• Latest
  • Trending
  • All
  • News
  • Lifestyle
Some experts believe farmers are in a great position to lead the transition to renewable energy. Photo: Supplied/Food For Mzansi

Is energy farming the next big thing in Mzansi?

21st July 2022
Podcast: Momentum Metropolitan helps women farmers fly high

Podcast: Momentum Metropolitan helps women farmers fly high

3rd December 2023
Leaders from key organisations urge Cop28 action, emphasising resilient livestock strategies for Africa's climate resilience. Photo: Supplied/Food For Mzansi

Coalition urges Cop28 action for African livestock resilience

3rd December 2023
Agricultural leaders convened to explore innovative solutions for Africa’s farming landscape at the African Agri Investment Indaba 2023 in Cape Town. Among the facilitators counted Food For Mzansi deputy editor Duncan Masiwa (left). Photo: Supplied/Ryan Wilkisky/BackpagePix

African Agri Investment Indaba 2023: Charting a sustainable future

3rd December 2023
Disabled farmers: ‘We want action and access, not handouts’

Disabled farmers: ‘We want action and access, not handouts’

3rd December 2023
Kraft Heinz and NotCo stir up a storm with their latest creation: plant-based mac and cheese. It has just been released in America, and the creators have their eye on international markets. Photo: Supplied/Food For Mzansi

Hold my wave! New plant-based mac and cheese hits shelves

2nd December 2023
Amile Wines brand owner Thabisile Ndlovu loves the sweeter things in life – from diamonds to wines. She sits down with us and shares her passion for creating high end African luxury, why the Amile Rosé has a pink ribbon on, and what it means for wine to have a good ending. And as a wine aficionado, she gives us her summer wine recommendations. Photo: Supplied/Food For Mzansi

Faces of Summer: Amile Wines shines bright like a diamond

2nd December 2023
Top tips to prevent fire burns this festive season

Top tips to prevent fire burns this festive season

2nd December 2023
Bureau Veritas has taken a bold step toward undertaking a solar and back-up project that allows it to sustain its business continuity for its Cape Town AgriFood Laboratory. Photo: Supplied/Food For Mzansi

Bureau Veritas goes solar at Cape Town agrifood lab

2nd December 2023
Podcast: How to access fresh produce markets in SA

Podcast: How to access fresh produce markets in SA

1st December 2023

Food For Mzansi serves as ideal launching pad for farmers

1st December 2023
Let this saucy oxtail recipe take you back down memory lane

Let this saucy oxtail recipe take you back down memory lane

1st December 2023
Arendse puts her eggs in many baskets while aiming for the skies

Arendse puts her eggs in many baskets while aiming for the skies

1st December 2023
Sunday, December 3, 2023
15 GLOBAL MEDIA AWARDS
Login
Food For Mzansi
  • News
  • Changemakers
  • Lifestyle
  • Farmer’s Inside Track
  • Food for Thought
No Result
View All Result
No Result
View All Result
  • News
  • Changemakers
  • Lifestyle
  • Farmer’s Inside Track
  • Food for Thought
Food For Mzansi
Home News

Is energy farming the next big thing in Mzansi?

Experts who participated in Food For Mzansi’s Gather To Grow discussion yesterday, believe that farmers are in a unique position to harvest some benefits from the demand for alternative energy in South Africa

by Tiisetso Manoko
21st July 2022
in News
Reading Time: 4 mins read
A A
Some experts believe farmers are in a great position to lead the transition to renewable energy. Photo: Supplied/Food For Mzansi

Some experts believe farmers are in a great position to lead the transition to renewable energy. Photo: Supplied/Food For Mzansi

With rolling blackouts affecting the whole of South Africa’s economy, the urgency for alternative energy is fast increasing and farmers might be in a unique position to harvest the benefits.

Importantly, farmers have land, said the director of Stellenbosch University’s Centre for Renewable and Sustainable Energy Studies, Prof. Sampson Mamphweli. He was among the guest speakers during Food For Mzansi’s live Gather To Grow session yesterday (20 July 2022).

