African agriculture |
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Sprinklers are also a favourite in Africa for outfall areas around pivots or areas which are unsuitable for pivots . A constant and important proviso though is that “ a system needs to be welldesigned , properly installed , adequately maintained and impeccably managed .”
African acceleration
Vermaak , who is also the chairman for SABI ’ s Mpumalanga branch , overall agrees wholly with the positive viewpoint that Africa is a fertile ground for agriculture , and would like to see some acceleration in certain aspects of Africa ’ s agriculture growth .
He calls for both governments and the private sector to both becoming more proactive about developing agriculture in Africa . “ There are too many brilliant developments out there ,” observes Vermaak , “ that are not getting off the ground due to various factors – for instance , incorrect planning and implementation or sub-standard quality of design or systems .”
“ I would love to see Governments becoming more proactive about developing agriculture . We need more investment for capital intensive projects that have long pay-back periods . These include dams , canals and providing infrastructure such as roads and power . We also need Governments to see the power of education . However , it is not all up to governments , the private sector
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also needs to do its bit ,” he says .
Vermaak says the following are pertinent areas that we need to address on our continent , in terms of agriculture and irrigation development : ``Access to infrastructure ( roads , railways , power etc ) is always a challenge . Notably , the best areas to develop are not necessarily close to major cities or towns .
``Finance – Most investors see Africa as a high-risk investment . Thus , getting capital investment is always a challenge . There is also a huge risk for contractors if clients do not pay . Courts and legal systems that are not the same as South Africa and repossessing of equipment is almost impossible .
``Corruption can make contracting in these countries especially daunting .
``Local agricultural conditions – Some of the areas in West Africa , for instance , have seen very little agriculture . Little is known about which varieties work best and how to deal with local pests etc .
``Education – generally , more people urgently need to be trained in the agricultural and engineering sectors
``Culture – commercial farming as compared with subsistence farming . Africa ’ s subsistence farmers historically have not produced crops for “ others ”/ financial gains and cannot see the purpose of commercialising farming .
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Perch , Yam and Mozambique prawns
Looking to the short-term , Vermaak says the year ahead in Africa poses some challenges . However , mechanisation and new technologies for more efficient farming – and water conservation – feature high on the programme .
“ The drought is a definite factor that must be taken into consideration . Farmers are short of cash and therefore major developments are scarce . Instead , farmers are spending money on optimizing the systems they currently have . The introduction of new technologies such as Automation , Remote Monitoring and Control , and the use of Variable Speed Drives are high on most farmer ’ s agendas .”
We asked Vermaak about what has been his greatest joys when it comes to working in Africa .
“ Where do I even begin ? Africa is a funny place , it can be your best friend and your worst enemy in one . I enjoy the people I meet .
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People become your friends , some of them for life . I get to see places on earth that the normal guy in the street will never even consider seeing . The different foods and cultures are also fascinating . From eating Perch on the banks of the Niger River , to eating Yam Balls in Ghana and Mozambique , so famous for its seafood and chicken .
“ It is great to walk away from a project , look at all the difficulties that were faced along the way , and know you have left a project that has the potential to change lives , and operate for many years to come .”
And long may Vermaak and his team at Inyoni Africa – and indeed all of us – find great joy and beauty in Africa !
For more information : Info @ inyoniafrica . co . za and www . inyoniafrica . co . za
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