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Volume 3: ESIA Specialist Volume – Natural Resources and Land Use Assessment – September 2014

Coastal & Environmental Services (Pty) Ltd i EcoFarm Lda

ECOFARM IRRIGATION AND ORGANIC SUGARCANE PROJECT CHEMBA DISTRICT, SOFALA PROVINCE, MOZAMBIQUE

ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT

VOLUME 3: SPECIALIST REPORTS

CHAPTER 4: NATURAL RESOURCES AND LAND USE ASSESSMENT

Prepared for:

Prepared by:

EcoFarm Mozambique Lda Coastal & Environmental Services

Av. Eduardo Mondlane No 1723, Ponta Gea,

Beira, Sofala,

Mozambique

GRAHAMSTOWN P.O. Box 934, Grahamstown,

6140 South Africa

MAPUTO Rua da Frente de

Libertação de Mozambique, Number 324,

Maputo, Mozambique

South Africa and Mozambique

FINAL REPORT

September 2014


Coastal & Environmental Services (Pty) Ltd ii EcoFarm Lda

This Report should be cited as follows: Coastal & Environmental Services, September 2014: EcoFarm Irrigation and Organic Sugarcane Project Mozambique, Natural Resources and Land Use Assessment, CES, Grahamstown. Report Title: EcoFarm Irrigation and Organic Sugarcane Project Mozambique, Natural Resources and Land Use Assessment, CES, Grahamstown

Name Affiliation Role / Function Date

Roy de Kock Coastal and Environmental Services (Pty) Ltd

Author December 2013

Bill Rowlston Coastal and Environmental Services (Pty) Ltd

Editor / Reviewer December 2013

Michael Bailey Coastal and Environmental Services (Pty) Ltd

Editor July 2014

Bill Rowlston Coastal and Environmental Services (Pty) Ltd

Editor September 2014

COPYRIGHT INFORMATION

This document has been prepared in accordance with the scope of Coastal & Environmental Services

(Pty) Ltd’s (CES) appointment and contains intellectual property and proprietary information that is

protected by copyright in favour of CES. The document may therefore not be reproduced, used or

distributed to any third party without the prior written consent of Coastal & Environmental Services. This

document is prepared exclusively for use by CES’s client. CES accepts no liability for any use of this

document other than by its client and only for the purposes for which it was prepared. No person other

than the client may copy, in whole or in part, use or rely on the contents of this document without the prior

written permission of CES. The document is subject to all confidentiality, copyright and trade secrets rules,

intellectual property law and practices of South Africa.


Coastal & Environmental Services (Pty) Ltd iii EcoFarm Lda

LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS

BID Background Information Document

CES Coastal & Environmental Services

DESR Draft Environmental Scoping Report

DNPOT National Directorate for Land-Use Planning*

DUAT Direitos de Uso e Aproveitamento da Terra’**

ECO Environmental Control Officer

EDM Electricidade de Moçambique**

EIA Environmental Impact Assessment

FAPIM Forestry and Agriculture Programme in Mozambique

GDP Gross Domestic Product

HDI Human Development Index

IAIA International Association of Impact Assessments

IFC International Finance Corporation

LoM Life of Mine

MICOA Ministry of Environmental Coordination*

MoA Ministry of Agriculture

MPr Management Programme

MZN Mozambican Meticals

GDP Gross Domestic Product

GoM Government of Mozambique

PAEI Agricultural Policy and Implementation Strategy*

PEDSA Plano Estratégico para o Desenvolvimento do Sector da Agricultura**

TA Traditional Authority

ToR Terms of Reference

TSF Tailings Storage Facility

UN United Nations

US United States

* English term ** Portuguese term


Coastal & Environmental Services (Pty) Ltd iv EcoFarm Lda

TABLE OF CONTENTS 1 INTRODUCTION ...................................................................................................................................... 1

1.1 Project location ................................................................................................................................. 1 1.2 Project description ............................................................................................................................ 2 1.3 Terms of Reference .......................................................................................................................... 2 1.4 Approach .......................................................................................................................................... 3

1.4.1 Desktop analysis .......................................................................................................................... 3 1.4.2 Field survey .................................................................................................................................. 4

1.5 Assumptions and Limitations ........................................................................................................... 4 2 RELEVANT LEGISLATION ..................................................................................................................... 5 3 DESKTOP ANALYSIS ............................................................................................................................. 6

3.1 Climate ............................................................................................................................................. 6 3.2 Geology ............................................................................................................................................ 6 3.3 Topography ...................................................................................................................................... 6 3.4 Surface water hydrology................................................................................................................... 7 3.5 Impacts Identified ............................................................................................................................. 8

4 SOILS ....................................................................................................................................................... 9 4.1 General description .......................................................................................................................... 9 4.2 Soil types .......................................................................................................................................... 9 4.3 Detailed soil description ................................................................................................................. 11

4.3.1 Soil texture ................................................................................................................................. 11 4.3.2 Soil colour .................................................................................................................................. 13 4.3.3 Other classifications ................................................................................................................... 13

4.4 Impacts identified ........................................................................................................................... 14 5 LAND USE .............................................................................................................................................. 15

5.1 Land cover ...................................................................................................................................... 15 5.2 Land use ......................................................................................................................................... 15 5.3 Agriculture ...................................................................................................................................... 16

5.3.1 Agriculture in Mozambique ........................................................................................................ 16 5.3.2 Agriculture in the Chemba District of the Sofala Province ......................................................... 17 5.3.3 Crop farming .............................................................................................................................. 17 5.3.4 Food crops ................................................................................................................................. 17 5.3.5 Agricultural Calendar ................................................................................................................. 18 5.3.6 Agricultural Challenges and Support ......................................................................................... 18 5.3.7 Production Trees ........................................................................................................................ 18 5.3.8 Fishing ........................................................................................................................................ 19 5.3.9 Livestock .................................................................................................................................... 19

5.4 Food Security ................................................................................................................................. 19 5.5 Settlements .................................................................................................................................... 20 5.6 Logging ........................................................................................................................................... 20 5.7 Beekeeping .................................................................................................................................... 21 5.8 Impacts identified ........................................................................................................................... 21

6 NATURAL RESOURCE USE ................................................................................................................. 22 6.1 Impacts identified ........................................................................................................................... 23

7 IMPACT IDENTIFICATION AND ASSESSMENT .................................................................................. 24 7.1 Introduction ..................................................................................................................................... 24 7.2 Methodology ................................................................................................................................... 24 7.3 A Summary of Impacts and Issues Identified ................................................................................. 24 7.4 Impact Assessment ........................................................................................................................ 24

7.4.1 Issue 1: Potential to increase the surface soil erosion .............................................................. 24 7.4.2 Issue 2: Loss of traditional agriculture land and crops .............................................................. 25 7.4.3 Issue 3: Reduction in food security ............................................................................................ 26 7.4.4 Issue 4: Permanent loss of natural resources ........................................................................... 27

8 LAND AND NATURAL RESOURCE USE MONITORING PROGRAMME ........................................... 28 8.1 Objectives of a monitoring programme .......................................................................................... 28 8.2 Mitigation and/or management measures ...................................................................................... 28


Coastal & Environmental Services (Pty) Ltd v EcoFarm Lda

8.3 Monitoring ....................................................................................................................................... 29 8.4 Reporting ........................................................................................................................................ 29

