Subsistence, smallholder and commercial farmers from various municipalities in the Gert Sibande District have been briefed on the terms and conditions attached to livestock they will receive through the Masibuyele Esibayeni Livestock Improvement Programme.
The beneficiaries gathered at the Nootgedacht Research Farm in Ermelo for the briefing, supported by the Mpumalanga Department of Agriculture, Rural Development, Environment and Land Affairs (DARDLEA).
The sessions were aimed at ensuring that beneficiaries understand their responsibilities and the conditions attached to the different agreements before receiving their livestock.
Under the programme, the terms differ according to the category of farmer.
Subsistence farmers receive livestock through a grant and are not required to return the animals they receive.
Smallholder farmers enter into a loan agreement requiring them to return 50% of the livestock received after three years.
The returned livestock can then be allocated to other qualifying farmers, allowing the programme to benefit more people.
Commercial farmers are required to return 100% of the livestock received after a five-year cooling-off period, in line with their agreement.
Beneficiaries are also reminded that they may not pledge, sell, transfer or give away the animals they receive without prior approval from the Department.
The Masibuyele Esibayeni Programme aims to support livestock farmers and improve agricultural production by providing qualifying applicants with livestock packages.
Through the programme, DARDLEA provides cattle, goats, sheep, chickens and pigs to qualifying farmers.
The department says ensuring that beneficiaries understand the agreements is important to protect the sustainability of the programme and ensure that livestock support reaches more farmers across the province.
The initiative is expected to contribute to livestock development, improve farmers’ productivity and create opportunities for more people to participate in the agricultural sector.
