ARC-PHP Hosts Bankrupt Bush Awareness Campaign at Farmers Day in Sengatane

On 3 October 2025, the Agricultural Research Council – Plant Health and Protection (ARC-PHP), in partnership with the Limpopo Department of Agriculture and Rural Development and the National Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, hosted an awareness campaign on Bankrupt Bush during a Farmers Day event in Sengatane, Limpopo.

The ARC-PHP team was warmly welcomed by the local Headman, Mr Khalo. The campaign focused on educating farmers about the impact of Bankrupt Bush, an invasive encroachment weed that spreads across grasslands, displacing grasses that livestock rely on for grazing.

The initiative, spearheaded by Mrs Elize Lundall-Magnuson, aimed to increase farmer knowledge on key aspects of land management. Presentations and discussions covered the Conservation of Agricultural Resources Act (CARA), practical veld management strategies, and the ecological and agricultural risks posed by Bankrupt Bush. Farmers were advised on early identification, control measures, and sustainable practices to limit the weed’s spread.

The campaign emphasized the importance of maintaining healthy grasslands to support livestock production and protect the natural environment. By understanding the threats posed by invasive species like Bankrupt Bush, farmers can implement effective management strategies that safeguard both their agricultural land and biodiversity.

The event provided a platform for knowledge exchange between government agencies, researchers, and local farmers, reinforcing collaborative efforts to tackle invasive species and promote sustainable land use in Limpopo.