9 IMPACT STATEMENT, CONCLUSION & RECOMMENDATIONS ...................................................... 30 9.1 Recommendations for the proposed EcoFarm plantation .............................................................. 30 9.2 Agricultural and Land-and-Natural-Resource Use statement and Opinion of the Specialist ......... 30

LIST OF FIGURES

Figure 1-1: Locality map indicating the position of the proposed EcoFarm areas. ....................................... 1 Figure 3-1: Topography and elevation of the study site. ............................................................................... 7 Figure 4-1: Soil distribution map for the EcoFarm project site. ..................................................................... 9 Figure 4-2: Classification of soil textural classes......................................................................................... 12 Figure 5-1: Current land cover of the EcoFarm study site. ......................................................................... 15 Figure 5-2: Land use Map of the proposed EcoFarm site. .......................................................................... 16 Figure 6.1. Natural resource-use within the EcoFarm study site ................................................................ 22

LIST OF TABLES

Table 1-1: Composition of the DUATs as part of the EcoFarm Irrigation and Organic Sugarcane Project 2 Table 2-1: Legislation considered in the preparation of the EcoFarm Land & Natural Use Assessment. 5 Table 4-1: Particle size results for the EcoFarm site 11 Table 4-2: Description of the soil colour 13 Table 5-1: Agricultural crop calendar 18 Table 5-2: Livestock raised compared to the % of households who are engaged in livestock production 19 Table 7.4. Impacts and issues identified. 24

LIST OF PLATES

Plate 4-1: Landscape and soil features of the study site. ............................................................................ 11


Coastal & Environmental Services (Pty) Ltd 1 EcoFarm Lda

1 INTRODUCTION

1.1 Project location EcoFarm Mozambique Lda is a development company located on the western outskirts of the town of Chemba, approximately 50 km north of Vila da Sena in the District of Chemba, Sofala Province, Mozambique (Figure 1-1). EcoFarm Mozambique Lda proposes to develop an organic sugar cane project that is designed to process up to 2 000 tonnes of sugar cane per day (TCD) from about 2 800 hectares of planted land. The percentage of irrigable land area to total land area is expected to be in the vicinity of 60%.

Figure 1-1: Locality map indicating the position of the proposed EcoFarm areas.



1.2 Project description The table below depicts the land parcels or DUATs (Direitos de Uso e Aproveitamento da Terra) under consideration for the project. EcoFarm, as the utility company, plans to establish an irrigation and organic sugarcane estate and cattle ranch on three DUATs, one of which has already been issued to EcoFarm. These three DUATs are referred to on the map as ‘EcoFarm 1, EcoFarm 2 and Tsoni Farm. In addition to this estate the project also involves an out-growers’ scheme on two established community co-ops (Cooperativa De Canaveiros Organicos, or ‘COCOs’ as they are locally referred to), namely the Lambane and Chapo co-ops. These two co-ops largely comprise members from the villages of Lambane and Chapo (refer to Chapter 4). Another community co-op is also planned by the government to be incorporated in this scheme, namely the Returning Youths Co-op. Under this out-growers’ scheme EcoFarm will supply the co-ops with irrigation infrastructure, farming equipment and training, for which the co-operative members will sell the sugarcane they produce to EcoFarm. A portion of the community DUATs will also be irrigated by EcoFarm for households to plant their own food crops for food security (explained later). EcoFarm also intends to erect a sugar factory that will ultimately be capable of processing 2 000 tonnes of sugar cane per day (TCD) to produce raw (brown) and “plantation white” sugar. The factory will also be equipped with two medium-pressure, high-temperature boilers that will drive generators to power the factory and external electrically-drive irrigation equipment. The factory will be situated on the northern border of EcoFarm 1 DUAT. Table 1-1: Composition of the DUATs as part of the EcoFarm Irrigation and Organic Sugarcane Project

Legal Entity Area of DUAT

EcoFarm 1 1000ha (already issued)

EcoFarm 2 1000 ha (yet to be issued)

Chapo Co-Operative 500ha (established in 2012)

Lambane Co-Operative 500ha (established in 2012)

Returning Youths Co-operative (to be established) 1000ha (to be established)

Future expansion (either estate or cooperative) +/- 2000 has

Tsoni Farm Lda. +-1000ha

TOTAL +-7,000ha

The project is intended to produce organic sugarcane for processing and shipment to the European market. EcoFarm will own the irrigation infrastructure on its own estate and also on the community co-ops. EcoFarm will operate and maintain this infrastructure and equipment and lease it out to the out-growers of the co-ops. In addition to sugarcane an organic cattle ranch will also be operated by EcoFarm on Tsoni Farm. This ranch will breed Brahman-cross cattle, using cows from the local Nguni cross type cattle and good Brahman bulls. When in full production it is anticipated that this farm will be able to support a herd of up to 5 000 cattle. The cattle will be kept in feedlots to maximise the collection of urine and manure that are required for the production of compost (from manure) to be used as organic fertilisers for the sugarcane. Compost from the cattle manure will also be supplied by EcoFarm to the co-ops for their sugarcane productions.

1.3 Terms of Reference The overall objective of this study is to understand the existing soils, land use patterns and the impacts the proposed project would have on soils and land use patterns both within the concession and the surrounding areas. Specifically, the study objectives are to:

Provide, at a reconnaissance level, a soils map of the proposed project area.

Identify and comment on the different land use patterns within the concession (e.g. productivity levels) and relate these to other areas of Mozambique for comparative purposes.

Evaluate the land capability/suitability of the area at a reconnaissance level and comment on the productive potential of the area for agriculture and other land uses.



Assess the level of dependence of the local inhabitants on the vegetation of the immediate and surrounding areas, and the impact that the removal of this vegetation would have on the community. Close liaison with the social scientists will be essential.

Engage with the social scientists to ensure that questions related to land use are asked during the social impact assessment, to clarify the complexities associated with subsistence land use in particular, seasonal changes in land use.

Map existing land use, including agricultural lands and important biological features including but not limited to forest patches, wetlands and riparian areas and align land use categories with the vegetation map.

Develop strategies, together with the social scientists, to assess impacts related to food security and the extent to which local communities rely on natural resources. This will include identification and mapping of important sources of these natural resources.

Identify the major impacts resulting from present agricultural practices.

Identify and assess the significance of impacts on the soil and agricultural environments that could result from the project and compare with those associated with the “No Go” option” i.e. existing land use practices.

Identify potential food, cash crop and afforestation species that could be used in the rehabilitation process.

Based on the findings on the above, identify both “Restricted Go” areas (Developable areas with major restrictions which can be defined) and Qualified Go areas (Developable areas with qualifications) and provide practical and realistic recommendations and mitigation measures.

Develop a monitoring programme to ensure effective implementation of the recommended mitigation measures.

