Young farmers participating in the Structured Incubated Entrepreneurial Development Programme are gaining extensive knowledge, hands-on farming experience and improved entrepreneurial decision-making skills that are transforming their agricultural operations and business prospects.
By Maile Matsimela, Digital Editor at African Farming
The Free State Department of Agriculture and Rural Development says the programme, which has expanded from 15 to 23 participants, delivers tangible benefits. These include enhanced livestock management capabilities as well as access to markets, research institutions and industry stakeholders. The programme also equips farmers with the skills needed to drive innovation and job creation within the agricultural sector.
The second phase of the programme, which is currently under way at Glen College of Agriculture, exposes participants to seven major trends shaping the future of food production, from healthier eating and plant-based foods to technological innovations and unique dining experiences.
Success Story
Ms Tshepiso Matobako, a young farmer from Rosendal operating on 432ha with Bonsmara cattle, merino sheep and Large White pigs, exemplifies the programme’s impact. She has gained extensive knowledge and hands-on farming experience in piggery and livestock management, alongside improved entrepreneurial decision-making skills that have strengthened her ambition to become a commercial farmer.
Strategic Partnership Framework
The initiative forms part of the memorandum of understanding between the Free State Department of Agriculture and Rural Development and the DaVinci Institute, with the programme already launched across the Free State, Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal and North West.
Comprehensive Seven-dimension Approach
Through seven structured dimensions, namely education (which covers five key modules), business coaching, a business simulation app, masterclasses, trend workshops, business proposal development and local food festivals, participants from four districts and one metropolitan area are being equipped with comprehensive entrepreneurial skills.
Addressing Critical Agricultural Challenges
The programme addresses critical agricultural challenges by supporting youth-owned and youth-managed enterprises, encouraging greater youth participation in agriculture, closing the gap left by an ageing farming population, reducing unemployment and contributing to poverty alleviation.
