BirdLife South Africa, a non-governmental organisation dedicated to the conservation of birds and their habitats, understands the importance of the grasslands of South Africa for the conservation of birds and other animals. For this reason, the organisation decided to focus much of its work on the grassland biome. The most recent National Biodiversity Assessment shows that grasslands are one of South Africa's most threatened ecosystems.
Grasslands are highly fragmented and threatened ecosystems due to substantial habitat loss and deterioration. In addition, these sites also support Strategic Water Source Areas (SWSA).
SWSAs provide 50% of the region's water from 8% of the land, making them crucial to conserve in a water-scarce country such as South Africa.
Grasslands host about 20 globally threatened bird species, with 11 endemic to South Africa, Lesotho, and Eswatini. These birds are found nowhere else on earth. At least eight of these species are reliant on healthy grasslands, including Southern Bald Ibis
Geronticus calvus, Yellow-breasted Pipit Anthus chloris, Botha's Lark Spizocorys fringillaris, and Rudd's Lark Heteromirafra ruddi.
Unfortunately, grasslands are generally poorly protected, mostly due to the economic importance of this region. Many key economic activities take place in this ecosystem, including mining (especially coal mining), agriculture, cultivation, plantation forestry, and urban settlement.
Generally, the lack of physical barriers such as mountains or large rivers leads to the uncontrolled expansion of these activities, which further influences the hydrology and ecology of the landscape (e.g.
reducing vegetation cover, disrupting the soil profile, and modifying water movement above and below the soil). This can have far-reaching impacts on the ecosystem, service delivery and the economic activities that rely on a healthy environment.
هذه القصة مأخوذة من طبعة Farmer's Weekly 5+12 January من Farmer's Weekly.
ابدأ النسخة التجريبية المجانية من Magzter GOLD لمدة 7 أيام للوصول إلى آلاف القصص المتميزة المنسقة وأكثر من 9,000 مجلة وصحيفة.
بالفعل مشترك ? تسجيل الدخول
هذه القصة مأخوذة من طبعة Farmer's Weekly 5+12 January من Farmer's Weekly.
ابدأ النسخة التجريبية المجانية من Magzter GOLD لمدة 7 أيام للوصول إلى آلاف القصص المتميزة المنسقة وأكثر من 9,000 مجلة وصحيفة.
بالفعل مشترك? تسجيل الدخول
New farmers' seedling pitfalls
Inexperienced farmers may be tempted to grow seedlings from seed themselves, but they have much to gain by trusting a seedling grower at a nursery to perform this task for them instead
South African avocado production: a success story
Avocado production in South Africa has expanded markedly since the industry's humble beginnings over 80 years ago. From a small grove planted in 1938 in what was then Nelspruit, the industry has blossomed to seven million trees planted on 20 000ha. Dr Guy Witney, project manager at Great Brak Avos, spoke to Annelie Coleman about the country's avocado production.
Unlocking value through livestock exports
Exporting livestock might sound like a daunting business that's better left for big companies, but Gerrie Ferreira, who farms near Oudtshoorn in the Western Cape, has been doing it successfully for almost 30 years, sometimes in partnership with other breeders. He spoke to Glenneis Kriel about the huge potential this market holds, and offers some advice for farmers who are contemplating going this route.
An agribusiness's dedication to community upliftment
For agribusiness NWK, located in Lichtenburg, North West, corporate social investment is an important part of creating a positive influence alongside financial returns. Johan Bezuidenhout, NWK’s group manager of corporate marketing and communication, spoke to Annelie Coleman about why the company chooses to invest millions of rands in the area it operates in every year.
Empowering dreams, transforming lives
Since its launch in 2013, the Agri's Got Talent competition has revolutionised the lives of many farmworkers by unlocking their hidden talents and fostering a culture of empowerment. Glenneis Kriel spoke to various finalists about how the contest has changed their lives.
Foreign investment: agriculture maintains its appeal
South Africa remains a popular destination for foreign investors, despite an often negative outlook from its citizens. It is a gateway to Africa, and with its counterseasonal production to the Northern Hemisphere and favourable weather, local agriculture is especially well placed to attract foreign interest, bringing with it hope for rural communities
The real value and message of COP29 for SA agriculture
While the 2024 Conference of the Parties may have disappointed those who hoped for real progress, it's more important for South African agriculture to highlight its role in carbon mitigation
Improving efficiencies in feed and grain milling
Bühler, a Swiss-based company that provides solutions and equipment for various industries, including food and animal feed processing, has pledged that by 2025, it will deliver scalable solutions that will reduce energy, waste and water by 50% in the value chains of its customers.
Tips for better olive production
At an SA Olive Association field day in November, industry experts shared ways to improve olive production efficiencies, from soil preparation to harvesting.
More effort needed to protect vulnerable cheetah
On International Cheetah Day, commemorated every year on 4 December, emphasis was placed on the vulnerability of the species.
