Development of a cactus pear agro-industry for the sub-Sahara Africa Region

97 Pages·2015·2.11 MB·English

Development of a cactus pear agro-industry
for the sub-Sahara Africa Region
Proceedings of
International Cactus Pear Workshop
held at the University of the Free State (UFS),
Bloemfontein, South Africa
27-28 January 2015
Citation
De Waal, H.O., Louhaichi, M., Taguchi, M., Fouché, H.J. and De Wit, M., 2015. Development of a cactus pear
agro-industry for the sub-Sahara Africa Region. Proceedings of International Workshop, University of the Free
State, Bloemfontein, South Africa, 27-28 January 2015. 96 pp.
Production of Journal:
Firefly Publications (Pty) Ltd
Tel: [phone] | Fax: [phone] | PO Box 328 Brandfort
E-mail: [email protected]
Layout: Caria Vermaak
Table of contents
Foreword 6
Welcome addresses
Sub-Saharan Africa Region FAO-ICARDA CactusNet 8
Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO) of the United Nations (UN) 9
International Center for Agricultural Research in the Dry Areas (ICARDA) 10
International Technical Cooperation Network on Cactus Pear (FAO-ICARDA Cactusnet) 11
Cactus pear fruit production: orchard planting and management of Opuntia ficus-indica 13
Giorgia Liguori and Paolo Inglese
Feeding prickly pear cactus (PPC) to ruminants 17
Jesús Fuentes-Rodriguez and Maria Elena Murillo
Global use of cactus as livestock feed 22
José Dubeux Jr., Djalma C. dos Santos, Mário de A. Lira, Mércia V.F. dos Santos,
Guilherme F. da C. Lima, Alexandre C.L. de Mello, Marcelo de A. Ferreira and Márcio V. da Cunha
Spineless cactus pear as livestock feed in South Africa 30
HO de Waal
Applications of geo-informatics in cactus pear research and development 40
Hassan, S., Louhaichi, M., Day, A.G., Park, A.G. and Johnson, D.E.
Recent advances in cactus agro-industries: ingredients and foods 44
Carmen Sáenz
An overview on the medicinal uses of cactus products 50
Mónica Nazareno
A perspective on South African spineless cactus pear: research and development - an overview 57
Maryna de Wit and Herman Fouché
Cactus pear by-products: a demonstration and elaboration of valuable food conserves 65
Ana Lilia Vigueras, Liberato Portillo and R. Soltero
Prickly pear cactus family orchards: an alternative for sustainability 70
Maria Elena Murillo, F. Davila, S. Cepeda, and Jesús Fuentes-Rodriguez
A holistic perspective of strategies for managing cactus pear diseases 74
Wijnand A. Swart
An overview of pests (insects and pathogens) on cactus pear (Opuntia ficus-indica) crop of Mexico 81
Cabrera-Hidalgo, A.J., Marbán-Mendoza, N. and Valadez-Moctezuma, E.
A Sub-Sahara Africa Region Framework for Cactus Pear Research & Development 87
Selection of photographs depicting some activities 89
Group photograph of participants - International Cactus Pear Workshop 92
List of participants 93
Foreword
Cactus pears are well-known for various reasons in Processing of cactus pears is still limited in South
South Africa. They were introduced to the Cape more Africa, but the development of agro-businesses is
than 300 years ago and later transported by pioneers rapidly gaining momentum. Fruit is processed to
to the interior of the subcontinent. Spiny forms form jams, marmalades and syrups. Fruit juice can be
gradually resulted in dense, impenetrable thickets consumed fresh or processed as fruit jelly; fruit pulp
in some regions, specifically the Eastern Cape. These can be frozen, used in ice cream desserts, or blended
invasions of so-called prickly pears severely impacted with other juices such as apple and grape juice.
on agriculture, despite it being utilized by people and Various processed products for human consumption
livestock. are also derived from fresh and dried cladodes.
In the early 1900’s spineless cactus pears (Opuntia At the UFS, cladodes are processed and used in
ficus-indica and O. robusta) were imported from the balanced livestock diets. Cladodes are cut in strips,
Burbank collection in California to Grootfontein in the followed by sun-drying and coarsely grinding the sun-
Eastern Cape. The past few decades, fruit production dried cladode strips. The water content is reduced,
from spineless cactus pear (O. ficus-indica) cultivars for making the material less bulky and easier to transport,
local markets and export has gained momentum. The store, and incorporate in balanced livestock diets.
plants are pruned annually to stimulate production Recently, another initiative was started by developing
of quality fruit and the fresh cladodes are used as practical methods to mash excess cactus pear fruit
livestock feed. and preserve the mashed fruit with dry straw and hay
as kuilmoes; a high water content livestock feed, akin
The Cactus Pear Team, a group based at the
to conventional silage.
University of the Free State (UFS) in partnership
with the Agricultural Research Council (ARC-API, The past decade the Cactus Pear Team has interacted
Bloemfontein), initiated a research and development with specialists and attended several International
5 programme to support the growing spineless cactus Congresses. In 2012 five specialists visited Mexico,
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2 pear industry. Demands on the scarce water resources Chile and Argentina to gain first-hand experience

