Transformation Research Projects

1. Farmer development by Grain SA

   Pula/Imvula, Ms J McPherson
   Grain SA

   The significant role played by print media lies in its ability to deliver timeous and relevant information quickly and efficiently. The magazine is invaluable for creating awareness about new ideas and practices and for transferring ideas about business management, planning and budgeting. Unlike radio and TV which are undeniably also effective tools for knowledge transfer, a magazine in the hand can be referred to time and again or shared and passed on to other farmers. Within the GSAFD program the magazine has become a tool used by the development officers and mentors. The content in the magazines is often discussed further in the study group meetings so it becomes a teaching tool. Also, the farmers often come to the study group with the magazine in hand to ask a question about an article he or she has read. The ensuing discussions become a teaching opportunity for all those present. The magazine is audience oriented and presents short messages with pictures to enhance meaning.

   

   Pula Imvula

   The Pula Imvula is a source of information for farmers which covers many aspects of production and marketing, as well as other generic information that is useful to the farmers. The magazine forms an integral part of the communication strategy of the GSA Farmer Development Program since it effectively delivers important messages timeously to the farmers throughout the year.

   Readership

   A full colour Pula Imvula magazine is distributed to a readership of 21 220 throughout South Africa in 7 languages namely English, Afrikaans, Sesotho, Setswana, IsiXhosa, Sesotho sa Leboa and IsiZulu. The English edition is an even fuller commercial publication.

   The magazine is sponsored as follows:

   • Maize Trust: monthly – 8 pages
   • OPDT: quarterly – 4 pages
   • Winter Cereals Trust: quarterly – 4 pages
   • Commercial sponsorships: English expanded version: monthly – 8 pages

   The articles already published and sponsored by OPDT for the current budget are:

   • APRIL – Opportunity for sufficient soybean production in SA
   • APRIL – Science supports sunflower production
   • JULY – Managing your canola crop
   • JULY – The rise of global soybean production

   The articles are written by experienced researchers and agricultural practitioners specifically for the developing farmer agenda. Although translation services come at a price, this is small when one considers the powerful nature of the information and that accessibility of the information to a wider readership is made possible because it is presented in some of our indigenous languages.

2. The development and training of entry-level soy farmers and consumers with further progression to soy-preneurs level

   Mr H Davies
   Eden Social Development Foundation

   "Soy on the move" – at a glimpse

   Group Members Trained	Areas	Organizations	Training
   Female: 359 Male: 78	Zululand Alfred Duma Municipality, KZN	Department of Agriculture ACAT Zululand Chamber Owen Sithole Agricultural College University of Zululand eThembeni Local Nkosi's	Soy in Food Awareness Soy Planting

   Farmer Groups Trained	Areas	Organizations	Training
   66 farmers 65 hectares	Okhahlamba	Department of Agriculture	Soy Planting

   Black Commercial Farmers	Areas	Hectares Planted	Training
   3 farmers 64 hectares	Kestell Harrismith Okhahlamba	64	Facilitate

   Workshops	Areas	Organizations	Training
   Women's day 200 women	Okhahlamba	eThembeni Okhahlamba Local Municipality Department of Social Development Department of Health Department of Works	Demonstration on 'Soy in Food' products

   Additional training	Areas	Organization	Training
   170 farmers	Okhahlamba Piet Retief Matatiele	GFADA VUT Grain SA	Soy in Food Awareness

   Soy Awareness

   Eden Social Development Foundation presented Soy in Food Awareness and planting training within 3 different areas in collaboration with various organizations. Planting was done in the participants own gardens and in small field of approximately 0.5 hectares.

   Soy in Food Training

   Day 1:

   • Basic training on the principles of following a daily healthy diet.
   • Introducing trainees to the variety of Soy products available locally and internationally.
   • Training on the health benefits of Soy in a daily diet.
   • Practical hands-on training on producing Soy base.
   • Practical hands-on training on producing Soy base and proceeding to use the Soy base to make Soy yoghurt (2 batches of 1.5 litres).

