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Mentoring in the Agricultural Sector
AgriSETA Conference
22 October 2009
Deon van der Ross
Content
Background
Challenges
Partnerships
Mentoring
Linkages
Current Situation
Successes
Conclusion
04/21/23 3
BRAZIL
04/21/23 4
CHINA
04/21/23 5
COLOMBIA
04/21/23 6
EUROPE
World Fastest Growing City
04/21/23 8= Unemployment
= % growth
=% increase in technical skills
South Africa 2020
=% ?
=% ?
=% ?
Background – development / mentorship program
OVK started with a development program for black farmers in 2007
A total of 60 farmers has completed a six month business management course
Sixteen farmers are currently in the commercialization project – (summer and winter crop)
Between OVK, VKB & GSA = 66 farmers in summer and winter crop projects > 3000 ha
Impact on food security by Agri - Businesses
Challenges
Basic knowledge about running a businessKnowledge – acceptable farming practicesExcess to fundingExcess to marketsBuilding a track record Lack of equipmentGovernment policies / strategies
PartnershipsOVK, Grain South Africa and Free State Department of AgricultureAgriSETAMaize TrustWheat TrustIDCSuppliers• Monsanto
• Omnia
• Opticrop
• Wenkem, Novon Protecta
• Santam Agri
• Commercial farmers
Mentorship
Training is a vital part of the development program and is definitely the foundation for success, but
IT IS NOT ENOUGH
In addition to information a person needs experience to operate effectively – something you cannot get from a
textbook
MENTORING
Mentorship refers to a developmental relationship in which a more experienced or more knowledgeable person helps a less experienced or less knowledgeable person
The mentor is not just a provider of knowledge but rather a guide.
Sometime you have to admit that you need help
Linkages
Willingness from both partiesCompatibleRelationshipLocation
-------------ScopeDeliverablesExit strategy
Current SituationTrained – basics about running businessKnowledge – acceptable farming practicesExcess to fundingExcess to marketsTrack recordSupport structure (mentor)
-------------Farmer organisationsBusiness Organisations
Successes
2007 – One farmer to University (AgriSETA support)
2007 – First place – Dev. Grain Farmer of the year (GSA)
2008 – Second and Third place - Dev. Grain Farmer of the year (OVK & GSA)
2009 – First and Second place - Dev. Grain Farmer of the year (OVK,VKB & GSA)
"Mistakes are a fact of life. It is the response to error that counts."Nikki Giovanni
" You will learn and grow according to the nature and consequences of your actions."Robert Anthony
You can do anything - or can you ?
The woodpecker may have to go
Conclusion
Address the challenges stop the blame gameEmpowerment vs. Beggar mentalityRelationships between all stakeholdersAvailable expertiseSupport form Government
Coming together is a beginning...Keeping together is progress...Working together is a success." Anonymous