The Agri-food Systems and Entrepreneurship Development programme takes a comprehensive approach to empower communal farmers and enhance agricultural value chains in the Free State and Eastern Cape.
By Lebogang Mashala, editor of African Farming
The National Wool Growers Association (NWGA) has officially partnered with the Free State Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (FSDARD) and the University of the Free State (UFS) to boost wool production in the province’s farming communities.
This significant partnership follows months of strategic discussions and the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MOU) aimed at unlocking the full potential of the agricultural value chain. By aligning with the FSDARD’s vision of sustainable rural development, the NWGA will utilise its expertise in agricultural science, innovation and extension services to help small-scale farmers grow their farms into commercially viable enterprises.
Together, the partners are dedicated to building resilient and empowered farming communities across the Free State.
According to Prof. Jan W. Swanepoel, Director of the Centre for Sustainable Agriculture, Rural Development and Extension at the UFS and coordinator of the TAGDev 2.0 programme, this collaboration is part of the TAGDev 2.0 programme, which is funded by the Mastercard Foundation. TAGDev 2.0 is a 10-year initiative aimed at addressing youth unemployment and marginalisation in the agricultural sector across Africa.
Swanepoel explained the programme focuses on three key areas:
- Skilling for work and wealth creation
- Entrepreneurship for innovation, jobs and wealth creation
- Expanding work opportunities and wealth creation for young people along value chains
Also read: Communal wool growers measure progress through flock competition
Empowering Communal Farmers
“Our project, ‘Agri-food Systems and Entrepreneurship Development in the Wool and Crop Value Chains in South Africa’, represents a comprehensive approach to empowering communal farmers and enhancing agricultural value chains in the Free State and Eastern Cape provinces. This strategic initiative combines academic expertise, industry knowledge and government support to create sustainable solutions for rural communities,” he added.
Swanepoel emphasised that the UFS, as the lead institution through the Department of Sustainable Food Systems and Development, provides the academic foundation and research expertise necessary for this initiative. “The university contributes scientific knowledge in sustainable agriculture, sheep production and wool quality improvement, which will be implemented by communal farmers. The university’s role extends beyond traditional research to include comprehensive capacity-building programmes that cover practical skills for all participants in the wool value chain, from primary producers to wool processing,” he explained.
According to Swanepoel, the NWGA brings invaluable industry expertise and a proven track record in transforming communal wool production. The association’s experience encompasses decades of successful wool improvement programmes, during which it has significantly increased wool production in communal areas. Its in-depth understanding of the entire wool and sheep value chain – from breeding and production to marketing – makes it a vital partner.
Swanepoel further explained that the wool value chain begins with genetic improvement, where the UFS and the NWGA support ram breeding programmes to enhance flock quality. “They collaborate closely with industry bodies like Merino SA and the Dohne Merino Breed Society to ensure farmers have access to superior genetic material. As they move along the value chain, the NWGA provides comprehensive training in sheep management, shearing techniques and wool classing – critical factors that determine wool quality and market value,” he explained.
Additionally, the NWGA plays a vital role in organising wool producers into wool growers’ associations. This enables collective action, allowing smallholder farmers to aggregate their wool clips, achieve better classing standards and access formal marketing channels.
“This collective approach transforms individual farmers from being price-takers who sell to informal traders into organised groups that can negotiate better prices through formal auction systems. The NWGA’s established relationships with wool brokers and buyers ensure that communal farmers can access the same marketing avenues as commercial producers,” Swanepoel emphasised.
Specialised Skills Training Programmes
The association also conducts extensive training programmes, including those focused on shearing and wool classing, equipping community members with specialised skills. Swanepoel noted that the FSDARD provides the essential governmental framework and support structure for agricultural development. “Their involvement ensures that the project aligns with provincial and national agricultural policies while addressing the specific needs of rural communities. The department’s extensive network of extension officers serves as a critical link between the project and farming communities, facilitating knowledge transfer and ensuring sustained support beyond formal training sessions,” he said.
“The department assists with resource mobilisation, helping farmers access government agricultural development schemes and potentially supporting infrastructure development such as shearing sheds and storage facilities. Their role in community linkages is particularly important for ensuring that marginalised groups, including youth, women and people with disabilities, are actively included in project activities and benefits,” Swanepoel added.
He said this collaborative initiative presents transformative opportunities for communal wool production. By combining academic expertise, industry knowledge and government support, the project creates a comprehensive support system that addresses challenges throughout the value chain.
“The economic opportunities are substantial. Through improved genetics, better management practices and enhanced market access, farmers can significantly increase their income from wool production,” Swanepoel noted.
“We are passionate about this project’s potential to transform communal wool production into a profitable, sustainable enterprise that enhances livelihoods while preserving rural communities. We believe it exemplifies how collaborative partnerships can create meaningful, lasting change,” concluded Swanepoel.
