Introduction
It is well documented that animal traction is used extensively in South Africa, and the demand is growing, but this facet of agricultural production has largely been neglected and regarded as retrograde.
In other parts of Africa, and the world, there has been considerable recognition of the value and importance of working animals as a viable, practical option for smallholder farms and emerging businesses. In view of climate change and the need for sustainability, as well as world economic upheavals, many technologies are coming up for review and animal power is now being positively redefined.
The South African Network of Animal Traction (SANAT), which was formed in 1993, is urging all relevant Government Departments to include a positive policy towards utilization of animal power. Animal Traction should be considered as one realistic and practical option in the development of South Africa.
The Department of Transport prepared a draft policy on non-motorized transport.The South African Bureau of Standards has produced two documents, SANS 1025 - CD 1 - Animal drawn carts and wagons and SANS 1031 - CD 1 - Animal harnessing - Requirements now available on their website.
It is hoped that a policy on working animals will be included in the policy documents of other Government departments.
Animal Traction Policy Goals:
1. Needs of farmers and users
Any policy should be based on the needs of the end-users.
Gender-related aspects must be taken into account in the context of complex socio-economic and cultural constraints faced by female–headed households.
2. Research and Development
- ·Animal welfare and management
- Harnessing techniques
- Practical and cost-effective options for the reduction of drudgery and alleviation of time and labour constraints such as related to crop establishment and weeding.
- Development and promotion of improved soil and water conservation practices through appropriate reduced tillage systems such as Conservation Agriculture.
- Efficient use of animals for forestry and rural development.
- Automation of animal power applications.
3. Education and Vocational Training
The correct use of animal power, which has become a lost skill for the younger generation, needs to be incorporated in the curricula of universities, colleges and schools.
There is a need for short-term vocational training directed to extension workers and other (e.g.NGO) staff involved in rural development programmes in small-holder farming areas.
Animal traction should be included as one of the sources of power in curriculum development for farming systems and other economic empowerment education.
4. Targeted Assistance
Government should assist smallholder farmers and other developing entrepreneurs to obtain working animals and the correct equipment. This, together with training on the correct use of the equipment, could result in better crop yields and more productive business enterprise. Government can play a role by providing aid in the form of facilitating access to credit or targeted subsidies.
Animal traction should be included as a viable alternative form of power for rural development and extension services in capacity-building programmes and development projects.
Local manufacture of appropriate equipment should be supported.
Conclusion
“From the strength of an ox comes an abundant harvest”
(King Solomon)
New technology based on new knowledge is a source of convenience and
pride, but it is wise to not forget what much of our modern
development was built on. It is not a matter of nostalgia for
the past, but seeing how and where tried and tested technology can
enhance the productivity of the new.
The inclusion of Animal Traction in the policies of Government Departments should positively redefine the value of working animals so as to result in a faster pace of sustainable development for our land. The departments that are urged to consider adopting this policy could include: Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development, Education, Forestry, Transport, PM and E.