products all over
Article: France Begensel care. He adds “you have to maintain Kgalagadi. Sometimes customers even
Photos: Mothusi Tlale high standards for caring for leather place orders with him. He would then
otherwise it will get spoiled easily. You produce knowing there is already a
must know how to treat it and how long buyer.
F
rom time immemorial, Batswana to soak it.” He says after soaking for a
have always been involved in few days (about five), he takes it out Mantirisi says that acquiring leather
trades that brought food to the to remove the hairs. Hairs are removed is difficult as there are not enough
table. Such practices still exist today by scraping using special knives or suppliers in the area. He usually gets
in various forms. Amongst them is sometimes using a stone a process skins from weddings and funerals.
the art of leatherworks, which Muller called shaving. This process also helps At times he buys from neighboring
Makhudi Mantirisi, prides himself in. to achieve uniform thickness. villages. He says “I used to get them
for free of charge but these days they
The hot African sun is already up in the During the treatment of hides, water is are selling them to me for P20-P40
sky when a team of reporters catch up mixed with lime, oil and soaked in a depending on the size.”
with Mantirisi at the village wells. The barrel. Sometimes other people would
small village of Keng in the Kgalagadi bury the skin in the ground for a few Mantirisi is worried about how people
district has been hardly hit by shortage days. The skin is also washed to remove brand their cattle tough. He says
of water for the past few months. The surplus fat and to get away unwanted improper branding destroys the skin
wells in the western side of the village flesh. Water and lime is used to loosen quality. He adds that a beast that has
are the only source of the already hair, fats and plump up the skin ready been branded more than once will
scarce commodity. for tanning. have scars over, and you cannot use
parts of leather with scars. He says that
For craftmen like, Mantirisi this pose Working with leather is a very tough cattle should be branded on the lower
a problem because water is also job reveals Mantirisi. He says that thigh only, thus leaving enough quality
important in his job. one must be dedicated and patient hides above.
and must always be in a position to
Mantirisi started working with leather contend with the stink. He adds that if Mantirisi is very happy with the
in 2000. He says “lack of employment one cannot bear the smell, they would prospects he gets from his business.
forced me into this work. Again I did not be able to enjoy the fruits of this He says that he is able to buy food and
not have straps for my donkeys. At the production. clothing for himself and family with
same time there were a plenty of skins the proceedings. He encourages other
in the village that had no use.” He says Mantirisi prides himself in producing Batswana to explore other avenues to
he realized the need to use the skins to leather bags, belts hats, sandals and sustain themselves. Mantirisi says “it is
generate some income. Mantirisi later straps for his donkeys and horses. very important for Batswana to use their
attended a course on how to use skins He says that ever since going into own hands to produce food and stop
and leather works at the rural training leatherworks he has not bought any looking at the government to provide
Centre in Pelotshetha. straps from shops. handouts ”
April 2009
10
Seeding 13 kg/ha
Rain fall range 200mm
Soil well drained sandy clay soil
It is normally used as a supplement
because of is high protein content of
16%.
Atriplex nummularia (Salt bush)
Exotic imported from Australia
Potential forage yield: 13kg/ha
Weaner calf feeding from a paddock.
Transplant 3m between rows and 2m
between rows
Suitalble for wet and dry seasons feeding
T
he Department of Agricultural Forage yield: 15 kg/ha (when cut every Seeding rate 10 000 seedlings /ha
Research conducted a dairy field day 8 weeks’ fed fresh as basal diet for dairy Rainfaill 100 mm
to create a platform for stake holders cattle
to share pertinent information dairy
Very drought tolerant
calf management and pasture fodder Seeding rate Canes/ roots/ Splits 3333-10
production. Kediretswe Pule gives an 000/ha in rows Used as a supplement.
