Traditionally dedicated to the wellbeing of humans and animals, the idea of One Health has found a home farming, providing a potential route towards resilient, sustainable living. The image above shows the nexus of One Health.
One Health is a comprehensive approach to community farming in an age where pressing issues such as climate change, the depletion of natural resources and rising rates of disease need creative answers. Farmers are adopting an integrated approach that acknowledges the delicate balance between agricultural practices and the general health of ecosystems, going beyond the traditional division of crops and animals. This method recognises that cattle, crops and the environment are all interdependent and that each one has an impact on the others.
EMPOWERING COMMUNITIES THROUGH KNOWLEDGE
The empowerment of local communities is at the core of this transformation. Through educational programmes on sustainable agriculture, farmers are being given the information and abilities necessary to grow in harmony with the environment. Initiatives such as the adoption of integrated pest management and livestock health programmes and regenerative farming methods that improve soil health are fostering a greater knowledge of the connections between agriculture, human health and the environment.
Initiatives for community-based data gathering and research are essential to this movement. Farmers can identify hazards early on because they actively monitor the state of the environment. Communities can protect their livestock and crops while also enhancing the overall well-being of their ecosystems by working together to recognise and manage hazards.
BENEFITS BEYOND THE HARVEST
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.
