SRM: Landcare:FARM PLANNING
On of our main functions is to ensure that the Conservation of Agricultural Resources Act (Act 43 of 1983) is executed. Regulations under this Act allow public funds to be used as subsidies to land users for the erection of soil conservation works.
These works can be divided into 4 major groups, namely:
1. Drainage works
These works have a direct influence on the lucrative deciduous fruit export market, in that the high potential soils have to be drained be prevent water logging. This is arguably the area in which our sub programme has the best expertise.
2. Protection works
>These works are aimed at controlling the flow of water in such a manner that it doesn’t erode the soil resource.
3. Veld utilisation works
These works enable the soil user to utilise the veld without degrading the resource, while also enhancing production.
4. Flood repair works
These works enable the land user to repair the damage caused by floods, for example the flood in the Karoo in 2001.
The process
As a first step, a farm planning is drawn up by the land user and the LandCare officer reflecting present and proposed works. These works are then planned, designed and inspected by officers of this division in the execution of the Act.
These works are usually expensive mechanical works and can cost the land user more than the subsidy he receives to erect the structure. Due to the present weak economical position of most land users, there has been a decrease in the number of structures constructed.
A recommendation would be to increase the subsidy offered to land users and thereby increasing the number of conservation works constructed.