   Day 2:

   • Tasting, flavouring of Soy Yoghurt.
   • Practical demonstration on the making of Soy nuts.
   • Practical demonstration on the use of Okara to produce Soy Snacks. Soybeans and 1 piece of cheesecloth was handed out to each participant at the end of the training forthe participants to produce their own Soy products in their own household kitchens.

   Planting of Soy
   Planting Soy in participants personal gardens and fields (± 0.5 hectares)

   • Do practical training on the planting of Soy in the participants own gardens and proceed with a planting demonstration.
   • Participants received a small amount of Soy seed and inoculants at the end of the training for them to plant soy in their own household gardens.

   The participants experienced a good season, the soy planting was a success. ESDF visited the gardens to do a crop inspection and a 'reaping of soy by hand' demonstration.

   Summary of Soy in food and Soy planting training in communities

   Areas		Project participants Soy in Food & Soy Planting Training
   		Female	Male
   University of Zululand Vulindlela Community Hall Empangeni	Nkonjane, Ongoge, Esikhawini, Mtshivo, Vulindlela, Port Dunford, Dlangeswa, University of Zululand	47	11
   19-20 October 2017 (Food & Planting Training)
   Ngwelezane District with the Department of Agriculture	Ngwelezane, Mevamhlope, Esikhawini, Kwa Mbonambi, Eshowe, Malekane	21	6
   17-18 October 2017 (Food & Planting Training)
   Owen Sithole Agricultural College	Durban North, Pietermaritzburg, Ulundi, Eshowe, Empangeni, Manderi, Nongoma, Estcourt, Ntambanana, Mtunlini, Bergville, Mtubatuba, Dundee, Greytown, Hluhluwe, Stanger, Johannesburg, Dutywa Eastern Cape	25 students	26 students
   24-25 October 2017 (Food & Planting Training)
   Zululand Chamber of Business Foundation Richardsbay	Two Nkosi's areas were represented: – Nkosi Mtethwa, Kwa Methwa – Nkosi Dube, Mpembeni	5	3
   26-27 October 2017 (Food & Planting Training)
   	Total Participants in Zululand	98	46
   ALFRED DUMA MUNICIPALTY (ETHEMBENI)
   Thabo Masoga	Thabo Masoga	26	8
   6-7 March 2018 (Food & Planting Training)
   Nazareth / Somshoek	Nazarethi, Kwa Hlati, Emceleni, Ezakheni, Ohwebeden, Esikoko	69	–
   13-14 March 2018 (Food & Planting Training)
   Coniliva	Coniliva	21 18 children	1
   27-28 March 2018 (Food & Planting Training)
   Mkumbane	Nodinoa, Ezakeni, Mangweni, Mkhumbane, Kwanodirida, eWebele	54	–
   5-6 September 2017 (Food & Planting Training)
   Roosboom	Roosboom	24	–
   21-22 September 2017 (Food & Planting Training)
   	Total Participants in Ethembeni:	194 18 children	9
   ALFRED DUMA MUNICIPALITY (ACAT & DARD)
   Mganzini	Mgazini, Mathondiware, Watermeed, Madayini, Doornhoek, Emtateni, Kleinfontein, Burford, Nkuthu	67	23
   19-20 September 2017 (Food & Planting Training)
   	Total Participants with ACAT & DARD:	67	23

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   Zululand

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   1. Vulindlela Community Hall
   UNIVERSITY OF ZULULAND, EMPANGENI

   The University of Zululand, Empangeni, invited ESDF to present the Soy in Food awareness and training to their Community Project Participants.

   

   

   

   

   2. Farmers in Empangeni

   The Department of Agriculture invited ESDF to present the Soy in Food awareness and training for their farmers in Empangeni.

