August, 2011 News letter:
All SANAT members must have become disappointed in the fact that the SANAT steering committee appears to have lost interest in SANAT and animal traction generally.
The facts of the matter are however that despite efforts to arrange animal traction, SANAT workshops and to engage the Department of Agriculture in the preparation of a national policy on animal traction over the last number of years, progress has been extremely slow and this has lead to a certain amount of apathy within the committee.
This cannot be allowed to continue. The need for animal traction technology amongst small scale farmers and for the role that SANAT can play, still remains as important as ever.
With this in mind the steering committee of SANAT has arranged
for a SANAT Web Site to be prepared and this Web Site will be used
in the future to keep all members in touch, to provide the latest
information on animal traction and to provide a monthly newsletter.
We are requesting all our members of old, as well as any new
members, to renew their support for SANAT, to continue with their
annual membership subscription and to provide the secretary with any
interesting news that they may have to offer. The membership fees
are as follows:
| Student/Farmer | R15.00 | |
| Individual | R50.00 | |
| Group/Regional | R100.00 | |
| Corporate/Institutional | R250.00 |
Within the coming year SANAT will endeavour to arrange a special workshop in collaboration with the National and Provincial Departments of Agriculture to prepare a National Animal Traction Policy for South Africa. This workshop will also provide an opportunity for SANAT to hold a general meeting aimed at electing a new steering committee and planning the way forward.
In August 1993 the South African Network of Animal Traction (SANAT) was inaugurated at the Orange Grove Hotel in East London. This year SANAT celebrated it’s 18th Anniversary and is now paused to collect itself, to reflect on what has been achieved so far and to prepare for the years ahead.
The first decade saw SANAT establish itself as a recognized
networking organization representing and linking all those who make
use of draught animal power with the government, the private sector,
NGO’s and researchers. For the most part it was a successful decade
with more ups than downs. SANAT was mainly riding on the crest of
the waves. The first seven years culminated in the preparation of
the National Department of Agriculture’s Animal Traction Policy
Document, which was actually presented in the Green Paper on
Agriculture in 1998. This was followed in 1999 with SANAT hosting
the third ATNESA workshop in Mpumalanga Province. This workshop was
successful and SANAT ended the twentieth century on a high note.
The beginning of the twenty first century has brought with it some
disappointments for SANAT.
For some reason, not fully understood, Animal Traction has lost favour with the National and Provincial Departments of Agriculture and as a result is to a certain extent floundering through lack of financial support. It has been estimated that there are about 1,2 million farmers in South Africa who use draught animal power for their farming activities and a large percentage of these farmers recognize and support SANAT. Where has SANAT gone wrong? The answer is not clear but it is believed that SANAT is a victim of the circumstances in which we currently live. There is so much change taking place in Agriculture, so many new ideas, many aimed at the larger scaled emerging farmers, that inevitably SANAT and Animal Traction have slid onto the sideline.
On the ground the situation remains the same. The number of farmers using animal traction has not changed, the lack of properly financed training establishments which can provide such farmers with the information they need remains a huge constraint to the development of these farmers. The lack of funding for research into Animal Traction is a further constraint as is the provision of new up to date animal drawn machinery.
There is still talk of and the actual supply of emerging farmers with state of the art agricultural machinery including tractors, which more and more are becoming financially out of the reach of small-scale farmers. The National Department of Agriculture has plans to establish many small-scale emerging farmers as fully functional commercial farmers. This is a laudable objective until one realises that for every commercial farmer that is established, there remain between three and four thousand small farmers using animal traction who are receiving very little real support at all.
A refreshing change which has recently come about is the interest that the Department of Agriculture in the Eastern Cape has shown towards Animal Traction. This has manifested itself in the provision of funding for the training of small scale farmers in animal traction and the importation of a wide range of modern animal drawn equipment from Brazil a country which makes significant use of animal traction throughout its agricultural sector. This equipment has been tested and adapted for use by local farmers at the Animal Traction Centre at Fort Hare University.
The SANAT International Workshop, hosted by the Animal Traction Centre at Fort Hare University in 2003, proved to be a timely opportunity for representatives of animal traction bodies throughout the world to congregate, to have a critical look at animal traction in East and Southern Africa and to brain storm the major issue, in search of a plan for the next decade.
