Youth in agriculture remains a key priority

by Daniel Johnson, Daniel.Johnson@westerncape.gov.za

TThe agricultural economy in the Western Cape continues to have a significant impact on the province and we would do well to make it a critical aspect of our strategy for sustainable economic growth and job creation.

The Western Cape contributes 46% to South Africa’s agricultural exports and generates a total income of R43,8 billion from agriculture, with R23 billion gross value added yearly.

The sector creates over 400 000 direct and indirect jobs (including agri-processing). A mere 5% growth in key competitive industries could create an additional 23 000 jobs in the Western Cape. Agriculture accounts for 16,4% of our total workforce in the province and 24% of agri-workers in South Africa.

In response to the potential of the agricultural sector to grow rural economies and create jobs, I have set structured training and education as one of my key priorities. We must create more training opportunities for the youth in the agricultural sector.

To make this sector more accessible and attractive to the youth, more interventions are needed to include agriculture as a subject in schools, expose youth to the agricultural sector and the career opportunities therein.

More agricultural schools should be established in the Western Cape. My aim is to establish at least one agriculturally focussed school per district and to introduce agricultural subjects in other schools.

However, the promotion of agricultural education must not be viewed as an attempt to lower the standard and the intellectual content of the National Senior Certificate (NSC). It should be seen as an initiative that exposes the youth to subjects such as agricultural technology, agricultural management practices, agricultural sciences and pure mathematics. These subjects could encourage learners to study for careers in agricultural economics, agricultural engineering and veterinary sciences. It must also be accompanied by a renewed effort to promote mathematics and life sciences.

We not only want to make our Grade 12 school leavers more employable with an NSC that offers a number of certified competencies; we also want to ensure that their skill sets are responsive to the skills requirements of the sector. At the same time, learners who wish to attain a tertiary qualification must be adequately enabled to do so.

The Western Cape Department of Education and the Western Cape Department of Agriculture are on a mission to establish more agricultural schools in the Western Cape. We believe this will offer hope to our youth and create a more food-secure province.

Recent meetings with the Western Cape Department of Education’s agricultural subject advisor show that at the beginning of 2020 only 39 schools offer between one and three agricultural subjects. A further 14 schools have indicated that they want to introduce agricultural subjects in 2020, while four new agriculturally focussed schools are planned for the period 2021–2025.

I am also encouraged by the goodwill shown by the agricultural sector and private individuals who have committed land and funds for the establishment of more agriculturally focussed schools.

We are planning exciting projects. Planning and budget are at an advanced stage. Watch this space!

#ForTheLoveOfAgriculture AP

by Dr Ilse Trautmann, ilset@elsenburg.com

TTaking results from an array of research projects through the farm gate to optimise agricultural production in a better, faster and more resource-smart way, remains the focus of the research team of the Research and Technology Development Programme.

Below are the highlights on the 2020 calendar that should not be missed – please diarise.

Event Date Where Focus

Conservation Agriculture Western Cape (CAWC) annual conference

4–5 August 2020

4 August: Conference day outside Stellenbosch

5 August: Field day at Tygerhoek research farm (Riviersonderend)

Conservation agriculture practices – theory and walk-and-talks in trials

Riversdale information day

19 August 2020 Uitkyk farm

Conservation agriculture practices – theory and walk-and-talks in trials

SKOG information day

25 August 2020 Langgewens research farm outside Moorreesburg

Small grain research – theory and walk-and-talks in trials

Hopefield information day

4 September 2020 Waterboerskraal

Conservation agriculture practices – theory and walk-and-talks in trials

Outeniqua information day

16 September 2020 Outeniqua research farm, George

Pasture and dairy research – theory and walk-and-talks in trials and animal viewing

For more information, contact Dr Ilse Trautmann at 021 808 5012 or ilset@elsenburg.com, or watch the local and agricultural press for more details. AP