   

   

   

   

   3. Owen Sithole Agricultural College
   3RD YEAR AGRICULTURE STUDENTS

   The Owen Sithole Agricultural College invited ESDF to present the Soy in Food awareness and training for their 3rd year Agriculture Students. Training was done at the college.

   

   

   

   

   4. Abbie Mchunu (Mamma Soy)
   NKOSI MTETHWA, KWAMTHETHWA / NKOSI DUBE, MPEMBENI

   Abbie Mchunu; better known as Mamma Soy, arranged for ESDF to present the Soy in Foodawareness training for community members. The training participants were representatives for Nkosi Mtethwa from KwaMthethwa and Nkosi Dube from Mpembeni.

   The training was held at the premises of the Zululand Chamber of Business Foundation in Richardsbay.

   

   

   eThembeni to present the Soy in Food awareness training in 5 different areas: Thabo Mosoga, Nazareth, Coniliva Hlumayo, Roosboom:

   MKUMBANENAZARETHROOSBOOMCONILIVATHABO MOSOGA

   

   

   

   

   Alfred Duma Municipality
   ACAT & DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

   ESDF worked in conjunction with the Department of Agriculture, Ladysmith and ACAT.

   

   

   

   Commercial soy planting with the Department of Agriculture

   ESDF worked with the Bergville Department of Agriculture within 5 areas of the Okhahlamba Municipality to plant 68 hectares of soybeans. For the majority of the farmers it was the first time that they planted soy. ESDF assisted with the training and sourcing of the seed, inoculants, weed control, pest and fungi control products.

   The farmers are all situated in different areas thus ESDF proceeded to buy the planting materials in bulk and distributing the smaller quantities to all the individual farmers.

   The Department of Agriculture supplied the diesel, equipment (where possible) and paid for the drivers of the tractors.

   The co-op managed to source some of the seed and all of the required fertilizer.

   1. Amaswazi Co-op
   (15 members)

   ---

   Amaswazi Area
   18 hectares (one plot)
   Carol Kubone – Department of Agriculture
   John Killian – Local Commercial Farmer

   ---

   Shortly after preparing 30 hectares of land for planting, the Amaswazi Co-op encountered some problems with other Co-ops farming on the same farm. They managed to source another piece of land but this piece of land was overgrown and not prepared for soy planting due to the short lead time in securing the land. John Killian, a local commercial farmer, assisted with the planting of the soy even though there was still a fair amount of green material on the land. As it was already the 17th of December 2017, we were forced to proceed with planting and were unable to wait for the weeds to die after spraying.

   The Co-op proceeded with the rest of the planting and maintained the Soy land. John Killian assisted with the combining of the soy.

   Even though the Soy was planted late in the season, it yielded 1.64 ton per shectare (28 tons) of soy.

   ESDF will assist the Co-op to plant again in the 2018/2019 season.

   

   

   

   

   2. Emmaus Co-op
   (31 members)

   ---

   Emmaus Area
   30 hectares (26 plots between 0.5-1.1 hectare)
   Omega Kubone – Department of Agriculture

   ---

   The large quantities of plots that had to be planted made it very difficult to manage them and a few of the plots were not well maintained. It was impossible to combine the crop with a harvester as the roads leading to the plots are too narrow to access with a harvester. The plots were harvested by hand and by using a Sugarbean thresher. Although the thresher worked well, there was some loss of the crop as there was only one thresher between all the plots. The farmers managed to produce 1,1 ton/hectare (33 tons).

   ESDF will assist the farmers during the 2018/2019 season.

   

   

   

   

   3. Khokwane Co-op
   (1 member)

   ---

   Sandlwane Area
   5 hectares (1 plot)
   Xolani Funde – Department of Education

   ---

   This plot yielded a very small crop. The germination of the Soy was very poor as the seed were planted to deep due to an incorrect planter being used. The planter was not suitable for soy.

   ESDF will assist the Co-op during the 2018/2019 season to ensure that the right planter is used.