Almost a decade has passed since that workshop and SANAT has not achieved its aims and has slid slowly into a back water. This has been due to an increasing disinterest in the use of draught animal power in favour of the politically more favourable tractor and the resultant lack of funding and support.
The way forward for SANAT lies in the support both financially and morally of the National and Provincial Departments of Agriculture for animal traction and SANAT, the creation of a National Animal Traction Policy as well as the continued networking endeavours of the past eighteen years, where the emphasis must be on obtaining real farmer support in the form of membership of large numbers of small-scale farmers. This will empower SANAT to lobby on their behalf in the corridors of government and to ensure that farmer needs are met. It will be necessary for SANAT and all those involved in Animal Traction, to work together to convince the National and Provincial Departments of Agriculture of the importance of Animal Traction, to prepare an animal traction policy and to obtain the funding necessary to set up training and research centres wherever they are needed.
It is important to re-iterate what has been said many times before, namely that the promotion of the agricultural tractor remains a hugely important part of future agricultural development in South Africa. Not for a moment is it suggested that tractors are unnecessary. Far from it, the agricultural tractor, as everyone knows, is perhaps one of the greatest developments of the 20th Century and is and will continue to be essential for the future development of Agriculture in South Africa and the rest of the world. However as long a there are more than a million small scale farmers using draught animal power in South Africa we cannot afford to ignore their existence. For tractors to completely replace draught animals on our small farms would lead to financial ruin for such farmers. All that is needed is for the role currently played by Animal Traction, as well as the role that it can play in the future be recognised and that a reasonable proportion of the large sums of money currently being invested in high-tech power and equipment be made available for training, research and development in support of the farmers using draught animal power.
Minutes of a Special Meeting of SANAT held at the Institute of Agricultural Engineers in Silverton on the 3rd November, 2009.
- Present: Nick Seobi (Chairperson), Geoff Meikle, Peta Jones, Rine Gerhard, Marius Oosthuizen, John Sneyd, Victor Njani, Johan van Biljon and Bruce Joubert (Secretary/ Treasurer)
- Apologies: Mr. AT van Coller and Professor T Simalenga
- Welcome: The Chairperson welcomed every one present and the meeting opened with a prayer.
- SANAT Presentation: B Joubert opened the meeting with a thirty minute presentation on the progress of SANAT over the last seventeen years. This talk was aimed at bringing the important issues relevant to the meeting into perspective to focus the meeting and to introduce the topic for discussion at the meeting namely: the proposed SANAT Workshop for 2010.
- SANAT Workshop 2010: The discussion commenced with a debate on: “Why it was necessary to obtain government recognition for Animal Traction” and the question was asked: “Why it was necessary to have a policy document for animal traction”, “Why should the DOA support Animal Traction”, “What will be achieved by preparing a policy document on animal traction for South Africa”. It was agreed that if the politicians were to be convinced of the importance of Animal Traction for the future development of agriculture in SA that it would be necessary to get the support of the Traditional Leaders in the various provinces of the country. It was agreed that members of the Traditional Leaders body ‘CONTRALESA’ should be lobbied and persuaded to put the case for Animal Traction to the governmental departments such as the Departments of Agriculture Environment and Fisheries, Education, Transport and Land Affairs. It was agreed that high ranking officials in these department be contacted and presented with a proposal for the preparation of a policy document for Animal Traction as well as with promotional material prepared by SANAT to motivate them to attend the workshop. It was agreed that Mr V Njani, P Jones and N Seobi should liase with the Traditional Leaders while N Seobi and B Joubert would liase with the Government officials and prepare promotional material. The time frame for both of these was set for the end of March 2010.
- The Theme for the Workshop was discussed at length and it was agreed that it should be: “National Recognition for and a National Policy on Animal Traction for South Africa Today”
- The date, duration and venue were discussed and it was agreed that the date should be the end of August or the beginning of September 2010, that the duration should not exceed 3 days and that the venue be the ARC’s Institute of Agricultural Engineering at Silverton. B Joubert delegated to contact Professor Simalenga to confirm this is in order.
