Directorate of Agricultural Research and Training

RESEARCH PROJECT DESCRIPTION AND PROTOCOL

1. BASIC INFORMATION

1.1 Project title

AN EVALUATION OF DIFFERENT METHODS TO COMBAT TERMINALIA SERICEA ENCROACHMENT IN THE CAMELTHORN SAVANNA OF NAMIBIA

1.2 Project Reference #

1.3 Date of Approval

1.4 Project manager

Project Leader: R. Hälbich, DAR, P.O. Box 562, Gobabis, Namibia. Co-workers: Sandveld Research Station Personnel, DAR, P.O. Box 562, Gobabis, Namibia. Sub - Division Pasture Science, DAR, Private Bag 13184, Windhoek.

1.5 Start date

September 2005

1.6 End date / end of phase date

August 2010

1.7 Project background

According to personal communications with farmers in the vicinity, one of the initial reasons why Sandveld Research Station was bought by the Government in the late 1960's, was to do research on Terminalia sericea. This tree species does have considerable encroaching effects in some areas of the Omaheke Region. Research in this regard has however never been done in this area.

1.8 Project objective

The objectives of the project are to evaluate - - different methods to combat Terminalia sericea encroachment - the effect that the different methods have on the veld condition - input-output costs for the different methods of treatment - the income generated from selling of wood products (poles and droppers) - the basic socio-economic impact on the labour force in especially the communal as well as resettlement areas, as well as commercial farming areas (job creation)

1.9 Target end users / beneficiaries

Target end users and beneficiaries will be communal and commercial farmers, resettlement farmers as well as the labour force of the country as such. Other end user will be relevant Ministries and NGO's to help them in their decision-making process with respect to subsidizing labour-intensive bush control measures, loans for Directorate of Agricultural Research and Training

small-scale entrepreneurs, Food-for-Work Programme, Drought Mitigating Strategy, etc.

1.10 Geographical focus

Large stock production areas in Namibia, focussing on the white sandy soils prevalent in the eastern parts of Namibia, where T. sericea tends to be an invader.

1.11 Classification as: Crops/livestock/NRM/whole farming system

Pasture Science

1.12 Links to other research projects

This project is not linked to any other project presently conducted on-station as such, but can be linked to the Bush Encroachment Research, Monitoring and Management Projects' objectives.

1.13 Links to agricultural sector programmes

The project can be linked to NAP, National Drought Policy and Strategy, Agricultural (Commercial) Land Reform Act, 1995 (No. 6 of 1995), to the objectives of the Bush Encroachment Research, Monitoring and Management Project, as well as poverty reduction programmes in Namibia.

1.14 Links to National agricultural policies and strategies

The overall goal of the National Agricultural Policy (NAP) is to (RoN 1995a) -

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. This includes the promotion of sustainable utilization of the country's land and other natural resources.

Bush encroachment, in particular, is a matter of great concern to the MAWRD. The NAP regards the eradication of bush as an important part of its strategy to exploit the full potential in commercial and small-scale farming areas.

In terms of the NAP, Government intends to "establish mechanisms to support farmers in combating bush encroachment effectively over both the short and long term". In line with this, Government will (ibid.:25)-

endeavour to ensure that appropriate bush control technologies and inputs are available from the private sector at the lowest possible prices. Research and advisory services to farmers on biological and technical issues relating to bush clearing and utilization will also be strengthened. [It will also] promote labour-intensive and private sector initiatives that utilize bush products. Directorate of Agricultural Research and Training

2. TECHNICAL INFORMATION

2.1 Problem / opportunity statement

Some communities came up with the idea to use this tree species more efficiently, e.g. furniture production, fencing material, fire wood etc. Other farmers also have already used different methods (chemical, biological and mechanical) to combat Terminalia sericea encroachment; the results differed considerably, ranging from 5% to 50% in effectiveness. One of the biggest problems that were experienced, according to commercial farmers, is that with time the browsing line of the trees gets too high, therefore causing the effect that browsers cannot reach the canopy anymore to browse on, as well as the fact that the tree canopy is too dense. The question however also arises whether it is recommended to obtain a 100% success rate, because normally the DM-production on the white sandy soils is very low; Terminalia sericea is thus a palatable woody species, as long as encroachment is limited.

2.2 Hypothesis

Encroachment of Terminalia sericea can be controlled by using different methods, e.g. chemical, mechanical, manual as well as biological.

