Agricultural education in South Africa must evolve rapidly to keep pace with scientific advancements, technological innovations, and the pressing demands of climate change. Tobias Doyer, CEO of Grain SA, highlighted these imperatives, urging stakeholders to transform agricultural training for a sustainable future.
Speaking at AgriSETA’s Agr-Edu Symposium last month, Doyer described agriculture as a scientific pursuit at its core. He 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.
Doyer 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.
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Education and skills development: A critical need
Doyer furthermore noted the urgent need for transformation in agricultural education to align with these advancements. “Educational programs must not only address current skills shortages but also anticipate the evolving needs of the sector,” he said.
He advocated for fostering critical thinking, problem-solving, and entrepreneurship among students, equipping them to navigate an ever-changing landscape. “Agriculture’s unique role in developing future business leaders cannot be overstated,” Doyer added.
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- Outdated infrastructure: AgriSETA chairperson Gaitsiwe Sepeng noted that many agricultural colleges lack modern facilities, impeding effective training.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 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,” Doyer said. By addressing infrastructure gaps, modernising curricula, and fostering partnerships, South Africa can develop a new generation of skilled, adaptive, and entrepreneurial agricultural leaders.
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