Study groups offer a learning opportunity

August 2024

At study group (SG) meetings, farmers have access to information and expert advice. The study groups bring the farmer development footprint to key grain-growing regions. This is how the FDP team gets to know the farmers and the farmers learn to trust the team. Between 9 May and 11 June the PGP team led 39 study group visits. Here are some of the highlights.

The Emmaus SG meeting focussed on the renewal of membership. Positive feedback was received in this regard.

Shelling methods were also discussed at the Newcastle-Doornkop SG, with one farmer demonstrating the ease and effectiveness of hand shelling.

It often helps to include a practical session during the SG meeting. At the Newcastle-Doornkop SG session, the group looked at signs that indicate whether a crop is ready for harvesting.

At the Isandlwana SG meeting, the Beyond Abundance project and costing progress were on the agenda.

Learners (and teachers) learn more about agriculture

It is essential for the youth to learn about the value of agriculture as a source of food and fibre, as well as about the various career opportunities in agriculture. Grain SA’s Schools Programme recognises the potential of the youth to make a significant impact on the agricultural sector.

In the period from 9 May to 11 June, 34 schools were visited by Phumza Mtukushe who ensured that 15 schools in the Eastern Cape learned more about agriculture; Marietjie Purchase who visited seven schools in the Free State and Khoza Ntokoza who went to twelve schools in the Dundee region to share the insightful information with the learners. 

The feedback received from the teachers and pupils was very positive. 

• A teacher from Gecelo Primary School mentioned that the staff found it just as insightful as the pupils. She asked if Khoza could do a follow-up practical session, as they want to learn how to plant and grow vegetables with the prices of food skyrocketing. 
• The pupils from one of the schools in the Free State said the presentation was an eye-opener to them because now they know how products are manufactured.
• According to a pupil from the Dundee region they learned a lot. ‘We learnt a lot about farming – things such as the soil condition. We also learned that the Western Cape provides wine, which is made with grapes.’
• Zweledinga Primary School’s teachers commented that the pupils now know that farming is very important, as they will save money when they produce their own food. 
• This programme showed the pupils the real world and the importance of making informed decisions while they are young, said a staff member at Emzweni Primary School.

One of the colourful schools visited in the Free State was Diphakweng Primary School.

Publication: August 2024

Section: Pula/Imvula