Agroforestry Trees for Fodder Production in Limpopo Province, South Africa

*Kingsley Kwabena Ayisi, Paulina Bopape-Mabapa and David Brown*

## **Abstract**

Climate change and land degradation, resulting from human-induced pressures on ecosystems are threatening crop productivity, food and feed supply, and food security in the Limpopo Province of South Africa, especially within the socioeconomically marginalised communities. A combination of survey and field experimentations were conducted from 2016 to 2018 to assess potential climatesmart farming practices that can assist farmers to adapt to local climate change and variability in the province. Results from the survey revealed that agroforestry system with woody perennial speices which encourages minimum soil disturbance, increase soil cover and increase agrobiodiversity is being promoted in the province as one of the effective avenues to achieve sustainability in farming systems in the midst of global climate change. *Moringa oleifera* and *Acacia karroo* (now *Vachellia karroo*) were identified as potential agroforestry tree species to address feed gaps during dry winter months, based on their good nutritional value, drought hardiness and effective carbon capture for climate change mitigation.

**Keywords:** *Moringa oleifera*, *Vachellia karroo*, climate change, feed, smallholder farmers, food security

#### **1. Introduction**

Climate change and soil degradation are real challenges which are currently stressing the already threatened habitats and ecosystem functioning in Africa, with consequent impacts on agricultural productivity and food security [1, 2]. The fast pace of climate change is frightening as this will have a far-reaching impact on agro-ecosystems and their productivity. Human-induced pressures on ecosystems are placing many inhabitants on the African continent at risk, especially within the marginalised communities who rely heavily on the natural environment for sustenance and livelihood [2]. Climate predictions for South Africa indicate that the country has been getting hotter at least 1.5 times more than the global average of 0.65 °C over the past five decades with an increasing number of warmer days and decreasing cooler days [3, 4]. Furthermore, the average annual rainfall of South Africa is 450 mm which is far below the world's average of 860 mm per annum. The country is also characterised by a comparatively higher evaporation rate [3, 5] placing severe stress on soil moisture retention. A yield improvement of more than

20 percent over current investments in agricultural research and development is required, if South Africa is to adapt to the adverse consequences of global climate change [6]*.* Incidences of water stress and soil fertility degradation during growth results in reduced crop growth, yield losses, low quality products and high level of yield variability.

Agriculture and food security are expected to be highly impacted from the increasing heat and water stresses, land degradation and resource depletion [1] which will likely overburden rural economies in South Africa [7]. In a semi-arid environment such as the Limpopo Province of South Africa, where smallholder agriculture is usually rainfed, the reported impacts of these climatic stresses are already evident on rangeland degradation and livestock production [8]. Livestock production is an important agricultural activity in the rural areas of the province, with the natural pastures (rangelands) and crop residues serving as the main sources of feed, especially during winter dry months. However, the supply of good quality and quantity feed from the rangelands and crop residue cannot be sustainably maintained during the winter and early spring months mainly because of low and erratic rainfall in preceding summer season [9]. The adoption of feed supply systems that are more productive, efficient in resource use, resilient to climate risks and have less variability and greater stability in their outputs in the Limpopo Provinceis required if productivity in crop and livestock farming system is to be maintained.

The national Department of Agriculture, Land Reforms and Rural Development has embarked on LandCare Programmes as an effective avenue to achieve sustainability in the smallholder farming system in South Africa. LandCare is a community based and government-supported approach to the sustainable management and use of agricultural natural resources with the overall goal of sustainable productivity, food security, job creation and better quality of life for all. The programme is implemented through five focus areas, namely: VeldCare (Rangeland), SoilCare, WaterCare, JuniorCare and Conservation agriculture (CA). Conservation agriculture, which promotes permanent or semi-permanent organic soil cover, zero or minimum tillage, and agro-biodiversity in association (intercropping or agroforestry) or sequentially (crop rotation) [10] is one of the practical and affordable location-specific adaptation strategies to address global climate change.

