By Matsobane Manaka
Bush encroachment is one of the growing concerns of livestock and game farmers, farmers in eco-tourism, sub-tropical fruit and forestry. The encroachment can be triggered by management practices and natural events.
The invasion or increase plant density affects millions of hectares (ha) meant for agricultural production and biodiversity that more often lead to the reduction of livestock production and biodiversity.
Department of Agriculture, Land Reform & Rural Development (DALRRD) held a three-day capacity building session at Tompi Seleka College of Agriculture in a quest to reflect on good management practices that will help reduce millions of ha affected by bush encroachment and ensure the sustainability of pasturing capacity.
The training session included practical’s, which cover the causes of bush encroachment that among others varies from overgrazing and poor management of farm normally resulting with the economic and environmental impact.
Included in the modules are the control measures of bush encroacher such as: chemical (correct and safe application of herbicides and safe storage after use); mechanical (chopping, slashing, ring barking and felling), though expensive as many farmers cannot afford to use; Biological and control through Fire annually or at short intervals targeting alien plants and the grass that was not consumed by livestock or game animals.
Attendees were reminded that the control and reduction of bush encroachment must be conducted in line with Conservation of Agricultural Resources Act (CARA) Act No. 43 of 1983.
Veld management is also crucial for bush encroachment where farm needs to be fenced-off and better controlled. Research interventions and spatial planning as tools for prevention and eradication of bush encroachment were also over-emphasised.
The session concluded with the in-field survey where attendees participate in survey for bush encroachment, methods used, data interpretation and report drafting, implementation and mapping.
