By Lwazi Raul-Shongwe
The MEC for DARDLEA(Department of Agriculture, Rural Development, Land and Environmental Affairs) in Mpumalanga, Nompumelelo Hlophe, was amongst the delegates who attended the Extension and Advisory Summit held in Secunda.
The summit has called for innovative interventions to counter the impact of climate change in the agricultural sector.
“ Improvement in the profession, the use of technology and digital media, and registration with professional bodies like SACNASP(South African Council for Natural Scientific Professions)and the South African Society for Agricultural Extension, are but some of the presentations made at the summit,” said DARDLEA.
The need for an improved collaborative effort between government, private sector and institutions of higher learning, was viewed as a step in the right direction, by delegates and experts from the national Department of Agriculture, SACNASP, FAO(Food and Agriculture Organisation), Agricultural Research Council, University of Mpumalanga, Mangosuthu University of Technology, South African Sugarcane Research Institute and other academic and training institutions.
The summit also discussed the role of Extension Officers as the province prepares for the planned official opening of the Mpumalanga International Food Market in August.
This issue was extensively canvassed by DARDLEA HOD(Head of Department), Cain Chunda. He called for Extension Officers to assist farmers to produce quality food that is in line with market standards, particularly in relation to exports.
“ Quality extension services will result in quality food that meet dietary needs of their consumers,” said Chunda.