insight of concepts of fodder production
and grass species discussed on the day. 2.5 M between rows. put 2 canes into Leucaena leucocephala
the ground. Sprouts after 3 months and
Cenchrus Ciliaris (Molopo) leaves emerge Potential forage yield 4.5 tonnes/ha
Suitable for wet and dry seaon feeding
Forage yield: 3.9-5.3t/ha Rainfall 600 mm? Seeding rate: 10 000 seedling /ha
Suitability: for hay and range Soil: well drained sandy soil Rainfall range 450-600 mm
rehabilitation
Soils deep well drained with PH
Plant January and let it grow for a year
Seedling rate: 5kg/ha to mature and cut the next January. Then Leave up to 50cm when harvesting.
cut and harvest every 8 weeks
Rainfall: 375-750 mm
Susceptible to termites
It does well in dry areas such as the Weeding is a must especially first year of
kgalagadi growth Used as a supplement because of its
high protein content of 16%
Soils: Light textured Mannure: kraal manure every two years
in between rows or inter crop with
60 cm between rows and 10 cm between legumes such as lablab
plants
Susceptible to drought but can survive
It takes 3-4 months to mature. without irrigation at 4 years old
Harvesting 2-5 of the vegetative part
should remain for recovery Harvesting: leave 20cm when cutting for
regrowth.
It does not require weeding all the time
Nutrients: 9% crude protein but can go
The animal eats 35 of its own weight or down after 8 weeks. Not for grazing.
12 kg per day Yield depends of rainfall amount.
Pennisetum Purpureum (Bana Grass) Lab Lab Purpureus
Exotic Forage yield: 6.5t/ha Elephant grass grown to feed dairy cows
11 April 2009
HORTICULTURE
Zacharia at his vegetable farm
about plus or minus five kilometers He said this business goes beyond
Article: Felix Mothatego from Lethakane growth point. money, and that he is happy to see
Photos: Pius Nkunda Lethakane is in the Boteti region. locals employed. Consequently they
could purchase products in the farm-
S
ome horticultural producers Even locals residing around the farm with little as three pula they can get
seemingly emerge victorious in sought refuge from the credit crunch ten chicken legs.
a tag of war against the world under his shelter. They benefit
credit crunch. through labour and better livelihood However, he does not have field
because they have access to veggies implements he needs. He said this is
Even the temporary closure of Orapa at a reasonable price. why he does not want to sign a quota
diamond mine in Lethakane had contract because he would fail to
no effect on Christopher Gumede Some even get them for free. He honour it. He said he needs his own
Zachariah who is a producer of has about 20 employees belonging tractor to plough the way he wants.
vegetables (veggies), poultry and to Lethakane growth point, who are
dairy in the area. permanently working in the farm. With a tractor he could get proper
He also provides them with breakfast implements and irrigation systems.
To him the market is plenty. He and lunch for free. Christopher also took the opportunity
said that most veggies are imported, to show this reporter how labour
and that considering distance from He said he intends working with intensive and tedious watering with a
boarders market is 100% because the Chief of the area so that his staff hosepipe is. He said he is also in need
he cannot meet demand of Spar and and community would benefit from of net shading because Lethakane is
Choppies. his project. “Really, it is not about hot.
making money but a contribution to
He is operating in a 35 hector farm the community”, he said. Christopher started producing veggies
to page 12 >
Apri 009
Apr l 2009
April 2009
pr
pri 009
Apr
12
> From page 12
mid November last year, and started had his experienced uncle crossed He also said there is a lot of unused
selling in February this year. He said from Zambia to help him in the farm. labour in the Lethakane. He said he
starting was frustrating because his observed that there are few Batswana
desire and aspiration got to full at a He said his goal has been fulfilled interested in farming, and or lack
time when he needed implements. by a visit to his farm by this reporter. knowledge in farming.
