Extension and advisory services reignite farmers’ faith during COVID-19

by Rendani Murovhi, rendanim@elsenburg.com

LLike most industries, the agricultural sector is not immune to the catastrophic effects of COVID-19. The lockdown restriction has led to unanticipated adjustment and compromises for business operations and this has affected the livelihoods of many South African farmers and other small businesses. Small and often overlooked when compared to commercial operations, smallholder and subsistence farmers attest that COVID-19 has ransacked farming communities. The challenges faced by these farmers include labour shortages, inability to source production inputs and services, and rising farming expenses with no income.

Although the pandemic had disastrous effects on farming operations, local farmers in surrounding areas within the Swartland Local Municipality, like Antoinette Bouwer and Nomfundo Wojie, say that the pandemic became a connection point between the local extension officials and farmers. Bouwer further emphasised that she is “hopeful that this is the beginning of a good relationship between the local agricultural office and the smallholder farmers in Hopefield”. The two farmers are part of the beneficiaries for the COVID-19 relief funds initiated by the

Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development.

Extension officials took a leading role in championing the department’s initiative for household food gardens, aimed at sustaining food security for vulnerable households (yet another connection point). Perhaps the reconfigured and diversified extension approaches adopted during the pandemic might be a long-anticipated intervention – rejuvenating the generational relationship with farmers and reshaping the distorted image of extension over time.

AP