Regarding cropland diversification, agroforestry is being promoted as a feasible strategy that can be adopted by resource-poor farmers to cope with climate change [11]. To optimise the benefits of agroforestry interventions, an approach where CA practices are combined with the establishment of woody perennial species in agroforestry system could significantly improve the productivity of farmers amid climate change in the Limpopo Province. A key aim of the agroforestry system is to enhance positive interactions between its component species leading to the achievement of a more ecologically diverse and socially productive output from the land than is possible through conventional agriculture.

Reported advantages of agroforestry system in conservation agriculture include the restoration of soil health which is pivotal for increasing agricultural productivity, improved supply of fodder for livestock and enhance economic benefits [12, 13]. The recent understanding of global climate change and its consequent impacts on food security and humanity has given credence to Agroforestry as an important climatesmart practice for farmers. The system has a strong ability to sequester carbon and mitigate climate change while increasing the socio-economic and environmental sustainability of smallholder farming system. Furthermore, agroforestry can contribute to the achievement of several listed Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and achieve national developmental imperatives.

**47**

its invading characteristics.

*Agroforestry Trees for Fodder Production in Limpopo Province, South Africa*

Additional benefits of agroforestry are improved livelihoods through enhanced crop and livestock health and nutrition, increased economic growth and strengthened environmental resilience and ecosystem sustainability. The diversification of farm enterprise through agroforestry minimises the risk of complete loss of income, in extreme weathers especially from annual crops which are more vulnerable to such harsh conditions relative to the woody perennial component species. Through long-term carbon sequestration, soil enrichment and biodiversity conservation can be enhanced. The prolific root growth of tree species in agroforestry systems builds spongier soils to increase soil's capacity to soak up heavy rainfall and hold the water

Despite the reported benefits of agroforestry systems, the adoption of the techniques among farmers in the Limpopo Province has been suboptimal. Factors that influence the adoption of agroforestry is reported to vary between studies, and as such, further enquiry into adoption process under local scenario is critical to understanding the effectiveness of the system within a community [14]. Currently,

locally generated information on agroforestry practices under conservation agriculture in the Limpopo Province is limiting. A survey study conducted by Ayisi, Belete [15] however, indicated that most farmers in the province have a keen interest in adopting agroforestry as a landuse option. The incorporation of fruit trees and fodder species were identified as some of the preferred species by farmers

Province and to address fodder flow constraints among farmers, detailed

conditions, indicating its potential for climate change mitigation [18].

mainly due to tree-grass competition for soil moisture [19].

To scale out the adoption of agroforestry in the farming system in the Limpopo

*Vachellia karroo* (*formerly Acacia karroo*) is a leguminous indigenous species that easily grow under a wide range of habitats. As a result, it can become an aggressive invader on farmlands and grazing areas. Several areas of the Limpopo Province have already been severely invaded by the species. The carrying capacity of grazing areas and grassland productivity can also be reduced significantly from invasion

Despite its invading characteristics and thorniness, *Vachellia karroo* leaves, pods and seeds are valuable feed supplements during the dry season [20] as they are at times collected by farmers to feed their livestock. Livestock farmers in the Limpopo Province are thus, already knowledgeable about the value of *Vachellia karroo* as a livestock feed supplement but detailed information about its impact on their livestock productivity and quality, particularly goats is limiting. Identifying effective ways of using *Vachellia karroo* will greatly improve smallholder livestock productivity in the province whilst addressing the environmental impact caused by

The current approach to controlling the invasion of *Acacia species* in the province

is by mechanical and chemical means, controlled fires and the use of goats to

information on growth, yield, quality of potential fodder species and their overall impacts in conservation agricultural systems in the province is required. *Moringa oleifera* and *Acacia karoo* (*now Vachellia karroo)* are identified as potential tree species that can be cultivated for fodder in the province, with moringa being the most preferred. Moringa is a fast-growing tree species which can reach up to 6–7 m within a year under low rainfall of at least 400 mm per annum [16]. It is also known forits resistance to drought and diseases and also establishing well under harsh growing conditions where most trees cannot withstand [17]. *Moringa oleifera* can be cultivated in all five districts of the Limpopo Province under diverse climatic conditions [18]. In comparison with two dominant indigenous tree species, Mopane (*Colophospermum mopane*) and Marula (*Sclerocarya birrea*), moringa was reported to be superior in photosynthetic rate and stomatal conductance under drought

*DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.96017*

for dry periods.

for agroforestry.