   

   4. Ogade Farmers Reserve Co-op
   (9 members)

   ---

   Moyeni Area
   2 hectares (1 plot)
   Siya Bonga – Department of Agriculture

   ---

   The Co-op planted 5 hectares but had hail damage to the soy twice. Unfortunately the farmers had no insurance on the crop; a common problem under small scale farmers. The farmers managed to produce 0.86 ton on the 2 hectares.

   ESDF will assist the Co-op with planting during 208/2019 season.

   

   

   

   

   5. Zwelisha BP Co-op
   (10 members)

   ---

   Zwelisha Area
   10 hectares
   Sthembile Ndando – Department of Agriculture

   ---

   The soil preparation on 5 hectares was good and they managed to produce an average crop. The soil preparation on the other 5 hectares was poor, resulting in poor germination. 7.4 tons were harvested on the 10 hectares.

   ESDF will assist the Co-op with planting during the 2018/2019 season.

   

   

   

   

   Commercial Farmers – Private Farmers

   ESDF assisted 3 farmers to plant Soy in 3 areas.

   1. Thulani Mbele
   (2nd year planting)

   ---

   Kestell / Harrismith Area
   30 hectares on different plots

   ---

   Unfortunately Mr Mbele experienced hail damage on some of his plots resulting in a 1 ton/hectare havest.

   A harvest of 2 ton per hectare was harvested on the plits that were not damage by hail. Mr Mbele uses his own combine.

   ESDF will assist Mr Mbele during the 2018/2019 planting season.

   

   

   2. ZV Nkosi
   (2nd year planting)

   ---

   Maswazini Area
   17 hectares on different plots

   ---

   Mr Nkosi is the manager of the local agriculture office promoting soy planting. Mr Nkosi's had a successful season even though he experienced hail damage on his crop. He managed to produce an average crop of 1.2 ton per hectares.

   ESDF will assist Mr Nkosi during the 2018/2019 planting season.

   

   

   

   3. Sandile Dlaliza
   (4th season planting)

   ---

   Dukuza Area
   17 hectares on one plot

   ---

   During the previous year's ESDF worked with Mr Musa Dlalisa, Mr Sandile Dlalisa's father. Mr Sandile Dlalisa took over the farming business from his father and this is his 1st year planting solo. Even though Mr Sandile Dlalisa is currently employed at the Department of Agriculture in Pietermaritzburg, it is his goal to evolve into a full time farmer. Mr Sandile Dlalisa has a diploma in agriculture. Mr Sandile Dalisa experienced hail damage on 2 hectares. He managed to produce a crop of 31 tons on 15 hectares, an average of 2.03 ton per hectares.

   ESDF will assist Mr Dlaliza during the 2018/2019 planting season.

   

   

   

   

   Conclusion on Commercial Planting

   All the farmers that planted during the last season is eager to plant again in the 2018/2019 season.

   ESDF and the farmers have already started working towards a successful planting season in 2018/2019.

   ESDF would like to work in collaboration with GFADA so that they may proceed with the Soy planting training.

   ESDF is currently working on developing a small threshing machine for the groups planting 1-2 hectares plots in order to address the problematic combining situation.

   The current lack of insurance of the crops is a problem but might be overcome if the tonnage per hectare can be increased to ensure that insurance expenses are justified.

   Workshop and seminars

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   Nsebenzwenhle Primary School Hall

   Mkomazane Area

   ---

   ESDF attended the SHG Womens Day Event held on the 9th of August 2017 in Bergville. A soy demonstration was presented and samples of the soy product where handed out to the 200 women that attended the event.

   

   

   

   

   SoyCow Installations

   There were no SoyCow installations even though there is a SoyCow in storage at the ESDF premises. Installation will proceed as soon as a viable group and location has been identified.