Prof. Sampson Mamphweli, director at the Centre for Renewable and Sustainable Energy Studies. Photo: Supplied
Prof. Sampson Mamphweli, director at the Centre for Renewable and Sustainable Energy Studies. Photo: Supplied

“It is quite easier for farmers to implement or assist in the implantation of renewable and sustainable energy projects,” he told the audience during the online session.

He was backed by a Netafim irrigation specialist from Zambia, Nambwale Kalunga, who said that farmers were holding a golden ticket for future energy generation, especially in the irrigation space.

“There is a farmer in the north-western province of Zambia [who] is currently farming pineapples on his farm, running all year.

“What he has done, is to set up a mini hydro power plant which is currently generating about 850 kilowatts of power. Part of the energy he is generating is [used] to keep his [own] operations running.”

Go green or go bust?

Jason Gifford, a director of Logical Waste, said the reality was that, with the current power supply in the country, for farmers to remain competitive and in business for the next ten years, they would have to take their energy security seriously.

He said farmers needed to make the investment now because the grid would continue to fail, and the provision of electricity would get worse. Yet the investment would not only secure their own operations but also future opportunities.

“There are literally thousands of opportunities available in the country, but there is no market for them.

“The first step is for farmers to utilise what they have got, to secure their own energy so that they can continue operating, and then – as the grid starts opening up and more private power is welcomed into the system – an opportunity to exploit more power avenues could be looked at.”

Know who to call

Gifford had a word of warning, though. He said it was important for farmers to call in the right experts to install their alternative energy supply correctly. It’s a lifetime investment, after all.

“Initial investment capital may be a little steep when you look at it, but you will find that your energy investment will lead to big savings. You know it will be a long-term solution, so do not be deterred by the initial costs,” he said.

A few practical tips

Gifford called on farmers to look for help as installing alternative power does not come cheap.

“The one mistake that many people make is to install an improperly sized system or a system that is not properly installed by the professionals.

“For instance, you get a solar PV (photovoltaic) system that is installed facing the wrong direction and you do not get the maximum benefits. In the end, that creates a stigma against technology.”

The Twitter session was recorded and the full conversation will soon be available on Food For Mzansi.

ALSO READ: Farm installs solar energy plant to lower carbon footprint

Sign up for Mzansi Today: Your daily take on the news and happenings from the agriculture value chain.

Share this:

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • WhatsApp
  • Email
Previous Post

New ‘Niche Farmers’ show hits e.tv in August

Next Post

ICYMI: Govt warns about African horse sickness

Tiisetso Manoko

Tiisetso Manoko

Tiisetso Manoko is a seasoned journalist with vast experience in community media. He possesses diploma in media studies majoring in journalism, certificate in civic leadership. He loves news from all angles with particular interest in local government, agriculture and politics. He is a staunch Mamelodi Sundowns Football club supporter.

Related Posts

Podcast: Momentum Metropolitan helps women farmers fly high

Podcast: Momentum Metropolitan helps women farmers fly high

by Octavia Avesca Spandiel
3rd December 2023
0

FARMER'S INSIDE TRACK: Together, Momentum Metropolitan and Agri Enterprises have made it their mission to help women farmers crack new...

Leaders from key organisations urge Cop28 action, emphasising resilient livestock strategies for Africa's climate resilience. Photo: Supplied/Food For Mzansi

Coalition urges Cop28 action for African livestock resilience

by Ivor Price
3rd December 2023
0

In a resounding declaration, a coalition of influential voices in agriculture and international development has penned an open letter, championing...

