The food security plenarysession held at the Potchefstroom Agricultural College yielded successful multi-disciplinary discussions with various stakeholders and key role-players in the agri-sector to develop strategies that will address food insecurity. The two day session also served as a platform for sharing research findings and innovative farming techniques with farmers who intend to collaborate with government and the private sector to work towards sustainable supply of nutritious food in the province.
Presentationsfrom the five strategic plans included topics on establishing linkages between provincial departments for food security strategies; strategy for school, community and food gardens; identifying and streamlining support for agricultural enterprises; and enhancing production through alignments with technologiesand enterprise development for smallholder farmers.
In attendance was North West University Professor from the School of Agricultural Sciences,Simon Letsoalo who extensively spoke on “The Importance of Directed Agricultural Extension and Advisory Services Agricultural”. Letsoalo highlighted a challenge faced by extension and advisory services practitioners who are tasked with executing duties outside of their scope. He said that it was imperative that crop or livestock advisorsfocus solely on their specialisation to maximise production for farmers.
In attendance was North West University Professor from the School of Agricultural Sciences,Simon Letsoalo who extensively spoke on “The Importance of Directed Agricultural Extension and Advisory Services Agricultural”. Letsoalo highlighted a challenge faced by extension and advisory services practitioners who are tasked with executing duties outside of their scope. He said that it was imperative that crop or livestock advisorsfocus solely on their specialisation to maximise production for farmers.
Gomolemo Motitswane, a female farmer from Kagisano-Molopo Municipality said farmers felt that the session was most resourceful. “The sessions were very informative; they were focused on the future of agriculture. It’s a pity that at times as farmers, we do not get implement what we learn from these types of workshops. However, the department should also implement Professor Letsoalo’s recommendation of directed extension services and provide farmers with continuous mentorship and monitoring in order to ensure that they yield quality produce and expand their businesses” said Gomolemo.
Award-winning young farmer, Pheko Mofokeng from Phaphamang Environmental Organisation has grown his agri-business in leaps and bounds and has been involved in mentoring young agriculture graduates on his farm, encouraged those passionate about agriculture to commit to ensuring that food insecurity is alleviated through their efforts and love for the sector. “Food insecurity cannot only be a government problem. It is important that we skill and impart knowledge on young people so that they are also able to contribute to tackling the triple challenges of poverty, unemployment and inequality through agriculture,” he quipped.
Renewal energy, technology, agriculture and food security were among the attention-drawing presentations that were discussed in length by the collective. Botswana University of Agriculture and Natural Resources Vice Chancellor, Dr Jespar Rees said that farmers should identify opportunities in agriculture that have high growth potential and consider the use of appropriate scale mechanisation and automation to improve production, simplify harvesting, agro-processing and packaging.
Representatives from other institutions such as the Agricultural Research Council (ARC), Italian Embassy, National Department of Social Development, FarmPin and SABIA contributed to the workshop and have vowed to work together with the department towards a common goal of addressing food insecurity, supporting farmers and ensuring that household quality nutrition is realised through agriculture.
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Communication Services Directorate
Enquiries: MsEmeldaSetlhako
Tel: 018 389 5684/ Cell: 060 745 4020
Email: ESetlhako@nwpg.gov.za
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