The study area for this assessment will include:

The Chapo, Lambane, Returning Youths Cooperatives, the Eco Farm 1, Eco Farm 2 and Tsoni Farm DUATs, the potential expansion area to the north of the project site, and all drainage lines (riparian areas and wetlands) and steep slopes leading away from these to a distance of 500m from the nearest proposed sugarcane field,

Linear infrastructure routes (roads, power lines, pipelines) and at any auxiliary infrastructure,

Areas used for agriculture and natural resource use by the local communities

Any host resettlement sites should this be required

1.4 Approach A desktop analysis and a field survey were undertaken. The methodology used is described below. 1.4.1 Desktop analysis Soil distribution and land use reference maps were developed using the following resources:

Topographical map

Soil distribution map of the Chemba District, Mozambique (Scale 1:1 000 000)

Vegetation map (from the Vegetation Assessment Report; CES 2013)

Satellite imagery from Google EarthTM The above-mentioned resources were used as a remote sensing technique. This allowed for a detailed soil and land use analysis of the study site. The following specialist reports have been prepared as part of the EIA process and should also be read in conjunction with this report:

Vegetation Assessment

Socio-economic Impact Assessment

Where relevant, summary content sourced from these documents is provided in this report.



1.4.2 Field survey A field survey was conducted on the 15th to 22nd October 2013 in order to assess land-use, natural resources use and agricultural use onsite. Soil was also collected by AgDevCo on the 22nd February 2013 and sent to a laboratory for analysis (see Appendix A for results). The Guidelines for Soil Description (FAO 4th Ed. 2006) were used to assess the soils data according to international guidelines as set out in the second edition of the World Reference Base for Soil Resources (WRB) (FAO, 2006).

1.5 Assumptions and Limitations This report is based on currently available information and, as a result, the following assumptions and limitations are implicit:–

The report is based on a project description taken from design specifications for the proposed EcoFarm project that have not yet been finalised, and which are likely to undergo a number of iterations and refinements before they can be regarded as definitive;

Descriptions of the surrounding environment are based on extensive fieldwork and available literature.



2 RELEVANT LEGISLATION The following legislation is relevant when considering impacts on the existing Land and Natural Resources use identified for the EcoFarm site. Table 2-1: Legislation considered in the preparation of the EcoFarm Land & Natural Use Assessment.

Title of legislation, policy or guideline

Date Implications for the proposed EcoFarm

Mozambique Legislation

Constitution of the Republic of Mozambique, articles 109 and 111

2004 All ownership of land is vested in the state.

The state shall recognize and protect land rights acquired through inheritance or by occupation, unless there is a legal reservation or the land has been lawfully granted to another person or entity.

Land Law No 19 of 1997

1997 This law provides the legal framework for land ownership, as well as the control of land and natural resources in Mozambique. The process of determining land rights is also explained by this law.

Environmental Act No 20 of 1997

1997 The objective of the Environment Law is to define the legal basis for judicious utilisation and management of the environment and its components, with a view to achieving sustainable development in the country

National Water Act No 7 of 1995

1995 The project has the potential to significantly affect not only the reliability of water supply to the project’s surrounding villages, but also the quality of this water.

Forest and Wildlife Act No 10 of 1999

1999 This law bears relevance as the project will have significant impacts on the surrounding forest and natural resources. One of the main objectives of the law is to assist in conserving and utilising the forests and wildlife resources for the social, ecological and economic benefits of the future generations (Development Bank of Southern Africa, 2007). The law also identifies protected areas, including cultural and heritage sites.

International Legislation

IFC Sector Specific Guidelines

2012 The IFC is a member of the World Bank Group, and one of the largest development financing institutions that focuses exclusively on the private sector in developing countries (IFC, 2012).

The IFC its Performance Standard Guideline no 6 (Biodiversity Conservation and Sustainable Management of Living Natural Resources) on Environmental and Social Sustainability is relevant for this study:

Protect and conserve biodiversity; and

Promote the sustainable management and use of natural resources through the adoption of practices that integrate conservation needs and development priorities.



3 DESKTOP ANALYSIS This section provides a short description of the current state of the natural environment of the proposed new EcoFarm area in the Chemba District in the Sofala Province of Mozambique.

3.1 Climate The climate is classified as a dry savannah climate with two distinct seasons; the wet season which runs from the end of October to March with an annual average rainfall of 1 563±127mm. Peak rainfall occurs during the months of January and February when average rainfall is around 170mm per month. Most of the flooding in the region occurs as a result of heavy rainfall upstream of the Cahora Bassa Dam. The dry season extends for six months from April to the start of the rainy season. Average rainfall in the Chemba District is in the order of 700mm/a, almost all of which falls in the summer months. Rainfall peaks in January and February and the winters are essentially dry. The area is prone to both severe droughts and flooding, with months of drought often followed by heavy storms and high floods (Ferro and Bouman, 1987).

3.2 Geology Sedimentary rocks of the Sena Formation of Cretaceous age underlie the study area (Ferro and Bouman, 1987). This formation comprises sandstone, calcarentites, conglomerates and siltstones and can attain a thickness of more than 2 500m. Its depositional history is related to the breakup of Gondwanaland some 160 Ma ago and the infilling of the Mozambique Basin. Quaternary-aged unconsolidated sedimentary deposits are associated with river courses and the floodplain of the Zambezi River. The entire property is covered with a sandy soil horizon and no rock exposures were observed.

3.3 Topography The study area has undulating topography and is located adjacent to the Zambezi River. It has an altitudinal range of 70 – 300 metres above sea level (masl) (see Figure 4-2). The study area is situated in the middle valley of the Zambezi River. The valley is hot and supports semi-arid woodland and savannah. The topography can be described as gently undulating; it elevates from east (Zambezi River) to west with the highest point being 305 masl just to the north of the study area (Figure 3-1).



Figure 3-1: Topography and elevation of the study site.

3.4 Surface water hydrology The Zambezi River flows for 820km within the country, from the border with Zambia and Zimbabwe down to the sea at the Chinde delta. The Zambezi alone holds 50% of the country’s water, excluding Lake Niassa, making it the most important natural water resource in the country and one of the most important in southern Africa.



The Shire River, which drains from Lake Malawi, enters the Zambezi River downstream of the project site approximately 160km from the coast. The Zambezi River flows past the study area, which is approximately 4km away. In addition, the Nhazimba River, a tributary to the Zambezi, flows through the northern section of the study area. The Sangadeze River flows to the south of the study area, and is also a tributary to the Zambezi River (see Figure 3-1).

3.5 Impacts Identified The following issues were identified in this section:

ISSUE RECOMMENDATION

Surface soil erosion potential Surface water and run-off disturbance and resultant surface erosion potential.

All run-off water must be collected, channelled and disposed of. The site must be visually monitored for occurrences of erosion, which must be recorded. If erosion occurs the necessary changes to the surface drainage system must be implemented.



4 SOILS 4.1 General description The soils of the EcoFarm study site are derived from two main parent materials: sandstone and alluvium. The sandstone is the parent material for upland soils while the alluvium is confined to river valleys and flood plains (taken from the AgDevCo Soils Report, 2012). The resultant soils derived from the sandstone consist of deep (>150cm), fine-grained sandy loam overlaying well-drained, fine-grained sandy clay loam that may be considered as being of reasonable fertility. The upland soils occur in the undulating landscapes that sometimes consist of ridges and dissected landscapes covered by rounded and sub-rounded quartz gravels at the surface. Alluvium found in the river valleys consists of deep (>150cm) well-drained medium to coarse grained sandy loams overlaying dark brown to black alluvial sandy clay loams and sandy clays. These soils are considered as well drained and fertile.

