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ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT FOR SAILI COMMUNITY IRRIGATION FARM FOR BANANA & VARIOUS FRUIT TREES AT LISIKILI COMMUNAL AREA, ZAMBEZI REGION
Assessed by: Assessed for: NYEPEZ CONSULTANCY CC Saili Agricultural Investment (Pty) Ltd
May 2019
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COPYRIGHT© SAILI AGRICULTURAL INVESTMENT (PTY) LTD 2019. All rights reserved Project Name Proposed Irrigation Farm at Lisikili Communal Area Saili Agricultural Investment (Pty) Ltd P.O Box 98675 Client Pelican Square Windhoek Namibia Mobile +264 818162894
Mr. Gift Sinyepe Lead Consultant NYEPEZ Consultancy cc P.O Box 2325 Ngweze Namibia Date of release 01 May 2019 Contributors to the Report N/A Contact Nyepez Consultant Mobile: +264 814554221 / 812317252 [email protected]
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This Study Report on the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) study report is submitted to the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) in conformity with the requirements of the Environmental Management Act, 2007 and the Environment Impact Assessment and Audit Regulations, 2012.
May 2019
DECLARATION
The Consultant submits this study report on the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Study report for Saili Agricultural Investment (Pty) Ltd as the project proponent. I certify to the best of my knowledge that the information contained in this report is accurate and truthful representation as presented by the client.
NYEPEZ Consultancy cc REG. No. CC/2016/07561
Signature: ______
Proponent:
I, Saili Agricultural Investment (Pty) Ltd do certify to the best of our knowledge that information contained in this report is accurate and truthful representation.
P.O. Box 98675 - Windhoek, Namibia Signed: ______Signed on: ______day of: ______2019
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ABBREVIATIONS
CBNRM Community Based Natural Resource Management DEA Department of Environmental Affairs DoF Directorate of Forestry DWAF Department of Water Affairs and Forestry DWSSC Directorate of Water Supply and Sanitation Coordination EA Environmental Assessment EIA Environmental Impact Assessment MET Ministry of Environment and Tourism MLR Ministry of Land Reform NACSO Namibian Association of CBNRM Support Organisation NGO Non-Governmental Organisation NNF Namibia Nature Foundation NRM Natural Resource Management GAP Global Approved Products
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
DECLARATION ...... 3 ABBREVIATIONS ...... 4 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY ...... 9 Justification & Objectives ...... 12 Scope of Work ...... 13 1. INTRODUCTION ...... 14 1.1 Background ...... 14 1.2 Project Rationale ...... 18 1.3 Terms and reference ...... 20 2. POLICY AND LEGAL FRAMEWORK ...... 20 3. DESCRIPTION OF THE PROPOSED PROJECT...... 22 3.1 Locality ...... 22 4. ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL OVERVIEW OF THE AFFECTED ENVIRONMENT .. 28 4.1 Introduction ...... 28 4.2 Climate of Zambezi Region ...... 28 4.3 Soils ...... 30 4.4 Vegetation ...... 33 4.5 Hydrology and Drainage ...... 35 4.6 Topography ...... 35 4.7 Demography ...... 36 4.8 Socio-Cultural ...... 36 4.9 Socio – Economic ...... 37 5. METHODOLOGY OF THE STUDY ...... 37 5.1 Planning ...... 37 5.2 Reconnaissance Survey ...... 37 5.3 Planning for Data Collection...... 38 5.4 Data Collection ...... 38 5.4.1 Primary Data ...... 38 5.4.2 Secondary Data ...... 38 5.5 Team Report and Feedback...... 38 6. FINDINGS/IMPACTS ...... 39 6.1 Impact of Road Construction ...... 39 6.2 Extension of the Road width ...... 39
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6.3 Opening up of Access Roads ...... 39 6.4 Construction of Electricity Grids ...... 41 6.5 Way Leave Development Impacts ...... 41 6.6 Siting of Factories or Agro-processing Facilities...... 42 6.7 Social-Economic Impact ...... 42 6.8 Employment Creation ...... 42 6.9 National Economy ...... 43 6.10 Health Services ...... 43 6.11 Education Services ...... 43 6.12 Impacts of Irrigation ...... 44 6.13 Soil Erosion ...... 44 6.14 Leaching of Nutrients ...... 45 6.15 Pollution & Contamination of local ground water ...... 45 6.16 Proliferation of weeds ...... 45 6.17 Impacts of Agriculture Production ...... 47 6.17.1 Loss of Habitat & decreased Biodiversity ...... 47 6.17.2 Loss of Soil Fertility ...... 47 6.17.3 Heavy Machinery Utilization During Land Preparation ...... 47 6.17.4 Stresses Induced by Clearing the Natural Vegetation ...... 48 7. SOCIO ECONOMIC PROFILE ...... 48 7.1 Benefits for the development of the farming project ...... 48 7.2 Agriculture production ...... 49 8. DEVELOPMENT DESCRIPTION OF THE PROJECT ...... 50 8.1 Construction and Operational Phasing ...... 50 8.1.1 Employment ...... 52 8.1.2 Water ...... 52 8.1.4 Roads ...... 53 8.1.5 Cold storage ...... 54 8.1.6 Administration building ...... 54 8.2 Sewage Treatment and Disposal ...... 54 8.2.1 Sewer connection layout ...... 55 8.3 Solid Waste Disposal ...... 56 9. STAKEHOLDER AND COMMUNITY CONSULTATIONS ...... 57 10. MAJOR IMPACTS IDENTIFIED ...... 59 10.1 Deforestation and ecosystem impacts ...... 59 10.2 Grazing for Livestock ...... 59 10.3 Groundwater Surface Water and Soil contamination...... 60
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11. IMPACT ASSESSMENT AND MITIGATION ...... 61 11.1 Biophysical Environment ...... 62 11.1.1 Preparatory and construction phase impacts ...... 63 11.1.2 Operational phase impacts ...... 68 11.1.3 Impact of out grower scheme to local farmers ...... 72 11.1.4 Improved Local Authority Revenue base ...... 73 12. ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT PLAN ...... 77 12.1 Impact Mitigation Plan ...... 77 12.2 Surface and ground water management ...... 78 12.3 Soil erosion control ...... 78 12.4 Vegetation and Flora ...... 78 12.5 Wildlife and Fauna habitats ...... 79 12.6 Bush fires ...... 79 12.7 Noise and vibrations ...... 79 12.8 Employment and conditions of service ...... 80 12.9 Cultural and Historic Sites ...... 80 13. THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT PLAN (EMP) 80 14. DECOMISSIONING PHASE...... 92 14.1 Dismantling of equipment and farm machinery ...... 92 15. CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS ...... 94 15.1 Conclusion ...... 94 15.2 Recommendations ...... 94 REFERENCES ...... 96
LIST OF FIGURES Figure 1: Project site locality map, Zambezi Region……………………………………………. 15 Figure 2: Proposed fruits to be farmed……………………………………………………………………..17 Figure 3: Project area locality map…………………………………………………………………………. 24 Figure 6: Project site area…………………………………………………………………………………… 25 Figure 5: Saili village site area & project…………………………………………………………………..26 Figure 6: Project are site, 400 hectares……………………………………………………………………..27 Figure 7: Soil type s in Zambezi region…………………………………………………………..……..….31 Figure 08: Soil Values in Zambezi Region…………………………………………………………………...32 Figure 09: vegetation type in Zambezi region, per area………………………………………..…………34 Figure 10: Solar water pump & 400 mm pipes to be used for irrigation…………………..……………..51
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Figure 11: Existing Power grid at Saili Village in the Lisikili area…………………………….53 Figure 12: 40, 000 Litre septic tank to be installed…………………………………………………………55 Figure 13: design layout for liquid waste…………………………………………………………..55 Figure 14: Wheel bins to be provided on the farm project site……………………………………56 Figure 15: Stakeholders/community members attending the meeting: Saili Village. 24.05.2019…….57
LIST OF TABLES
Table 1: Legislative sand policy framework………………………………………………………..20 Table 2: sensitivities and potential impact related to climate…………………………………….28 Table 3: Analysis of short-term and long-term impacts…………………………………………..39 Table 4: Impacts of way leave development………………………………………………………..40 Table 5: Impacts of siting of factories and agro-processing facilities…………………………43 Table 6 Impact of irrigation……………………………………………………………………….….45 Table 7: level of impacts………………………………………………………………………………59 Table 8: Environmental categories for FAO field projects………………………………………………….62
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SITE ASSESSEMENT SAILI AGRICULTURAL INVESTMENT (PTY) LTD IRRIGATION OF BANANA & FRUIT TREE FARMING PROJECT: LISIKILI COMMUNAL AREA
Proposed Land Use: Banana & various fruit tree Farming Project (including ground nuts) Total Area: 400 ha. Lisikili Communal Area,
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
This report presents findings of the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) field study, which was carried out in Zambezi region for potential irrigation fruit faming at Lisikili Communal area from 01st April to 30 April 2019. The findings include the major impacts that may arise due to proposed activities in the area and possible measures to mitigate or avoid these impacts.
The Investor and/or developers of the project is Saili Agricultural Investment (Pty) Ltd who intends establishing an Agricultural irrigation farming project under their company (Saili Agricultural Investment (Pty) Ltd on 400 hectares of land at Saili Communal area, which is an area situated about 30km Northeast of the town of Katima Mulilo. The area is within the Kabbe Constituency, in the Lisikili communal area in the Zambezi Region.
The farming project is aimed at producing fruits (Bananas, Oranges, apples and Ground Nuts) for local markets in the region and the country as well as for exports to other neighbouring countries in Southern Africa, as well as export to Europe and Asia. The Saili Agricultural Investment (Pty) Ltd saw an urgent need to undertake this project having observed the high inflation in food products in the country and internationally, which have negative impact on the local communities that are immensely affected by climatic changes which results in drought in the entire Southern African region.
The initial activities over the 400 ha of land is to clear the land (Bush clearing) and thereafter secure the land by fencing it off. To construct a water pipe from the Zambezi river tributary
Environmental Impact Assessment_ Banana & Fruit farming_Lisikili Communal Area 10 which is approximately 1.5 km away. To secure electricity through Northern Electricity (NORED) by considering to connect to the existing rural electrification transformer installed in the Saili village. Saili Agricultural Investment (Pty) Ltd will start servicing the land by installing the drip and micro irrigation system. The land will be divided in fifty (50) equal hectares and 100 hectares for the purpose of planting 1st Banana, 2nd Orange and Mango tress and 3rd the Apples. The reminder of the land shall be utilized to build two factories, one for processing the fruits harvested from the trees and another factory to utilize some of the wood coming from the land as furniture.
Scope of Activities
The field study was designed to determine the impacts of (a) construction of a reservation tank or borehole on the farms connected to Tributary from the Zambezi river, (b) construction of roads and electricity grids, (c) agricultural activities, (d) Planned and unplanned human settlements, (e) Factory and (f) socio-economic activities in the project area on the environment.
Taking into account the multi-sectoral nature of the planned project activities and the vastness of the farm, the assessment was conducted to: assess the impacts of the various project activities on the socio-cultural norms of the local community, 2) Ecological: to assess the impacts of the various project activities on the ecological status of the area, and 3) Infrastructure: to assess the impacts of infrastructure development on the ecological and social aspects of the area. For primary data collection, Participatory Rural Appraisal (PRA) tools (direct observations, transect walk and consultations) were applied. Secondary data collection involved use of topographic maps, project reports, administrative reports and textbook materials.
The major impacts the project will have on the environment will mainly arise from construction of two factories, storage facilities and erection of the waterpipe line from the river to the farm, road and electricity grids, factory and, human settlement, service centers, irrigation and agriculture production.
The Project Business plan:
On the farm, fruits (bananas, Ground nuts and Oranges) will be cultivated under irrigation on 400 ha (four hundred hectares). Farming of these different fruits will be subdivided into four (4) allotments, each of the farm will consist of 100 hectares to grow a specific fruit depending
Environmental Impact Assessment_ Banana & Fruit farming_Lisikili Communal Area 11 on the soil type and level of fertility. The said fruits will be processed and packed on the farm and distributed around in the country for sale in Namibia, exported to Europe and Asia. The fruits will be cultivated though a drip or Micro irrigation system. The fruit trees are to be established over the span of the project development phases.
Processing:
The processing operations will consist of office, one factory and cold storage facility. A properly designed bio degradable sewage system will be implemented to produce grey water for dust suppression on the gravel roads. All fruit produce will be processed and packed to be distributed all over Namibia, exported to Europe and Asia.
Operations:
The project will consist of 1 fully functioning farm with own infrastructure. The farm will employ 35 permanent workers and +-50 to 60 seasonal workers throughout the phases of getting the business up and running. Employees will be transported to and from accommodation by contractors.
The main operations will be irrigation of fruit production, packaging and a dispatch facility. Compost will be processed and spread on the irrigation fields. The farm will have irrigation and dry land agriculture. The administration complex will consist of offices, factory, cold storage and a dispatching place. It will be served with a bio degradable septic sewage system.
Security will be by contract and will be controlled by the contractor management team. The access road will be a gravel road, properly built and maintained by the project maintenance department.
The workforce will be accommodated outside the project and transported by road transport to and from the project. The transport will be done by contractors. Employees on the farm will be skilled and unskilled laborers and will be determined by the final size of the entity. Season workers are excluded and will be employed when needed. When the project starts, many people will be employed to clear the area and do all preparations on all phases.
