Agricultural education plays a crucial role in the development and sustainability of the agriculture sector in South Africa, as it does globally. According to Shaun Welmans, the chief operating officer of Agri Skills Transfer, education is the key to development, especially in a sector as important as agriculture.
At this year’s Mzansi Young Farmers Indaba, Welmans and his team spoke to Food For Mzansi about agricultural education, key challenges, and opportunities in the sector.
“We have one goal in mind; that is to leave the country better than the way we found it. We build and thrive off one another to improve the education system, where we can collectively address social and economic issues that we are facing as a country and as a whole with leadership born from agriculture,” said Welmans.
Laurika du Bois, marketing manager at Agri Skills Transfer, shed light on the organisation’s approach to education. “We teach the basics so that you know from what point you will start; we can always get you there,” she explained.
This emphasis on foundational knowledge and skill-building underscores the organisation’s commitment to nurturing capable and resilient agricultural professionals.
Cultivating ethical leaders
Soalo Legodi, student liaison and facilitator, reflected on his experience at the indaba, and emphasised the sense of community fostered among young farmers. “It was actually nice being in an environment where we had every young farmer already operating and sharing all our problems and coming up with solutions,” he expressed.
Looking ahead, Welmans articulated his vision for the future of agricultural education in South Africa. He highlighted the integral role of education in cultivating not just skilled professionals, but also ethical leaders committed to sustainability and social impact.
In this episode, they also discuss:
- Key takeaways from the Mzansi Young Farmers Indaba;
- Their approach to agricultural education and more.
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