The Agriculture Support Initiative
Farmer support project in creating robust networking for interactive collective action amongst small scale farmers in the Olifants basin
Project Overview
A growing risk to water security, economic growth, social development and poverty eradication is the sustainable supply of bulk water, which has been compromised by loss of storage capacity and reduction in water quality associated with dam siltation. In response, the DWS launched a national siltation management programme for SA. Training and capacity development have been identified as key components to effective long-term dam siltation management and are key focal points of the programme.
Project Timeline
Start Date
January 1, 2018
Completed
July 31, 2021
Our Objectives
The objective of this project will be achieved mainly through the implementation of a range of networking and transformative capacity building interventions, all designed to stimulate cross learning, develop a sense of self-respect, and improve capacity for collective action amongst the participating smallholder farmers. Activities includes field-based training workshops, cross-learning trips, and farmers’ open day meetings
Key Activities
To date the project has managed to create and support a number of networks for learning and sharing. Notably we have established the Smallholder Farmers’ Network, connecting and supporting cross-learning amongst smallholder farmers in Capricorn, Mopani and Sekhukhune districts, Youth in Agroecology Network connecting more than 60 youth who are practising agroecology and the ClimateSsmart Agroecology Network, bringing together organisations with an interest in agroecology and working with smallholder farmers. More recently farmers have been involved in key discussions around two proposed Seed Bills which have dramatic implications for small-scale farmers (see Box).
Expected Outcomes
Youth in Agroecology Network connecting more than 60 youth who are practising agroecology and the ClimateSsmart Agroecology Network, bringing together organisations with an interest in agroecology and working with smallholder farmers.
Project Team
Derick du Toit, Erna Kruger, Big Boy Mkhabele, Betty Maimele and Thembhani Mabunda,
Our Funders
Organizations supporting this project
DKA (Katholische Jungschar Österreichs – Hilfswerk Dreikönigsaktion – Austria)
Project Gallery
Visual documentation of our work