#### *Agroforestry Trees for Fodder Production in Limpopo Province, South Africa DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.96017*

*Agroforestry - Small Landholder's Tool for Climate Change Resiliency and Mitigation*

yield variability.

to be maintained.

climate change.

than is possible through conventional agriculture.

and achieve national developmental imperatives.

20 percent over current investments in agricultural research and development is required, if South Africa is to adapt to the adverse consequences of global climate change [6]*.* Incidences of water stress and soil fertility degradation during growth results in reduced crop growth, yield losses, low quality products and high level of

Agriculture and food security are expected to be highly impacted from the increasing heat and water stresses, land degradation and resource depletion [1] which will likely overburden rural economies in South Africa [7]. In a semi-arid environment such as the Limpopo Province of South Africa, where smallholder agriculture is usually rainfed, the reported impacts of these climatic stresses are already evident on rangeland degradation and livestock production [8]. Livestock production is an important agricultural activity in the rural areas of the province, with the natural pastures (rangelands) and crop residues serving as the main sources of feed, especially during winter dry months. However, the supply of good quality and quantity feed from the rangelands and crop residue cannot be sustainably maintained during the winter and early spring months mainly because of low and erratic rainfall in preceding summer season [9]. The adoption of feed supply systems that are more productive, efficient in resource use, resilient to climate risks and have less variability and greater stability in their outputs in the Limpopo Provinceis required if productivity in crop and livestock farming system is

The national Department of Agriculture, Land Reforms and Rural Development has embarked on LandCare Programmes as an effective avenue to achieve sustainability in the smallholder farming system in South Africa. LandCare is a community based and government-supported approach to the sustainable management and use of agricultural natural resources with the overall goal of sustainable productivity, food security, job creation and better quality of life for all. The programme is implemented through five focus areas, namely: VeldCare (Rangeland), SoilCare, WaterCare, JuniorCare and Conservation agriculture (CA). Conservation agriculture, which promotes permanent or semi-permanent organic soil cover, zero or minimum tillage, and agro-biodiversity in association (intercropping or agroforestry) or sequentially (crop rotation) [10] is one of the practical and affordable location-specific adaptation strategies to address global

Regarding cropland diversification, agroforestry is being promoted as a feasible strategy that can be adopted by resource-poor farmers to cope with climate change [11]. To optimise the benefits of agroforestry interventions, an approach where CA practices are combined with the establishment of woody perennial species in agroforestry system could significantly improve the productivity of farmers amid climate change in the Limpopo Province. A key aim of the agroforestry system is to enhance positive interactions between its component species leading to the achievement of a more ecologically diverse and socially productive output from the land

Reported advantages of agroforestry system in conservation agriculture include the restoration of soil health which is pivotal for increasing agricultural productivity, improved supply of fodder for livestock and enhance economic benefits [12, 13]. The recent understanding of global climate change and its consequent impacts on food security and humanity has given credence to Agroforestry as an important climatesmart practice for farmers. The system has a strong ability to sequester carbon and mitigate climate change while increasing the socio-economic and environmental sustainability of smallholder farming system. Furthermore, agroforestry can contribute to the achievement of several listed Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

**46**

Additional benefits of agroforestry are improved livelihoods through enhanced crop and livestock health and nutrition, increased economic growth and strengthened environmental resilience and ecosystem sustainability. The diversification of farm enterprise through agroforestry minimises the risk of complete loss of income, in extreme weathers especially from annual crops which are more vulnerable to such harsh conditions relative to the woody perennial component species. Through long-term carbon sequestration, soil enrichment and biodiversity conservation can be enhanced. The prolific root growth of tree species in agroforestry systems builds spongier soils to increase soil's capacity to soak up heavy rainfall and hold the water for dry periods.

