Any large-scale undertaking of food production is bound to have an impact on the environment, and while it can't be avoided for the sake of food security, how and where the food production takes place, and how the farmer manages the land, need to be carefully considered.
Whether you have just bought a piece of land or want to develop your farm further, you will need to conduct an environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) to receive legal authorisation to continue with your plans. The EIA will determine if the farming activities will have a detrimental effect on the environment, to what extent, and if you can go ahead with your farming plans at all.
The National Environmental Management Act (NEMA), No. 107 of 1998, stipulates which activities are deemed harmful, and can include farming in wetlands, close to protected water sources, in areas where scarce species are listed, or where the current biodiversity status must be maintained. Farmers can unfortunately not undertake the EIA by themselves but need to contract an environmental assessment practitioner (EAP) to do the job.
THE RIGHT EXPERTISE
Contracting the right service provider is an important step in getting a farm's affairs in order since not having the right authorizations in place can lead to big financial implications in future.
An EIA can only be conducted by a qualified and independent EAP who is registered with the Environmental Assessment Practitioners' Association of South Africa (EAPASA). This is a NEMA EIA professional practice regulatory body in South Africa.
Armed with a passion for agriculture and the environment, becoming an environmental practitioner was the ideal career solution for Ngwanarachuene Mampane, director of Westleigh Environmental Services. She started her business 10 years ago after recognizing the need for reliable, quality EAPs that could assist farmers in the Limpopo area.
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Understanding eye conditions in horses: causes and first aid
A horse can get a swollen eye from bumping it against a tree, shaking its head to keep flies away, or even snake venom
IPM requires a completely different mindset
You need to investigate any beneficial insects that may appear on your plants, or you can purchase them
Does parrot farming protect wild species?
Those in favour of commercial captive breeding argue that breeding parrots to sell can relieve pressure on wild populations. Researchers Neil D'Cruze and Rowan Martin review the evidence.
Bacterial and fungal diseases of garlic
Garlic can be prone to bacterial and fungal diseases, and it's important that farmers are proactive in preventing infection and practise appropriate management. Magda du Toit reports.
Responsible wastewater management: a crucial part of farming
The inadequate management of waste water is a challenge that the agriculture sector needs to deal with. Magda du Toit spoke to experts in waste and water management about a cost-effective treatment system.
Technology that can help protect South Africa's farms
Farm attacks, murders, livestock and crop theft, and other rural crimes are a growing concern in South Africa. As a result, more and more farmers are turning to advanced security technology to protect their lives, properties, and livelihoods. Sinenhlanhla Mncwango spoke to experts about the security strategies that producers can adopt to combat these threats.
The impact of theft on farms in South Africa
A high number of livestock are being stolen every year in South Africa. Insurance is expensive and farmers are battling to find solutions to the problem, says Dr Lindie von Maltitz, agricultural economics lecturer in the Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences at the University of the Free State.
Staying afloat amid the cost-price squeeze
John Hudson, head of agriculture at Nedbank Commercial Banking, spoke to Glenneis Kriel about the importance of environmental and social sustainability for a prosperous agriculture sector.
Free State has no reason to mark Transport Month
Free State Agriculture (FSA) is very concerned about the extremely poor state of rural paved and gravel roads in the province and has very little, if anything, to celebrate during Transport Month, which takes place every October.
SA's food system ‘vulnerable to climate change'
The Just Transition Agenda for Food System Policymaking in SA webinar, hosted by the Institute for Economic Justice (IEJ) in October, highlighted the role that South Africa’s food system plays in contributing to climate change and how vulnerable it is to the impact thereof.