Methodology Outline The fieldwork was intensive and included several activities. A reconnaissance visit was made to the project area by the EIA consultant & experts. Based on this, the team set out key areas of observation. This was then followed by detailed visits of the project area and neighbouring
Environmental Impact Assessment_ Banana & Fruit farming_Lisikili Communal Area 12 facilities taking records of observations as well as interviewing community members. Different stakeholders were interviewed to give their views on the expected impacts of the project. Literature review was also done. Their impacts on the environment were reviewed too. Environmental management and coordination Act (EMA) 2007 and other relevant statutes that have a direct significance to the proposed project were reviewed. Other reports and reference materials on physical and biological data on the study area were also studied and reviewed.
The general steps followed during the assessment were as follows:
• Environment screening, in which the project was identified as among those requiring an EIA • Environmental scoping that provided the key environmental issues. • Desktop studies and open ended-questions • Physical inspection of the site and surrounding areas • EIA Public participation via meetings • Reporting
Justification & Objectives
It is the policy of the Namibian Government (as enshrined in Section 28 (2) (e) of the Environmental Act under Environmental Impact Assessment Regulation (Statutory gazette No. 232 of 2007) that before any development project is undertaken, an EIA is carried out.
The EIA process is a necessary undertaking because it is fundamental to mainstreaming environmental and social concerns in project development. Furthermore, the EIA process is a critical tool towards the achievement of the Millennium Development Goal # 7 “Ensuring Environmental Sustainability.”
EIA Regulations 27 (2) requires a project brief on the following type of projects Projects located near environmentally sensitive areas such as: • Dams, rivers and water sources • Agriculture • Processing and manufacturing industry • Electrical infrastructure • Nature conservations areas
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These selected schedules in the regulations come very close to the situation obtaining in the development of Saili Agricultural Investment (Pty) Ltd farming Project. Further according to project classification of World Bank Environmental Assessment Guidelines of 1989, the Saili Agricultural Investment (Pty) Ltd Projects falls under “category A” of the projects which have divers and significant environmental impacts. In view of the foregoing, the EIA was designed to achieve the following objectives:
1) To identify and predict possible impacts 2) To map out a plan to monitor avoid, mitigate and/or compensate the negative impacts to all investors will have to adhere to.
Scope of Work The approach taken for the assessment was to consider the major components of the project and then predict their impact on the environment. The scope of work was therefore to assess the impacts of the following activities in the project area:
(a) Construction of boreholes and reservation water pumps on the farm (b) Construction of roads and electricity connection to existing grid (c) Agricultural activities (d) Planned and unplanned human settlements (e) Service Centre (f) Factory and agro-processing plants (g) Irrigation Activities
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1. INTRODUCTION
1.1 Background
The Investor of the proposed project is Saili Agricultural Investment (Pty) Ltd who intends establishing an Agricultural Fruit farming project under their company (Saili Agricultural Investment (Pty) Ltd on hectares of land at Lisikili Communal area, which is an area situated about 50km Northeast of the town of Katima Mulilo. The area is within the Kabbe North Constituency, in the Zambezi Region.
The farming project is aimed at producing fruits (Bananas, Mango, Oranges and Nuts) for local markets in the region and the country as well as for exports to other neighbouring countries in Southern Africa. The Saili Agricultural Investment (Pty) Ltd saw an urgent need to undertake this project having observed the high inflation in food products in the country and internationally, which have negative impact on the local communities that are immensely affected by climatic changes which results in drought in the entire Southern African region, Europe and Asia.
Saili Agricultural Investment (Pty) Ltd is a community-initiated project. The project is co-owned by shares between investor from South Africa and the Land owners from Saili village in the Lisikili Area of Zambezi Region. The Saili Community owns about 25% with local shareholding of 26% and the rest 49% shares of the company will be owned by Investors from South Africa.
Contribution to the production and project establishment is that, the Saili community contributed the land of 400 hectares and Human resource as part of their social responsibility and contribution to the project, whereas the investors shall contribute to source the capital funds, the necessary machineries, tools, expertise and other resources needed to start the project. An estimated capita budget of 20, 000 000 (20 million Namibia Dollars) is budgeted for the investment and development of this project. The company will also seek monetary assistance from the Namibia government Agricultural Green Schemes program where necessary.
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Figure 1: Project site locality map, Zambezi Region
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Figure 2: Proposed fruits to be farmed
This site falls under the jurisdiction of the Zambezi Communal Land Board (ZCLB) and an application for right of Leasehold will be lodged with the ZCLB who will verify and measure the piece of land. A joint venture agreement shall be signed upon approval of the Leasehold between the investors of the farming Saili Agricultural Investment
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(Pty) Ltd, the Lisikili sub-traditional authority and other benefits that will be directed to the Saili Community and Lisikili community.
The project has already received endorsement from the Lisikili sub-traditional authority, the Hon. Councillor of Kabbe Constituency and the Chief of Mafwe Traditional Authority, as well as the Hon. Governor of the Zambezi Region. According to the Draft Environmental Management plan of the Lisikili area, the site falls within semi- savannah dry forest zone in which the following activities are permitted: farming, grazing, and residential activity and there is NO conservancy that exists in the area as a result of the un-availability of wildlife in the area.
In accordance with Namibia’s Environmental laws, an Environmental Scoping study of the proposed development needs to be undertaken and an Environmental and Social Management Plan (ESMP) prepared for submission to MET in order to obtain environmental clearance for the development to proceed.
The developer Saili Agricultural Investment (Pty) Ltd of the proposed Fruit farming project appointed Nyepez Consultancy CC to conduct the Environmental Assessments and develop an Environmental and social Management Plan (ESMP) and accompanying report for the proposed agronomic farming project. An Environmental Scoping Study was undertaken to identify key biophysical and social concerns related to the project. During April-May 2019, the consultant conducted site visit and communicated with a range of stakeholders to determine these issues or concerns and this report contains such findings.
1.2 Project Rationale
The sites are ideally intended for the development site of the proposed farm for fruit farming facilities, since the site are located a few kilometres from a large stream of the Zambezi river, with fertile soils, this farming project gives an important or vital economic importance and upliftment to the region and the communities in the Lisikili area. It is also outlined in NDP4 that the Goal of Agriculture, is to increase production of crops and fruit production by increasing their productivity and water use efficiency (rain-fed or irrigation); and improving food security through development, adoption and dissemination of sustainable technology.
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It is one agricultural project in the Zambezi region and potential investors through it Government’s Poverty Reduction Strategy Papers (PRSP) has identified and recommended for commercial agricultural development. The Governments main purpose of commercializing some agricultural lands is to encourage investment in specific areas in the country and produce raw, semi-processed or fully processed export fruits and crops.
In a review on the Namibia’s communal conservancies (NACSO, 2011) it is stated that both tourism and agriculture have the potential to alleviate poor and sustain the livelihoods of local communities through empowerment and through increase in food production. However, these benefits can be significantly expanded through broader engagement by the private sector”.
According to Lungameni (2012), some important factors and/or the challenges for having to promote crop farming project in the country are;
• Increase in food demand and food safety (e.g. Mycotoxins) • Global warming and Climate change (water shortage, drought, floods) • Increase in oil prices • Global financial crisis • Capacity to innovate, develop appropriate technologies Management practices (small scale farmers and part-time farmers) • Post-harvest management (up to 30 % losses) • Increasing agricultural exports (small domestic market)
Through the National Agricultural policy on farming in communal areas also makes provision for rural communities to engage into agricultural farming projects and operations in order to promote social and economic development and conservation in communal areas.
The National Agriculture policy states that “Through this National Agricultural Policy, we have taken a major step forward by filling the policy gap in the agricultural sector. The National Agricultural Policy addresses the difficult problems caused by many years of neglect under the colonial administration. It provides an enabling environment for increased food production by smallholder producers, as a means of improving
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employment opportunities, incomes, household food security and the nutritional status of all Namibians” (White paper, 1995).
1.3 Terms and reference
The terms of reference for this Environmental Assessment is to determine the potential bio-physical and social impact emanating from the construction and operation of the proposed farming project. The aims and objectives of the assessment are:
• To establish and describe the known ecological baseline conditions for environmental, health and social conditions existing in the project area from secondary information and a reconnaissance site visit • To conduct an environmental impact identification and assessment and to provide a description of the likely environmental impacts of the proposed project during the construction and operation phases • To also demonstrate that the Environmental Assessment complies with the current and/or expected Namibian legislation requirements for environmental, social performance and health. • To identify and draft actions for environmental and social management plan of the proposed farming project • To identify and document mitigation measures to minimise identified adverse environmental impacts
Based on the above the ESMP lists those management actions that are needed to ensure that undue or reasonably avoidable adverse impacts of the planning, construction and operations of the project are prevented and that the positive benefits of the project are enhanced or increased. It also gives responsibilities and will be used as a checklist to monitor compliance at the site.
2. POLICY AND LEGAL FRAMEWORK
Table 1: Legislative sand policy framework
LEGISLATION/GUIDELINE/P APPLICABLE COMMENTS OLICY CLAUSE/POLICY Namibia ‘s Environmental List of activities that require EA. Tourism facilities need to be Assessment policy (1995) assessed in terms of the impact
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on the natural and social environmental and resources. Communal Land Reform Act List of activities that may not be Conduct a EA in terms of the undertaken without a clearance tourism development and submit certificate: to MET in order for a clearance 6.tourism development activities certificate to be issued. 1994 White paper on tourism Tourism must provide direct Emphasis should be on local (MET 1994) benefits to local people and aid benefits from tourism. conservation. 1995 policy on wildlife, To allow rural communities on JV agreements with benefits to management, utilisation and state land to undertake tourism local communities should be tourism in communal area (MET ventures and to enter into negotiated between developers 1995a) cooperative agreements with and local conservancies. commercial tourism organisations to develop tourism activities on state land. Inland fisheries resources Promotion, sustainable A fishing licence need to be act,2003 and regulations utilisation and protection of obtained from the regional office inland fisheries resources. to engage in recreational fishing Restrictions by limiting number in any inland waters by means of of nets, mesh, sizes, net length any regulated fishing gear. and damaging fishing methods. Communal land reform act (act Allocation of rights in respect of Application for the right of no 5 of 2002) communal land –pqrt 2-right of leasehold in respect of leasehold. communal land must be made in the prescribed manner to the A right to leasehold CCLB. Right of leasehold granted for
Other relevant legal frameworks related to waste management in Namibia Framework Emphasis Atmospheric Pollution Prevention Act No. Prevention of pollution of the atmosphere. 45 of 1965 Basel Convention on the Control of Environmental sound management of hazardous waste and Transboundary Movement of Hazardous other wastes through the reduction of their movements, for Wastes and their Disposal, 1992 the purpose of reducing their impacts on human health and environment Hazardous Substances Ordinance No. 14 of Control of toxic substances (including manufacture, use, 1974 disposal, import and export). Pollution Control and Waste Management Prevention and regulation of air, water and land Bill of 1999 pollutants; establishment of an appropriate framework for integrated pollution prevention and control, regulation of noise, dust and odour, as well as an establishment of a system of waste planning and management.
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Pollution Prevention Ordinance No. 11 of Prevention of air pollution. 1976 Prevention and Combating of Pollution of Prohibits the discharge of oil from ships, tanker or off- Sea by Oil Act No. 6 of 1981 shore installation and gives the state certain powers to prevent such pollution and deal with removal of oil spills. Prevention and combating of pollution of Prevention of sea pollution by oil. the sea by oil Act 24 of 1991 UN Convention on the Law of the sea, 1982 Protection and preservation of the marine environment including the seabed, ocean floor, subsoil and the resources in the environment. Water Resources Management Act No. 24 Prevention of water pollution. of 2004
3. DESCRIPTION OF THE PROPOSED PROJECT
3.1 Locality
The Investor of the project are the Saili Agricultural Investment (Pty) Ltd Intends establishing an Agricultural fruit farming project under their company on a 400 hectare of land at a given wildlife free site at Lisikili in the Zambezi region. The area is situated about 50 kilometres Northeast of katima mulilo.
The site is situated northeast of Katima Mulilo in a communal area. Land is situated about 1kilometre from the Katima Mulilo, lisikili and Schuckmansberg (Luhonono) tarred road, which make is easy to access the area. There are other agicultureal development farms within nearby communal area such as the Kalimbeza Rice Project. The project site is situated about 2 kilometres from the existing AgriBus Kalimbeza rice project. These two projects might complement each other when or if the project is approved.
In the further south eastern part of the project is the Bukalo Communal Area which is located about 15 kilometres from the project area. There Bukalo settlement is under the traditional leadership of the Masubia traditional Authority.
There are no rivers on the southern part of the project area. The Zambezi river as project in the maps below. The project area is a dryland. The area was previously used as crop
Environmental Impact Assessment_ Banana & Fruit farming_Lisikili Communal Area 23 fields for community family members from Saili village, hence the allocation of the land to investors for commercial production in change for subsistence farming which have been affected by the recent changes in climate change and drought in the country.
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Figure 3: Project area locality map
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Figure 4: Project site area
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Figure 5: Saili village site area & project
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Figure 6: Project are site, 400 hectares
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4. ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL OVERVIEW OF THE AFFECTED ENVIRONMENT
4.1 Introduction
In the following sections the current biological, physical and socio-economic conditions of the study area are discussed and their sensitivities to change are considered
4.2 Climate of Zambezi Region
The climate of the area is fundamental; in determining the availability of water and also reveals much about its ecological sensitivity and resilience to change. The climate data below (table 1 below) is typical for eastern Zambezi and is expected to occur at the farming production site.
