SUSTAINABILITY
PADENGA AGRIBUSINES (PVT) LTD
ICFA 1001
CERTIFIED
Our Commitment
The Crocodile Division is fully committed to implementing sustainable business and place emphasis on industry best practice and being compliant with international and national legislation as well as industry specific welfare standards. The Division’s three crocodile farms are certified to the elite welfare and sustainability standards set by the International Crocodilian Farmers Association (ICFA). Accreditation to international welfare, husbandry and sustainability standards by an independent and credible certification agency has become a mandatory requirement for the sale of skins to premium brand customers worldwide.
SOLAR POWER
Solar Power generation remains a priority at all the crocodile farms with Kariba and Nyanyana now generating 977MWh of solar per year, while Ume farm, which is totally off grid, generates 219MWh of solar power per year. The KNCF installation is synchronised to the national grid and is run as an Independent Power Producer whilst the UCF installation is used to shave diesel directly off genset consumption. Combined solar generation saves almost 900 tons of CO2 emissions per year.
WATER CONSUMPTION
With crocodiles being aquatic reptiles, water is an essential part of the farming process. Lake water is abstracted, utilised on the farms and returned after treatment back into the lake. Analysis of a year’s data for Kariba farm confirms that only 3% of the lake water extracted does not return into the lake and thus reflects the actual consumption of water by the farms.
WASTEWATER MANAGEMENT
The Division is very conscious of its obligations in terms of both Zimbabwean environmental legislation and the concerns of its international market in respect of wastewater management. The Division has been working with local consultant engineers to produce a wastewater treatment solution that is acceptable to the national Environmental Management Agency (EMA).
EMPLOYEES
The Division views its people as an essential part of its business and integral to creating and sustaining its culture, operational performance, and successes. This recognition of the value of its staff at all levels across the operation instils a healthy, rewarding and satisfying working environment - one in which everyone could contribute to the Division’s success and in doing so being recognised for their individual performances.
Through employee engagement, personal growth and adherence to strong corporate values, the Division seeks to implement a culture of high-performance within its workforce. Senior management continuously provides direction and constantly reviews and realigns the operational systems to meet existing and future operational challenges.
The Division continues to accept and adopt the United Nations Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights, an international standard applied by business entities that respect and protect all forms of human rights in their operations.
ENVIRONMENT
In upholding its responsibility towards the environment as a natural capital, the Division ensures that its operations comply with national environmental laws, as well as international best practice and standards. Throughout its operation there are continued efforts to fulfil the expectations of its international customers, as well as to maintain the Division’s standing with local regulatory authorities:
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Zimbabwe Parks & Wildlife Management Authority (ZPWMA); the Crocodile Farmers Association of Zimbabwe (CFAZ); the Environmental Management Agency (EMA) as well as local Town and District Council environmental by-laws. The Division’s strategy is to identify the environmental impacts from its operations, evaluate their potential risk and take appropriate measures to control or mitigate these impacts.
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All skins exported are in full compliance with prevailing legislation, namely: CITES provisions; CFAZ Code of Practice and Regulations; ZPWMA regulations; and the Veterinary Authorities of both Zimbabwe and the receiving countries.
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The Division has considered the possible effects of climate change that may impact its crocodile farms in Zimbabwe such as rising average temperatures, increased storm intensities and the risk of low water levels in Lake Kariba due to variable rainfall patterns within its catchment area.
The Division also has to consider the effects of climate change on its supply chain, and in particular the continuing production of its feed raw materials. The new 1,000m2 dry feed storage shed allows the Division to offset extended supply interruptions by holding three months’ supply of critical feed stocks.
COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT & DEVELOPMENT
The Division views community involvement and development as a significant part of its ethos. The Divisional focus is towards creating sustainable partnerships with communities in ways that bring long-term benefits and lead to community empowerment and economic independence. The business supports those communities within which it operates as part of its commitment to good corporate citizenship.
The Division plays an important role in maintaining the Kariba Makuti highway, and supports educational development in the district through scholarships and the donations of school books and solar reading lights.
