Young agri-preneurs in Limpopo were armed with climate resilience knowledge that’ll help them nurture their futures as well as that of South Africa’s food security!
Limpopo, South Africa (27 September 2023) — A dose of refreshing climate change action happened in the Blouberg Municipal Area of Limpopo recently, where young agri-preneurs (agricultural entrepreneurs) were equipped with climate resilience tools.
This is one of the first points of calls that those in the agricultural sector need, not only to flourish under current climate circumstances but to plant seeds of knowledge for the eco-stresses of the future.
To impart the knowledge, experts gathered from the University of Limpopo and the University of Venda, Department of Agriculture, Biofuels Business Incubator; Department Of Forestry, Fisheries and The Environment and South African Weather Services for the crash-course workshop.
Turning Climate Anxiety into Climate Resilience
Climate change, with its implications on soil fertility, the need for change in farming infrastructure, unpredictable weather patterns and lower ground and surface water availability (especially relevant to South Africa), casts a worrying cloud over the world’s agricultural spaces. But amid these challenges is a bright spot—the willingness and determination of young farmers to adapt.
Especially for young agri-preneurs, skills-sharing experiences like this set the tone for South Africa’s future in food security—one that can be positive with the right knowledge.
The topics covered included: climate change risks and vulnerability in the Blouberg Municipal Area, climate-smart agricultural practices and support programmes available by the Department of Agriculture, alternative energy-biofuels, rainfall harvesting system techniques, a demonstration of the National Climate Change Information System, climate projections for Limpopo, alternative energy solutions, solar energy, and alternative energy-bio-fuels.
Working closely with many youth farms, the workshop also focused on tools to help the agri-preneurs with mitigation measures so that climate challenges can be dealt with, with a plan of action.
“It is my belief that once the crop and animal farmers become aware of the climate change-related issues, it will be easier for them to come up with mitigation measures when they are faced with challenges. Better yet, they are now equipped to avoid losses and have the knowledge and skills to move forward,” commented Harrisinah Theka, Economic Development Specialist for Soutpan Solar Power.
It also opened more eyes to bio-fuel importance:
“This workshop was very productive, one of the highlights for me was the information on bio-fuel and how it can help me reduce my diesel costs as I need to use diesel to both heat and cool my chickens. It will also assist with our lighting requirements. The information shared has given me a lot to think about, and prepare for the future,”said Peter Meyer, Director of Masa Poultry Farmers.
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