1 Institutional Support for the Sustainable Use of Communal Rangelands in South Africa Presentation for Portfolio Committee of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries 2 Animal Production in South Africa Almost 80% of South Africa agricultural land can be classified as arid- semi-arid, characterized by low & erratic rainfall patterns- thus, making Animal Production as the most viable farming operation. Animal production should play an important role in food security, job creation, & rural livelihoods in the country. Animal production in the communally managed areas in the country is heavily reliant on rangelands as the main and cheapest source of fodder and is largely characterized by a relatively low off take and minimal commercial activity in contrast with the established producer sector in similar production environments. Contribution of existing rangelands Communal Livestock Production is governed by a complex tenure systems and therefore, the contribution of animal Production towards improved livelihoods, food security, and job creation can only be realized through fostering a sound multi- institutional support base in order to allow for integrated-planning and guide the provision (& flow) of various support services offered through government and other institutions. 3 4 Components of institutional support Policy Strategy Legislation Technical support Financial support 4 Providing institutional support for improved livestock production off communal rangelands 5 What is in place? 5 D: ANIMAL PRODUCTIONOTHER DAFF DIRECTORATES & PROGRAMMES OTHER DEPARTMENTS & INSTITUTIONS 1.Animal Improvement Act (Support for animal recording and improvement ) 2.Animal Improvement policy 3.National Livestock Development Strategy (NLDS) 4.National Rangeland Monitoring & Improvement Programme (NRMIP) - Five year pilot to be permanent 5.National Veld and Forage policy (To be published shortly ) 1.D: LUSM (Conservation of Agricultural Resources Act) 2.D: Small Holder Development 3.Land Care Programme & CASP DRDLR DEA DWA SANBI (grassland biome ) 6 The Range and Forage Policy: Overall Objective To provide a framework to promote and facilitate the sustainable management of South Africas veld and forage resources for animal production with the capacity to support compliance to the relevant legislation/regulations 6 7 Sustainable use of natural resources: Key Issues for Consideration Promote the use of indigenous livestock breeds and wildlife farming in order to reduce risk of environmental degradation. Lobby for integration of departmental farmer-support initiatives (i.e. request that Land Care/ CASP funding to be allocated in collaboration with Animal Improvement Schemes). Market Availability & Accessibility. 7 88 Plan of action to address concerns raised by NERPO and to incorporate the decisions of the Portfolio Committee on Agriculture in an integrated approach to more effective use of communal grazing in South Africa Strategic partners/stakeholders and their roles DAFF providing Policy, Regulatory, Technical support and M&E DRDLR providing land and necessary infrastructure DWA issuing water use rights and permits DEA implementation of environmental regulations e.g. EIA, NEMA, NEMBA COGTA coordination on the use of communal land ARC Range and Forage Institute implementing the NRMIP ARC Animal Improvement Institute animal improvement schemes and systems research 9 Strategic partners/stakeholders and their roles (continued ) SANBI (Grassland Biome ) responsible for grassland biome activities Portfolio Committee on Agriculture Political oversight Producer and Farmer organisations ( AGRI SA, AFASA, TAU, NERPO, RPO, NWGA, WRSA, RMIF, etc. ) representing the interests of farmers / producers and also acting as implementing agents Scientific organisations ( GSSA, SASAS ) knowledge sharing and research outputs Universities and colleges capacity building, knowledge sharing and research outputs Provincial and Local Government implementation of projects 10 11 Plan of action Identification of pilot areas ( small stock and large stock ) using the NRMIP benchmark sites and information on existing infrastructure that could be used for farmer support programmes.(DAFF,PDAS,DRDLR, R & D institutions, Farmer Organisations, etc) 11 12 Plan of action Comprehensive review of existing and relevant projects programs at National, regional and local government level Establishment of a National Stakeholder Working Group ( DAFF, DRDLR, R &D institutions, etc.) Stakeholder/ community consultation and needs analysis Development of comprehensive implementation programs for the pilot projects with MOUs / SLAs for relevant stakeholders and service providers 12 13 Thank you