13.     Guidelines for land use management Plans

 

 

The land use management plan is nothing more than the day-to-day management plan of the farm/s acquired for use as commonage. The data collected during the land evaluation process is also relevant when drawing up this plan.

 

The outline of a management plan is provided which should guide the management committee when drawing up the plan.

 

 

1.      Introduction/Background

 

•         Description of the property.

 

•         Infrastructure inventory.

 

•         Information on Notarial deed with conditions spelt out and servitude’s registered adjacent title deed.

 

2.      Management committee

 

•         Composition of committee.

 

•         Duties and responsibilities of committee

 

The committee is inter alia responsible for and duties include:

 

q        The development and maintenance of the basic and primary infrastructure;

q        The erection and maintenance of water structures i.e. Windmills, dams, water pipes;

q        The erection and maintenance of fences i.e. camp and border fences;

q        The correct surveying of stock numbers and see to it that prescribed numbers are complied with;

q        That the prescribed management for the veldt and stock by the Department of Agriculture is complied to;

q        The implementation of an emergency plan for short and long term droughts;

q        The control over problem animals;

q        Entrance into competitive marketing; and

q        Securing guidance and support to the participating users.

 

 

 


3.      General principle of the Management plan

 

The following issues should be addressed:

 

 

 

•         Livestock farming

 

q        Carrying capacity of the land;

q        Grazing system and management: grazing roster, dividing of camps, irrigation, water, rotation system of stock etc.;

q        Infrastructure: i.e. placing of water points, dipping pens, etc.;

q        Grazing regulations;

q        Stock composition/Breeding and Branding;

q        Animal health i.e. Control of animal diseases; and

q        Other health matters i.e. Manure disposal, water etc.

 

•         Crop and vegetable production

 

q        Production plans: will each member have her/his own plot or will land be farmed as a unit? What crops will be planted, when?;

q        Production inputs: use of seeds, fertiliser, chemicals etc.;

q        Machinery and equipment – group/individually owned, TLC owned? How will it be used, and who will take responsibility for use, who will maintain and repair?; and

q        Infrastructure: Water, electricity -  who will provide, who will pay? Stores and sheds – who will use, who will have access?

 

•         Poultry

 

q        Health: very strict health measures should apply, disease control plan, cleaning and disposal of manure;

q        Feed: what kind of feed, where will feed be obtained, who will pay, who will control feeding?; and

q        Infrastructure: water, electricity -  who will provide, who will pay?

 

4.      Environmental issues

 

•         Emergency and contingency plans for natural disasters such as floods and droughts should be in place.

 

•         Droughts

 

q        Long term and short term measures should be set up;

q        Farmers and Municipality to participate in existing drought support schemes; and

q        Planting of drought resistant fodder.

 

•         Erosion:  Problem areas identified by PDA must be managed according to their guidelines and erosion works such as fences, gabions, waterways must be maintained.

 

•         Compliance with relevant legislation.

 

5.      Control measures

 

•         Security: use of homestead on farm, appointment of caretaker and contract with caretaker, patrolling of fences.

 

•         Violation: System in place to prosecute Violators of the management plan and lease agreement appropriately system must be devised as to how the trespassers will be prosecuted i.e. First and second trespassers will be warned in writing and third trespassers will lose all rights.

 

•         Health matters: Air, land, water pollution and statutory aspects.

 

•         Lease Agreements: when will users pay, who will collect fees etc.

 

6.      Maintenance structure

 

•         Who will be responsible for improvements?

 

•         What improvements are allowed on the land?

 

•         Who will be responsible for maintaining infrastructure?

 

•         How will this be done?

 

7.      Training

 

•         Which organisations are responsible to advice and support the users?

 

•         Which organisations can provide training?

 

•         What type of training is needed?

 

•         Who needs training and who will go on training?

 

8.      Marketing

 

•         Selling of livestock and produce – individual or group.

 

•         Group doing business for gain/profit must be a registered legal entity.

 

•         Legal procedures in selling of livestock.

 

•         Where will they sell, to whom will they sell, what % will be sold and what % will be for household income.

 

9.      Budget and financial implications

 

•         Separate set of books and/or account for commonage – include a budget and income and expenditure.

 

•         Financial statements to be prepared and presented to relevant structures.

 

•         What funds can be used for small-scale maintenance without council approval?

 

•         Expenditure can include:

 

q        Transport cots to inspect the commonage;

q        Maintenance work; and

q        Communication and administration fees.

 

•         Income can include:

 

q        Maintenance fees;

q        TLC subsidies; and

q        Donation funds.