The Vetiver Outreach Project is perhaps the most, shining example of what purposeful
environmental conservation can achieve. The Magudu area through which the Tokwane
irrigation water flows, has through this project, been transformed into a lush green water
course over a very short space of time. Communal farmers have been introduced to this
scheme and they are very enthusiastic about the benefits it will produce. For the benefit
of those who are not abreast with current affairs in this area, the Vetiver Outreach
Project is a soil conservation project which is being implemented on the Tokwane River in
the neighboring Magudu Area. The aim of this project is to plant the fast growing vetiver
grass on the river banks to pr event soil from being lost through erosion. lt. is hoped
that the communal farmers will learn from this project and implement it in their own
areas.. The benefits of this environmental conservation sch
The Vetiver Outreach Project is perhaps the most, shining example of what purposeful
environmental conservation can achieve. The Magudu area through which the Tokwane
irrigation water flows, has through this project, been transformed into a lush green water
course over a very short space of time. Communal farmers have been introduced to this
scheme and they are very enthusiastic about the benefits it will produce.
For the benefit of those who are not abreast with current affairs in this area, the
Vetiver Outreach Project is a soil conservation project which is being implemented on the
Tokwane River in the neighboring Magudu Area. The aim of this project is to plant the fast
growing vetiver grass on the river banks to pr event soil from being lost through erosion.
lt. is hoped that the communal farmers will learn from this project and implement it in
their own areas.. The benefits of this environmental conservation scheme are tremendous,
and in particular the people in Magudu will receive more effective rainfall when there is
less runoff, but greater infiltration.
This project started early this year. As part of the necessary groundwork, the local
Chief, the District Administrator and Agitex officials were informed about this project,
and they all agreed that this is a good project. The land was surveyed and Mr. Muyangani's
3.4 hectare plot was identified as the most suitable site for the project. The perimeter
and contours were pegged, and a stretch of 1400 meters was planted with vetiver grass when
the first rains fell in February. Two local people were then employed to water the young
grass using 20 litre tins to carry water from the nearby dam, and all the grass which was
planted germinated, survived and in fact even started catching the top soil when heavy
rains fell shortly after the planting.
Our primary objective in this project is to teach the communal farmers to conserve soil,
and indications are that many have been sold to the idea. A few have however appreciated
the project. more because it will produce a good supply of grass for thatching than the
fact that it will help in environmental conservation. This may be the other motive, but
Hippo is not deterred and it will continue to reach out to the people as the name of the
project. implies.
In the next stage, Hippo will supply "seed" to the local Agritex official who
will set up a 0.1 ha vetiver grass nursery in his irrigation scheme and hopefully provide
the local people with a source of seed to plant.