4.2 Soil types Three soil types have been broadly defined for a section of the study area by Dr Alois Hungwe of Imagen Consulting (AgDevCo EcoFarm Report, 2012). This description was expanded to include the entire EcoFarm study site.

Figure 4-1: Soil distribution map for the EcoFarm project site.



Soil Type 1: This is the main soil type found in the area and occurs on the upland interfluves on old alluvium. They consist of deep (>150cm) sandy loams and sandy clay loams overlying similar sandy loams and sandy clay loams. The soils are non-sodic and well drained. They are suitable for crop production. Soil Type 1a: These are sodic soils which occur in the low lying drainage areas of the stream and river drainage areas. They consist of deep sandy loams and sandy clay loams, overlying sandy clays and sandy clay loams. The sodic horizons tend to appear at depths of 40 to 70cm. These soils are of restricted suitability for crop production. Soil Type 2: These soils are found in the lower lying drainage areas of the project site. They consist of deep (>150cm) medium to coarse grained sandy loams and sandy clay loams overlying similar sandy clay loams. The soils are non-sodic and well drained. The good drainage, good fertility and depth make these soils well suited for crop production. However, their location in drainage areas may mean that agricultural activities may impact on the drainage of the area unless provision is made in the irrigation design. The various landscape and soil features found on site are illustrated in Plate 4-1 below:

The landscape is characterised by flat to low undulating plains

Soils on the wide open flats are classified as sandy loams with little to no rocks and few clasts.



Alluvium contained in the lower lying drainage systems are darker coloured and well drained sandy

clay loams.

Ridgelines found on site Scattered rounded pebbles and rock found at

surface.

Plate 4-1: Landscape and soil features of the study site.

4.3 Detailed soil description Soil was also collected by AgDevCo on the 22nd February 2013 and sent to a laboratory for analysis (see Appendix A for results). The Guidelines for Soil Description (FAO 4th Ed. 2006) was used to assess the soil data according to international guidelines as set out in the second edition of the World Reference Base for Soil Resources (WRB) (FAO, 2006). 4.3.1 Soil texture Soil texture refers to the proportion of the various particle-size classes in a given soil volume and is described as soil textural class (Figure 4-2). The names for the particle-size classes were determined by using the 2000-63-2 µm system for particle-size fractions. Table 4-1: Particle size results for the EcoFarm site

(Source: AgDevCo)

Clay Silt Sand

8 10 82

8 12 80

12 17 71



Clay Silt Sand

16 22 62

6 6 88

6 11 83

6 8 86

8 12 80

10 14 76

6 10 84

8 13 79

14 15 71

16 17 67

10 14 76

10 13 78

Figure 4-2: Classification of soil textural classes (Source: FAO Report, 2006)



Averages for soil samples taken from Table 4-2 show a composition of 10% clay, 13% silt and 78% sand. Overlaying this information onto Figure 4-2 classifies soils at the EcoFarm site as: Sandy loam. 4.3.2 Soil colour Soil colour reflects the composition as well as the past and present oxidation/reduction conditions of the soil. It is generally determined by coatings of very fine particles of humified organic matter (dark), iron oxides (yellow, brown, orange and red), manganese oxides (black) and others, or it may be due to the colour of the parent rock. The colour of the soil matrix of each horizon is recorded in dry conditions using the notations for hue, value and chroma as given in the Munsell Soil Color Charts (Munsell, 1975). Hue is the dominant spectral colour (red, yellow, green, blue or violet), value is the lightness or darkness of colour ranging from 1 (dark) to 8 (light), and chroma is the purity or strength of colour ranging from 1 (pale) to 8 (bright). Where there is no dominant soil matrix colour, the horizon is described as mottled and two or more colours are given. Table 4-2: Description of the soil colour

Hue Value Chroma

yellow 5 4

4.3.3 Other classifications Soil pH: Average site soil pH was determined to be 6.3 and as such is considered to be balanced/neutral. Organic matter content: Organic matter refers to all decomposed, partly decomposed and undecomposed organic material of plant and animal origin. Soils at EcoFarm range between 1.17 and 2 % organic material and is considered as average fertility. Water holding capacity: Undetermined. Porosity Undetermined Based on the above-mentioned classification soil at the EcoFarm can be classified as a well-drained, deep, loamy soil with an optimum soil pH (6.3). Based on the soil classification for sandy loams, it is expected to have a soil porosity of 50% or higher. As such the soil is considered good for a wide variety of agricultural crops including sugarcane. The major concern for soils onsite is erodibility, especially for the low lying (Type 2) soils contained within drainage systems. The main challenge in these areas is the need for well-designed drainage channels to divert flood waters from the proposed new irrigated lands while minimising the loss of fertile surface soil through erosion.



4.4 Impacts identified The following issues were identified in this section:


Surface soil erosion potential Surface water and run-off disturbance and resultant surface erosion potential especially on the low lying Type 2 soils contained within the various drainage systems found onsite.

All run-off water must be collected, channelled and disposed of. The site must be visually monitored for occurrences of erosion, which must be recorded. If erosion occurs the necessary changes to the surface drainage system must be implemented.

Permanent change in current soil conditions Introducing a new land use (sugarcane farming) will cause a drastic change in the existing soil properties

Ensure that soil monitoring and treatment is an on-going process throughout the life of the proposed EcoFarm.



5 LAND USE

5.1 Land cover The current land cover of the EcoFarm study site is defined as naturally occurring Woodland located on a flat to slightly undulated landscape (Figure 5-1). The Woodland is differentiated into Wooded Grassland (scattered woodland species scattered in grassland), Mopani Woodland (dense woodland with Mopani as the dominant species, and Zambezi Undifferentiated Woodland (dense woodland with no dominant species). Riparian vegetation lines all drainage systems. Areas of cultivation were identified. These areas consist of 1ha (average size) plots called machambas where subsistence farming is practised. Scattered settlements were found onsite with only one village identified. This village (Nachalomo Village) cannot be clearly demarcated as the settlement belonging to this specific village are scattered over a large area. Various gravel roads link these settlements to each other.

Figure 5-1: Current land cover of the EcoFarm study site.

5.2 Land use The current land cover of the study site allows for certain land uses to take place. The largest and most important land use in the study area is agriculture. Agriculture is an integral part of the local inhabitants’ livelihoods, and forms the backbone of the area and country’s informal economy. Other land use practices include:



Settlement (villages and roads)

Logging

Beekeeping

Figure 5-2 below depicts the locations of the different land use practices taking place onsite.

Figure 5-2: Land use Map of the proposed EcoFarm site.

