Written by Young Farmers’ Clubs Zimbabwe
The third in a series from the Agripreneurship Summit 2013
Environmental Management Agency (EMA)
Presented by Mr Chinogwenya
Agripreneurs should utilise natural resources in a sustainable manner that is socially acceptable, economically viable and environmentally friendly.
In view of the above, young agripreneurs are encouraged to take heed of the following environmental issues and measures.
- Deforestation– There is a need to establish woodlots for tobacco curing. Wood should come from fast growing tree species to relieve pressure on indigenous forests/ woodlands.
- Pollution (Air, Land and Water)-Agripreneurs should not discharge any hazardous substance, chemical, oil or mixture onto any part of the environment.
- Veld Fires-Construction of fire guards before fire seasons, and ensure availability of fire fighting equipment.
- Soil Degradation– Agripreneurs need to adopt good cropping and farming practices in their farming activities.
- Invasive Alien Species– Invasive alien species which include Lantana Camara, Kariba weed or water fern, water hyacinth, jointed cactus and many others should be cleared from agripreneurs agricultural land.
- Wetland Utilisation– Cultivation in and around wetlands causes severe degradation of these important natural sponges. Agripreneurs should utilise wetlands in a wise way/ sustainable manner.
- Stream bank cultivation– Cultivating in river banks in search of nutrient rich soils and water is prohibited. Cultivation should take place 30m away from the bank of the stream.
Young Farmers' Clubs (Zimbabwe) 