Improving the livelihoods of smallholder farmers in South Africa

by Anathi Siphesihle Makamane, Lecturer at the University of the Free State, South Africa

My research focuses on the critical intersection of climate change and agriculture. Smallholder farmers in developing countries like South Africa face numerous challenges, including climate variability, which impacts their productivity and, ultimately, their livelihoods. My current research explores the capacity of extension officers to support these farmers in adapting to climate challenges, recognizing that smallholder farmers heavily rely on advisory services for the knowledge, skills, and resources needed to improve their agricultural practices and resilience.

A significant part of my work involves taking research findings directly back to the smallholder farmers. Through partnerships with extension workers and NGOs, I conduct training sessions, workshops, and demonstrations aimed at equipping farmers with the knowledge and skills they need to thrive in an ever-changing environment.

For the past four years I have actively participated in the IFAMA World Conferences. Each year, I look forward to the dynamic exchanges between academia and industry leaders. This year (2024), a sponsorship from Bayer | Crop Science , made it possible for me to engage in the conference. The conference is an invaluable opportunity to gain insights into the latest trends, technologies, and best practices in agriculture. I am committed to bringing this knowledge back to the extension officers I work with, who, in turn, share it with farmers on the ground. This flow of information ensures that farmers have access to innovative, practical solutions that can help them improve productivity, adapt to climate impacts, and ultimately enhance their livelihoods.

During my time in Almería, Spain, I was inspired by the innovative resilience of farmers who manage to farm successfully in a desert landscape, through intensive greenhouse farming. Their ability to create thriving agricultural systems in such challenging conditions highlights the power of innovation in adapting to climate challenges, and it’s a model of sustainable farming that offers valuable lessons for agricultural practices worldwide.?

Thank you, Bayer, for supporting me to get vital information to smallholder farmers!