5.3 Agriculture Agricultural production is closely linked to food security and, as a result, high levels of subsistence farming coupled with irregular harvesting sometimes result in erratic cycles of poverty and hunger. This is enhanced by extended periods between planting and harvesting, and a rise in waterborne diseases during the wet season (generally between December and March). 5.3.1 Agriculture in Mozambique Mozambique has experienced rapid economic growth over the last decade or more with a 7.2% GDP growth for agriculture from 2003-2010. Also, close to 80% of the adult population is employed in the agricultural sector. Despite this growth, poverty remains high and is concentrated in rural areas where many households derive their income from traditional agricultural activities. There are about 36 million hectares of arable land in Mozambique, suitable for agriculture. At present, only 10% of the arable land (3.9 million hectares) is under cultivation. The remainder of the area is under pastures (44 million ha) and forest /woodlands (30.7 million ha). About 118 000

Nachalomo Village



hectares are equipped for irrigation, covering 3% of the potential land (FAO Statistic Yearbook 2010 & Food and Agriculture Organization, Emergency Mozambique Fact Sheet). Animal husbandry is an underdeveloped sector. Cattle, goats, sheep and pigs are reared in back-yard scavenger systems. There is a small fast-growing modern poultry industry. In 2009, livestock accounted for 1.2 million of head of cattle, 4.5 million sheep and goats, 1.3 million pigs, and 18 million poultry. Beef production was estimated at 22 000 tons; pig meat 91 000 tons; poultry meat 22,000 tons; cows’ milk 75 000 tons; and hen eggs 14 million (FAO Statistic Yearbook 2010; Mozambique at a glance, 2011). 5.3.2 Agriculture in the Chemba District of the Sofala Province Agricultural practices in the Chemba District have been divided into crop farming, animal husbandry and fishing. Currently no commercial farming is taking place onsite as the only farming observed was subsistence farming. 5.3.3 Crop farming The SIA (CES Report) shows that up to 84.2% of households practise crop farming. Most of these households (97.6%) practise crop farming on a separate piece of land (machamba), whereas some of these households (2.4%) have either a small crop area around their homestead, a machamba, or both. Machambas Of those that normally practise crop farming on a separate piece of land, 86.6% currently have productive fields that are under a planting regime. The SIA revealed that machambas are normally around one to two hectares in size. However, based upon CES’s experience with Mozambique rural farmers, few fields are rarely larger than 1ha. Many of the villagers close to the Zambezi River and its tributaries prefer to make their fields on small island patches to take advantage of the productive soil. This has the advantage of having fertile fields, but the disadvantage of occasional floods and the loss of entire harvests. Machambas within the study site are all located within riparian zones. This may be because the soils in these areas are more fertile (See Chapter 4) when compared to other soils in the area. Few households practice shifting cultivation, which means that the largest majority of fields are permanently under cultivation. Supporting this is the fact that the majority of current fields were under permanent cultivation the last few years (99.1%), whereas 0.8% constitute either new fields, or fields that simply have not been under a planting regime during the last year. Most farmers practise intercropping (supports more than one crop simultaneously). Nearly all the fields are rain-fed (some use watering cans from wells or boreholes); whilst nearly all fields are cultivated by means of simple hand tools such as a hoe and spade. No fertilisers are used, as many households rely on burning their fields after a harvest, which is believed to restore the fertility of the land. 5.3.4 Food crops Maize, sorghum/millet and beans are the primary cultivated crops in the area. Maize (a seasonal crop) is usually planted between November and February, with various other crops intercropped at the same time. Cotton is planted after maize has been harvested and is not intercropped with maize. Cotton fields are prepared around May to July. Beans sweet potatoes, tomatoes and sesame are typically intercropped and planted throughout the year. Alternatively smaller cash-crops also include peas, peppers, vegetables, sugarcane and onions.



Cassava, a versatile and attractive crop to plant in rural areas, as it tends to assist households with overcoming periods of food insecurity, is intercropped with various other crop types throughout the year. The majority harvests are primarily used for subsistence and self-consumption purposes, although some do obtain a small income from cash crops (vegetables, tomatoes and nuts, for example) which they sell along the roads, in local markets, or in Chemba. 5.3.5 Agricultural Calendar Different crops are planted and harvested during different time intervals throughout the year. The table below identifies different planting and harvest seasons for the most common crops planted: Table 5-1: Agricultural crop calendar

Crop Start of planting season Start of harvest season

Cotton Dec/Jan May/June

Maize/Sorghum/Millet

First planting season = Oct/Nov First harvesting season =

Nov

Second planting season = March Second harvesting season =

Jun/Jul

Beans March-June Aug-Sep

The table above is a generalisation. It should be noted that most crops are actually harvested on an ad hoc basis throughout a particular period of the year. For example, although the estimated harvesting seasons for maize, sorghum and millet is said to be around November/December and June/July, entire fields are not harvested at once. Cassava is another case in point, as this crop is actually harvested throughout the year. 5.3.6 Agricultural Challenges and Support The most obvious and serious challenges for the farmers of the area are related to pest control and the need for modern farming equipment. No commercial pest control methods are currently used onsite, while the most widely used farming implement is the hoe. Another agricultural challenge is that of water, which relates both to the damage caused by floods, (excessive water) and droughts (absence of water). Although many machambas are planted on small islands, access to water for irrigation remains problematic as these islands dry-up during the dry season. Alternatively, during the rainy season, floods can sometimes ruin entire harvests, especially if water levels rise unexpectedly. Access to land was not seen as a problem or challenge in the area, although this might become a concern should the cumulative development of the area be taken into consideration. Few farmers receive agricultural support. Government subsidy is given for the production of corn, sorghum, beans and vegetables in emergency situations (floods or droughts), while cotton companies assist farmers in the area with cotton seeds and pesticides. 5.3.7 Production Trees Apart from agricultural crops local households are also largely reliant on fruit and other trees, growing mostly in or around homesteads. Income from harvested fruit can be significant, and a major economic contributor during poverty cycles and hunger months. The following trees are utilised onsite:

Avocado

Mandarine



Orange

Cashew

Banana

Mango

Papaya

Massaniqueira

Moringa

The massaniqueria and moringa trees are both local, wild-growing trees used for medicinal purposes. These trees are well-known throughout Mozambique for their medicinal properties. 5.3.8 Fishing The Zambezi River and its tributaries support a small fishing sector that primarily revolves around household subsistence. Around 19.2% of households are involved in fishing, most of which are located in the villages that are close to the river. The fishing season ranges significantly with the river’s flow regime, although the months of September to November are said to be accompanied by the most fish (when the river’s water table rises). Fishing methods includes both land-based fishing (fishing from the river bank) and water-based fishing (self-constructed canoes and small dinghies). Fish are mostly sold at the Chemba market or self-consumed. 5.3.9 Livestock The cultural value of livestock is significant in rural Mozambique villages, not only as a food source but alsofor bartering purposes and traditional ceremonies Statistics (shown in the SEA, CES document) show that around half of households’ onsite owns livestock. This low number is mainly due to the civil war in the 1980s as well as severe droughts lately. The table below depicts the types of livestock raised onsite as well as the percentage of households having livestock. Table 5-2: Livestock raised compared to the % of households who are engaged in livestock production

(Source: SEA, CES Document, 2013)

Livestock raised % of households engaging in livestock production

Chickens and/or ducks 68.3%

Goats 50.8%

Pigs 43.7%

Cattle 19.7%

Chickens and ducks are a vital and trustworthy source of food, especially in times when agricultural productions are low. This is followed by goats. Cattle are kept by a small number of households for economic, subsistence, and cultural practices. Only 9.3% of households have a livestock enclosure. Most livestock are free range.

5.4 Food Security According to the 2009 Human Development Report of the United Nations Development Programme, about 55% of the population of Mozambique is living in poverty, nearly half are illiterate, and about 40% is undernourished.



