NEWS
Build a cheap
farm dam
ARC publishes a guide to making
a low-cost, DIY storage dam
T
he recent drought has
highlighted the
importance of being
able to store water on your
smallholding, whether it is
used for drinking water for
human and livestock consumption, irrigation of
commercial crops or vegetable gardens, fish farming,
processing or any other
purpose.
However, the cost of a dam
or dams for the collection of
water is usually prohibitive for
many plot dwellers.
But help is at hand. The ARCInstitute for Agricultural
Engineering examined
alternative and cheaper ways
of collecting water. A dam
was erected on the premises
of the institute for this
purpose and was evaluated
for a period of three years.
The structure is a round dam
of welded wire mesh, with a
lining of polyester cloth
painted with a waterproofing
substance. The whole
structure is secured with a
number of timber poles
planted into the ground, with
the wire mesh secured to it.
The construction of the dam
is simple and can easily be
built using plot labour in a
very short time, without any
specialised knowledge.
The cost of erecting this dam
is less than half of the cost of
a round concrete dam and
less than a quarter of the cost
From page 8
fruit, free range chicken, free
range eggs, raw honey, jams,
syrups, preserves, mushrooms
and more.
Suppliers to the stall are
members of the WFPN and
adopt natural methods in
their farming practices.
The result is an offering of
fresh, healthy, quality
produce at cost-efficient
prices for consumers.
“With consistency and
sustainable growth, we
envision dedicated physical
channels marrying growers
with end-users,” says a
WFPN spokesperson.
The network welcomes new
members to its Facebook
group: Walkerville Farm
Produce Network – Gauteng,
South Africa.
For more information or to
participate in the WFPN, call
Izetta de Sá 072 736-0389 or
E-mail: [email protected].
NETWORK
K Progressively developing
its client base and accessing
emerging opportunities.
K Exchanging information of
relevance to members.
K Engaging government and
private participation in
sustainable agricultural
projects of benefit to the
community and key stakeholders.
The WFPN has been a regular
stallholder at the weekly
Walkerville Agricultural
Market (Wam) in Walkerville
since the market's inception
in April.
The stall functions as a cooperative physical outlet for
small-scale local growers and
producers of fresh farm
produce to showcase and sell
their produce to the public at
large.
Produce on offer varies
weekly and includes seasonal
fresh farm vegetables and
10
www.sasmallholder.co.za
Continued on page 13