- Who should be invited – It was agreed that senior governmental officials from the National as well as the Provincial Departments of Agriculture through out the country be invited to attend the Workshop as well as a wide selection of Traditional Leaders. SANAT members NGO’s and Academics. A high Ranking Government Official to be invited to open the Workshop. N Seobi and B Joubert to decide on the topics for presentation as well as the speakers.
- Funding for the
Workshop was discussed and it was agreed that the following
organizations should be contacted: The DOA, NRF, Land Bank, DBSA,
Commonwealth Foundation, FAO, Anglo American Chairmans Fund, the
Department of Transport and the Kingdom of the Netherlands.
It was agreed that funding would be needed for the basic administration of the workshop, for travel, accommodation as well as for the preparation of the proceedings. - Previously prepared Animal Traction Policy Documents. B Joubert indicated that SANAT had prepared a policy document for the National Department of Agriculture in 1998 which had been used in the preparation of the 1999 green paper. This document was still available for submission for consideration. R Gerhard mentioned that a policy document had been prepared through the office of Mr Keith Ramsey which he would obtain for SANAT. B Joubert and R Gerhard to Liase.
- Workshop Committee: It was decided that the SANAT Steering Committee should act as the organizational committee for the workshop.
- It was agreed that practical Animal Traction demonstrations should be provided using draught animals from the Willem Prinsloo Museum and animal drawn implements at the Institute of Agricultural Engineering. The Workshop Committee to consider this and come up with proposals within the next month.
- Next SANAT General Meeting. It was agreed that an afternoon should be set aside for the holding of the next SANAT General Meeting during the proposed workshop.
10th Anniversary SANAT Workshop Press Release
“Strategies for promoting animal traction as a power source
for small-scale farmers”
A South African Network for Animal Traction (SANAT) workshop was held at the University of Fort Hare, Province of the Eastern Cape, South Africa from 3rd to 7th November 2003.
The workshop was attended by 60 participants from 11 countries: South Africa, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Kenya, Tanzania, Madagascar, Namibia, Uganda, Lesotho, Scotland and England. The participants included: 14 farmers, both small-scale and commercial, government officials, researchers, promoters, NGO trainers and community development agents.
The workshop was officially opened by Mr John Allwood, Director of Development in the Eastern Cape Department of Agriculture and Rural Development.
The theme of the workshop was “New networking strategies for SANAT/ATNESA, which will place animal traction at the fore front of sustainable development in the 21st century”.
The main objective of the workshop was to bring together farmers, national, regional as well as international specialists involved in training, research, policy making, development and extension relating to animal traction. Specifically the workshop was aimed at:
- Celebrating SANAT’s 10th anniversary and to review its activities since its inauguration.
- Conducting a SWOT analysis of animal traction networks in Africa.
- Sharing experiences with farmers and various promoters of animal traction.
- Identifying new roles which animal traction technologies and networks can play in the development of agriculture in Africa.
- Proposing strategic action plans and goals for the next decade.
The participants shared experiences and achievements in promotion and support of animal traction in their various operation areas. The workshop also shared present and future needs and requirements in improving draft animal power utilization and management.
A strategic program was proposed which will enable SANAT and ATNESA to fulfil their roles as dynamic, effective and representative networking organizations which can guide the progress of animal traction.
The workshop identified a number of issues to be addressed by ATNESA and SANAT over the next decade. These touched on policy, socio-economic, technical and environment issues which, inter alia, included the following:
- Sensitising policy makers on the potential contribution of animal traction to rural development and poverty alleviation in general
- Strengthening ATNESA/SANAT linkages with other networks on cross-cutting issues such as HIV/Aids and conservation agriculture
- Enhancing operation of the networks through private sector involvement, incorporating new initiatives as well as fund raising and publicity
- Mainstreaming animal traction as a cross-cutting issue in rural development with emphasis on gender and inclusion in education curricula
- Empowering farmers and animal traction practitioners through participatory research, technology transfer and training in proper animal welfare and utilization
- Promoting entrepreneurship and marketing through provision of appropriate rural transport and support services
The need for a policy on animal traction was identified as an essential component in empowering rural communities. It was also necessary to foster research and training and extension support at a national level.