   Previous Installations

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   1. Etemoholeng Soy Project

   Thibeza Village Qwa-Qwa

   ---

   ESDF inspected and serviced the SoyCow during which Boiler components were replaced to restore the SoyCow back to working order. It is good to note that this group is still using the SoyCow.

   

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   2. eThembeni

   (Place of Hope)

   ---

   Please refer to their website for a full report Jabulani Campsite.

   A VitaGoat was installed at the camp last year to perform Soy Demonstrations to the youth groups. Please see report from the Camp Manager, Bonginkosi Thabede.

   

   Soya products on camps

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   Vision

   Christ centered leaders in relation with Youth ministry.

   Mission

   Teaching young people know how to walk with God and learn His ways of doing things.

   Its is a great honour for me to share with you on how the products we have made out of SOY and with that how did the campers enjoy having this on the camp as we have made it on camps.

   • SOYA MILK:
     • The milk made out of soya was not enough for the campers but half of them did taste it and liked it and they said it is was different from the milk they usually have at home and this has saved a lot from our side as we didn't buy a lot of milk for the cereals and some prefer it as it is because they like drinking milk and others used it in the tea ...
     • We showed learners on how can they make this product (SOY) into a very healthy product of milk and they were very surprised because they only thought that the source of milk is only with cows but it became a learning curve for them that the God we serve is able to give us options where we seem to be powerless and tired ...
   • SOYA YOGHURT:
     • The SOYA product that we made was yoghurt that was used as snack after every game and they seem to enjoy having it but not all of them had it as some said that they are not familiar with such products but others who have tasted it came in for more and more. SOY YOGURT is a good product that the learners are enjoying each and every time they are on camp ...
     • Pictures with khanyisani with stories ...
     • We have ran 07 camps where learners have been shown and gave the products of SOY.

   No.	Name of the School	Number of Learners	Camp Date
   	Bhande High School	64	23-25 February 2018
   	Bhande High School	67	2-4 March 2018
   	Mhlumba P School	58	20-22 April 2018
   	Phindavele High School	67	11-13 May 2018
   	Zimisele P School	65	8-10 June 2018
   	Mqamathi High School	62	25-27 May 2018
   	Steadville High School	25	11-13 July 2018
   	Steadville High School	71	27-29 July 2018

   We would like to take this opportunity to thank the sponsors who were trusting us and have that heart for the community.

   Bonginkosi Thabede
   CAMP MANAGER

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   3. Grain SA Bizane

   ---

   Upon inspection of the SoyCow in Bizane, it seems to be in good working order. ESDF assistedwith some problems that was experienced relating to the shelf life of the Soy yoghurt.

   

   Additional Training

   • ESDF joined forces with Grain SA and VUT to present training in 3 different areas. Please refer to attached report.
   • ESDF joined forces with GFADA to present training in 2 different areas.

3. Addressing food insecurity by supporting economic growth for emerging farmers

   Prof A Egal
   Vaal University of Technology

   Although a provision for funding of the project was made, the project will only commence during the 2018/2019 financial year.

4. Promoting household production and processing of soybean as major source of quality protein (Limpopo)

   Prof A Egal
   Vaal University of Technology

   Although a provision for funding of the project was made, the project will only commence during the 2018/2019 financial year.

5. Canola and soybean trial at Alice and Stutterheim

   Mr W Moss and L Diederichs
   Anathi Oils / ELI Agribusiness Management

   Feedback regarding the commencement date of the project is awaited.

6. Soya beans awareness DVD

   Ms J McPherson
   Grain SA

   Title: Soya is Trending!

   The title is in line with modern lingo and motivated by soya's increasing presence on Internet sites and social media. It's set to make the viewer sit up and take notice!

   Creative Treatment

   To ensure a lively, yet informative video, we'll use a presenter such as Tshekedi Monyemore in combination with a voice over and relevant footage or graphics.

   All round, the video is all about awakening the interest in soya through a colourful production with plenty educational detail portrayed in a concise, interesting way.