According to the National Agriculture Policy (1995), scarce productive land and fragile soils, coupled with limited water resources and an erratic rainfall regime are the principal features of Namibia’s agriculture. The country can be divided into four ecological zones:
• The desert region, comprising 22 per cent of the land area, where mean annual rainfall is less than 100 mm;
• The arid region, comprising 33 per cent of the land is, where mean annual rainfall varies between 100 and 300mm;
• The semi-arid region, comprising 37 per cent of the land area, where mean annual rainfall lies between 301 and 500 mm; and
• The semi-humid and sub-tropical region, comprising 8 percent of the land area, where mean annual rainfall is between 501 and 700mm.
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Table 2: sensitivities and potential impact related to climate
Environmental Description Sensitivities Potential impact of the feature project Rainfall • Highly variable • Flooding (April • The farm will cause thunderstorms – July) an increase in water • Two distinct seasons – a • Risk of demand dry season April to flooding very November and shorter wet high season from end of November to April –Rain peak in January & February • 550-600 mm per year • Tropical climate with less evaporation • Evaporation highest in September and October (Mendelsohn et al 1997) Temperature • Average daily temperature • High Health and safety of the vary between 20 in summer temperatures in workforce and 5ºc in winter summer • Contributes to high
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• Highest temp between Sept evaporation and Nov, with maximums rate between 32 and 40 ºc • Frost is unusual • Coldest temperatures. measured in July with an average daily manimum of 6ºc (Mendelsohn et al 2009) Wind direction Prevailing wind direction is South • Dust • Increased dust easterly but north easterly winds are generation also experienced during dry seasons due to soil texture
4.3 Soils
The Zambezi Region is characterised by the Kalahari Basin, which consist of sand dunes. Soil types in the Zambezi were classified largely on the basis of their textures, with soils consisting of varying amounts of sand and clay having different textures. At the one end of the spectrum are the heaviest soils with a high content of clay in areas, which are regularly flooded. Water does not penetrate or drain away easily because the clay is so dense and therefore these areas hold water for longer periods. On the other end of the spectrum are the pure sands that do not hold moisture for long. Between these two extremes are a range of intermediate soils – loams, clay-loams, sandy clays- and such intermediate soils also offer the best opportunities for cultivating crops as they retain water to some degree and have fairly high levels of nutrients (Mendelsohn & Roberts, 1997).
The proposed farm site for Lisikili farm overlay has clay to sandy-clay soil associated with Kalahari sands profile. These give rise to stable fertile soils which are generally brownish sandy clays. The varies of the project site which have clay sands to reddish brown (sandy clays) which support Chipya vegetation.
The area where the project site is located comprise of the Sandy clay which gives a moderate fertility of the soil. The soil type is suitable for both crop farming such as Maize sorghum and fruits such as Bananas, Oranges and Ground nuts.
Environmental Impact Assessment_ Banana & Fruit farming_Lisikili Communal Area 31 Project locality area, Lisikili, Saili Village
Figure 7: Soil type s in Zambezi region
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Figure 8: Soil Values in Zambezi Region
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4.4 Vegetation
The texture of soil, the depth, the nutrient content, the concentrations of salts and the ability to hold water affect the kind of plants found in an area (Mendelsohn & Roberts, 1997). Water drains through sand easily, washing nutrients away and leaving both the sands and many grasses low in nutrients. The six land types within the Zambezi Region form broadly six vegetation communities: open water, floodplains, riverine woodlands, Mopane woodlands, Kalahari woodlands and Impalila woodlands. Within each of the six broad vegetation communities, certain plant types exist better than in others.
The Caprivi Atlas shows an assessment of the potential values of each of these variations in terms of its potential for crop cultivation, livestock farming, conservation and other non- agricultural subsistence values of these resources (Mendelsohn, 1997).
According to the assessment carried at the project site by the Ministry of Agriculture, Water and Forestry, the Vegetation on the farm Site is largely a combination of savannah grassland (Bukalo-Liambezi grassland & Zambezi floodplain grassland), 95% of regeneration of Terminalia sericea existing being flora are;
-Jakaal’s bsie (Diospyros mesipili formis) -Large false mopane (Guibourtia colesperma) -Africana mangosteen ( Gurcinia livingstonei) It is therefore recommended by their Ministry that the applicant before operating should apply to acquire a harvesting permit to remove and/or uproot any live flora on the ground. The price is usually determined as per the treasury instruction as per Section 48 (2) (c) R17. According to the sizes of each live flora that forms green covering in the project area
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Figure 9: vegetation type in Zambezi region, per area
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4.5 Hydrology and Drainage
The Zambezi River is the largest African river that flows into the Indian Ocean, and it is shared between eight Southern African countries. It is clearly an important regional feature for fisheries, irrigation and hydropower.
The Zambezi Region is topographically featureless and almost completely flat, which is what makes its hydrology so unusual. The region is mostly defined by four perennial rivers; the Zambezi, Kwando, Linyanti and Chobe. All of these connect with each other, and with the Okavango River further west, when water levels are high. At such times, their waters flood over large areas, forming extensive marshes and floodplains, and significantly influencing livelihoods and human activities.
The drainage System is supported by the Zambezi river flood water plains, which runs from the North to the South of the area. During dry season the area is often dry but during rainy season flood water usually spread through some area of Lisikili area which gives a good source of water for agricultural crop farming.
4.6 Topography
The Zambezi Region is relatively flat with the highest areas being in the western part of the region (about 1,100m above sea level). The elevation steadily drops to 930m near Impalila in the east of the region. The region is covered in thick deposits of Kalahari sand, with very little of the underlying geology exposed, except along certain section of the river courses and on Impalila Island. ‘The extensive Kalahari sands and the rivers with their associated floodplains, channels and deposits are the two major features which shape the landscape’ (Mendelsohn & Roberts, 1997).
The Zambezi Region is classified according to six major land types.
• Open Water: the Kwando, Linyanti, Chobe and Zambezi rivers and their deeper channels. • Floodplains: associated with the rivers. These are flat areas dominated by grasslands and old river channels. River waters flood over these areas when good rains cause river levels to rise.
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• Riverine woodlands: in the Okavango and Kwando River valleys and in the Maningimanzi area on the Zambezi River east of Katima Mulilo are characterised by a high diversity of tall trees. • Mopane woodlands: this lies in an area of old river drainage lines which are being covered by wind-blown sand deposits. • Kalahari woodlands cover the largest area and are dominated by sand dunes and interdunes in the ‘Caprivi Strip’ and extensive sandy plains in eastern Zambezi. • Impalila woodlands covers the island making a small but unique area. They are based on basal rocks rather than wind-blown sands or river systems (Mendelsohn & Roberts, 1997).
However, the Lisikili farming project area is situated on an average high landscape at an altitude range of 10m to 15m above sea level. The terrain of the farm site is relatively flat with associated with savannah grassland, few shrubs and silver terminalia woodland.
4.7 Demography
The 2,000-hectare of the land of Lisikili has about 1000 households with an average of 3-4 people per household. Population distribution is concentrated at the administrative centre of Lisikili with the availability of social services such as schools, government offices and few small shops.
4.8 Socio-Cultural
The indigenous people at Lisikili & Saili Village in particular and surrounding areas are the Mafwe & Subia ethnic group under the leadership of Mafwe Traditional Authority. Three indigenous languages are spoken by the people around this area. Which is Sifwe, Subia and Silozi. Livelihood of the people in this area depends first on their economic dependence on ancestral land. This can be clearly seen in their sense of traditional ownership of land and unrestricted access to the use of the natural resources in the area through various traditional practices.
Secondly, is their strong decentralized traditional leadership hierarchy. The Chief is the head of a clan with the Deputy Chief (Ngambela) and Natamoyo (indunas) acting as advisors to the chief and the Area headman at Lisikili area or sub-khuta (Headmen) acting at the ground level
Environmental Impact Assessment_ Banana & Fruit farming_Lisikili Communal Area 37 on behalf of the Chief. Among other responsibilities, the Area Headman’s are charged with the responsibility of administering land and the local people on behalf of the chief
4.9 Socio – Economic
The livelihood strategies of the people at Lisikili is the same as the rest of people in Zambezi region, where people largely depend on agricultural activities and collection of non-wood forest products. Maize, Mahangu, beans and Sorghum as well as Cassava is the main crop grown in the area. Other crops grown in medium to small quantities include groundnuts, finger millet, and sweet potatoes, Livestock, though being a source of livelihood is only practiced on a small- scale. Animals mostly reared include goats, pigs, chickens and ducks. Honey and mushroom collection are another off-farm income generating activities the people depend on for livelihood.
5. METHODOLOGY OF THE STUDY
Taking into account the multi-sector project activities planned, and the size of the farming unit, the assessment team conducted three namely:
i) Socio-culture: to assess the impacts of the various project activities on the socio- cultural norms of the local community. ii) Ecological: to assess the inputs of the various project activities on the ecological status of the area. iii) Infrastructure: to assess the impacts of infrastructure development on the ecological and social aspects of the area.
5.1 Planning
The team, initially consultant and community members in the project respective areas, reviewed the terms of reference for the team in general and for each theme group which mainly included undertaking a reconnaissance study, data collection, data analysis and report writing.
5.2 Reconnaissance Survey
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This process undertook a two-day study tour to obtain a general impression of the study area, and to note the significant environmental issue that would require further investigation.
5.3 Planning for Data Collection
Following a review of the reconnaissance survey, the significant environmental issues were presented and refined in plenary sessions. Based on the agreed sets of environmental issues the team formulated action plans for their data collection process.
5.4 Data Collection
Both primary and secondary data were collected. 5.4.1 Primary Data
(i) Direct Observation: This process involved the noting of the ecological, social and economic factors as the groups walked, flew over and drove through the area. (ii) Aerial Photo Observation: This process involved the noting of ecological social and economic factors during review of geographical sensitivity maps of the areas (iii) Transect Walks: The group walked through some parts of the study area in the company of community members who provided information on the prevailing social and economic lifestyles in relation to land use. (iv) Consultations: Various consultations were made with various prominent people and stakeholders that have knowledge and expertise in the project area and expertise.
5.4.2 Secondary Data
The team made reference to secondary sources that included Topographic Maps, Project reports, Administrative reports, as well as text materials.
5.5 Team Report and Feedback
Following data collection, the team met in plenary session to review in detail the data finding and discuss the possible environmental imputes and mitigation measures.
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6. FINDINGS/IMPACTS
The assessment considered the major components of the project & how they would impact upon the environment. The components considered include upgrading of existing road and extension of electricity grid, construction of storage and human settlements, irrigation and agriculture production.
6.1 Impact of Road Construction
The road infrastructure development in or within the Farm unit will comprise the expansion of the existing primary feeder roads and the construction of a network of internal access road as described below.
6.2 Extension of the Road width
The extension of the road width, which is expected to be carried out on the one primary feeder road (described below) should upgrade their capacity to accommodate received traffic.
6.3 Opening up of Access Roads
The proposed agricultural development extensions will require the opening of the largely virgin land for access road construction. Intensive construction of the roads (about 6m wide) will take place in the zones occupied by small and medium-scale holdings, around this scale of agricultural production requires road accessibility for the farm stand.
The development of the above road infrastructure is likely to have significant impacts both in the short- and long-term. Table 1 summarizes these impacts (both during and after construction) and the suggested mitigation measures.
(i) Ecological Impacts:
Vegetation clearing and mechanized material excavation will result in soil erosion. This is considered less significant in the project site, as the area is flat and have no river catchments found. More intensive Access Road development
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is the in the long-term are likely to cause disruptions to wildlife habitats and the migratory bird routes due to its proximity to the local forests and conservation areas.
(ii) Social Impacts
The development of the primary roads is likely to attract a proliferation of unplanned roadside settlements both within and outside the project area for commercial and social benefits. Areas with a considerable density of settlements along these routes are likely to experience growth.
Table 3: Analysis of short-term and long-term impacts
POTENTIAL IMPACTS HOT SPOT MITIGATION MEASURES Soil erosion as a result of All sloppy areas were the - Construction of lead-off and storm vegetation removal: roads pass across drains and culverts. catchments. Population increase along Areas along the roads o Systematic farm allocation the road resulting in poor along the roads to reduce land use. haphazard settlement o Establishment and maintenance of road reserves Accident risks associated Populated areas along the • Establishment of speed controls with vehicular traffic and roads and placement of road signs. transport. • Public awareness of road safety Creation of new pathways All livestock rearing farms o Establishment of veterinary for disease vectors affecting and human settlements. check-points and provision of humans and animals veterinary extension services. o Sanitization of people on all health risk and prevention measures. Disruption/destruction of No-conservancy Establishment of a conservation wildlife though interruption Management Area plan through which the general of migratory routs, design of infrastructure in the disturbance of wildlife National park well structured. habitats and noise related problem. Opening up of avenues for No conservancy o Formulation of a Community poaching activities based Management plan.
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o Establishment of the buffer zone as opposed to the proposed 1 km stretch.
6.4 Construction of Electricity Grids
The Farm unit has one (1) existing electricity supply lines which is intended to service all farming activities at the project site as well as the small-scale agriculture. The development of this grid system (to be connected to the existing Lisikili electricity grid) as described below will require the clearance of vegetation to create a way leave; the latter will measure 5 m in width throughout the grid line.