The importance of linkages and networking with institutions and various organizations undertaking relevant research and development cannot be over emphasized. This was identified as a vital element in ensuring that potential applications are channelled to target groups.
There is no doubt that there is agreement amongst professionals in considering animal traction not only as a 21st century technology but also as a viable and sustainable power source for smallholder farmer empowerment and poverty alleviation.
November, 2003
A reminder of days gone by! SANAT is now approaching its 20th Anniversary, which will be in 2013. How far have we gone since 2003? What future lies ahead for SANAT? There is still a lot to do!
Special meeting between the NDA, the ARC and SANAT in April 1998
Report of a special meeting held between the National Department of Agriculture (NDA), the Agricultural Research Council (ARC) and the South African Network of Animal Traction (SANAT) to discuss the Nation Department of Agriculture’s Policy on Animal. Traction. The meeting was hosted by the Foundation for Research Development, at their offices, on Wednesday 29 April 1998, from 09h00 to 12h30.
Present: Mr J Kotsokoane (Chairperson SANAT), Dr ST Cornelius (Director NDA), Mr P Maritz (Director Agric. Engineering NDA), Drs M Moorosi (Uni. OFS), T Simalenga (Chairperson ATNESA) and W Burger (Curriculum Consultant)and Messrs R Fowler (ARC and Treasurer of SANAT), P Yoba (Kynoch), C Crosby (Engineering Consultant), D Hannekom (ARC), M McMaster (Maxim trading), T Stilwell (DBSA), V Njani (SANAT Committee) and B Joubert (Secretary of SANAT).
Apologies: Mrs Mbongi Njobe-Mbuli (Director General for Agriculture), Prof T Krecek (SANAT Committee) and N Seobi (SANAT Committee).
Introduction: Mr Joubert welcomed all those present introduced the Chairperson of SANAT Mr Kotsokoane who made the first presentation: “Recent Animal Traction Developments in South Africa.”
This was followed by the introduction of the Chairperson of the Animal Traction Network for Eastern and Southern Africa (ATNESA) Dr Simalenga who made his presentation: “Animal Traction developments in other regions of Eastern and Southern Africa and how ATNESA operates.”
Mr. Joubert, then made a short presentation: “The role SANAT plays in the promotion of and general Networking in Animal Traction.”
On completion of his presentation Mr Joubert introduced Mr Maritz, Director: Agricultural Engineering who gave his presentation: “The National Department of Agriculture’s Animal Traction Policy.”
Discussion and comments: Mr Kotsokoane then took the chair and gave Dr W burger the opportunity to make a short presentation: “Adult Education and Animal Traction Training”
On conclusion of Dr Burger’s presentation Mr Kotsokoane opened the meeting for general discussion.
Final Comments by the Director for Agriculture: Mr Cornelius commented that the discussion had provided lively, refreshing and interesting debate and that he had found the presentations by the four speakers earlier both interesting and informative. He complimented Mr Maritz who had been responsible for co-ordinating and compiling the original (NDA) “Animal Traction Policy Document” and suggested that he should now complete the document in the light of the information presented as well as the comments and suggestions, which had emerged from the discussion. He suggested a document comprising approximately nine pages with a one page summary. The document he said would be included in the forthcoming Agricultural “Green Paper” and ultimately in the next Agricultural “White Paper”.
Conclusion by the Chairperson of SANAT: Mr Kotsokoane concluded the meeting by thanking the Delegates from the National Department of Agriculture for giving SANAT a hearing, for being present at the meeting and for agreeing to include the topic of Animal Traction in future government policy. He also extended a special word of thanks to the Foundation for Research Development for hosting the meeting and for meeting the major share of the costs of bringing the various delegates to the meeting. He also thanked all the members from SANAT and other organizations who had attended for their contributions. Finally he closed the meeting at 12h45.
Concluding remarks:
This important meeting held great potential for Animal Traction and SANAT but as far as can be ascertained, the idea of an animal traction policy for South Africa was put on hold early in the year 2000. It has remained so ever since.
One of the major challenges for the SANAT Steering committee remains to rectify this state of affairs and to obtain the full recognition and support for animal traction for the National as well as the Provincial Departments of Agriculture.