Mozambique is particularly vulnerable to natural disasters such as droughts and floods, with a total of 15 over the last 25 years. These events greatly damaged the rural sector and the country’s overall economy. For example, the floods of 2000 affected some 2 million people, while the droughts of 1994 and 1996 affected 1.5 million people in the southern and central parts of the country.[ The World Bank. Mozambique Agricultural Development Strategy Stimulating Smallholder Agricultural Growth, February 23, 2006] 90% of the land is made up of farms of 10 hectares or less. Large-scale productive farming is virtually non-existent. Cyclones in Mozambique occur during the cropping season, from October to April. In February 2007, Cyclone Flávio caused widespread damage in Inhambane, Sofala and Manica provinces. By far, among the most common plagues in Mozambique, the most devastating for agriculture is the red locust, which is endemic in the Pungwe basin. The poor are particularly vulnerable to weather-induced risks simply by virtue of their poverty. Poor households have few assets to sell and their consumption is already low, so in times of scarcity they do not have much to buffer them from food insecurity. In rural areas throughout Mozambique and Africa in general, food security always remains a challenge. Although most onsite households have farmlands, selling agricultural produce is the main means to obtain income. This has the unintentional consequence of food insecurity; a situation which is worsened by erratic weather conditions, droughts and floods that reduce harvests. In such a setting further land loss through commercial development will have a significant impact on the community. The SIA quantitatively assessed food security in the study site. It was determined that most households consume Xima (a local cornmeal), beans, nuts and fish as their staple food on a weekly basis. A smaller percentage of households regularly consume maize, which is season-dependent. However, maize is normally consumed throughout the year, as harvesting is on-going throughout the year. Although food is available throughout the year volumes are not considered as sufficient. The primary reason for this can be attributed to both floods and drought conditions. As previously explained, floods frequently inundate many machambas situated on island patches and within drainage systems, whereas a drought affects their rain-fed planting regime. Since most households seem to be food insecure it makes sense that the vast majority (up to 77.6% as determined by the SIA) share their harvests and food with other households. This suggests strong inter-household social relations and food support patterns. Sharing food might also reinforce implicit moral contracts between households, which simply refers to social ‘obligations’ between households, and which many rely on as a livelihood coping response in times of stress or, in this case, food insecurity. These figures mirror food security in Mozambique in general.

5.5 Settlements

Settlements in the study site are scattered with no clear demarcation observed. Households are extended and can comprise more than one family in one single house structure or homestead.

A single village was identified within the study site (called Nachalomo Village), but even this village has no clear demarcation as is typical of rural settlements throughout Africa.

Various gravel roads transect the site but are mostly used in the logging process.

5.6 Logging Logging activities are concentrated in the EcoFarm 1, EcoFarm 2 and Tsoni COCOs (Figure 5.2). This is where Chinese contractors were given permission to remove Mopane trees for export. This



has created job opportunities for locals and is currently on of the few permanent sources of regular salaried income for the local inhabitants. Mopane wood is one of southern Africa's heaviest wood types and is difficult to work because of its hardness. However, this also makes it termite resistant. For this reason it has long been used for building houses and fences and as railway sleepers. The termite-resistant, rich, reddish colouring also make it popular for flooring.

5.7 Beekeeping The central and southern sections of Mozambique have huge potential for honey and wax production. The climate is conductive to beekeeping with the major vegetation types (savannah, woodland and forest) are capable of supporting large bee populations. The honey bee found in the area is most likely the African honeybee (Apis mellifera scutellata), an aggressive but very productive bee. Traditional beekeeping has always been part of the lifestyle of most rural families in Mozambique, with experience being passed from one generation to the next. The majority of beekeepers utilise traditional hives constructed from either bark or the trunks of locally available trees. Although some of the beekeepers work in association, the produce is harvested individually. Hives are harvested twice a year. Due to the lack of protective clothing rural beekeepers harvest their colonies at night (taken from the Situation Analysis of Beekeeping Industry TTA (Pty) ltd.).



Loss of agricultural land Loss of agricultural land (crop fields) due to establishment of commercial farming

Landowners may be displaced or the EcoFarm development, which may result in a loss of crops and production trees. It is recommended to avoid displacing any existing mashambas. If this is unavoidable the community will have to be compensated for the economic value of the crops and production trees lost, or alternative cultivated land made available..

Reduction in food security Food security in the area is already very low. Commercial development will have a major impact on an already strained food security.

Aid should be given to the local farmers in the form of introducing better agricultural methods, implements, infrastructure, etc. to aid them in improving their harvests with appropriate technology and seed provision. Another possibility might be for the developer to consider making excess water from the irrigation scheme available to some villagers in the form of tanks or water taps.



6 NATURAL RESOURCE USE A wide array of natural resources (or ecosystem services) is utilised within the proposed EcoFarm site. The term ‘ecosystem services’ is used to distinguish between the resources and processes supplied by the natural environment (or ecosystem) and that are used by people. For the project at hand, ‘ecosystem services’ refers to the following:

The usage of natural water from rivers and boreholes;

Using and planting fertile lands for agricultural production (through shifting and/or rotational crop cultivation practices);

Natural resource-use, such as plants (for cultural, subsistence, commercial and/or medicinal purposes) and wood (for energy or selling, such as to make charcoal)

The figure below collates all the natural resource-use activities in which local inhabitants are engaged.

Figure 6.1. Natural resource-use within the EcoFarm study site

Figure 6.1 shows that most households are engaged in bee-keeping (64.1%), gathering grasses and reeds for house thatch (38.4%) and collecting wild plants for medicinal purposes (38.4%). The same percentage of households seems to utilise the area for collecting wild vegetables, as well as livestock grazing (predominantly cattle and goats). Collecting wood for firewood is the sixth largest category (28.8% of households are engaged in gathering wood), whereas collecting sand and/or clay either for brick-making or pottery is also practiced by a significant proportion (16.7%) of households. What should be noted is that activities such as charcoal-making and wood gathering for selling, normally practised by a high percentage of households in rural Africa, are far less undertaken on the study site. The reason for this may be attributed to the fact that the area is operated by 12 logging companies. These companies may either have reduced access to wood sources, or may restrict locals from using particular trees that are reserved for logging. Few households are engaged in hunting (only 8.9%), as the area does not have much wildlife after the civil war. Animals frequently seen being hunted include the small antelopes, rabbits, bush goats, guinea fowls, wild pigs and cane rats. Certain wild plant species render an important ecosystem service in terms of medicinal, food or commercial purposes. Plant species are used for very specific reasons. Local plants that are used for medicinal purposes include several shrub and/or tree species such as the locally named

0.0 10.0 20.0 30.0 40.0 50.0 60.0 70.0

Insect harvesting/beekeeping

Thatch

Medicinal plants

Wild vegetables

Grazing land for livestock

Firewood

Sand/clay

Weaving

Wood crafts

Wild animal meat

Charcoal-making

Wood/bamboo poles

64.1

39.1

38.4

31.7

31.0

28.8

16.7

11.0

9.6

8.9

3.9

2.5



Mpindulo, Nhamatubo, Nhansanganha and Nconde. Certain trees which are used for their timber potential include the locally named Sha Chanati, Pau Preto (Portuguese name), as well as the Amarula Tree (English name). Trees that are said to be used for canoe-making include the Mangueira Brava and Chanfuta trees (Portuguese names). Other ecosystem services includes stone collecting for road making



Permanent loss of natural resources Construction of irrigation infrastructure may result in permanent loss of fruit trees, wood sources and other natural resources

Portions of land should be put aside for traditional land and resource use purposes. This will allow for locals to proceed practising traditional uses while at the same time being exposed to modern uses.