He just had to make do with the little He said he wanted to set stage for
he had. He picked pieces of pipes farming in the country, and to show CEDA only funded him on the
and put together a simple watering Batswana and neighboring countries horticultural side because it could
system. that we can do it in terms of farming. not fund more than one project. He
declined to disclose the amount but
He also sacrificed some of his money, He said he wants to drive Lethakane said it was not enough, so he used
which was supposed to go for some to a point of self sufficiency in some from his pocket to get the
other projects to put everything vegetable production. He would project up and running.
together. He now hopes tomatoes he then expand to the whole of Boteti Chris is also a business consultant.
planted would be able to generate District, and eventually nationwide. He has just recently signed some
enough income. He said his dream is to see boarders contracts with CEDA, and hopes to
permanently closed for vegetable mentor CEDA funded youth in Boteti
imports. region on training, and leadership. He
To date when he drives to town
said there are a lot of young farmers’
people ask him for various veggies,
He said he is thankful for his uncle’s aspirants coming to him for help in
and would take anything he has. He
experience because for him, watering putting together business proposals.
said the closure of Orapa diamond
mine is a plus on the vegetable side. with these pipes and carrying them
on his shoulders is a piece of cake. He said it is good for the financier
to give out money but the biggest
He said this is because veggies are However, Chris as he is usually called
challenge is implementing. He
cheaper, and people tend to switch thinks that this is unprofessional, and
believes he would come handy
from meat to vegetables. He also that they need to get up to date in
because he would help the youth
has a separate price for consumers, terms of watering.
with practical information.
which is cheaper than buying from
Choppies and Spar. He said looking from where he
He said he is also working with
comes from it is a leap. He also said
various local farmers in sharing
Christopher is an accountant, and he is thankful for Baledzi Moalosi to
information, and challenges because
used to work for Debswana in the have led him to the door by leasing
his philosophy is that the cake is too
accounts and Human Resource the land to him.
big for everybody. He said he does
Departments. When he retired he not look at them as competitors but
developed passion for farming. He reminds those who have land
team players.
and can not utilize it to advertise it
He grew up in rural areas where on papers, and Television because it His long term plan is to produce
his mom was a subsistence farmer, is not easy to acquire land. He said silage for his dairy cows, and that
and had not been aware that he Batswana should strive to utilize he wants to focus on dairy by end of
had potential until he retired. He some of the land lying fallow. 2009 because he now has about 41
mobilized this potential although cows. He said he is not focusing on
he might not have had enough He said he did not want to start from it now because feeds are expensive.
experience. scratch because that would have
meant applying for land. He wanted Christopher has undoubtedly proved
He believes Debswana has to start farming where there are that with or without a world credit
equipped him with leadership, and already some implements, especially crunch or any other financial
administrative skills to be able to put for poultry because he thought it constraint, people would continue to
together experiences. Right now he would generate funds quickly. eat
13 Apri
April 2009
April 2009
A ri 9
09
HIDES AND SKIN’S ECONOMIC VALUE AND
THE CURRENT ECONOMIC RECESSION
not performing well in the world macroeconomic indicators vary in a
market compared to those from similar way. Production as measured
H
ides and skins are outer developed world even before the by Gross Domestic Product (GDP),
cover of an animal and can current economic recession. On the employment, investment spending,
be derived from mammal, other hand it is true that African hides capacity utilization, household
birds, fish, reptiles and amphibians. suffer from defects such as brand incomes and business profits all
Hides are obtained from large animals marks, physical damage from other fall during recessions. It is just six
hence skins are from small animals. animals, environmental, parasites months since the world plunged
There are game hides and skins which damage and some naturally occurring into economic recession .Hides and
are derived from wild species. They skins business cannot be ignored
are by products of meat industry since it has been affected just like
and are primary raw materials other commodities. All local hides
for tanning industry where and skins business have cut their
they provide leather. normal day to day operation,
Various breeds of laid down workers and while
cattle, sheep, goats some have closed.
and reptiles produce Governments of the
diverse types of skins world usually respond
which are processed to recessions by
into leather of adopting expansionary
diverse properties also macroeconomic policies, such
influenced by condition as increasing money supply,
under which they are raised. increasing government spending and
The resultant leather possessed decreasing taxation.
unique properties such as strength,
wear and tear resistance insulation diseases of animals.
