(AGENPARL) – mer 28 agosto 2024 PRESS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
28 August 2024
The annual agricultural extension conference focuses on collaborative initiatives to improve innovation in the sector.
The Central University of Technology, Free State (CUT), and the South African Society for Agricultural Extension (SASAE) co-hosted the 57th annual conference, which took place from 26 to 29 August 2024 and focused on bridging collaborative initiatives to strengthen the research, training, extension, and farmer nexus.
The conference, attended by 396 delegates, showcased six top academic papers, 36 papers, and six inspiring success stories in agriculture, serving as a beacon of hope for the future of the sector.
The Free State MEC for Agriculture and Rural Development, Elsabé Rockman, highlighted the significance of the conference as a platform for professionals to share their research, knowledge, information, ideas, and best practices. “The conference brings together our agricultural extension professionals to reflect on the theme ‘bridging collaborative initiatives for strengthening the research, training, extension, and farmer nexus’. In all that we do, we must always realize that without the farmers we are nowhere, even in our continuous professional journey, we do this work to make the impact on the fields that the farmers are tilling. Gatherings such as this conference are of critical importance as they provide a much-needed platform for professionals to share their research, knowledge, information, ideas, and best practices,” said MEC Rockman, underlining the integral role of the audience in the sector’s progress.
CUT acting Vice-Chancellor and Principal, Prof. David Ngidi, highlighted the importance of strengthening research collaborations. “Research should not be confined to the walls of academic institutions. Instead, it should spill over into practical applications that benefit farmers and enhance livelihood opportunities. By collaborating on research initiatives, we can ensure that our findings are relevant and readily applicable as we are an academic institution that offers agricultural qualifications. This increases the efficiency of our work and supports farmers in adopting innovations that will improve their productivity and sustainability,” added Prof. Ngidi.
SASAE President, Thulani Masondo, emphasized that the conference offered delegates a crucial platform to shape the future of agricultural extension in South Africa. “We must acknowledge both the challenges and the opportunities that lie ahead. Our farmers are at the forefront of tackling pressing issues such as climate change, food security, and economic disparities. As extension practitioners, it is our responsibility to equip them with the knowledge, skills, and resources they need to thrive in this ever-evolving agricultural sector,” stated Masondo, instilling a sense of responsibility and commitment in the audience.
Delegates were urged to take the insights from the conference and translate them into action. “Let us engage with our communities, advocate for policy changes that support extension services, and remain resolute in our commitment to sustainable agricultural practices,” concluded Masondo.
Caption: The 57th SASAE annual conference focused on bridging collaborative initiatives for strengthening the research, training, extension, and farmer nexus.
About CUT
CUT is the foremost higher education institution in the heartland of South Africa, dedicated to quality education and training in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. CUT boasts pockets of excellence, including a premier Hotel School and leading research and innovation platforms, e.g., world-class medical product development through 3-D printing technology.
For more information about CUT, visit http://www.cut.ac.za.
END…/
For media-related information contact
Kind regards,