6.5 Way Leave Development Impacts
• Ecological impacts: there is likely to be a significant disruption of the water retention capacity of the soils, hence affecting the groundwater systems. Way leave clearance, particularly in the project areas and, is likely to cause disruptions of wildlife habitats within the in-animal corridor movement trails
• Social Disruptions: Considering customary relationships within the road network, the way leave will likely accelerate the dislocation of existing settlements. These disruptions may ultimately affect the social and economic linkages for the direct affected households.
Social and economic exclusion of the communities without access to electric power is likely to occur in the long run if demand factors are not accompanied by strong equity considerations. The management of the inputs discussed above ought to address the cross impacts of the way leave and road reserve expansion.
Table 4: Impacts of way leave development
IMPACTS HOT SPOTS MITIGATIONS Soil erosion as a The project site area and o Vegetation clearing and early result of vegetation surrounding areas burning just after the rainy removal along the seasons. way-leaves.
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o Clearing to be limited to allocated and specified areas Dislocation of Communities around o The path of the way-leave should settlements along the Lisikili project area, be negotiated with the affected way-leave. communities to minimize inconveniences o Where possible compensation to affected party be given for major losses. Physical Disruption o Protected areas o Grid layout should be discussed of wildlife habitats with Ministry of Environment, IRDNC and community LDCC. o No Grid should be constructed in the National park for wildlife.
6.6 Siting of Factories or Agro-processing Facilities
Agro-processing industries refer to those activities that transform agricultural commodities into different forms that add value to the product. Agro-processing industries, especially food manufacturing, fish industry and mineral processing dominate the commercial industrial sector of Namibia. The company there plan to add value ion the products to be produced on the farm by cleaning and parking and export them with value add on the product
6.7 Social-Economic Impact
The proposed activities for fruit farming at the farm unit are likely to impart both negative & positive impacts in the areas concerned. From infrastructure point of view, socio-economic impacts will arise from social amenities that will be provided will include services such as job creation, schools, health centers, etc.
6.8 Employment Creation
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One of the expected most positive impacts is the creation of employment for the local community members. It is envisaged that more than 90% of the unskilled labour will be recruited from within the Farming unit surrounding area. For skilled labour, priority will be given to Namibian with suitable qualifications before engaging expatriates. It is also anticipated that more jobs are expected to be created as the project progresses.
Project members of staff will also plough salaries and wages into the local economy directly through purchases of various goods and services.
6.9 National Economy
The project is expected to attract many potential investors (both local & foreign) who will bring substantial capital in the area. The injection of such capital investment will have far-reaching multiplier effects on the national economy. Similarly, the export of various agro-products will significantly improve the foreign exchange status of the country.
6.10 Health Services
As investors implement their activities in the Farm blocks, it is envisaged that there will also be some improvement in the provision of health services in the project surrounding area of Lisikili. This will be achieved through support existing health centers. Expected impacts on health in the area will be positive & negative. The positive aspects of the impact will be improved health services as a result of rehabilitation & support of old and new clinics respectively. On the other hand, negative impacts could arise from increased interaction between project workers (who may come from outside) and locals.
6.11 Education Services
The positive impacts on education will arise from improved education infrastructure for Lisikili combined School. Improvement in educational services will encourage pupils to attend classes and will also attract teachers to work in the area. Further, job creation for parents will improve their household income base. As a result of improved household income base, parents will be encouraging their children to attend school and dissuade them from opting for caterpillar collection during school days. The perceived
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increase in population in the area would result in shortage of educational services in the area.
Table 5: Impacts of siting of factories and agro-processing facilities
IMPACT HOT SPOTS MITIGATION Aggravation of Area around project areas at o On farm no.40 designate site for solid waste Lisikili – Area planned for an solid waste disposal/treatment. problems in the fruit factory and agro industry. o Subject the industrial area. developments to specific EIA o Subject the Industrial development to specific EIA.
6.12 Impacts of Irrigation
The main purpose of constructing boreholes in the Farm Block/unit is to store & provide water for both fruit & crop production especially on Commercial Farms. Irrigation will thus ensure efficient, increased and sustained crop production. Apart from the borehole, other sources of water for irrigation is the river, and underground water, which are readily available within the Farm Block.
Irrigation can basically be defined as “the artificial watering of plants.” Awareness of negative impacts likely to arise from irrigation is very crucial in ensuring sustainable development in the Farm Block. Impacts of immediate importance include soil erosion, salination of irrigation land and water bodies, water logging, and leaching of soil nutrients, proliferation of weeds, pollution & contamination of local groundwater.
6.13 Soil Erosion
Soil erosion is the displacement of soil materials on the ground surface by action of moving water or air. Water movement on the ground surface causes water erosion, which is our area of concern. This impact can be exhibited by
o Loss of cultivable land o Deterioration of water resources on cultivable land o Loss of soil fertility as a result of washing away of humus and natural nutrients
Environmental Impact Assessment_ Banana & Fruit farming_Lisikili Communal Area 45 o Flooding of valley bottoms and silting of dams, rivers and ponds.
6.14 Leaching of Nutrients
Where the soils are porous, as is the case with sandy soils, leaching of soil nutrients, agro-chemicals and chemical fertilizers increases. It must be noted that the parent rock of the Farm Block is sandstone.
6.15 Pollution & Contamination of local ground water
Irrigation in itself will further enhance the infiltration of chemical fertilizers & other agro-chemicals into the groundwater. It must be noted that boreholes have been largely recommended as sources of safe drinking water. If, therefore, these chemicals infiltrate the water, then both shallow wells and boreholes will be unsafe as sources of water for human use. However, the company plan to use Global Approved Products (GAP) and pesticides which will have to comply with certain standards of safety.
6.16 Proliferation of weeds
Weed seed and plant material is generally transported by water. When irrigation occurs, this weed seed and plant material is easily drawn out of the watercourse and deposited on arable land. Some of the weed will also grow profusely along water furrows creating a bridge for insects and disease vectors for the intended crops. A good example is the water hyacinth weed, which has been a headache to deal with in many rivers and Zambezi region.
All the above impacts have a very negative effect on the environment. It is therefore incumbent upon all the developers to ensure that they develop the conservation buffers and put in place erosion control measures in order to minimize factors that may lead to land degradation irrigation.
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Table 6 Impact of irrigation
IMPACTS HOT SPOTS MITIGATION MEASURES Soil erosion especially on Irrigated lands round o Putting up of level-bunds on irrigated sloppy grounds dams and rivers lands to ensure infiltration and reduction of run-off o Regulation of water application to avoid over watering o Create buffers of about 20 – 40 m width between cultivated land and the rivers, streams
Water logging of soils Irrigated lands round Installation of and maintenance of adequate dams and rivers drainage system for removal of excess water Salination of soils Irrigated lands round o Application of appropriate cultivation dams and rivers method o Ensure that irrigated lands are not over water logged. o Cultivation of crops with salinity tolerance especially fruits Leaching of soil nutrients Irrigated lands round Avoid over watering and replace nutrients dams and rivers through crop rotation organic fertilizer application Proliferation of weeds Mainly drainage o Maintenance of drainage lines through lines weed removal o Construct drainage line with brick linings (this also applies furrow irrigation) o Monitor presence of prolific weeds such as Water Hyacinth Deterioration of water Downstream areas o Improved water, management, quality in the rivers & and local water agriculture practices and control of contamination of local tables inputs (Biocides & chemical fertilizers) ground water
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o Frequent checking & control of the parameters for water quality and quantity o Use of Global Approved Products (GAP) and pesticides
6.17 Impacts of Agriculture Production
6.17.1 Loss of Habitat & decreased Biodiversity
A small percent of the Farm Block is forest, will be opened up to pave way for commercial cultivation of agricultural fruits and crops. When new land for agricultural purposes is opened up, this will lead to loss of existing habitat and decreased biological diversity in these areas.
6.17.2 Loss of Soil Fertility
The expected causes of soil fertility losses are heavy machinery utilization during land preparation, stresses induced by clearing the natural vegetation and natural land slopes.
6.17.3 Heavy Machinery Utilization During Land Preparation
1) Creation of hard pan
Ploughing is the most common method of preparing land for planting. The soil pores under the plough get closed and eventually get compacted as the process of ploughing continues. The compacted areas become thicker and harder after each ploughing operation, thus creating a hard pan. The created hard pan reduces the infiltration of water into the soil thus allowing the lateral movement of water (in this case accelerating runoff and erosion of nutrient-rich topsoil.
2) Introduction of new weed population
Weed infestation increases with the use of ploughs. Each time the soils are inverted, new weed seeds are exposed to the top layer which is favorable for germination. These weeds will continuously compete for nutrients with the desired crop.
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3) Surface sealing formation
Heavy machinery tends to destroy the crumby structure of the soil causing the soil particles to be compact, with low organic and moisture content. In this state, infiltration of water is hampered; splash and runoff increase soil erosion.
6.17.4 Stresses Induced by Clearing the Natural Vegetation
The fruit & crop farm will be a light-major commercial farming region and hence, it is expected that there will be massive clearing of the existing natural vegetation. Much of the bare land will be exposed to direct raindrop and winds’ impact resulting in water, wind erosion and desiccation.
7. SOCIO ECONOMIC PROFILE
7.1 Benefits for the development of the farming project
In the nutshell and on the national level, the overall objectives for agriculture production activities in the country, in line with the National Agriculture policy among other are to help attain the national objectives, the overall goal of the National Agricultural Policy is to increase and sustain the levels of agricultural productivity, real farm incomes and national and household food security, within the context of Namibia’s fragile ecosystem. 21, and for the majority of Namibians to enjoy improvements in their current standard and quality of living, the objectives of the National Agricultural Policy are to:
• achieve growth rates and stability in farm incomes, agricultural productivity and production levels higher than the population growth rate; • ensure food security and improve nutritional status; • create and sustain viable livelihood and employment opportunities in rural areas; • improve the profitability of agriculture and increase investment in agriculture; • contribute towards the improvement of the balance of payments;
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• expand vertical integration and domestic value added for agricultural products; • improve the living standards of farmers and their families, as well as farm workers; • promote the sustainable utilization of the nation’s land and other natural resources; and • Contribute to balanced rural and regional development based on comparative advantage.
As a result, the developer and also the applicant will and have signed a contractual agreement on the benefits for monthly and annual payments. These contractual agreements are entered between the developers and the respective sub-khuta of Lisikili. A separate agreement between the Mafwe traditional authority and investors or developer shall be signed before the inception of the project.
However, a leasehold rental fee will also per paid to the Zambezi Communal Land Board as per the communal Land Reform Act No.5 of 2002. The month to the land board will be paid in the account opened by the GRN through the Ministry of Land Reform.
This project will also result in a joint venture agreement with each community in terms of how the project will assist them on farming activities on their subsistence farming units. As a result of the long-term mutual relationship between the investors and community will be developed. Significant community empowerment such as training on farming, community gardens, assistance for education financial assistance will also be offered to the community. The regional University of Namibia (UNAM Katima Campus) will form part of the research team which shall give training to students and local community members on the project site.
7.2 Agriculture production
Agriculture in the northern communal areas offers the greatest potential for intensification and diversification. Focusing in these areas will lead to increased productivity and the stabilization of yields, and will contribute towards the attainment of household food security and a reduction in the need for food imports. To achieve agricultural growth, communal farmers need to be integrated into domestic and export markets as a priority. They also need improved access to vital rural infrastructure and essential agricultural development services. Recognising the importance of women in
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agricultural productions, detailed gender analysis of farming systems will be undertaken to facilitate the development of gender specific strategies for increased household food security.
Considering Namibia’s highly variable climatic conditions, the realization of the country’s potential for agricultural growth depends on effective drought preparedness, planning and responsive drought management. The risk of production failure is high. This necessitates approaches to farming based on technically and economically sound frame investments which will stabilize yields and farm incomes. Such approaches will be promoted through appropriate agricultural support services and long-term multi- level agricultural development planning.
Presently, livestock, fruit and vegetable production represent the foundations for the growth of agricultural incomes, exports and rural employment. They also contribute to import substitution and household food security. The crucial significance of meat and grain production justifies the concentration of Government resources on the promotion of these two commodities, at least in the immediate future.
8. DEVELOPMENT DESCRIPTION OF THE PROJECT
8.1 Construction and Operational Phasing
For the start of the Saili Agricultural Investment (Pty) Ltd Banana and fruit farming project, the 400 hectares of land allocated for this project is not wholly covered by forest/tree but an open land savannah area exists within the farm unit characterised by few trees and shrubs, hence the investors plans on removing and/or clearing the tree on the site to allow progression of the project, and this will be done in line with the permit that will be obtained from the Ministry of Forestry as per the Environment & Forestry Act.
The proponent Saili Agricultural Investment (Pty) Ltd intends to develop an eco- friendly agricultural fruit farming project, which will comprise of an irrigation system where produce such as; • Bananas, • Oranges,
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• Ground nuts & vegetable will be cultivated • a greenhouse farming production where vegetable crop produces such as cabbage, Onions, Mushrooms, potatoes and tomatoes etc. will be produced.
Priority is made that local materials such as the poles and wooden planks will be used to build the greenhouse (the poles will be obtained from the surrounding tree that will be cleared with the permit from Ministry of Forestry on the site area).
8.2 Solar water pump
Upon the completion of the preparation of the farm, plans to install a solar water pump from the Stream from Zambezi river will be installed, that is expected to pool an amount of 5,000 cubic of water per hectare/ per year from the river to the project site only in the dry season.
