11th Extension & Advisory Services Symposium to move the sector forward

by Robyn Carstens

TThe Western Cape Department of Agriculture (WCDoA) hosted the 11th Annual Departmental Extension & Advisory Services Symposium at the Protea Hotel, Technopark in Stellenbosch during July 2022.

The symposium aims to keep Extension and Advisory staff informed of the latest trends in the agricultural space in order to support farmers and move the sector forward.

The theme of this year’s symposium was: “Agriculture is pushing forward: Advancing the role of Extension and Advisory Services towards inclusive and resilience food system”.

Discussions centred around the following sub-themes:

• Commodity approach and new models of mentorship for inclusive agriculture.

• Commercialisation of black farmers and opportunities for blended finance and other forms of funding.

• Beyond production to value addition through agri-processing.

• Moving food security to nourish to flourish households and communities.

In the opening remarks of the symposium, Darryl Jacobs, WCDoA Deputy Director General: Agricultural Development and Support Services, welcomed everyone after two years of not being able to host the symposium and set the scene for the three days ahead. He highlighted that amidst increased poverty, the increasing rate of unemployment, growing food insecurity and global conflict, agriculture is pushing forward.

Dr Mogale Sebopetsa, the Head of the WCDoA, thanked all the programme managers and the team responsible for agriculture in the Western Cape. “We are simply the best,” he emphasised as agriculture became an essential service during the COVID-19 pandemic. He reminded all present: “If agriculture goes wrong, nothing else has the chance to come right.” This is a quote by the father of India’s Green Revolution, MS Swaminathan.

Dr Sebopetsa said: “The farmers and the communities we serve count on our support and services to create jobs and grow the economy, inspire hope, wellbeing and promote safety”. In the HoD’s view, old ways will not open new doors. It is about learning new things to confront the challenges.

In the closing statement, Dr Hlamalani Ngwenya, the Chief Director, Agricultural Producer Support and Development, shared information to inspire new thinking to shape the new agenda to take wealth of information to innovate.