   Outline Introduction

   The video opens with a colourful introduction to soya in the modern world – including aspects such as the fact that it's one of the oldest cultivated foods, currently enjoying a lot of newly-focussed attention, due to its tremendous versatility and high nutritional value.

   Cultivation

   We mention the world's largest soya producing countries and give information on the size of the South African industry.

   We look at the type of climate and soil it requires and the areas in our country where it's primarily grown.

   Through a combination of graphics and real footage, detail is given on its root system and why it's an ideal crop to feed the soil with nitrogen (making it perfect for rotation with e.g. maize). From here, we go through the period and stages of growth – from emergence after approximately one week of planting, through its vegetative and blooming stages, up to pod development and into full maturity after 4 months.

   Inside the Soya Bean

   We show different types of soya beans and provide information on the beans' make-up in terms of oil and specifically proteins. Attention is given to the reason why it's an excellent food source for humans and livestock.

   Markets and Usage

   The increasing popularity of soya is put in perspective, as we look at the different markets – from the various products for human consumption, to how its included in livestock feed and the various industrial applications – e.g. biodiesel, printer ink and wood adhesives.

   Conclusion

   The video ends on a glimpse into the opportunities for soya within the South African context.

7. Oil and protein seeds transformation initiative

   A provision of R5 million is made for the funding of transformation projects in respect of sunflower, soybean, groundnut, canola and soyfood.

   During the reporting year no funding of ad-hoc research projects in each of the mentioned categories were approved.

8. The Grain Farmer Development Trust (GFADA)

   Soybean training

   Introduction

   The Grain Farmer Development Association (GFADA) in collaboration with the Oil and Protein Seeds Development Trust (OPDT) organised Soybean Training for farmers with the objective of introducing the soybean crop in the area for crop rotation purposes. Farmers in the areas have been sorely focused on maize production. The training was also aimed at raising awareness on processing and consumption of soybean thus creating job opportunities and ensuring food security.

   Ya Rona Temo Farming and Enterprises provided training on soybean production and practices. Eden Foundation provided training on awareness of soybean and processing. The training was funded by the Oil and Protein Seeds Development Trust. This section covers the training that was held in the Matatiele and Piet Retief areas.

   Background and attendance

   The first training was held on the 3rd to 4th of May 2018 at Matatiele area in the Eastern Cape Province. The attendance of training was 49 persons which included seven Extension Officers of the Eastern Cape Department of Rural Development and Agrarian Reform. Forty (40) were in attendance for soybean training of which 14 farmers are currently farmers who have been supported by GFADA for the past four years specifically with maize production. The other farmers who attended training are the prospective farmers for GFADA. The soybean production training was specifically introduced to these farmers to form part of their crop rotation system. Therefore, the implementation of the training received by these farmers is paramount. Most of these farmers have been included in the application for financial support for the 2018/2019 season.

   The second soybean training was held on the 28th to 29th of May 2018 at Piet Retief area in Mpumalanga Province. Total attendees for the training were 20 persons, mostly farmers and one provincial Agronomist from Mpumalanga Department of Agriculture. Farmers who have been supported by GFADA for the past four years were also in attendance as well as prospective farmers.

   Training topics

   The training programmes for both trainings were developed with the aim to manage time. The lists of attendees are attached to this report as Annexures A and B.

   • Soybean production

     The facilitator, Mr. Njoro made use of the participatory approach to the training and participants responded positively. The training was more of farmer to farmer information sharing as the facilitator is also a farmer. According to the Facilitator, the two days session only covered 30% of the Soy training programme which is more of a class room theory part.

     The training covered under soybean production included amongst other the following topics:

     • Soy production in South Africa.
     • Cultivar selection.
     • Description of the soy plant.
     • Soil and environmental requirements.
     • Crop harvest.
     • Production schedule

     Lessons learned during the training can be summarised as follows:

     • The total tons produced in South Africa annually and the leading provinces.
     • Average tons produced under dry land.
     • Best ways to select cultivars.
     • Understanding of the soy plant.
     • Determining and preparing for harvesting time for the crop.
     • Type of soils and the environment suitable for the crop.
     • Time for lime and fertiliser applications.
     • Crop diseases and suitable times for control.
     • Conducting production planning and scheduling.