2.3 Start point / Literature review status

2.4 Methodology

2.4.1 Trial design and treatments

Phase 1: Development of the trial sites

7 different treatments (including the control sites) will be evaluated, each treatment having one replicate. Each plot will be 100m long and 50m wide, thus 0.5 ha each in size, and separated from each other by a 5 m wide strip. The area between each plot will be left untreated, to avoid possible overlapping of treatment with herbicides between each plot. The treatments will be as follows:

2 x Control plots, no treatment 2 x plots, 100% treatment with Molopo 20GG @ ± 3.5kg/ha 2 x plots, 100% treatment with Bundu SC 2 x plots, 100% treatment with Molopo 500SC 2 x plots, sawing of thicker stems for droppers and poles (thinning out), stumps to be treated with Browser 2 x plots, 100% felling with chainsaw, axes and / or mattocks, no further treatment. Stems will be used for poles and droppers 2 x plots, stem burning Directorate of Agricultural Research and Training

Trial diagram 100m

50m CONTROL

50m A. Thin out with saw, apply stems with Browser

50m B. Stemburning

50m C. 100% treatment with Molopo 20GG @ 3.5kg/ha

50m D. 100% treatment with Bundu SC

50m E. Thin out with axe and saw for droppers and poles, leave for re-growth

50m F. 100% treatment with Molopo 500SC

50m G. Thin out with axe and saw for droppers and poles, leave for re-growth

50m H. 100% treatment with Molopo 500SC

50m I. 100% treatment with Bundu SC

50m J. 100% treatment with Molopo 20GG @ 3.5kg/ha

50m K. Stemburning

50m L. Thin out with saw, apply stems with Browser

50m CONTROL 100m Directorate of Agricultural Research and Training

Phase 2: Evaluation

Evaluation of the sites will be done annually during May 2006 onwards, after the growing season.

Phase 3: Promotion and multiplication

Promotion of the methods having the best results will be done during information days, while multiplication of the trials can be done in the communal as well as on other commercial farming areas, if the demand arises.

2.4.2 Trial site location and information

Sandveld Research Station is situated approximately 60km north east of Gobabis, Omaheke Region, in Namibia. The Station is situated 1300m above sea level at 19° 7' S latitude and 22° 2' E longitude.

The Station is situated in the Camel Thorn Savannah (Giess 1971), where Acacia erioloba is the most prominent tree. However, on the more sandy white soils Terminalia sericea are more dominant.

The average seasonal rainfall for the period 1985/86 to 2003/04 was 391.5mm; however, large variations occurred over the years.

The carrying capacity is indicated as 8 hectares per large stock unit, or 30kg biomass per hectare. However, the carrying capacity of the site where the research project is going to be conducted is expected to be much lower, due to the white soil.

The geological formation on Sandveld Research Station forms part of the Kalahari-Group and consists of sand and loam with concretions of carbonates, silicone and iron. Underneath the Kalahari-Group is the quartzite of the Nossib-Group.

In the past, this camp was mainly grazed on by bulls or old cows, due to its low potential. The camp lies in an area of the farm that is dominated by white soil. Soil samples will however be taken at the start of the project.

2.4.3 Management

If possible, the area will be fenced of to control grazing of the site. This will also ensure that a more accurate stocking rate can be calculated. DM- production will be evaluated before grazing of livestock is allowed.

2.4.4 Material / support required

1 x chain saw will be borrowed from Pasture Science Division. This Division has already mentioned that they are willing to support the project with Molopo 20GG. Other herbicides have been obtained through donation from Mr D. Botha from Odussa Trading, Otavi. Axes and mattocks are available on-station. Directorate of Agricultural Research and Training

2.4.5 Measurements / assessments

The following measurements will be taken at the start of the project: GPS reading of each plot Soil samples of the site Botanical composition within a 200m² transect for each treatment Bush densities and height classes within a 200m² transect for each treatment Financial implications of the work done, e.g. amount of droppers and poles produced, labour costs, etc.

During the trial time, the following measurements will be taken at the end of each growing season: Grass species composition within a 200m² transect for each treatment Bush densities and height classes within a 200m² transect for each treatment DM - production after the wet season for each treatment Biomass stocked during the year for each treatment

Casual labourers will be used to do the felling of stems, as well as preparing droppers and poles. Interest already exists from some people from the vicinity, to do the work in exchange for the droppers and poles. Labour as well as input-output costs will also be calculated. Trials will also show the positive and negative features of the treatments.