Figure 10: Solar water pump & 400 mm pipes to be used for irrigation
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8.1.1 Employment
The building material for the office and factory will be bricks and corrugated iron sheet. Whilst the cold storage will be made of hard iron sheets and concrete floor. At the start of the project an estimate number of ± 100 unskilled local community workers will be employed to clear (de-bushing) the project site, +- 50 to 60 seasonal workers to be employed at Lisikili farm block and an estimate of ± 35 permanent local community workers will be employed project for production activities.
However, during the operational phase of the project, carrying out labour work on the farm unit will consider the following: • close to +- 35 permanent workers at farm at Lisikili combination of skilled and semi- skilled workers. Casual workers will be hired when a need arises
8.1.2 Water
Water supply will be connected through the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Water supply’s pipeline which is already functional in Lisikili area for human consumption. The water is suitable for human consumption. However, water for the farm block at the project area will be extracted from the Zambezi river and from the proposed drilled boreholes (x2) and a letter was submitted to the Law Administration Division, MWAF, in order to obtain a permit for abstraction of water from the closest subsidiary to the project site.
Saili community (as most rural communities in the Region) have benefited from Rural water supply Government led program which provides water for human consumption and to livestock to rural communities. The community have an existing borehole which is used for human consumption. Hence the water to be extracted for irrigation purposes will surely be used for agriculture purposes as water for human consumption is already provided for
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8.1.3 Electrical Services
The project area where the proposed office, factory and storage warehouses will be developed, have access to power which is supplied through the Regional Council Rural Electrification Development Program administered by NORED Namibia. The investors have plans underway to apply for an extension of a power line to the development property (connecting from the Saili village power grid), which shall be used when the project starts operating. This power connection is connected from the main town centre of Katima Mulilo to the different communal areas including Lisikili communal area.
Figure 11: Existing Power grid at Saili Village in the Lisikili area
8.1.4 Roads
As projected in figure 8 above, the proposed project has existing access road services which will be used by the developer in accessing the project area. However as shown in figure 8, This cutline gravel road will need secondary upgrading to standardize it to a bigger road that will be able to accommodate heavy machineries which will be used
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on the farm. Internal farm road will be created depending on the need to access different area and they will be about 8 meters width.
8.1.5 Cold storage
Portable storage facilities will be provided on site. These storages will be large container which will be filly electrified with power where perishable fruits will be storage before being dispatched to different destination areas or places earmarked for supply and delivery.
8.1.6 Administration building
An office admiration as part of any large development of this magnitude need to be considered, hence Saili Agricultural Investment (Pty) Ltd plan to construct an administration building on the farm, where all administration issues or matters will be handled. The office administration will comprise of different facilities and office. This will include the Reception, the waiting room, the Directors office, a Boardroom, Human Resources office and security guard room. It will also have ablution facilities for employees and workers.
8.2 Sewage Treatment and Disposal
Another development that will be undertaken at the site under the construction phase of the farming project will be development and/or the construction of the office building and a storage facility for the harvested produce at the farm. • The office building will contain one office and secretary. • The building shall contain four (2) toilets, 1 for (male & females) and 1 for casual workers to be placed on the building corner outside the building. • A 40, 000 Litre septic tank will be installed to absorb the liquid waste produced from the building
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Figure 12: 40, 000 Litre septic tank to be installed
8.2.1 Sewer connection layout
The administrative building block will contain a large 40, 000 Litre septic tank which will be installed about 4 meters underground, it is estimated that the capacity of the septic tank can take about 20-30 years for it to reach its fullest capacity.
Figure 13: design layout for liquid waste
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8.3 Solid Waste Disposal
The solid wastes disposal will be conducted as follows:
• Solid wastes from the farm project development will be disposed to the Lisikili school and clinic dumping site. The Lisikili dumping area is currently operational where both the Lisikili school and clinic dispose their solid wastes. Company truck will be used to transport solid wastes such as plastic bags, papers, empty boxes and any solid waste to the dumping site. The company also propose to provide wheel bins within the farm area where workers will frequently throw in the wastes which will be later offloaded to the dumping site once there are full.
Figure 14: Wheel bins to be provided on the farm project site
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9. STAKEHOLDER AND COMMUNITY CONSULTATIONS
Public participation forms an important component of the environmental Assessment process. It is defined by the Environmental Management Act (2007), as a ‘process in which potential interested and affected parties area given an opportunity to comment on or raise issues relevant to specific matters’.
Public participation notices were placed on local notice boards and advertised in national newspaper media. The advert was in the New Era & Confidante newspapers on the 17th 25th April 2019 respectively. Also, the list of Interested & affected parties’ stakeholder community meeting is hereby attached as appendix.
Communication with stakeholders about the proposed farming production facility was facilitated through the following means: The stakeholders were identified in terms of relevance to the project and who could serve as a source of information
Public meeting at Lisikili Communal Area (Saili Village)
• A public consultation meeting was scheduled to take place on the 24 May 2019 between the Land owners, Investors, Line Ministries, stakeholders, the traditional Authority and members of the Lisikili community, to discuss issues and concerns regarding the proposed farming project and also raised concerns and proposals to mitigate the problems.
• A total of 66 people or stakeholders attended the meeting (see attached attendance list dated 24 may 2019 (see Letters for invitation to I & APs), however other line ministries were unable to attend due to other official commitments. The following key stakeholders were invited to the public consultation meeting (see Letters for invitation to I & APs): o The Zambezi Regional council o Ministry of Forestry o Ministry of Environment and Tourism o Ministry of Agriculture water affairs o Ministry of Trade & Industry o Mafwe Traditional Authority o Lisikili Sub-khutas, community members & residents of Lisikili
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o Ministry of Land Reform o Likwama Farmer’s Union
Figure 15: Stakeholders/community members attending the meeting: Saili Village. 24.05.2019
A summary of the issues and concerns that were raised by the interested and affected parties is listed below. The purpose of presenting the issues raised by participants in this section is simply to:
• Ensure transparency regarding the concerns that have been expressed; • Ensure that all issues raised are properly addressed in the EIA, ESMP and mitigation measures proposed.
Issues dominated the discussions range from:
• Employment Creation (prioritization)
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• Flood waters • Water abstraction permits or permission • Provisions and/or availability of seedings to the local farmers • Clearing of valuable plant species
• Shareholding and benefits
• Training of local lisikili community
10. MAJOR IMPACTS IDENTIFIED
10.1 Deforestation and ecosystem impacts
Namibia is the driest sub-Saharan country in Africa. Forested areas are therefore restricted to the northern east where high rainfall is experienced. Limited information about Namibian forests are available, but according to a world bank report of 2012, the area of forested land in Namibia in January 2010 was 72,900 km² (http://www.tradingeconomics.com). This is 8.85% of Namibia’s surface in 2010 and it has decreased by approximately 5,200km² since January 2003. This roughly translates into a 1% rate of deforestation per year.
10.2 Grazing for Livestock
Having the farming project in communal areas is believed to affect the grazing land for livestock in certain areas as most of the land earmarked for the project consists of few trees whilst the large portion of the area is open savannah grassland suitable and often used for grazing purpose.
Through consultations with the community, it was discovered that the proposed project site for the Banana and fruit farm does not infringe in the land for livestock grazing. Thus, alternative or mitigation measure are proposed to be put in place, whereby communities will use a nearby commonage suitable for grazing which is located few kilometres from the project site. The developer has will fence of the entire area but 10% of the land will be left as open spaces within the farm (by use of drip or micro irrigation system) on the farm.
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10.3 Groundwater Surface Water and Soil contamination
In terms of vulnerability of the soil and groundwater there are two main features of importance. These areas (1) the sandy loamy soils of the areas are prone to high level of leaching and (2) a middle-low water level in the areas. One main factor may impact on underground water and soil. These are (1) spilling of fuel, oil or hydraulic fluids when earth moving machines area fuelled or repaired on the site.
Table 7: level of impacts
7.4 Sustainability / Potential Appraisal Impact on Ecological & Level of Impact Comments
Socio Economic Positive Negative
Creation of Employment High None +-200 unskilled local workers for (debushing) of all project sites and an estimate of ± 50 skilled & semi-skilled permanent workers during the operational phase of the project Grazing & cattle corridors N/A None An alternative nearby commonage suitable for grazing which is located few kilometres from the project site. Abstraction of water High None The water will be extracted from the sub channel connected to main Zambezi river, thus serves the purpose for the irrigation Water Pollution (Pesticides High Low Pesticides will be used to eliminated fugal /chemicals) bacteria’s attacking crops, the pesticide will be mixed in irrigated water at a reasonable quantity that will not contaminate ground waters Tenure insecurity & land use Limited N/A Area is to be registered under a leasehold for a disputes period of time for leasing to the investors, there are currently no land use activities in the proposed project area
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Key Consideration Area • Contribute to local economy • Employment Creation • Local level economic empowerment
11. IMPACT ASSESSMENT AND MITIGATION
This chapter discusses the Saili Agricultural Investment (Pty) Ltd project impact for Banana and fruit farming on both the biophysical and socio economic and cultural environment within the project’s area of influence. A matrix was used to establish the likely changes effected by the project on the environment. Results obtained were then analysed and assessed to establish significant, major and minor impacts. The following criterion was used:
• The Sensitivity of the environmental element being impacted • The spatial extent of the impact • The severity/intensity of the impact • The duration of the impact • The Probability/frequency of occurrence of the impact or source of impact.
Furthermore, impacts were characterized according to the phase of the project implementation as follows:
• Impacts associated with preparatory and construction phase • Impacts associated with Operational Phase • Impacts associated with Decommissioning and Closure Phase
Impact significance characterization was determined at four levels namely: Non- Significant, Low Significant, Moderately Significant and highly significant impacts. Impact characterization definitions adopted for the study were as follows:
(i) Highly Significant impact: A frequent Impact and or one with highly severe effects.
(ii) Moderately Significant Impact: A frequent impact of moderate severity.
(iii)Low Significant Impact: An infrequent impact of moderate severity.
(iv) Non- Significant Impact: An improbable impact or one with non-severe effects.
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(v) Severe Impact: impact infringing on legal provisions or established social norms and with widespread effect i.e. impact affecting areas outside the immediate confines of the defined project area.
(vi) Moderately Severe Impact: Impact causing serious but reversible damage and result in moderate public outcry.
(vii) Non-Severe Impact: Impact not subscribing to any of the above.
Project impact identification and their spatial extent were restricted to the following classes:
Environmental impacts: these included impacts on Air quality, surface & ground water, soils, flora, fauna and avifauna. Impacts of chemical application on the surrounding communities and settlements in Lisikili area.
Mitigation measures aimed at preventing, reducing, compensating and/or managing the impacts were identified for all significant impacts with monitoring activities proposed for residual impacts of the project in the event that Saili Agricultural Investment (Pty) Ltd ceases the operations of the farms.
11.1 Biophysical Environment
The impacts on the biological and physical environment of the project area have been detailed in accordance with the three project implementation phases i.e. preparatory and construction, operation and decommissioning and closure. The impact characterization details of each evaluated impact according to Nature of impact (positive, direct/ indirect and reversible/ irreversible), timing, duration, spatial extent, likelihood, frequency and sensitivity are given in the foregoing.
Although the significance rating of the most of the impacts can be reduced considerably to a “low significance” by implementation proper mitigation measures the proponent should however understand that a “low significance” impact still exerts pressure on the environment and therefore the proponent should intend to go above and beyond the prescribed mitigation and management measures provided in this report by aiming to improve the remaining environment. There are specific policies and guidelines that address environmental issues related to the development. The policies and guidelines were referred to in the legal section. The FAO guidelines for fields projects (FAO, 2012) will be used during the assessment.
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Table 8: Environmental categories for FAO field projects
Environmental Category Environmental and Social Impacts Environmental Analysis or Assessment Required
Category A Significant, or irreversible adverse Mandatory environmental impact impacts assessment Category B Less significant adverse impacts that may Environmental analysis to identify be easily prevented or mitigated more precisely potential negative impacts Category C2 Minimal or no adverse impacts No further environmental and/ or social analysis or assessment required
Based on the above FAO’s categories of field project analysis, the proposed farming project falls under category B, which or where environmental analysis is required to analysis to identify more precisely potential negative impacts. The following box below specify the type of projects under Category B, which according to FAO (2012) do not require a full EIA but will require further deepening of environmental or social considerations, depending on the expected magnitude of risks. In many cases, the analysis would aim at gathering additional information in sufficient detail so as to be able to discuss concretely how risks could be addressed and minimized (and possibly eliminated) in the project design.
11.1.1 Preparatory and construction phase impacts
Surface Water Quality
There are no permanent wetlands in the 400Ha extent of Lisikili project site. No rivers or streams traverse within the farm land. However, the nearest river stream close to the project site is located 1.5 km from the northern side of Saili Village. therefore, Chemical application activities and poor management of soils resulting into erosion and also from water runoff especially during rainy season may pose a risk of surface water contamination over a long period. This impact if it occurs will be minimal or negligible considering the land orientation and water drainage systems in the area. The other possibility is that of storm water flowing along road way drains and across the farm land. This impact is also considered minimal.