Agricultural leaders convened to explore innovative solutions for Africa’s farming landscape at the African Agri Investment Indaba 2023 in Cape Town. Among the facilitators counted Food For Mzansi deputy editor Duncan Masiwa (left). Photo: Supplied/Ryan Wilkisky/BackpagePix

African Agri Investment Indaba 2023: Charting a sustainable future

by Staff Reporter
3rd December 2023
0

Key stakeholders united at this year’s African Agri Investment Indaba, advocating innovative solutions for African agriculture. Collaborative strategies emerged, emphasising...

Disabled farmers: ‘We want action and access, not handouts’

Disabled farmers: ‘We want action and access, not handouts’

by Tiisetso Manoko
3rd December 2023
0

As the world commemorates International Day of Persons with Disabilities today, disabled farmers across South Africa have called for more...

Next Post
Horses cannot be moved into much of the Western Cape without obtaining a legal permit. Photo: Supplied/Rich Dahlgren

ICYMI: Govt warns about African horse sickness

Disabled farmers: ‘We want action and access, not handouts’
News

Disabled farmers: ‘We want action and access, not handouts’

by Tiisetso Manoko
3rd December 2023
0

As the world commemorates International Day of Persons with Disabilities today, disabled farmers across South Africa have called for more...

Read more
Kraft Heinz and NotCo stir up a storm with their latest creation: plant-based mac and cheese. It has just been released in America, and the creators have their eye on international markets. Photo: Supplied/Food For Mzansi

Hold my wave! New plant-based mac and cheese hits shelves

2nd December 2023
Amile Wines brand owner Thabisile Ndlovu loves the sweeter things in life – from diamonds to wines. She sits down with us and shares her passion for creating high end African luxury, why the Amile Rosé has a pink ribbon on, and what it means for wine to have a good ending. And as a wine aficionado, she gives us her summer wine recommendations. Photo: Supplied/Food For Mzansi

Faces of Summer: Amile Wines shines bright like a diamond

2nd December 2023
Top tips to prevent fire burns this festive season

Top tips to prevent fire burns this festive season

2nd December 2023
Bureau Veritas has taken a bold step toward undertaking a solar and back-up project that allows it to sustain its business continuity for its Cape Town AgriFood Laboratory. Photo: Supplied/Food For Mzansi

Bureau Veritas goes solar at Cape Town agrifood lab

2nd December 2023

Podcast: Understanding the tomato leaf miner moth

Food For Mzansi gives voiceless farmers a much-needed voice

Sorghum remains a great choice amid climate challenge

This week’s agri events: 27 November-01 December

Afasa youth summit spotlights crucial role of collaboration

Jacobs Jam triumphs: SMME winner at Shoprite Awards

RSS From FoodForAfrika.com

  • $2 Million investment in fertiliser financing for Kenyan smallholders
  • AfDB empowers Tanzanian horticulture with $2.5m boost
  • Malagasy scientist wins $150k grant

THE NEW FACE OF SOUTH AFRICAN AGRICULTURE

With 15 global awards in the first four years of its existence, Food For Mzansi is much more than an agriculture publication. It is a movement, unashamedly saluting the unsung heroes of South African agriculture. We believe in the power of agriculture to promote nation building and social cohesion by telling stories that are often overlooked by broader society.

Podcast: Momentum Metropolitan helps women farmers fly high

Coalition urges Cop28 action for African livestock resilience

African Agri Investment Indaba 2023: Charting a sustainable future

Disabled farmers: ‘We want action and access, not handouts’

Hold my wave! New plant-based mac and cheese hits shelves

Faces of Summer: Amile Wines shines bright like a diamond

  • Our Story
  • Contact Us
  • Cookie Policy
  • Privacy Policy
  • Copyright

Contact us
Office: +27 21 879 1824
News: info@foodformzansi.co.za
Advertising: sales@foodformzansi.co.za

No Result
View All Result
  • News
  • Changemakers
  • Lifestyle
  • Farmer’s Inside Track
  • Food for Thought
Login

Copyright © 2021 Food for Mzansi

This website uses cookies. By continuing to use this website you are giving consent to cookies being used. Visit our Privacy and Cookie Policy.