PRIORITIES FOR SUSTAINABLE SOIL MANAGEMENT

DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE, FORESTRY AND FISHERIES

BY

RAMAKGWALE KLAAS MAMPHOLO

TABLE OF CONTENTS

BACKGROUND PRIORITIES

Introduction

The estimated water erosion on crop land = 13 ton ha-1 year-1

At an average yield of 4.15 ton maize year-1, the “erosion cost” =

3.1 ton of soil per ton of maize produced Soil is a non-renewable resource

Role of the UNCCD in achieving in the context of sustainable development

a land-degradation neutral world State

Being degraded

Process 1991- 2011 10% added

UNCCD in force since 1996

stands for two different phenomena

Already degraded 25% By 1990 – 15%

BACKGROUND

Only 13 800 hectares arable land Almost 2634 802 is good quality soil (Class 1 to 2) 70% of land area is deemed degraded (State of environment report)

BACKGROUND

TIME LINE STUDIES ON LAND DEGRDADTION IN SOUTH AFRICA

1999 2011 2014

PRIORITIIES

Land Capability study to acceptable scale to enhance planning of all development Review of current Conservation of Agricultural Resources Act, 43 of

1983 and Development of sustainable use and management policy Increase awareness through celebration of UNCCD Day, Soil day,

supporting local level community of practice development Improved capacity Strengthening of national LandCare programme to advance

rehabilitation Finalization of Preservation and Development of Agricultural Land

Framework Act and associated regulations

PRIORITIIES

Incentives Turning data into information-Decision makers Finalization of Conservation Agriculture policy to shift from

conventional farming to soil health reliant system Digitization of soil map and streamlining soil data management Advocacy of soil management into instruments advancing

international conventions e.g. UNCCD (National Action Plan, UNFCCC (Mitigation and adaptation plans), CBD (NBSAP), Post MDG agenda (SDG 15) Standardization soil collection data template and development of

Soil research framework

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WHAT IS LANDCARE

LandCare is a community based initiative underpinned by the goal of optimising productivity and sustainable use of natural resources.

The purpose of the programme is to enhance the sustainable use of natural

resources through community participatory based and led approach, to create job opportunities through Expanded Public Works Programme model (EPWP), to improve food security and better life for all (well being) of society as guided by six indivisible principles.

LANDCARE FOCUS AREAS

SOILCARE

WATERCARE

CONSERVATION AGRICULTURE

VELDCARE

JUNIORCARE

THANK YOU