Despite the reported benefits of agroforestry systems, the adoption of the techniques among farmers in the Limpopo Province has been suboptimal. Factors that influence the adoption of agroforestry is reported to vary between studies, and as such, further enquiry into adoption process under local scenario is critical to understanding the effectiveness of the system within a community [14]. Currently, locally generated information on agroforestry practices under conservation agriculture in the Limpopo Province is limiting. A survey study conducted by Ayisi, Belete [15] however, indicated that most farmers in the province have a keen interest in adopting agroforestry as a landuse option. The incorporation of fruit trees and fodder species were identified as some of the preferred species by farmers for agroforestry.

To scale out the adoption of agroforestry in the farming system in the Limpopo Province and to address fodder flow constraints among farmers, detailed information on growth, yield, quality of potential fodder species and their overall impacts in conservation agricultural systems in the province is required. *Moringa oleifera* and *Acacia karoo* (*now Vachellia karroo)* are identified as potential tree species that can be cultivated for fodder in the province, with moringa being the most preferred. Moringa is a fast-growing tree species which can reach up to 6–7 m within a year under low rainfall of at least 400 mm per annum [16]. It is also known forits resistance to drought and diseases and also establishing well under harsh growing conditions where most trees cannot withstand [17]. *Moringa oleifera* can be cultivated in all five districts of the Limpopo Province under diverse climatic conditions [18]. In comparison with two dominant indigenous tree species, Mopane (*Colophospermum mopane*) and Marula (*Sclerocarya birrea*), moringa was reported to be superior in photosynthetic rate and stomatal conductance under drought conditions, indicating its potential for climate change mitigation [18].

*Vachellia karroo* (*formerly Acacia karroo*) is a leguminous indigenous species that easily grow under a wide range of habitats. As a result, it can become an aggressive invader on farmlands and grazing areas. Several areas of the Limpopo Province have already been severely invaded by the species. The carrying capacity of grazing areas and grassland productivity can also be reduced significantly from invasion mainly due to tree-grass competition for soil moisture [19].

Despite its invading characteristics and thorniness, *Vachellia karroo* leaves, pods and seeds are valuable feed supplements during the dry season [20] as they are at times collected by farmers to feed their livestock. Livestock farmers in the Limpopo Province are thus, already knowledgeable about the value of *Vachellia karroo* as a livestock feed supplement but detailed information about its impact on their livestock productivity and quality, particularly goats is limiting. Identifying effective ways of using *Vachellia karroo* will greatly improve smallholder livestock productivity in the province whilst addressing the environmental impact caused by its invading characteristics.

The current approach to controlling the invasion of *Acacia species* in the province is by mechanical and chemical means, controlled fires and the use of goats to

browse on the species. Clearing of *Vachellia karroo* on rangelands has been reported to increase of grass productivity [21]. Any additional approach which can utilise the pruned biomass from the *Vachellia karroo*after mechanical control for livestock feeding will be beneficial. Furthermore, if a reduced amount of *Vachellia karroo* is left on defined areas of the rangelands, the increased quantity and quality of the grass in combination with the invader *Vachellia karroo* legume will constitute a workable tree-livestock pasture system to address feed gap for the livestock farming communities in the Limpopo Province.

This study was initiated to promote agroforestry systems among smallholder farmers in the Limpopo Province of South Africa, following two key objectives: First, to understand the reason behind the lack of adoption of agroforestry by farmers as a landuse option to adapt to climate challenges despite the numerous government's interventions. Secondly, to report on results from local on-station and on-farm experiments about the potential of *Moringa oleifera* and *Vachellia karroo (formerly Acacia karroo)* as agroforestry fodder tree species in combination with conservation agriculture practices to address feed gaps in the province.