     The photos taken during the training session in Matatiele are shown below.

     

     

     

     

     

     

   • Soybean awareness and processing

     The other interesting session of the training was the soy processing facilitated by Eden Foundation which is aimed at bringing the under exploited, edible trees and bushes – the lost treasures of Eden – to the people of which soy is one of them. The session covered the following topics:

     • The importance of good nutrition (food).
     • Healthy diet.
     • Description of the soybean.
     • Using soy in food.
     • Home kitchen soy recipes.

     The participants were taken through the process of making yoghurt practically using soybean according to the recipes contained in the training manual. The remaining from the cooked and filtered soy named Okara was later used to demonstrate making Okara biscuits tasted and enjoyed by the participants. Participants were made aware of the many uses of soy and how easy it is to process and start own business.

     The photos taken during the training session in Matatiele are shown below.

     

     

     

     

     

   Support to soybean farmers in respect of the 2017/2018 season

   The financial support granted to soybean farmers by the Oil and Protein Seeds Development Trust under GFADA was towards crop insurance, soil correction and mentorship. The contribution of farmers was through production loans that were provided by the agribusinesses and financial institutions that partner with GFADA in supporting farmers. GFADA signs service level agreements with the approved financial institutions and farmers annually to ensure the success of farmer development.

   GFADA support, agronomic performance and financial information

   The outcome of the 2017/2018 season in respect of the agronomic and financial performance for soybean farmers supported by GFADA in partnership with agribusinesses that provided loans to farmers is as follows:

   • Farmers supported by GFADA in partnership with TWK Agriculture

     TWK Agriculture was for the first time applying for GFADA support on behalf of soybean farmers. Table 2 shows agronomic performance for each farmer supported in the 2017/2018 season. It should be noted that for the purpose of confidentiality the names of the farmers are not disclosed in this report due to the fact that the report also reflect the financial performance of the farmers.

     The agronomic performance for soybean farmers

     Partner and farmers	Agronomy
     	Actual hectares planted	Actual harvested	Average	Total tons harvested
     TWK Agriculture	Ha	Ha	Ton/ha	Ton
     Farmer 1	380	297	1.14	338.19
     Farmer 2	561.2	500	1.30	650.00
     Total	941.2	797	1.22	988.19

     The highlights on performance of farmers are as follows:

     • The availability of lands and production inputs afforded the two farmers to plant more than initially planned.
     • The mentorship and crop insurance were paid in line with the number of hectares planted by each farmer.
     • It should be noted that farmers in the area decides to diversify the crops to minimise the risk imposed by the low maize prices.
     • Both farmers received good price for their crop, therefore making profits.
     

     

     

     

     

     

   Support to sunflower farmers in respect of the 2017/2018 season

   The financial support granted to sunflower farmers by the Oil and Protein Seeds Development Trust under GFADA was towards crop insurance, mentorship and soil correction. The contribution of a farmer was through a production loan that was provided by the agribusinesses and financial institutions that partner with GFADA in supporting farmers. GFADA signs service level agreements with the approved financial institutions and farmers annually in order to ensure the success of farmer development.

   GFADA support, agronomic performance and financial information

   GFADA supported eleven sunflower farmers in respect of the 2017/2018 season in partnership with NWK and VKB Agriculture. The outcomes of the 2017/2018 season in respect of the agronomic and financial performance for the sunflower farmers support by GFADA is shown in the Table below.