All measurements will be provided to interested farmers annually. Assessments will as far as possible be done locally (on-station); however, should the need arise, the Pasture Science Division will most certainly help us with their knowledge.

2.4.6 Analysis, interpretation and reporting

Data will be recorded on Microsoft Excel. Analysis of the data received will as far as possible be done locally (on-station); however, should the need arise, the Pasture Science Division will most certainly help us with their knowledge.

2.5 Classification of research type

Basic, adaptive, diagnostic.

3. MANAGEMENT INFORMATION

3.1 Project staff / Organizations

Human resources: 1 x Agriculture Research Technician 3 weeks per annum 1 x Labourer 1 week per annum 5 x Casual labourers 4 weeks per annum during the implementation phase only Organisations: MAWRD - Division Pasture Science Directorate of Agricultural Research and Training

3.2 Collaborative responsibilities and working mechanisms Attached work plan for the Research Technician on-station.

3.3 Milestones and dates for achievements

Phase 1: To be completed during September 2005. Phase 2: May 2006 onwards on an annual base. Phase 3: May 2006 onwards on an annual base.

3.4 Monitoring system

The projects' progress will be made available to anyone by either visiting the sites, or by reports.

3.5 Reporting system

Annual Reports of Sandveld Research Station, as well as articles containing the newest information from data analysis, will be made available annually. Updates will be provided at the Annual Agricultural Research Reporting Conference.

As soon as the effect of the different treatments can be seen, most probably from May 2006 onwards, information will also be made available to the farmer on demand.

3.6 Evaluation system

The treated sites will be evaluated according to the effectiveness of the treatment method, was well treatment and output costs.

4. ECONOMIC INFORMATION

4.1 Resource availability

Funds are available from FDC 407 (Livestock North).

4.2 Cost / Benefit - Economic justification

It is anticipated that farmers will make use of Terminalia sericea more effectively, in the sense that the trees can be browsed on by livestock, as well as the production of droppers and poles for either own use or to gain some additional income. This project can also serve as an indicator for stakeholders with respect to job creation.

5. IMPACT INFORMATION

5.1 Anticipated impact

It is anticipated that farmers will make use of Terminalia sericea more effectively, in the sense that the trees can be browsed on by livestock, as well as the production of droppers and poles for either own use or to gain some additional income. It must however be stressed that the use of Terminalia sericea should be sustainable. Directorate of Agricultural Research and Training

This project can serve as an indicator for stakeholders with respect to job creation. It could also help several research officials to gain information about the pro's and cons of bush encroachment and combating thereof.

5.2 Scale of impact

Initially about 5% of the farmers in the eastern central parts of Namibia (both communal and commercial farming areas) with the same soil type. Depending on the success of the different treatments, it will spread to other communal and commercial farmers nationwide, with a possible international impact to neighboring countries.

5.3 Time frame for impact

The first results, especially with respect to income, (droppers and poles) will be seen after sites have been prepared. In cases where other treatments like herbicides and stem burning will be used, the first results will be seen after the first wet season, as well as during the first annual pasture evaluation in May 2006. 5 - 10 years for the impact to be measurable. Directorate of Agricultural Research and Training

RESEARCH PROJECT DESCRIPTION AND PROTOCOL

Work Programme & Budget for whole project or whole phase

(From: September 2005 to: August 2010 )

Work Programme Activity Responsibility Timing / Dates Preparing of sites Project Manager + personnel September 2005 Annual pasture surveys Project Manager + personnel May 2006 Annual pasture surveys Project Manager + personnel May 2007 Annual pasture surveys Project Manager + personnel May 2008 Annual pasture surveys Project Manager + personnel May 2009 Annual pasture surveys Project Manager + personnel May 2010

Budget Human Resources Name % of time S&T Total cost Funding Source 1. R. Hälbich 10 % 0.00 N$ 8395.50 FDC 407 2. L. Eiseb 8% 0.00 N$ 1761.00 FDC 407 3. Casual labourers 100% 0.00 4. Materials Cost Chain saw and 0.00 0.00 lubricants to be borrowed from Division Pasture Science

Fuel (20 ltr) 102.75 102.75

1 x 20kg Molopo 1587.00 1587.00 20GG

Bundu SC 0.00 Sponsored by Odussa Trading, Otavi Browser + Actipron 0.00 Sponsored by Odussa Trading, Otavi Molopo 500SC 0.00 Sponsored by Odussa Trading, Otavi

Other Cost GRAND TOTAL N$ 11846.25