ary created a need to find alternative sources of animal on current focus and cactus pear initiatives in these
nu feed; specifically crops that use water more efficiently. countries. They also attended the VIII International
a
J This focus is in line with initiatives to mitigate the Congress on Cactus Pear and Cochineal during
,
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1 negative impact of global warming. One alternative October 2013 in Palermo, Italy. In the plenary session,

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u plant with the potential for widespread production Dr. Ali Nefzaoui, the outgoing General Coordinator
s
s
al I is the spineless cactus pear (O. ficus-indica). It is well of the FAO-ICARDA CactusNet presented a review of
ci adapted in dry environments, producing large yields “Twenty Years of Steady Efforts: Lessons learned and
e
p
S of cladode dry matter and fruit and is a versatile multi- Food for Thoughts.” He eluded on the value of cactus

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use crop with applications for humans and animals. pears and made a strong case for the FAO-ICARDA
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e
t to include sub-Sahara and specifically the southern
et The Free State Department of Economic Development,
l African region as a major intervention area for future
ws Tourism and Environmental Affairs joined the Cactus
activities.
e Pear Team when the initiative was broadened with the
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Spineless Cactus Pear (O. ficus-indica) Development In addition to customary scientific interactions with
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T Programme at the Oppermansgronde, a farming scientists and other role players at the Congress in
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N community in the dry south-western Free State Palermo, the opportunity was welcomed to renew old
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Province. Production of spineless cactus pear is now and make new acquaintances with specialists from
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T promoted as a multi-use crop to form the basis of several continents. During discussions with specialists
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A vibrant agro-businesses. and members of the FAO-ICARDA CactusNet, it
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was suggested that South Africa should consider presented in the Proceedings of the International
arranging an international workshop on cactus pear. Cactus Pear Workshop and can be used for
implementation by relevant role players.
Encouraged by the verbal international support,
the Cactus Pear Team started liaising and initiated The International Cactus Pear Workshop at the UFS
arrangements for an International Cactus Pear in Bloemfontein was attended by 59 persons from
Workshop with participation by invited international 14 countries, namely: Argentina, Botswana, Brazil/
specialists as well as local scientists, producers and USA, Chile, Ethiopia, France, Italy, Jordan, Mexico,
other role players. The envisaged workshop was to Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, Tunisia and
target sub-Sahara Africa and specifically southern Zimbabwe.
Africa as a major intervention area in the focus of FAO-
The International Cactus Pear Workshop was
ICARDA CactusNet. Key aspects such as horticultural
presented with the goodwill, support and sponsorship
practices, pests and diseases, genetic resources,
of the
animal food, human food, pharmaceuticals, medicine
and industrial uses were clustered as four themes in • Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the
the programme, namely: genetic resources, human United Nations (UN)
food, animal food, and industrial applications. • International Center for Agricultural Research in the
Definite outcomes were envisaged, such as Dry Areas (ICARDA)
informing the local spineless cactus pear research • International Technical Cooperation Network on
and development programme to identify needs and Cactus Pear (CactusNet)
priorities, establish local and international networks,
• Mexican Ministry of Foreign Affairs - the Mexican
explore the possibility of attracting international
International Cooperation Agency (AMEXCID)
funding, and enhance the role of the scientific
grouping in sub-Sahara and specifically southern • South African Department of Science and Technology
Africa. (DST)
A group of International Advisors interacted with the • University of the Free State (UFS)
Cactus Pear Team and other South African colleagues
It was a privilege to receive and host the large group
at the Oppermansgronde where the spineless cactus
of esteemed international and national participants
pear is promoted as a multi-use crop for agro-
at the International Cactus Pear Workshop on
businesses.
the campus of the University of the Free State in
At the conclusion of the Workshop the group of Bloemfontein. Many old acquaintances were renewed
