An investigation into the waste management practices of emerging livestock farmers : the case of the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands.
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Date
2015
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Abstract
Livestock waste management is a growing global concern in terms of its contribution to climate
change, environmental sustainability and quality of animal products. In South Africa, poor
waste management is a chronic problem, yet it has not been an area of concern for the
government, with the agricultural sector receiving the least attention. In communal and rural
areas, livestock provides food and livelihood security for poor emerging farmers (small-scale
producers or the second economy), in addition to monetary benefits. However, the lack of waste
management infrastructure, coupled with insufficient hygiene translates into a sanitation
problem, which could result in environmental health impacts and compromise the sustainability
of the sector. However, studies conducted in Africa and Asia indicate less pessimistic
scenarios, where emerging farmers have turned waste into resources by drawing on indigenous
knowledge systems such as improved animal husbandry techniques and nutrient use efficiency
from animal wastes, among other strategies. With the emerging livestock sector poised to
transition into commercialization in South Africa, these constraints and opportunities provide
the need for this study. The aim of the thesis is to evaluate current waste management strategies
used by emerging livestock farmers in the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands, where livestock farming
is practiced. The study used both qualitative and quantitative methods of data collection. In
terms of the former, key informant interviews were conducted with industry professionals,
considered to be relevant stakeholders in the waste management cycle from prevention to
disposal. In terms of the latter, a sample of 50 emerging farmers was randomly surveyed using
a questionnaire, in an attempt to address the interconnectedness of livelihoods, socio-cultural,
environmental, health, economic, and technical spheres, considered relevant to assessing waste
management practices in developing countries such as South Africa. The objectives of the
study were therefore to illicit information from the emerging livestock farmers in terms of
waste management practices and environmental impacts; waste management technology
needs; the knowledge network that is used in waste management practices; the contribution of
the industry to local food security; and the role of policy in the sustainability of the sector. The
study utilized the sustainable livelihoods approach as a theoretical framework to gauge how
waste disposal, management and re-use impact poor people’s livelihoods. The key findings of
the study indicate that cost and ease of implementation govern the waste management practices
implemented by emerging livestock farmers. The rural regions of the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands
are defined by vast distances in addition to a lack of municipal disposal services and waste
authority. This has led to burning and illegal dumping of waste on vacant sites. In contrast, the
results indicate that farmers would be open to best practices provided that there are resulting
benefits. For example, many farmers implemented composting as a means of recycling with
the intentions of producing manure to fertilize crops. The study recommends that farmers be
educated on the effects of improper waste management to understand the consequential threat
to their livelihood security. In addition, emerging farmers require support with the
implementation of sustainable husbandry practices, land remediation, slaughter practices and
market access before they are capable of implementing proper waste management practices.
Description
Master of Environmental Science in Environmental Science. University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban 2015.
Keywords
Animal waste--Environmental aspects--South Africa--KwaZulu-Natal., Animal waste--South Africa--KwaZulu-Natal--Management., Animal industry--Waste disposal--South Africa--KwaZulu-Natal., Farm manure--South Africa--KwaZulu-Natal., Theses--Environmental science., Waste management practices., Livestock farmers.