As part of addressing challenges facing extension practitioners in the Northern Cape, the Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development will be hosting a three-day conference under the theme “Challenges facing the Agricultural Landscape” – from the 19-21 February 2019.
The purpose of the conference is to give the Northern Cape Extension Practitioners an opportunity to interact with each other on external aspects – including issues affecting their profession. It seeks to examine the state of extension in the province and make recommendations to improve extension services.
It will also expose them to new ways of thinking regarding extension as well as the opportunity to share their own experiences and expertise with their colleagues. The conference will also give platforms to the veterinarian, research and sustainable resources units to do presentations on the subject matter.
Two professors, from the University of Pretoria and the South African Society for Agricultural Extension (SASAE) respectively, will also deliberate on the concept of professionalism in Agriculture.
Various topics on extension will be reflected on as speakers from neighbouring provinces will give their provincial perspective as well as delegates from commodity organisations. Some extension practitioners will also present to share their experiences and make recommendations to improve on this vital service to farmers.
The National Development Plan 2030 (NDP) emphasises that for the development of rural economy where poverty levels are high, Extension and Advisory Services has a mayor role to play especially in mobilising and empowering producers to be market-orientated, hence improving economy right where they are.
The IDP further determines that Extension and Advisory be adequately skilled in order to contribute to the attainment of the set targets.
Meanwhile Acting MEC is expected to deliver a keynote address and to hand over Extension Awards on three categories for excellent services within the extension and recovery services. END
Members of the Media are invited to attend and details are as follows;
Date: 19-21 February 2019
Venue: Flamingo View Estate (N12 route – Warrenton)
Time: 09H00
Enquiries: Phemelo Manankong - External Communications Officer
Tel: 053 802 5622
Cell: 066 303 8177
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Web: www.agrinc..gov.za