International Advisors assisted the Cactus Pear Team and new and lasting friendships made.
to conceptualise and develop a Sub-Sahara Africa
Keep well.
Region Framework for Cactus Pear Research &
Development. The identified outputs and activities Cactus Pear Team
in the Sub-Sahara Africa Region Framework are Bloemfontein, UFS
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“
WELCOME
“
addresses
Sub-Saharan Region of FAO-ICARDA CactusNet
Cactus pears played an important role in the South A special word of thanks to Ms. Makiko Taguchi (FAO,
African Agricultural sector for more than 300 years. Rome) and Prof. HO de Waal (UFS) for managing the
The spiny genotypes became invaders in the Eastern bureaucracy and make the final arrangements in the
Cape in 1850’s and that damaged the popularity space of two months over the traditional Christmas
of this promising crop. A hundred years ago the and New Year holiday period in South Africa. Well
Burbank (spineless) genotypes were imported as a done!
drought forage and played an important role in the
A special thanks to the Cactus Pear Team and the
arid regions of the country. An exciting period started
Organising Committee for spending many hours in
about three decades ago when the fruit potential was
high spirit and devotion to let this happen.
investigated and the crop became a semi-intensive
crop. During the proceedings of this workshop it will Prof. HO de Waal (Convener)
be demonstrated that this is one of the most versatile Dr. Gesine Coetzer
crops in the world. This crop has the potential to Mr. Willie Combrinck
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01 mitigate drought risk of many African countries and Dr. Maryna de Wit
2 to stabilise the food base of man and animal. Mrs. Albie du Toit
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ar Dr. Herman Fouché
u Under the encouragement and support of FAO-
n Mrs. Reanette Rademeyer
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, J ICARDA CactusNet it was decided to organise a Prof. Wijnand Swart
4 Workshop in South Africa. The aim was to firstly
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e give local interest groups exposure to the cream of We hope that this is the beginning of a long
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ss the world’s cactus pear researchers and secondly to partnership with very exiting outcomes.
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al develop a cactus pear research and development
ci Herman Fouché
e framework for the sub-Sahara Region of the
p
S Coordinator: Sub-Saharan Region of FAO-ICARDA
international FAO-ICARDA CactusNet.
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r
e We are very privileged to welcome the participants
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e to this prestigious event. It was a dream come true to
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w have you all here, and we welcome you as old friends.
e We hope that you will enjoy your stay here and we
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want to thank you in advance for your valuable
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Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO) of
the United Nations (UN)
FAO (Food and Agricultural Organization of the and social progress for all; and, the sustainable
United Nations) is honoured to support this management and utilization of natural resources.
important International Cactus Pear Workshop for We have put forth a new paradigm for sustainable
development of a cactus pear agro-industry for the production intensification called “Save and Grow” to
sub-Sahara Africa Region. Deep gratitude goes to the move towards achieving this goals.
University of the Free State for their commitment to
Faced with the challenges of climate change - more
make this workshop happen, in particular Prof. HO de
specifically drought conditions - in this region and
Waal and the Cactus Pear Team for their tireless work.
beyond, cactus pear (Opuntia spp.) is gaining more
Equally, Dr. Herman Fouché’s effort as the CactusNet
interest globally. The versatility or multiple uses of
Sub-Sahara Africa coordinator to make this event
this crop is outstanding, and I believe it can contribute
successful must be mentioned and thanked. Last but
to improving livelihoods of many in the region.
not least, the gratitude extends to the government
In alignment with the “Save and Grow” approach,
of Mexico for their support in bringing the Mexican
the crop can contribute to rangeland restoration,
experts to this key event.
integration of crop and livestock systems, provide
FAO is a founding member of the FAO-ICARDA more opportunities for people, especially women to
Technical Cooperation Network on Cactus have income generating possibilities with the value
(CactusNet) since its birth in 1993. The network has chain approach.
been steadily growing as an international group
FAO is committed to continue supporting CactusNet
of people dedicated to research and development
and its activities to promote the use of this