   GFADA agronomic performance for sunflower farmers

   Partner and farmers	Agronomy
   	Actual hectares planted	Actual harvested	Average	Total tons harvested
   TWK Agriculture	Ha	Ha	Ton/ha	Ton
   NWK (North West)
   Farmer 1	609.40	589.7	0.90	546.40
   Farmer 2	351.10	233	0.19	67.60
   Farmer 3	247.70	221	0.55	136.31
   Farmer 4	179.00	175	0.51	91.00
   Farmer 5	215.00	210	0.60	129.48
   Farmer 6	70.00	70	0.28	19.48
   Sub Total (1)	1 672.20	1 498.70	0.50	990.27
   VKB Agriculture (Free State)
   Farmer 7	40.00	40.00	0.23	9.34
   Farmer 8	63.00	63.00	0.64	40.34
   Farmer 9	46.22	46.22	0.89	41.11
   Farmer 10	60.00	60.00	0.78	46.96
   Farmer 11	36.30	6.30	0.52	19.00
   Sub Total (2)	245.52	245.52	0.61	156.75
   Grand Total (1 + 2)	1 917.72	1 744.22	0.56	1 147.02

   As indicated in Table 5, the average yield per hectare for both provinces was below one tonne. The latter can be attributed to the fact that the rains came late and as results caused delay in planting which resulted in late planting.

   

   

   

   

   Summary of oilseeds farmers regarding planted hectares and deviation for the 2017/2018 season

   No	Partner and Farmer	Approved amount	Applied area	Area planted	Deviation	Reasons for deviation
   		(R)	(ha)	(ha)
   1.	Soybeans
   1.1	TWK Agriculture
   1.1.1	Farmer 1	349 500	320	297.00	-23.00	Crop rotational plan changed slightly.
   1.1.2	Farmer 2	220 000	200	500.00	300.00	Acquired additional land for leasing.
   Sub Total (1.1)		569 500	520	797.00	277.00
   1.2	VKB Agriculture
   1.2.1	Farmer 3	44 000	40	–	-40.00	Dry planting season. Planted maize first, could not plant soybeans in designated planting window.
   1.2.2	Farmer 4	44 000	40	–	-40.00	Dry planting season. Planted maize first, could not plant soybeans in designated planting window.
   Sub Total (1.2)		88 000	80	–	-80.00
   Total (1.1 + 1.2)		657 500	600	797.00	197.00
   2.	Sunflower
   2.1	NWK
   2.1.1	Farmer 1	65 250	150	70	-80.00	Late rains caused delay in planting which resulted in less hectares planted.
   2.1.2	Farmer 2	87 000	200	351	151.10	Farmer has planted more than approved. Crop is in good condition.
   2.1.3	Farmer 3	156 800	380	609	229.40	Farmer has planted all his ha which is more than subsidised ones.
   2.1.4	Farmer 4	65 250	150	248	97.70	Farmer has planted more than approved. Crop is in good condition.
   2.1.5	Farmer 5	65 250	150	179	29.00	Farmer has planted more than approved. Crop is in good condition.
   2.1.6	Farmer 6	65 250	150	215	65.00	Farmer has planted more than approved. Crop is in good condition.
   Sub Total (2.1)		504 800	1 180	1 672	492.20
   2.2	VKB Agriculture
   2.2.1	Farmer 7	24 000	40	40.00	–	None
   2.2.2	Farmer 8	48 000	80	63.00	-17.00	Due to low farm profitability he decided to plant less sunflowers and to replace it with dry beans.
   2.2.3	Farmer 9	24 000	40	46.00	6.00	Crop rotational plan changed slightly.
   2.2.4	Farmer 10	64 000	40	60.00	20.00	Mr. Maqala expanded his business by renting more land.
   2.2.5	Farmer 11	64 000	40	36.00	-4.00	Crop rotational plan changed slightly.
   Sub Total (2.2)		224 000	240	245.00	5.00
   Total (2.1 + 2.2)		728 800	1 420	1 917.20	497.20
   Total		1 386 300	2 020	2 714.20	694.20