Urgent need to modernise agricultural training in SA

March 2025

IVOR PRICE, EDITOR-IN-CHIEF: FOOD FOR MZANSI GROUP

AGRICULTURAL EDUCATION IN SOUTH AFRICA MUST EVOLVE RAPIDLY TO KEEP PACE WITH SCIENTIFIC ADVANCEMENTS, TECHNOLOGICAL INNOVATIONS, AND THE PRESSING DEMANDS OF CLIMATE CHANGE. DR TOBIAS DOYER, CEO OF GRAIN SA, HIGHLIGHTED THESE IMPERATIVES, URGING STAKEHOLDERS TO TRANSFORM AGRICULTURAL TRAINING FOR A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE AT AGRISETA’S AGR-EDU SYMPOSIUM.

Dr Doyer noted that young people entering the field must be equipped to evaluate, adapt, and adopt cutting edge methods to sustain food security and economic growth.

SHAPING THE FUTURE OF FARMING
He pointed to significant advancements in three critical areas – genetics, biostimulants, and robotics – that are shaping the future of farming globally and in South Africa.

• Genetics: He highlighted milestones such as the application of CRISPR technology to combat pests and diseases, including the RNA-based solution for the California potato bug in 2024. These breakthroughs illustrate the potential of molecular-level innovations to address agricultural challenges.
• Biostimulants: Once considered traditional remedies, biostimulants have re-emerged as a scientific frontier. Doyer stressed their potential to enhance crop health using natural plant extracts, urging further research into scaling production and application.
• Robotics: From self-driving tractors to precision farming tools, robotics is transforming the way farmers monitor and manage their environments. Innovations in this space promise greater efficiency, reduced environmental impact, and enhanced productivity.

Dr Tobias Doyer called for an overhaul to modernise agricultural training in South Africa.
Photo: Iwan Dirksen/Food For Mzansi

EDUCATION AND SKILLS DEVELOPMENT
Dr Doyer furthermore noted the urgent need for transformation in agricultural education to align with these advancements. ‘Educational programmes must not only address current skills shortages but also anticipate the evolving needs of the sector.’

He advocated for fostering critical thinking, problem-solving and entrepreneurship among students, equipping them to navigate an everchanging landscape. ‘Agriculture’s unique role in developing future business leaders cannot be overstated.’

The symposium revealed pressing challenges within agricultural education:

• Outdated infrastructure: AgriSETA chairperson Gaitsiwe Sepeng noted that many agricultural colleges lack modern facilities, impeding effective training.
• Inconsistent curricula: Dr Whitfield Green, CEO of the council for higher education, acknowledged discrepancies across colleges and universities, calling for standardisation and integration.
• Leadership gaps: Madoda Sambatha, North West MEC for agriculture, stressed the importance of robust leadership in driving innovation, commending AgriSETA for initiatives like the Agri-Edu Symposium.

Grain SA, under Dr Doyer’s leadership, remains committed to human capital development. Initiatives like the Leadership in the Connection Economy programme, exemplifying the organisation’s focus on empowering farmers with the tools and knowledge needed to thrive. ‘The Agri-Edu Symposium serves as a rallying call for all stakeholders to collaborate, innovate, and ensure our sector remains resilient,’ he stated.

By addressing infrastructure gaps, modernising curricula, and fostering partnerships, South Africa can develop a new generation of skilled, adaptive, and entrepreneurial agricultural leaders.

Publication: March 2025

Section: Pula/Imvula