and utilization of cactus. Currently the General
underutilized crop. The outcome of this workshop
Coordinator is Prof. Paolo Inglese from the University
will be a key in the advancement of cactus pear in the
of Palermo and Dr. Mounir Louhaichi from ICARDA
region.
as Deputy Coordinator. I have had the pleasure to be
involved in this dynamic group since 2011. Makiko Taguchi
Agricultural Officer, Plant Production and Protection
FAO’s overall goals are: the eradication of hunger,
Division CactusNet FAO focal point
food insecurity and malnutrition; the elimination
of poverty and the driving forward of economic
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International Center for Agricultural Research in
the Dry Areas (ICARDA)
Dear colleagues and friends of the FAO-ICARDA institutions, enabling policies to support technology
CactusNet, adoption, and ultimately higher incomes and better
lives for the poorest and most vulnerable households.
It is my pleasure to participate in this workshop and
As a result the FAO-ICARDA Cactusnet is in a good
to contribute to the development of a Sub-Sahara
position to share expertise on cactus pear in many
Africa Regional Framework for Cactus Pear Research
countries. Recently work has been done in India,
& Development.
Pakistan and Jordan to promote Opuntia ficus-indica
On behalf of the International Center for Agricultural as forage and prior and current work continues in
Research in the Dry Areas (ICARDA), I would North Africa and Gulf region as well.
like to express my gratitude to the host country
I am sure most of you had a chance to surf through
and in particular the University of the Free State
our new website. If you have not, please do so by
(Bloemfontein, South Africa) for hosting this event
visiting http://www.cactusnetwork.org/home.html.
and for their generous hospitality.
We are open to any constructive feedback. If you have
Though I am new to the Cactusnet (I was nominated good suggestions that enhances the content of the
during the last congress held in Palermo in November website, please let us know. Also, try to share with
2013), I feel like I have been with this large family us relevant materials including publications (papers,
for many years. This network brings together the manuals, and factsheets), photos, and web links to
best scientists/experts globally on cactus pear and enrich the site. I would like to take this opportunity
cochineal that are committed to the mission of the to ask those who are not member of the CactusNet
network. Last year through the Cactusnet we were to join and become an active member. There is no
able to introduce elite accessions from Latin America membership fee and the application process only
(Brazil) and Europe (Italy) to South Asia (India and takes a couple of minutes to complete.
Pakistan) as well as West Asia (Jordan and Lebanon).
Finally, I would like to thank the Cactus Pear Team
Several factsheets have been produced and many
at the University of the Free State in Bloemfontein,
more will come soon.
South Africa for their hard work in taking care of all
Sure we have a lot of work ahead of us as we are the logistics and offering us a rich program in a very
facing great challenges including climate change nice venue for this Workshop. Special thanks also go
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1 (in particular recurrent droughts), land degradation to FAO for their continuous support of the network
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2 and desertification, biodiversity loss, food insecurity, and to the Government of Mexico for sponsoring the

ary instability and limited funding opportunities. participation of the Mexican delegation.
u However, working together we can overcome these
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a I look forward to a successful workshop that will lead
J challenges and create opportunities.
4, to the prior set goal of developing of cactus pear
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As you may know ICARDA is leading the CGIAR (Opuntia spp.) agro-businesses for the sub-Sahara
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su Research Program on Dryland Systems with some 80 Africa Region.
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cial I ifnrosmtit uStoiounths acnodo pCeernattrianlg A sinia rteos Weaerscth A ssiitae, sE aesxtteernnd ainndg Thank you for your attention.
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S Southern Africa, North Africa, West Africa, and the Dry Best regards

| Savannas. It provides a new platform for testing and
r Mounir Louhaichi
e delivering technology and policy packages on a much
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t Deputy General Coordinator: FAO-ICARDA
e wider scale. The program combines the strengths
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s CactusNet
w of international research, regional bodies, and local
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partners. It aims to develop new technologies, new
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