permeability etc. It is generally believed that all African
hides are smaller and bear lot of vain
lines due to climate influences. Some
of believes are sometimes based Hides and skins uses have been
on subjective rather than proved adopted in Botswana since and
There have been endeavors to objective or scientific performance even before the country became
promote and upgrade hides and skins results of the materials. independent for means of living,
quality and business in Botswana like trade and poverty aleviation. Hides
in other African countries. However and skins have been produced as
there is still perception from the raw materials for footwear, roping,
developed world that hides and In economics, a recession is a bags, clothing etc. Traditional uses
skins and allied products like leather general slowdown in economic and commercial tanning have been
goods from Africa are of low quality activity in a country over a sustained adopted in both developed and
Therefore, this led to African hides period of time, or a business cycle developing countries as basis for
and skins being disadvantaged and contraction. During recessions, many leather making technology, with
to page 15 >
Apri 00
Apr l 2009
April 2009
A 14
> From page 14 involves simple methods of leather of world produce. Prices for African
Botswana being involved to lesser production i.e. vegetable tanning, hides are low in the international
extent. and production of leather goods market due to their size and perceived
Both semi finished and finished with emphasis on product quality quality.
materials can be produced and and product diversification. Products Though by products, hides and skins
traded regional and internationally. produced target mainly local and are treated as commodities. Since
This has been the case with the tourists market. they are commodities their value
Botswana Meat Commission Tannery cannot be easily determined until at
which used to produce wet blue and the end product stage where quality
was exported to European countries. may conflict with that of raw hides.
Since the closure of BMC tannery, The way the raw materials have been
the company still has the market Africa alone in 1999 had livestock treated will determine its quality
outside Botswana where r a w figures of 231 million cattle, 241 and influence the buyer locally or
hides are now exported to million sheep and 209 million goats. internationally.
China. Hides and skins production figureS
The semi processed were at 27 million and 151
raw materials are millions respectively
of better value in and being
the world market There are currently six registered hides
than raw and skins exporters throughout the
salted hides country except the Botswana Meat
since pre- Commission. The Botswana
treatment, Meat Commission
collection hence
accounts for
about
4 5 %
of cattle
particularly at slaughtered
wet blue stage reduce in Botswana
pollution associated with at their abattoirs
beamhouse or cleaning operations in Lobatse and
where hair, flesh, salt and trimmings Francistown.
are removed and disposed off at the Increased local
country of origin. collection is
approximately 8% achieved by working
and 16% production in conjunction with,
figures for the whole world. municipal abattoirs, private
The public is educated on economic Out of this 3-11% is export to other abattoirs, butcheries, and
values of hides and their sustainable countries. The export figure for local slaughter slabs and
use together with local vegetable whole of African hides is therefore collectors. Production figures for
tanning plants, both as renewable significantly small at 3-11 %. Leather 2006 and 2007 are 102 265 and 290
natural resources. The artisan training production in Africa accounts for 4% 203 respectively.
to page 17 >
15 April 2009
pril 09
April 2009
persistent in finding their way into a hive Suggested ways to prevent absconsion
WHAT IS BEE ABSCONSION? especially when they are attracted by are;
I
pieces of honey comb or spilled sugar
t can be defined as a situation whereby
water on the bottom of the hive. Once * Inspect your colonies regularly
a bee colony completely abandons its
invasion of ants occurs, bees will panic * timely examining bee enemies,
‘home’. In this case, the entire brood
and will finally abscond, leaving honey diseases and their management
(a collective name for eggs, larvae, pupa
and brood behind. * supplementary feeding during
and cocoons) and honey is left behind.
dearth periods
Absconsion is one of the adaptations
2. Resource induced. * Strengthen weak colonies,
by bees to survive conditions such as
(colonies should always be kept
overheating, persistent pest problems
Resource induced absconsion however, as big as possible)
and so on, which may cause distress to
is seasonal, thus it occurs at certain * Apiaries should also be located
bees.
times of the year. It can also be called in a good vegetation
migration of bees. This happens when * Wood ash can is spread on the
Causes of Absconsion resources like food (pollen and nectar) ground around the legs of
and water deteriorate. When resources a stand to keep ants away.