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Ground Water Quality
Saili Agricultural Investment (Pty) Ltd intends to drill two (2) underground water borehole for purposes of supporting the farm production during winter season. The project site has rich underground water resource as evidenced from the historical information obtained from the previous owners of the farms. Saili Agricultural Investment (Pty) Ltd project site have no boreholes drilled on the farm currently as it’s not operational. Petroleum handling at the farms specifically the handling of fuels (diesel) at the fuel storage tank, leakages of oils from farm machinery, vehicles and handling of used oil at the farm workshop is likely to result into ground water contamination through introduction of hydrocarbons into the soil and direct infiltration into ground water. During the rainy season, fuel and oil spills if not properly handled, they will end up in the soil and eventually in ground water. This impact may affect both the proposed project site and surrounding areas as they share the same underground water aquifer. The impact will be regional since the area shares the same underground water aquifer. Impact significance: Moderate
Ambient Air Quality
The main access gravel road to other areas beyond Lisikili farm does not pass within the project site boundaries.
This means there will not be any potential increased of traffic on the road situated close to human settlements or surrounding areas hence the low levels of dust which shall not affect the air quality of the area. Movement of construction vehicles during access road development, rehabilitation, clearing of vegetation, sinking of boreholes, construction and other support infrastructure may result in low levels of dust and exhaust fumes from motor vehicles and machinery on site. Ploughing and tilling, transportation of materials and construction of all ancillary facilities will certainly generate appreciable amount of dust. This impact will be regional as it may affect both the proposed project site and its vicinity.
Impact significance: Low
Soil Contamination
Poor management of fresh and used oils will also certainly contaminate the soil. This impact will be regional as it may affect the proposed project sites and its vicinities. The poor
Environmental Impact Assessment_ Banana & Fruit farming_Lisikili Communal Area 65 management of effluent from the factory from Banana and fruits wash water may contaminate ground water and soil within the farm area. This impact is considered localised and of low magnitude. Impact significance: Low
Soil erosion
A smaller part of the farm land at Lisikili will be cleared for agricultural activities and construction of other infrastructure. The Clearing of vegetation, construction of access roads and infrastructure will result into possibilities of soil erosion. This impact will be local as it will be restricted to the proposed project site. Soil erosion will eventually result into poor soil fertility as the nutrients will be leached out. Impact significance: Low
Noise
Transportation of farm implements, use of dozers, graders, tractors and any other equipment in vegetation clearing, sinking of boreholes and construction of infrastructure will result into noise generation. This impact will be regional as it may go beyond the proposed project site. Operations of machinery will be restricted to day light (between 07:00 to 18:00hours) at all farming blocks and machinery will be regularly serviced to emit sound with the acceptable audible frequencies. Impact significance: Low
Land Use
Construction of all necessary farm infrastructures will certainly have a positive impact on land use. Land use will change from idling and transformed to its intended purpose of commercial agricultural activities under the management of Saili Agricultural Investment (Pty) Ltd
Damage to agricultural lands/fisheries
This impact is unlikely to occur as Lisikili farm unit have no streams or rivers with fish likely to be destroyed by the project. Irrigation water will be obtained through river seasonally,
Environmental Impact Assessment_ Banana & Fruit farming_Lisikili Communal Area 66 rainwaters and a borehole. Saili Agricultural Investment (Pty) Ltd farm will be developed in line with appropriate farming methods that will not result in indiscriminate use of land. Impact significance: Low
Flora
Clearing of vegetation will certainly reduce the number of trees in the area. Some of trees that will be cleared are endangered specifies. It is almost impossible or very difficult to replace the endangered species at any time. Most of the trees in the farm will and some were cleared because the Saili Agricultural Investment (Pty) Ltd farm was proposed. Impact on flora will be localised. Impact significance: Low
Fauna
The impact on fauna is unlikely as there are no bigger animals in the proposed project site or in the vicinity which are sensitive to such developments. The only animals present are those that are able to survive even with such developments. Examples are birds, rabbits, lizards, rodents, snakes and smaller animals. Impact of construction and operation activities will be localised Impact significance: Low
Landscape and Visual characteristics
Construction of new infrastructure will certainly result in change in aesthetics of Lisikili farm. Clearing of certain portions of vegetation and construction of different farm infrastructure will certainly have an impact on the landscape and visual characteristic of the proposed project sites. This impact will be local. The landscape and visual characteristics will change drastically. Impact significance: High
Public Safety
The development and revamping of the Farm for Saili Agricultural Investment (Pty) Ltd will result in the influx of people around the project areas seeking employment and business
Environmental Impact Assessment_ Banana & Fruit farming_Lisikili Communal Area 67 opportunities. This will result in increased crime rates in the areas. Vehicular movement and farm equipment may possibly cause accidents to members of the public who may illegally stray into the farm area. Open boreholes are certainly a danger to public safety. Saili Agricultural Investment (Pty) Ltd intend to engaged the Namibian Police Service through the Ministry of Safety & Security to offer manpower and that the company will request for police patrols in the areas to help reduce incidents of crime and theft. This request to the Namibian police will be laid once the construction commences upon approval. Impact significance: Moderate
Archaeology and cultural sites
There are no archaeological sites in proposed project site area. Archaeological sites having items such as cultural relics, iron and Stone Age objects, old caves, artistic work and paintings, spiritual and worshiping items, churches, traditional places may possibly be damaged during construction phase if found within the vicinity of the farm blocks. Thus, the farm unit at Lisikili have no historical, cultural and archaeological sites within the farm, therefore, this impact is very negligible.
Impact significance: Low
Hazardous Waste Fresh and used machinery oil is likely to be spilled into the soil during the construction phase depending on the management of these items. Other hazardous waste such as expired chemicals, batteries, electronic waste and filters will also be generated. The impact will be localized.
Solid Waste Construction packaging material (e.g. cement bags), off cuts from steel, timber, rubble and domestic waste will be generated during construction. This impact will be local.
Sewerage Waste Use of toilets whether pit latrines or advance will result into sewer waste being generated. This may possibly have affected ground water quality in the vicinity of the pits. This impact is minimal and will be localized.
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11.1.2 Operational phase impacts
Surface Water Quality
There may be possibility of surface water contamination resulting from water runoff containing chemical residues of pesticides and herbicides from the farming operation. The other possibility is that of storm water flowing along road way drains and across the farm land. Effluent water from the factory for fruits clean up may also affect surface water quality. This water will finally sink or percolate into the soil. It is therefore unlikely that there will be surface water pollution resulting from the any activities from the farm and any associated activities. Impact significance: Low
Ground Water Quality
Handling of fuels at the fuel storage tank, leakages of fuel from vehicles and handling of used oil at the workshop may lead to ground water contamination by hydrocarbons. Incorrect handling of fresh fuels and used oil may lead to leakages of fuel into the soil and in an event of rains and/ or storm water these hydrocarbons will end up in the soil and eventually in ground water. Application of fertilizers, insecticides, fungicides and herbicides will certainly result into soil contamination and with rain water and storm water these chemicals will contaminate ground water. This impact may be regional as areas in the proposed project site may be affected. Impact significance: Low
Ground water drawdown
Sinking of two (2) boreholes on the farm to support the water requirements of the operations to be undertaken may result into significant ground water drawdown that will eventually affect the water table in the area ground water aquifers. This drawdown may also affect the shallow wells that may be found around the area due to pumping pressure on the underground aquifer.
The primary contributor to the availability and presence of groundwater resources in Zambezi region is rainfall. The porosity, permeability and hydraulic conductivity of the soils in the area
Environmental Impact Assessment_ Banana & Fruit farming_Lisikili Communal Area 69 guarantees constant recharge to the groundwater and consequent availability. The entire Zambezi region and surrounding areas in particular have experienced uniform rainfall regime over a long period which provides sufficient recharge potential for the aquifer although seasonal groundwater level fluctuations may occur as the result of the spatial variability of the rainfall as well as due to pumping.
Pumping of water for irrigation from the borehole will not be continuous. This will be so in order to allow the recharge of the underground aquifer. Water will be stored in a reservoir (tank) with 10000m3 storage capacity. Irrigation water will then be abstracted from this reservoir at determined times. During the rainy season, pumping will be at its minimum since all the fruits & vegetable will be grown using rainfall. This will allow the water table to replenish the water table. Impact significance: High
Ambient Air Quality
High wind velocities may also result into dust generation from the bare land that has been cleared of its vegetation. This may happen even during off season periods of farming or when the land is idle during the window period of the rotation system that will be used at the farm.
Vehicular movement through the proposed access roads within the farming Unit may lead to dust generation. Ploughing and tilling, transportation of materials (inputs and out puts), will certainly generate appreciable amount of dust. This impact will be regional as it may affect both the proposed project site and its vicinity. This will be a nuisance. Impact significance: Low
Soil Contamination
Poor management of fresh and used oils will also certainly contaminate the soil. This impact will be regional as it may affect the proposed project site and its vicinity. It is also possible that soil contamination may occur due to inappropriate handling of chemicals such as fertilizer, insecticides, fungicides and herbicides. In the event of rain or irrigation leading to water runoff, these chemicals may percolate through surface soils causing contamination.
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Soil Erosion
Poor maintenance of access roads and drainages may result into continuation of soil erosion. Soil erosion may be from storm water and or high velocity winds. This impact will be local as it will be restricted to the proposed project site. Soil erosion will eventually result into poor soil fertility as the nutrients will be leached out. Impact significance: Low
Noise Transportation of farm implements and products, use of farm equipment in ploughing and tilling , application of fertilizers, insecticides, fungicides and pesticides, pumping of water, and any other activity associated with the operational phase will certainly result into noise generation. This impact will be regional as it may go beyond the proposed project site. The impact will be low as operations will be restricted to working hours only i.e. from 07:00 to 17:00 hours.
Land Use
The use of centre pivots, tilling and ploughing, transportation of farm inputs and outputs, built infrastructure, pumping of water from borehole, supply of electricity and any other activity that will be carried out on the farm lands at operational phase will certainly have a positive impact on land use. Land use will change from the dormancy period it has undergone the last ten years to commercial agricultural activity. Land use will bring about the needed infrastructural development and economic enhancement in the Lisikili area. This is a positive impact on the land as it will generate income.
Flora
During operational phase it is possible that invasive flora species may be introduced accidentally into the proposed project site and in the vicinity of the proposed project site. The agents of this invasive specifies may not be necessary the developer but may be from the out- grower scheme that will be initiated and encouraged by the development.
Impact significance: Low
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Fauna
The proposed farming unit (through the past experiences of subsistence farming by local communities) is being in existence for many years and has no large or endangered animal species that will be impacted by the development thus the operational phase activities will have no significant impact on fauna on the proposed project site or in the vicinity which are sensitive to such developments. Only small animals may be impacted by the revamping and operational activities on the farm. These animals may include birds, rabbits, lizards, rodents, snakes and squirrels. The impact if any will be localised to the project sites.
Landscape and Visual characteristics
The landscape and visual characteristics of the project sites will change drastically. Use of access roads, buildings, tilling and ploughing, irrigation system, growing of fruits and use of machinery at the farm will certainly have an impact on the landscape and visual characteristic of the proposed project sites. This impact will be localised.
Public safety and occupational health risk
Movement of haul vehicles, farm machinery such as tractors and circular movement of the centre pivots may cause serious occupational health risk to workers on site and also to the public. The fuel storage facility and an open borehole may also be a source of public safety hazard resulting from fire and physical injuries respectively.
Archaeology and cultural sites Operational phase activities are unlikely to have any impact to archaeological and cultural sites as they are located away from the project site. The impact of activities on the site will be insignificant.
Hazardous Waste
The management of fresh and used machinery oils if not adequately addressed may result in contamination of soils and subsequently ground water within the farm sites or workshop and/or oil storage area. This may be so also in the fuel storage facility. Other waste will be obsolete
Environmental Impact Assessment_ Banana & Fruit farming_Lisikili Communal Area 72 and expired chemicals, fertilizers and empty chemical containers. The impact will be localised to the above stated area.
Solid Waste
Domestic and Biomass waste will be generated during operational phase. This impact will be local. The domestic waste generation is negative while the biomass generation is a positive impact. The biomass may be used as an energy source with appropriate technology that may be considered by Saili Agricultural Investment (Pty) Ltd.
Sewerage Waste
Waterborne toilets will be used at the farm at Lisikili (where an office will be developed) and will be connected to a septic tank-soak away system. In other operation centres where applicable, the farm will construct Ventilated Improved Pit latrines (VIP’s). These operations will result in the generation of sewer waste. This may possibly affect ground water quality in the vicinity of the project site.
Impact significance: Low
11.1.3 Impact of out grower scheme to local farmers
Construction Phase The impact is negligible and insignificant at this stage.
Operational Phase Engagement of local people in the farming of Banana & fruits production on out grower scheme basis will help boost productivity, enhance local farmers’ incomes and subsequently improved lives and reduced poverty.
In terms of magnitude, likelihood, extent and frequency, the impact is considered significant, possible, confined to the project site surrounding and an annual occurrence respectively.
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11.1.4 Improved Local Authority Revenue base
Construction Phase
Saili Agricultural Investment (Pty) Ltd will make statutory contributions to the Lisikili local communities through service delivery of employment creation. The Regional council, NORED, and line Ministries will benefit through payment of land rates, taxes, and other licences to be issued for compliance. The impact is considered significant at this stage.
Operational Phase Through payment of various levies and revenues, full operations of the farm will improve the financial standing of the Local communities, the Zambezi region and country as well as other regulatory agencies.
In terms of magnitude, likelihood, extent and frequency, the impact is considered significant, possible, confined to the project site surroundings and an annual occurrence respectively.
