By Lebogang Mashala
Ernest Makua is a livestock technical advisor at Red Meat Industry Services (RMIS) whose primary focus is training. He has extensive experience in facilitating livestock skills development courses and providing technical advice on livestock management, and is passionate about helping emerging farmers transition to commercial farming. His goal is to assist them in establishing profitable and sustainable livestock enterprises, allowing them to make significant contributions to the formal red meat value chain. He speaks with Lebogang Mashala about his role in supporting the development of smallholder livestock farmers through RMIS.
Tell us a bit about yourself.
I was born and raised in the rural village of Mmakgatle, near Marble Hall. From a young age, I herded cattle, sheep, and goats, which helped prepare me for my current career. I discovered my passion for agriculture while still a learner at Lekgoloane Primary School and Hututu Senior Secondary School, where I had agriculture as a subject. I furthered my education at Tshwane University of Technology, where I earned a BTech in Animal Production. I completed my internship at the Agricultural Research Council’s Biobank, where I collected livestock samples for genomic research, enhancing my skills and knowledge in the field. I am currently pursuing a Master of Science in Agriculture through Unisa, focusing on nutrient circulation in both emerging and commercial cattle farms. Through my work and studies, I have gained a comprehensive understanding of livestock management and agricultural research.
Your work falls under Inclusive Growth, the training and enterprise development function of RMIS. What does inclusive growth in the red meat industry mean to you?
To me, inclusive growth means empowering small-scale farmers by providing them with access to vital resources such as finance, training and technology, which allows them to integrate into formal markets and improve their productivity. This approach to development is comprehensive and ensures that all stakeholders, particularly small-scale farmers (who will become commercial livestock farmers in the future), participate equitably and benefit from the industry’s growth. It’s not just about expanding the economy; it also considers the social and environmental impacts, ensuring that the sector is sustainable and resilient to challenges.
Furthermore, inclusive growth encompasses the implementation of initiatives outlined in the Red Meat Industry Strategy 2030 and the Agricultural Agro-processing Master Plan (AAMP). These initiatives focus on enhancing productivity, improving infrastructure and ensuring fair market access. By prioritising inclusivity, we not only enhance the economic viability of the red meat industry but also contribute to social stability and rural development, ultimately creating a more sustainable and prosperous future for everyone involved.
You are responsible for training at RMIS. What kind of training does RMIS offer?
I firmly believe that training serves as a bridge between potential and achievement, empowering individuals to transform their aspirations into tangible success. Our comprehensive training programmes aim to uplift and empower farmers across the red meat value chain in South Africa. We cover a variety of topics, including farm management, animal husbandry practices, market integration strategies and sustainable farming techniques. Our specialised courses equip farmers with the skills and knowledge necessary to enhance livestock production, improve breeding practices, and meet the quality standards essential for market competitiveness.
Our training programmes are divided into formal and informal categories. We offer 17 distinct formal training courses, and we are accredited with AgriSETA to provide training in animal production from Levels 1 to 4. The formal courses include Animal Husbandry, Livestock Handling, Preventing and Treating Animal Diseases, Implementing Animal Health, and Biosecurity, and we also focus on farm financial management skills and market access.
The informal training we provide includes webinars, farm visits, farmers’ study groups and farmers’ days. We focus on practical learning experiences, workshops and mentorship programmes tailored to address the specific challenges faced by emerging farmers.
In your opinion, what is the biggest challenge among the farmers you are servicing?
In my experience, one of the most pressing challenges facing the farmers I work with is the persistence of outdated farming practices. Many emerging farmers continue to rely on traditional methods that are not suited to modern agricultural demands. This reliance affects their productivity and hampers their ability to adopt more sustainable and efficient farming techniques. Additionally, inadequate record-keeping practices pose a significant obstacle. Without accurate records, farmers struggle to make informed decisions about breeding, health management and financial planning, all of which are critical for long-term success.
Another critical issue is the mismanagement of grazing land. Poor grazing practices can lead to overgrazing or underutilisation of pastures, negatively impacting livestock health and productivity. Coupled with a lack of understanding of market dynamics, farmers often face challenges in setting competitive prices and accessing profitable sales opportunities. Moreover, the absence of essential infrastructure, such as proper handling facilities and grazing camps, further hinders their ability to manage livestock effectively and sustainably.
To date, how many farmers have gone through RMIS training?
Since 2023, RMIS has actively empowered more than 2 000 emerging farmers through various channels, including comprehensive training courses, personalised farm visits, interactive farmers’ days, collaborative study group sessions and informative online webinars. These initiatives are crucial in equipping farmers with the essential skills and knowledge required to thrive in the competitive livestock industry. In 2024 alone, RMIS successfully trained more than 50 young farmers from North West and Limpopo who are affiliated with Youth in Agriculture and Rural Development (YARD). Looking ahead, RMIS is committed to expanding these initiatives in the coming years, aiming to empower even more young livestock farmers across South Africa and foster sustainable growth and innovation within the sector.
How does a farmer qualify to be part of the training?
Farmers, aspiring farmers and farm employees who qualify for RMIS training should demonstrate active participation in the livestock sector and a strong commitment to improving agricultural practices. They need to express a clear interest in integrating into formal markets and enhancing operational efficiency.
What are the challenges in implementing some of your projects or realising your goals?
Overcoming barriers such as illiteracy poses a significant challenge for farmers, limiting their ability to benefit from educational resources and modern farming practices. Another major obstacle is accommodating the diverse backgrounds and resources of emerging farmers, which necessitates tailored approaches to training and support.
Additionally, there is an urgent need to change mindsets among emerging farmers to encourage the adoption of modern agricultural practices. This includes promoting the importance of basic practices, such as dehorning, which enhances animal welfare and productivity. It also involves emphasising the value of building trust through transparent communication and reliable support networks. Encouraging these changes can improve farm efficiency and foster a stronger sense of professionalism and reliability within the industry.
Furthermore, bridging the gap in market understanding and access remains a persistent challenge. Many small-scale producers lack the knowledge and connections necessary to navigate the formal market, which hinders their ability to secure fair prices and establish sustainable market relationships. Additionally, securing adequate funding amid financial constraints adds another layer of complexity, requiring innovative financing solutions and strategic partnerships to maintain project momentum and impact.
How are you collaborating with other stakeholders working towards a similar goal?
In Sepedi, we have a saying, “Ditau tsa hloka seboka di shitwa ke nare ehlotsa” (Lions that fail to work as a team will struggle to bring down even a limping buffalo), which illustrates the importance of collaboration as a cornerstone of our approach. Collaboration opens doors to knowledge, resources and opportunities for emerging farmers, promoting collective success and sustainable growth in the red meat industry. At RMIS, we foster partnerships with stakeholders who share our goals by actively building alliances across the agricultural and livestock sectors. This includes government agencies, industry associations, NGOs, research institutions and private sector entities.
Through these collaborations, we not only share resources and expertise but also coordinate our efforts to maximise our impact. Together, we address challenges such as improving market access, securing funding and promoting agricultural sustainability. By pooling our strengths and aligning our strategies, we create synergies that accelerate progress towards our shared objective of fostering inclusive growth and sustainability in the red meat industry. Our collaborative approach ensures that we effectively tackle complex challenges and create lasting positive impacts for farmers and the broader agricultural community.