Absconsion can be caused by the
are scarce, honeybees abscond and * Good hive construction (use
following;
sometimes descend on farms and other recommended specification
human habitations where there are for hive construction)
* Predatory activities
steady food sources and water supplies. * Make fire breaks around
* Pests and diseases
A resource –induced colony prepares the apiary
* Starvation
itself to abscond in the following manner; * Always keep your hives on the
* Fire
the queen stops egg-laying; the colony stand in the shade.
* Overheating
waits for all the brood to emerge; food
* Poor ventilation
collection stops; and the remaining food As a take home point, Beekeepers should
in the hive will be used in preparation be aware of this situation (bee absconsion)
Forms of Absconsion for ‘take –off’. and mitigate the effect by feeding, uniting
Note: In most cases, this happens in and applying appropriate management
Absconsion has two forms. areas with poor vegetation because bees practices
would not collect enough food to store
1. Disturbance induced for dry periods
Honey bee colonies are very sensitive
How to prevent
to disturbances and absconsion is
Absconsion
an immediate response to a sudden
deterioration within the nest cavity
due to predators, hive pests infestation,
excessive heat, veldt fire, attack of
diseases and hazardous fumes etc. This
type of absconsion can occur at any
time of the year. Man and insects
especially ants are considered
to be the greatest enemies of
bees. Their activities usually
result in bees migrating in
either two forms.
Man robs bees of
their honey during
honey-hunting;
setting fire to
vegetation (the
natural home for
bees) can also
starve bees.
Ants on the other
hand are very
April 2009 16
> From page 15
HIDES AND SKIN’S ECONOMIC VALUE AND
THE CURRENT ECONOMIC RECESSION
S M Lurie, the main export company Leather shoes on display
has recently closed its depots at
Bobonong, Mochudi and Gaborone
except for Francistown.
Hides and Skins local prices have
fluctuated due to world markets
problems, exchange rate as well
as Foot and Mouth prevalence in
the Selebi Phikwe area i.e. Zone 7
which has also reduced collection
and prices paid to collectors and
producers. The situation was further
aggravated by outbreak of Foot and
Mouth Disease at Ghanzi area in
October 2008. Increase in levy that
effected 16th November 2007, the
first after 40 years, has prompted
collectors to reduce prices paid to ill t ib t t i
will contribute to economic growth,th
producers therefore slightly affecting relating to income generation, and
collection. Exporters now pay P16 for, exports by eliminating defects on employment creation. Hides skins
per hide on export levy unlike before hides and skins such as brand marks. production is bound to grow and
when they had to pay P0.20t. Increase collection depots, educate diversify from cattle goats and sheep
Current prices for raw hides are at and encourage farmers to undertake dominance thus expanding to other
an average of P5, thus a fall in price such projects under clean conditions. areas, considering, ostrich, pig,
from P70 in September 2008, and The section is also responsible crocodile, fish and game farming.
P120 in 2006 and 2007 respectively for controlling hides and skins Establishment of tanneries around
before introduction of levy. Due to movements around the country and the country are feasible through
this fall in prices, hides and skins across the borders in conjunction private sector which could be able
particularly those of small stock from with Veterinary Departments of to compete in local regional, and
abattoir are taken to dumping sites. exporting and importing countries international market
Meat Inspection Training Centre in for the purposes of diseases control
Lobatse MITC has resorted to this as and compliance with legislations Reference:
last option. requirements. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/
http://www.unido.org/fileadmin/
import/10211-triplebottom.2.pdf
Economic - recession
The expectations are that, the By Principal Scientific officer 1
Hides and skins section of the Ministry continuing exercise by Ministry Hides & Skins Section
of Agriculture help collectors meet of Agriculture (MoA) to make the Mr G. B. Mathiba
quality requirements and standards nation aware of what hides and skins Department of Animal Production
17 April 2009
pr 0
April 2009
April 2009
Related docs