Rating Key:
A. Frequency of occurrence of the impact is rated from 1 to 5 1-lowest 2-low 3-meduim 4-high 5-very high
B. Sensitivity of the occurrence refers to the response that the impact will receive from the affected parties. This is rated from 1 to 5. With 1 representing the minimal response to the impact while 5 represents the highest response level to the impact.
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Environmental Potential Impact Environmental Impact Characterisation Aspect Nature Likely hood Timing Duration Extent Freque Sensitivi ncy ty Surface Water Storm water contamination • Negative likely Preconstruction to Short term Regional 2 1 Quality • Direct distant future • Irreversible Ground Water Ground water contamination • Negative likely Near-future Short term Regional 1 5 Quality • Direct • Irreversible Drawdown Reduction in drawdown levels • Negative unlikely Near-future Short term Regional 1 5 • Direct (operations) • Irreversible Ambient Air Contamination of ambient air with • Negative Certain Pre- construction to Short term Regional 3 3 Quality dust • Direct near future • Irreversible Soil Contamination of soil with hazardous • Negative likely Pre- construction to Medium term Local 2 3 Contamination waste (used oil) • Direct near future • Irreversible Contamination of soil with • Negative unlikely Start of operational Medium term Local 1 4 Pesticides, fungicides and herbicides • Direct to near future • Irreversible Soil Erosion Lose of soil fertility as a result of soil • Negative likely Pre- construction to Permanent Local 3 4 erosion by wind and or by water • Direct near future • Irreversible Noise Generation of Noise • Negative certain Preconstruction to Medium term Regional 2 3 • Direct near future • Irreversible
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Land Use Change of land use • Negative certain Start of operational Medium term Local 2 4 • Direct to closure • Irreversible Flora Clearing of vegetation • Negative certain Pre - construction Permanent Local 1 5 • Direct • Irreversible Introduction of Invasive Species • Negative possible Pre - construction Permanent Regional 2 5 • Direct • Irreversible Extinction of endangered species • Negative certain Pre - construction Permanent Regional 2 5 • Direct • Irreversible Fauna Loss of fauna • Negative certain Pre - construction Permanent Regional 1 5 • Direct • Irreversible Interruption of animal corridors • Negative unlikely Pre- construction to Permanent Regional 2 5 • Direct operational phase • Irreversible Loss of endangered fauna species • Negative unlikely Pre - construction Permanent Regional 1 5 • Direct • Irreversible Archaeology and Damage and removal of • Negative unlikely Pre - construction Permanent Local 1 4 cultural sites archaeological sites • Direct • Irreversible Damage and removal of Cultural • Negative unlikely Pre - construction Permanent Local 1 4 Sites • Direct • Irreversible
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Public Safety Danger to the community from farm • Negative Possible Preconstruction to Medium Term Regional 2 4 equipment • Direct near future • Irreversible Landscape and Change to landscape and visual • Negative Certain Pre- Construction Medium Term Local 1 4 visual characteristics • Direct • Irreversible characteristics Hazardous Waste Generation of hazardous waste such • Negative Certain Pre- construction to Short Term Local 2 4 as used oil, chemical containers, • Direct operational phase • Irreversible batteries, florescence tubes, filters etc. Solid Waste Generation of Solid Waste from plant • Negative Certain Operational Phase Medium Term Local 1 4 biomass • Direct • Irreversible Generation of Domestic Waste • Negative Certain Pre – Construction Short Term to Local 3 3 • Direct to Mid Future Medium Term • Irreversible Sewerage Waste Generation of Sewer Waste • Negative Certain Pre – Construction Short Term to Local 3 3 • Direct to Mid Future Medium Term • Irreversible Surface Water Surface water contamination • Negative Unlikely Pre – Construction Short Term Regional 3 1 to Mid Future Quality • Direct • Irreversible Ground Water Contamination of ground water • Negative Possible Near-future Short Term Regional 1 5 Quality • Direct • Irreversible
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12. ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT PLAN
The Environmental Impact Assessment Regulations require the developer to provide an Environmental and Social Management Plan. An EMP is a document where all the measures that are required for environmental protection, which will include the mitigation measures and the monitoring plan, will be found for easy reference. The aim of an environmental management plan is to avoid, minimize, or ameliorate effects or impacts resulting from project implementation and where possible, enhance beneficial effects.
This EMP seeks to limit the interaction of disturbed with undisturbed lands at Lisikili farm project site and through the various processes of project implementation, restore the disturbed land to a predetermined form of land-use or to a productivity level similar to that occurring prior to disturbance.
The Environmental Management Plan for the management of the identified environmental impacts associated with this project consists of three main components: • Implementing the Impact Mitigation Plan. • Monitoring the implementation of the EMP.
12.1 Impact Mitigation Plan
The impact mitigation plan allocates the responsibilities for implementation of the proposed mitigation measures to the various stakeholders and indicates at what stage in the project they should be performed. The Plan is presented in this section and it addresses the negative impacts generated by the project and presents the associated cost estimates of mitigating the adverse impacts. The key components of the proposed impact mitigation plan are:
(i) Surface and ground water quality management (ii) Soil erosion Control (iii) Vegetation and Flora (iv) Wildlife and Fauna Habitats
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(v) Bush fires (vi) Noise and vibrations (vii) Occupational Health and safety (viii) Land use and Soil (ix) Air Quality (x) Landscape, land use and Aesthetics Socio-economic components of the mitigation plan include: (i) Cultural and Historic Sites (ii) Employment and conditions of service
12.2 Surface and ground water management
Surface and ground water are an important component of agricultural, ecological and human use of the land in the farming unit. The aim of the water management program is to ensure that where practical, flows into and through the project sites is maintained and that ground water sources (boreholes within the farms) are used efficiently to prevent inconsistent draw down of water during abstraction. The following will be undertaken to protect surface and ground water:
• An effective drainage system will be put in place to capture all waste water. • Oil spillages from vehicles and machinery will be avoided on site. Compliance with the Hazardous Waste Regulations will be priority. • A good and effective monitoring system will be put in place during operations. Regular surface and ground water samples will be collected and analysed. Bi-annual results will be submitted to the Namibian Environmental directorate. • Ensuring that boreholes and septic tanks are at least 60 meters apart.
12.3 Soil erosion control
The Saili Agricultural Investment (Pty) Ltd farming area have soils with less likelihood of soil erosion. However, the nature of the soil in high rainfall or winds may be prone to erosion. The cultivation methods to be employed by a Saili Agricultural Investment (Pty) Ltd will ensure less risk of soil erosion and runoff water to nearby farms and settlements
12.4 Vegetation and Flora
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The proposed farm have large portions of disturbed arable land that has been used for cultivation (mostly by Saili village residents). Most of the flora was cleared for purposes of cultivating crops during operations by the previous owner. A number of management initiatives shall be implemented to reduce further potential impacts and disturbance to flora and vegetation. These include clearly marking and restricting access to areas of high conservation value; concentrate the farming operations to already cleared land for cultivation purposes.
12.5 Wildlife and Fauna habitats
Due to previous farming and other anthropogenic activities at the farm, the area have no large animals that will be disturbed or likely to migrate due to the farming activities to be undertaken by Saili Agricultural Investment (Pty) Ltd. However, in the event that the small identified animals are threatened, it is most likely that the species will tend to migrate from the areas of greatest activity during site preparation and operation but will return during the night and more stable years of the operations. The selected potential impacts on fauna will be reduced by restricting disturbance and clearing of habitats to the minimum required for safe and efficient operations of the farm and progressively rehabilitating disturbed areas to re-establish habitats for the animals.
12.6 Bush fires
The impact of bush fires is more significant in the dry season as the risk of flora and fauna disturbance and threat is high. This is so because the flora and grass are dry and of little moisture likely to provide more means of fuel for ignition. Other than ignition, and fuels, other factors such as season, wind pattern and proximity with human settlements will play an important role in open burning. Such factors will need to be ascertained as appropriate timing of burning may facilitate a good burn and at the same time minimize air pollution impact. Consideration of the regional factors will enable classification of the area in terms of air pollution risks. All workers will be warned of the dangers of deliberate ignition of fires and its impact on wildlife, crops and other natural resources.
12.7 Noise and vibrations
Environmental Impact Assessment_ Banana & Fruit farming_Lisikili Communal Area 80
Operation of machinery at the farm will have little impact on the local surrounding community as the noise levels to be emitted will be within the acceptable audible levels. The settlements around the farm are at reasonable distances unlikely to receive destructive noise levels. The team will also ensure that only well serviced machinery, trucks and tractors are used to avoid generating noise levels that are above the recommended limit. Operations will be limited to day time only.
12.8 Employment and conditions of service
Saili Agricultural Investment (Pty) Ltd will employ up close to 50 workers at full implementation of the project. In accordance with its employment policy, this will constitute thirty (30%) of women. The company will uphold the government directive under the labour laws to pay all workers the stipulated minimum wage. Further, the company will observe all labour related regulations pertaining to normal working hours and other conditions of employment.
12.9 Cultural and Historic Sites
Lisikili farm have no cultural, historical or archeological sites within the farm area that may be disturbed by the project implementation from pre-construction to decommissioning phases.
13. THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT PLAN (EMP)
Table below outlines the management of the environmental elements during the planning and operational phases. Section 2 provides a brief summary of the management of the farming project. Contents of these tables could be incorporated into a HSEQ management system. The proponent would be responsible to assign the responsibilities and ensure that the tasks are executed
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Environmental Aspect Objectives Monitoring Mitigation and enhancement measures Responsible Monitoring frequency person costs (N$) PREPARATION & CONSTRUCTION PHASE
Surface Water Quality To protect Seasonal Construction of proper drains alongside access roads and Operations 4,200 contamination of storm drains within the farm land and operation areas. Director water. Ground Water Quality To protect ground water Quarterly Drip trays will be used when removing used oils from Farm Manager 3,400 contamination from oil equipment waiting servicing. spills and chemical run Fuel storage tanks will be placed in a banded wall and Farm Manager off. concreted surface. The bunding shall have a volume equivalent to 110% the volume of the fuel tank. A sump shall be constructed in such a way as to drain any oil that has spilled Used oil storage facility shall be kept under lock and key, Farm Manager - concreted and bunded Drainage systems in the farm will be constructed to prevent Farm Manager - chemical runoff during irrigation and rainy season Drawdown To reduce the impact of During Boreholes shall be located and drilled in such a way as not to Farm Manager - draw down. boreholes increase the impact of drawdown. Boreholes will be sighted drilling & test in areas within the farm away from shallow wells to protect pumping shallow wells from drawdown. Ambient Air Quality Quarterly Diesel equipment to be equipped with gas absorbers Farm Manager 2,200
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Reduction of gas and Use of low Sulphur content fuel (diesel) will be prioritised Farm Manager - fumes from borehole drilling and diesel machines Suppression of dust Weekly The farm shall have a water bowser which shall be used to Farm Manager - from construction sites suppress dust on the main road and other access roads and and access roads construction sites where there is dust. If available molasses will be sprayed on roads and Farm Manager 1,400 construction sites to suppress dust formation. Emissions and dust levels will be monitored by way of periodical air sampling using mobile dragger pump. Results will be submitted to DEA quarterly. Soil Contamination To protect soil from Quarterly Refuelling & repair of construction equipment will be done Farm Manager - contamination from in designated areas and periodic maintenance will be done on fresh and used oil spills, all equipment to avoid oil leaks getting into the soil and fuel. Drip trays will be used in maintenance areas to drain used oil Farm Manager - from equipment. Fresh and used oil will be stored in separate and lockable Workshop - shades whose floors shall be concreted manager A bioremediation plan shall be established for the purpose Farm Block 3,000 Manager bioremediation of oil contaminated soils. Soil Erosion To protect the soil from Monthly Storm water drains will be constructed around construction Farm Manager - erosion sites to collect storm water and there by prevent soil erosion
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Access roads and the plant periphery will be left with trees Farm Manager - and this will protect soil erosion Noise Minimise Noise to Monthly All farm equipment will be subject to a routine maintenance Farm Manager - acceptable levels to ensure they are in good working order, hence minimising noise levels. Restrict operations to day time only. Employees shall wear ear muffs or ear plugs and other Farm Manager 3,000 necessary Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). To protect workers Monthly Periodical monitoring of noise levels shall be conducted. Farm Manager - from noise exceeding Selection of low noise level equipment when purchasing Farm Manager - acceptable levels farm and workshop equipment will be first priority. Trees along access and periphery roads shall left intact to Farm Manager - shield and reduce noise levels Land Use To rehabilitate the farm Annually The mitigations here shall only come at closure. Buildings Operations 1,000 area and try to restore to like the farm house, workers houses, fuel storage facility, director its original state. used oil storage shed and the mini workshop will be demolished, area cleared and rehabilitated. The centre pivot shall be removed and the other irrigation equipment removed also. Pumps shall be roved and boreholes caped. The farm land shall be re-vegetated and or allowed to naturally re- vegetate. Flora To protect the local Quarterly The project will be implemented mostly to utilise spaces or Farm Manager 1,800 flora where possible. land which was already cleared in the farm blocks
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Fauna To protect local fauna. Quarterly Noticed fauna in the proposed project site will be preserved Farm Manager 1,200 by taking it to areas that will remain undisturbed. Archaeology and To protect cultural Project Inception Any cultural heritage site discovered during construction Farm Manager 1,500 cultural sites heritage from damage will be preserved and the cultural heritage commission informed accordingly. Public Safety To minimise health and Quarterly Pre-employment and regular medical examinations will be Farm Manager 1,450 safety risks. carried out on all farm employees to ascertain their health. All plant equipment will be subject to a routine maintenance Farm Manager - programme to ensure they are in good working order, hence minimising health and safety risks. All workers including contractors will be subject to wearing Farm Manager - appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) depending on the work type and place All workers to go through safety and health inductions upon Farm Manager - employment. To protect members of Only authorised workers will be allowed to enter Farm Manager - the public from hazards construction areas. No members of the public will be allowed associated with to enter construction sites as well as the farm premises construction activities. “Danger” warning signs to be placed in different points Farm Manager - along the boundary of the farm and along the access road. Warning signs to be written in symbols, English and Farm Manager - Vernacular language for easy interpretation.
