The 4th Annual Northern Cape Provincial Extension Conference and MEC’s Extension Awards officially kicked off today in the Frances Baard District, bringing together extension officers from across the province under the theme: “Towards Redesigning the Agricultural Extension Service in South Africa.”
The conference created a platform for meaningful engagement between Head of Department, Mr Zolile Monakali, guest speakers and extension officers, with discussions placing the challenges, opportunities and future direction of agricultural extension services under the spotlight. During an engagement session with extension practitioners, Mr Monakali indicated that he had noted approximately 23 valuable issues raised by extension officers. The Head of Department was responding to concerns and matters affecting extension practitioners within the sector. These engagements form part of ongoing efforts to strengthen the sector’s role in supporting farmers, improving productivity and advancing sustainable agricultural development. The conference brings together extension practitioners, researchers, subject specialists and key stakeholders to deliberate on extension-related matters and explore practical solutions aimed at improving service delivery. MEC Lebogang Motlhaping is expected to address the conference during the three day programme.
The Department remains committed to strengthening extension services as a critical pillar of farmer support, rural development, food security and agricultural transformation in the Northern Cape.