POLOKWANE – LOCAL farmers received free expert advice on how to increase yield, boost income and contribute to local economies at a free workshop held by TechnoServe SA at Jack Botes hall in Polokwane last Thursday.
TechnoServe business advisor Thembi Tshabalala said they organised this event in Polokwane to address food security and offer solutions regarding all kinds of farming and rural development.
“TechnoServe is the expert in promoting the growth of small-scale farmers having trained over 2000 farmers in six provinces and creating 4400 jobs,” said Tshabalala.
One of the visitors that inspired farmers was Connie Mussumir, co-founder of the social enterprise, Entrepassion. She said that the workshop was just a snapshot of the roadshows that were planned to empower farmers by Entrepassion and TechnoServe SA.
“We work with entrepreneurs focusing on vulnerable groups including women, migrants and young people in farming and mining towns to create access to markets and train farmers.”
Mussumir said her beginning in the farming industry came at 17 while working at a hotel in Mozambique. After realising that most hotels imported their fresh produce from South Africa, when she saw a business opportunity to provide local produce to Mozambican hotels.
Director of Rivoningo enterprise, Abednigo Malele, said rural farmers were disadvantaged by lack of knowledge regarding modern farming models.
“Today we showed farmers that there are a number of enterprises that are in place to assist them on their journey towards commercial farming. We are mobilising municipalities and local governments to sponsor farmers’ training.”
Matilda Ramogale, a subsistence farmer from the Ramogale Ratabana Drop-in Centre in the Capricorn district, said the meeting taught her skills that she would apply to ensure her garden’s sustainability.
“I did not know that there were different types of seeds before today. I learnt that white seeds are better than brown seeds. I also learnt the importance of tilting soils before planting and keeping financial records. I am very much capacitated with information after today’s meeting,” said Ramogale.
For more information on TechnoServe services or partnering organisations, call (011) 482 6335 or send an e-mail to mmanaswe@tns.org.