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Landscape and Visual To protect visual Project inception Where there shall be no roads and buildings, the visual Farm Manager 1,100 characteristics characteristics of the characteristics of the landscape shall not be altered. landscape. Hazardous Waste To safely keep Throughout Used oil and used batteries storage areas shall be constructed Farm Manager 1,200 Project generated hazardous according to environmental guidelines. Lockable, concreted waste and dispose of and bunded shed shall be constructed. appropriately Sewerage Waste To protect sewer waste Throughout A septic soak way system shall be revamped and/or Farm Manager 1,250 Project from contaminating the constructed to treat sewer waste since Kasheshe farming soil and or ground block & surrounding areas are not serviced by municipal water infrastructure Solid Waste Dispose solid waste at Throughout Metallic and timber off cuts will be stored in designated areas Health officer 1,450 construction site Project and sold or given to authorised scrap metal dealers or given accordingly to the locals for domestic use. Cement empty bags and containers will be re-used or Farm Manager returned to supplier for re-use. OPERATIONAL PHASE Surface and ground To protect Quarterly Proper maintenance of storm water drains along access roads Operations Water Quality contamination of and drains within the farm land Director surface and ground The transport of hazardous materials to and from farm will Farm Manager water be done in accordance with laid down procedures. Requirements will Include: documentation and inventory
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control through chain of custody; emergency response training for spills. Only designated transport routes shall be used to transport Farm Manager chemicals such as fertiliser, fungicides, herbicides, fuel, used oil, fresh oil, lime and pesticides to and from the farm. Contracted transporters of chemicals shall be licenced with Farm Manager Ministry of Mines & Energy Contracted transporters of petroleum products shall be Farm Manager licenced with the Energy Regulation Board Application of fertilisers, fungicides, pesticides and Farm Manager herbicides will be in accordance will the law and guidelines. Drawdown To protect the locals Monthly A drawdown monitoring programme will be put in place Farm Manager - from being affected by Locals will be informed how far from the farm should they Farm Manager the effect of drawdown put their wells. on their water supply Boreholes in the farm to located far away from residential Farm Manager wells. areas where locals are likely to put boreholes. A minimum of 300 metres away is recommended. Ambient Air Quality To prevent Quarterly The farm shall have a water bowser which shall be used to Farm Manager 1,250 contamination of air suppress dust on access roads and construction sites where due to dust emissions there is dust. from vehicles and If available molasses will be sprayed on roads and Farm Manager trucks operating on dirt construction sites to suppress dust formation roads
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Low fume and gas Trees will be left along access roads and on the periphery of Farm Manager emissions the proposed project site to act as a wind breaker and thereby reduce dust levels Diesel equipment to be equipped with gas absorbers Farm Manager Soil Protection of soil from Quarterly Hazardous waste shall be kept in a lockable, concreted and Farm Manager contamination by bunded storage facility hazardous waste Protection of Soil from Quarterly Pesticides. Herbicides, fertiliser and fungicides shall be kept Farm Manager contamination by in a properly constructed area with proper ventilation, fertiliser, pesticides, concreted floor, bunded and lockable shed fungicides and Application of these chemicals shall follow the right Farm Manager herbicides procedures Soil Erosion To protect the soil from Quarterly Storm water drains will be periodically maintained to collect Farm Manager erosion storm water and there by prevent soil erosion. Access roads and the plant periphery will be left with trees Farm Manager and this will protect soil erosion Noise To minimise noise Quarterly All farm equipment will be subject to a routine maintenance Farm Manager 1,450 levels to acceptable programme to ensure they are in good working order, hence levels minimising noise levels. To protect workers Employees will wear appropriate ear protection in Farm Manager from noise exceeding workplaces where noise levels exceed 82 dB. African acceptable levels Christian Support Mission Trust management will enforce the use of PPE in the farm.
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Trees left along access roads and the farm periphery will not Farm Manager only act as a wind breaker but also sound proof. Land Use Protect land from being Throughout The Zambezi Macro Agronomic farm will be strictly for Farm Manager used in other ways project life commercial farming of crop, vegetables and other items such as soya beans, wheat, maize and rearing of livestock and poultry operations. Any other use will be prohibited. Flora To protect the local Throughout All the trees left after the construction phase shall not be cut Farm Manager flora where possible project life for whatever reason. A procedure for cutting of trees shall be put in place. Progressive planting of trees shall be carried out and encouraged in areas where trees had been carelessly cut. Extinction of Identified Endangered plant species shall be preserved and Farm Manager endangered plant planted elsewhere at all costs if possible. species. Protection from No invasive or alien species shall be introduced on this Farm Manager introduction of invasive farmland in accordance with the invasive species act. species Fauna To protect local fauna. Throughout Noticed fauna in the proposed project sites will be preserved Farm Manager project life relocating it to areas that will remain undisturbed Archaeology and To protect cultural Throughout Any cultural heritage site discovered during operational Farm Manager cultural sites heritage from damage project life phase other than the existing grave site will be preserved and the cultural heritage commission informed accordingly Public Safety To minimise health and Throughout Pre-employment and regular medical examinations will be Farm Manager 3,000 safety risks. project life carried out on all farm employees
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To protect members of All plant equipment will be subject to a routine maintenance Farm Manager the public from hazards programme to ensure they are in good working order, hence associated with minimising health and safety risks construction activities All workers whether contractor or not will be subject to Farm Manager wearing appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) depending on the work type and place All workers to go through safety and health inductions when Farm Manager just employed To protect members of Throughout Only authorised workers will be allowed to enter Farm Manager the public from hazards project life construction areas. No members of the public will be allowed associated with to enter construction sites. construction activities “Danger” warning signage to be placed in different Farm Manager points along the boundary of the farm. Warning signs to be written in symbols, English and Farm Manager vernacular language. Landscape and Visual To protect visual Throughout Where there shall be no roads and buildings, the visual Farm Manager characteristics characteristics of the project life characteristics of the landscape shall not be altered landscape Hazardous Waste To safely store and Throughout Used oil and batteries storage areas shall be maintained Farm Manager handle generated project life according to environmental guidelines. Lockable, concreted hazardous waste and bunded shed shall be used.
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Sewerage & effluent To protect sewer waste Throughout A septic soak way system shall be used to treat sewer waste. Farm Manager Waste from contaminating the project life HDPE lined effluent ponds will be constructed on the farm soil and/ or ground for bio-treatment of effluent. water Solid Waste Disposal of solid waste Throughout Biomass from the plants will be stored and energy generation Farm Manager project life options evaluated Domestic solid waste will be disposed of at the Katima Farm Manager Mulilo town council & Kongola village council disposal site in accordance with the waste management regulations
DECOMMISSIONING AND CLOSURE PHASE Ambient Air Quality Contamination of Quarterly Progressive and natural re-vegetation shall be done and this Farm Manager ambient air with dust will protect land from winds and that result into generating of dust. Soil Erosion To protect the soil from Quarterly Storm water drains will be periodically maintained to collect Farm Manager erosion storm water and there by prevent soil erosion Access roads and the plant periphery will be left with trees Farm Manager and this will protect soil erosion Land Use Change of land use Bi-annual Demolition of all surface infrastructures, grading and re- Farm Manager profiling of the surface and re-vegetation will be done. If possible land use will change to the original one.
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Public Safety Danger to the Monthly All farm equipment removed and infrastructure will be Farm Manager 3,000 community from farm demolished. Areas requiring rehabilitation rehabilitated. equipment Bore holes shall be caped. Landscape and Visual Change to landscape Quarterly Demolition of all surface infrastructures, grading and re- Farm Manager characteristics and visual profiling of the surface and re-vegetation will change the characteristics landscape and visual characteristics Solid Waste Generation of Domestic Quarterly Domestic solid waste will be disposed of at the Lisikili Farm Manager Waste School & Clinic disposal sites according to the waste management regulations. Sewerage Waste To protect sewer waste Quarterly A septic tank-soak way system shall be used to treat sewer Farm Manager from contaminating the waste soil and or ground water
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14. DECOMISSIONING PHASE
Upon the successful operation of the farm by Saili Agricultural Investment (Pty) Ltd, the closure objective will be to restore the farm site to its natural state. This will be a transitional change over a period of time in order to restore the land to its original state. Lisikili farm will have to be restored to a condition which is safe, stable and minimizes environmental impacts on the flora, fauna, water, and soil and air quality. The area must as a minimum not negatively affect the socio-economic status of the local residents close to the project areas. Other objectives of the closure plan are to:
- Protect future human, flora and fauna health and safety. - Minimize or prevent biophysical and social environmental degradation. - As far as practical, return the site to the pre-farming land use (sustainable woodland) or another appropriate alternative, and - Minimize any adverse socio-economic impacts. Generally, closure objectives covering public health and safety, landform (soils) and vegetation will be developed as outlined in the table below.
Saili Agricultural Investment (Pty) Ltd intends to undertake the Banana & fruit farming project through the 25 year lease as stipulated by the Namibian government land Reform Act no 5 of 2002. All relevant local and regional regulatory bodies such as Namibian Environmental Management commission, Zambezi Regional Council, Government Departments and other relevant local authorities and/or interested parties will be informed beforehand in the event that Saili Agricultural Investment (Pty) Ltd decides to abandon the implementation of the project for any predicted or unforeseen circumstances. A detailed final closure plan will be submitted for approval to the Ministry of Environment, directorate of Environmental Affairs.
The following sections describe the activities to be undertaken by Saili Agricultural Investment (Pty) Ltd to successfully bring the project to a close taking into consideration all the environmental, physical and socio-economic impacts that may arise during this phase.
14.1 Dismantling of equipment and farm machinery
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All the farm machinery, and auxiliary equipment on site will be dismantled to manufacturer specifications in a well-planned manner in order to avoid contamination of soil, air and water and to eliminate the physical hazards associated with the equipment and machinery to be dismantled and relocated
Un-installation/ removal of the centre pivot
All the components of the centre pivots will be dismantled component by component and packed into haul trucks for transportation to another site for alternative use and/or sale. The dam used for storage of irrigation water will be buried and the soil replaced and area re- vegetated.
Removal of pumps and burying of boreholes
The submersible and surface water pumps and all electrical components associated with the pumps will be disconnected from the power supply and uninstalled. A total of 2 boreholes will be buried to restore the bore sites to their original state while the remaining 2 boreholes will be used as monitoring boreholes for underground contamination for the next two (02) years of the post closure program to be implemented by Saili Agricultural Investment (Pty) Ltd.
Movement of re-usable farm machinery
Saili Agricultural Investment (Pty) Ltd does not operate any ventures within Zambezi region or Namibia, hence will require the sale or lease of such machinery to other needy and operational Farm projects. The machinery salvaged from Zambezi region farming units will be moved to an appropriate farming operation that will utilise the equipment.
Demolition of the Farm infrastructure
The administration building, storage, workshop, chemical stores, farm house, workers quarters and other concrete related infrastructure will be demolished accordingly. This will be done systemically in order to recover as much reusable construction material as possible. The rabble resulting from this demolition will be used to level the ground and refill and re-profile the septic tanks and soak away system that will be utilized as a sewerage management facility during the operation phase. General cleaning of the areas formerly occupied by the demolished structures will be conducted to be coupled with grading and levelling the ground to pave way for tree replanting.
Installation of warning signage and symbols
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In order to maintain safety and reduce the risk of physical accidents from trespassers, the areas considered to pose accident risks will have warning signage installed to prevent injury and restrict access to the site. This will also be done for the main access road that traverses through the farm.
15. CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
15.1 Conclusion
Agricultural production has proven itself time and again as a powerful instrument for socio- economic development. Community farming and irrigation projects are important tool in alleviating poverty and providing alternative livelihoods, especially in Namibia’s community areas with a low rate of unemployment.
These specific areas have a lot of potential as an agricultural crop production. and there is need for more some irrigation farm establishments that do not only provide economic benefits to the communities but also offer socio-economic benefits to the local communities with minimised ecological impacts.
Since the proposed site falls within the Zambezi region which is rated as a second poorest region according to the regional poverty profile (NPC, 2004) the surrounding communities can only benefit from the proposed agricultural in terms of increased long-term quality of life.
15.2 Recommendations
Development related impacts must be prevented or mitigated by implementing strict monitoring and control. All permits and approval must be obtained from the relevant ministries or authorities for the operation of the farm. It is imperative that the mitigation measures as set out in the ESMP be implemented during the planning (layout design) construction and operational phases to prevent unnecessary damage to the natural environment.
The ESMP should be added to all contractors’ agreements and be signed by such contractors. The recommendations made in this report places the developer under a legal obligation to ensure that all mitigation measures are implemented and followed through during construction and operation of the farms
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Gift Mpo Sinyepe
Environmental and Management Consultant
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