7 IMPACT IDENTIFICATION AND ASSESSMENT

7.1 Introduction This chapter identifies the potential impacts (both negative and positive) of the proposed project on the natural and land use environments as well as impacts on soils found in the proposed EcoFarm study site. By so doing it provides mitigation measures for the developer to implement to reduce possible project-induced negative impacts, but also to enhance the positive impacts of the project. These impacts have been identified after conducting a site visit, as well as from a desktop study of the project site. The impacts in this chapter are listed in no particular order. Each impact has been aggregated into several issues. Each issue (as a heading) has a common theme and management strategy at its core.

7.2 Methodology The methodology used to evaluate the severity of impacts is set out in section 4 of the Introduction to the Specialist Volume.

7.3 A Summary of Impacts and Issues Identified The following 5 issues and 7 impacts are discussed in this section (in no particular order): Table 7.4. Impacts and issues identified.

Issue No

Issue Impact

No Impact

1. Potential to increase the surface soil erosion potential.

1.1. Clearing natural vegetation cover may cause an increase in surface water and run-off disturbance and resultant surface erosion.

2. Loss of traditional agricultural land and crops

2.1. Loss of traditional agricultural land (crop fields) due to the establishment of commercial farming.

3. Reduction in food security

3.1. Food security in the area is already very low. Commercial development will have a major impact on an already strained food security.

4. Permanent loss of natural resources

4.1. Construction of new commercial farming infrastructure may result in permanent loss of fruit trees, wood sources and other natural resources.

7.4 Impact Assessment 7.4.1 Issue 1: Potential to increase the surface soil erosion Soil erosion is a form of soil degradation. Other forms of soil degradation include soil compaction, loss of organic material, loss of soil structure, poor internal drainage, salinization, and soil acidity problems, all of which can contribute to accelerated soil erosion. Soil erosion is a naturally occurring process that can occur over short or long periods of time. Soil erosion takes place on all landforms. The natural agents of soil erosion are water and wind. Soil erodibility is the susceptibility of soil to being eroded or, conversely, the ability of soils to resist erosion. Erodibility is a function of the physical characteristics of each soil type. Generally sand, sandy loam and loam textured soils tend to be less erodible than silt, fine sand and clay soils. Impact 1.1. Clearing natural vegetation cover may cause an increase in surface water and run-off disturbance and resultant surface erosion.



Cause and comment Erosion becomes a problem when human activities cause soil erosion to occur at an accelerated rate compared to natural conditions. At the EcoFarm site this may be caused by an increase in hard surfaces (e.g. new roads, parking areas, concrete slabs etc.) where high energy stormwater (i.e. fast moving surface water) originating from the hard surfaces caused by the removal of the protective vegetation layer. Excessive erosion reduces soil productivity and settlement of eroded soils can block and/or contaminate water courses and rivers. Mitigation and enhancement management

All run-off water must be collected, channelled and disposed of in an appropriate manner.

The site must be visually monitored for occurrences of erosion, which must be recorded.

If erosion occurs the necessary changes to the surface drainage system must be implemented.

With mitigation Should appropriate mitigation measures be in place, the impact should be LOW NEGATIVE as the severity and risk scales indicate slight and unlikely effects respectively. Without mitigation Without any stormwater structures in place the possibility of soil erosion (especially sheet, rill and gully erosion) is high and the resultant impact may be MODERATE NEGATIVE as a result of the long term temporal scale and a definite risk scale. Significance statement

Impact

Effect

Risk or likelihood

Overall Significance Temporal scale Spatial scale

Severity of impact

Clearing natural vegetation cover may cause an increase in surface water and run-off disturbance and resultant surface erosion.

Without mitigation

Long Term Study area Moderate Definite MODERATE -

With mitigation Long Term Study area Slight Unlikely LOW -

7.4.2 Issue 2: Loss of traditional agriculture land and crops Agriculture in Mozambique has experienced rapid economic growth over the last decade or more with a 7.2% GDP growth for agriculture from 2003 to 2010. Also, close to 80% of the adult population is employed in the agricultural sector. Despite this growth, poverty remains high and is concentrated in rural areas where many households derive their income from traditional agricultural activities. Also, few households onsite practise shifting cultivation, which means that the largest majority of fields are permanent and permanently under cultivation. Impact 2.1. Loss of traditional agricultural land (crop fields) due to the establishment of commercial farming. Cause and comment Landowners may be displaced from their lands by the proposed new EcoFarm development. Most inhabitants of the proposed EcoFarm site practise subsistence agriculture to survive and earn income. Losing this land will have a detrimental effect on the local communities and thus cause a loss in income. Mitigation and enhancement management

It is recommended to avoid displacing any existing mashambas (farm land).

If this is unavoidable the community will have to be compensated for the economic value of the land, or alternative land for cultivation made available., or a combination of both.



With mitigation Should appropriate mitigation measures be in place the impact should be LOW NEGATIVE as the temporal and spatial scales indicate long-term and regional effects respectively. Without mitigation Unless alternative land is made available the possibility of a decrease in agricultural capability is high and the resultant impact will be HIGH NEGATIVE during the construction and operational phases. Significance statement

Impact Effect

Risk or likelihood

Overall Significance Temporal scale Spatial scale Severity of impact

Loss of traditional agricultural land (crop fields) due to the establishment of commercial farming.

Without mitigation

Permanent Study area Severe Definite HIGH -

With mitigation Permanent Study area Slight Unlikely LOW -

7.4.3 Issue 3: Reduction in food security In rural areas throughout Mozambique and even Africa in general, food security always remains a challenge. Although most onsite households have farmlands, selling agricultural produce is the main means to obtain income. This has the unintentional consequence of food insecurity; a situation which is worsened by erratic weather conditions, draughts and floods that reduce harvests. In such a setting, further land loss through commercial development will have a significant impact on the community. Impact 3.1. Food security in the area is already very low. Commercial development will have a major impact on an already strained food security. Cause and comment Loosing farming areas will result in the further loss of an already insecure food security situation onsite. Mitigation and enhancement management

Aid should be given to the local farmers in the form of introducing better agricultural methods, implements, infrastructure, etc. to aid them in improving their harvests with appropriate technology and seed provision.

It is recommended to avoid displacing any existing farm land.

Another possibility might be for the developer to consider making excess water from the irrigation scheme available to some villagers in the form of tanks or water taps.

With mitigation The impact is MODERATE NEGATIVE during construction. Without mitigation The impact is LOW NEGATIVE due to the slight severity of the impact. It will become positive if the mitigations results in a substantial project-related benefits to the local communities. Significance statement

Impact Effect

Risk or likelihood

Overall Significance Temporal scale Spatial scale Severity of impact

Reduction in food security

Without mitigation

Permanent Study area Severe Definite MODERATE-




7.4.4 Issue 4: Permanent loss of natural resources Natural resources are defined as materials and components that occur naturally within the natural environment. A natural resource may exist as a separate entity such as fresh water, and air, as well as living organisms such as animals or fish. Natural resources may also exist in forms that require processing to obtain the usable resource, such as metal ores, oil and gas. Natural resources refer to the following:

The usage of natural water from rivers and boreholes;

Using and planting fertile lands for agricultural production (through shifting and/or rotational crop cultivation practices);

Natural resource-use, such as plants (for cultural, subsistence, commercial and/or medicinal purposes) and wood (for energy or selling, such as to make charcoal)

Impact 4.1. Construction of new commercial farming infrastructure may result in permanent loss of fruit trees, wood sources and other natural resources. Cause and comment The depletion of natural resources has become a major focus of governments and organisations around the world. Most of these governments are currently introducing sustainable development strategies and practices to ensure that it meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. Various mitigation measures should be implemented to ensure social advancement through industrial development while still conserving natural resources for future use. Mitigation and enhancement management

Portions of land should be put aside for traditional land and resource use purposes. This will allow for locals to proceed practising traditional uses while at the same time being exposed to modern uses.

With mitigation Should appropriate mitigation measures be in place, the impact should be LOW NEGATIVE as the severity and risk scales indicate slight and unlikely effects respectively. Without mitigation Without mitigation, the impact may be HIGH NEGATIVE as a result of the long term temporal scale and a definite risk scale. Significance statement

Impact

Effect

Risk or likelihood

Overall Significance Temporal scale Spatial scale

Severity of impact

Construction of new commercial farming infrastructure may result in permanent loss of fruit trees, wood sources and other natural resources.

Without mitigation

Permanent Study area Severe Definite HIGH -




8 LAND AND NATURAL RESOURCE USE MONITORING PROGRAMME

Monitoring programmes are required to check and assess the implementation and performance of all mitigation measures proposed in this report to ensure that the current land and natural resource use issues identified are adequately addressed.

8.1 Objectives of a monitoring programme The Monitoring Programme (MPr) has been compiled to provide recommendations and guidelines according to which compliance monitoring can be done during the construction and operation of the proposed new EcoFarm sugarcane plantation outside Chemba in the Sofala Province of Mozambique, as well as to ensure that all land and natural resource factors are considered to ensure for environmentally responsible development. The purpose of the MPr is to provide specifications for "good environmental practice" for application during construction and operation. This MPr informs all relevant and all other staff employed by EcoFarm at the site as to their duties in the fulfilment of the legal requirements for the construction and operation of the EcoFarm plantation with particular reference to the prevention and mitigation of anticipated potential environmental impacts. The objectives of the MPr are to:

Ensure compliance with regulatory authority stipulations and guidelines which may be local, provincial, national and/or international;

Ensure that there is sufficient allocation of resources on the project budget so that the scale of MPr-related activities is consistent with the significance of project impacts;

Verify environmental performance through information on impacts as they occur;

Respond to unforeseen events;

Provide feedback for continual improvement in environmental performance;

Identify a range of mitigation measures which could reduce and mitigate the potential impacts to minimal or insignificant levels;

Detail specific actions deemed necessary to assist in mitigating the environmental impact of the project;

Identify measures that could optimise beneficial impacts;

Create management structures that address the concerns and complaints with regards to the development;

Establish a method of monitoring and auditing environmental management practices during all phases of the activity;

Specify time periods within which the measures contemplated in the final environmental management programme must be implemented, where appropriate;

8.2 Mitigation and/or management measures A variety of potential impacts are associated with the construction and operational activities for this project. These impacts can be categorised as general impacts as well as impacts specifically related to this site. General best practice rules should be followed at all times. In addition to this the specific mitigation measures and recommendations as highlighted by the Specialist Report for this specific site are highlighted below.


The site must be regularly visually monitored for occurrences of erosion, especially after heavy rainfall events, which must be recorded.


It is recommended to avoid displacing any existing machambas (farm land).



If this is unavoidable the community will have to be compensated for the economic value of the land.


Another possibility might be for the developer to consider making excess water from the irrigation scheme available to some villagers in the form of tanks or water taps

Portions of land should be put aside for traditional land and resource use purposes. This will allow for locals to proceed practicing traditional uses while at the same time being exposed to modern uses.

8.3 Monitoring This monitoring programme will be implemented for the duration of the EcoFarm plantation. This programme will include:

Establishing a baseline through the taking of photographs of identified environmental aspects and potential impact sites along the routes prior to construction

Quarterly monitoring to ensure compliance to the MPr conditions, and where necessary make recommendations for corrective action.

Compilation of an audit report with a rating of compliance with the MPr. The Reporting Officer should keep a photographic record of any damage to areas outside the demarcated site. The date, time of damage, type of damage and reason for the damage should be recorded in full to ensure the responsible party is held liable. All claims for compensation emanating from damage should be directed to the Reporting Officer for appraisal. The Developer will be held liable for all unnecessary damage to the environment. A register should be kept of all complaints from the landowner or community. All complaints / claims shall be handled immediately to ensure timeous rectification / payment by the responsible party.

8.4 Reporting Continuous monitoring is required to ensure the developer’s adherence to the approved impact mitigation / prevention procedures. A notice of non-compliance may be issued whenever transgressions are observed. The nature and magnitude of the non-compliance must be recorded in a designated register, as well as the action taken to discontinue the non-compliance, the action taken to mitigate its effects and the results of the actions. The non-compliance shall be documented and reported to the developer in a quarterly report.



9 IMPACT STATEMENT, CONCLUSION & RECOMMENDATIONS The EcoFarm Mozambique Lda is a development company located on the western outskirts of the town of Chemba, approximately 50 km north of Vila da Sena in the District of Chemba, Sofala Province, Mozambique (Figure 1.1). EcoFarm Mozambique Lda proposes to develop an organic sugar cane project that is designed to process 1250 tonnes of sugar cane per day (TCD) from 3200 hectares of planted land. The percentage of irrigable land to total land is expected to be in the vicinity of 60%. In total, 4 issues and 4 impacts were identified and discussed. All post-mitigation impacts are considered as LOW.

9.1 Recommendations for the proposed EcoFarm plantation All the mitigation measures provided below are to be implemented in the EcoFarm sugarcane plantation development.


The site must be visually monitored for occurrences of erosion, which must be recorded.


It is recommended to avoid displacing any existing mashambas (farm land).

If this is unavoidable the community will have to be compensated for the economic value of the land.


Another possibility might be for the developer to consider making excess water from the irrigation scheme available to some villagers in the form of tanks or water taps

Portions of land should be put aside for traditional land and resource use purposes. This will allow for locals to proceed practicing traditional uses while at the same time being exposed to modern uses.

9.2 Agricultural and Land-and-Natural-Resource Use statement and Opinion of the Specialist

The impacts of all the aspects of the proposed EcoFarm sugarcane plantation were considered and deemed to be acceptable, provided that the mitigation measures provided in this report are implemented. Although agricultural and natural resource use within the affected area will be impacted by the proposed development, no problematic areas or fatal flaws were identified for the site. Impacts on agriculture, land use and natural resources use are also considered to have low irreplaceability of resource loss because:



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http://www.fao.org/economic/ess/ess-publications/ess-yearbook/en/

http://www.fao.org/docrep/012/ak350e/ak350e00.htm#3

http://devdata.worldbank.org/AAG/moz_aag.pdf



APPENDIX A SOIL ANALYSIS – LABORATORY RESULTS

environmental and social impact assessment volume … farm esia addendum... · volume 3: esia...

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