Transformation Research Projects

1. Farmer development by Grain SA

   PULA/IMVULA, Ms J McPherson
   Grain SA

   Introduction

   The world doesn't belong to leaders; the world belongs to all humanity THE DALAI LAMA

   South Africa has many black developing farmers producing grains and oil seed crops on wide ranging scales of operations, from subsistence and small holder farmers to potential and highly intensive commercial farmers. Vision 2030 of the National Development Plan calls for an inclusive rural economy in which rural communities should have greater opportunities to participate fully in the economic, social and political life of the country. It holds that rural economies will be supported by agriculture and there will be better integration of rural areas through land reform, job creation and poverty alleviation. Clearly transformation in the grain sector remains at the centre of national government policy therefore a multi-pronged approach towards ensuring the commercial viability and sustainability of emerging commercial farmers is a priority for all stakeholders in the agricultural sector.

   The challenges to this growth path are however not insignificant:

   • Rising input costs;
   • An uneven trade environment, including highly subsidised imports which jeopardise local economy and small scale producers in particular e.g. the competition for local poultry and dairy industries against dirt cheap imports;
   • Lack of infrastructure including rail, roads and electricity supply; and
   • An erratic and unreliable transformation policy environment.
   • Within the global scenario, the challenges deepen. Apart from the cost of accessing foreign markets, raised standards for food safety often exclude small-scale farmers from participating in international markets.

   At Grain SA we believe that critical strategic interventions are necessary if land reform programs are intended to revive rural communities. Although we do not have infinite capacity to change policy as grain farmers of this country, we do have the necessary know-how and a team of experts ready to transfer knowledge and technical support. To this end we commit to pursuing every opportunity to assist in the transformation process in pursuit of viable and sustainable grain growing enterprises operated by informed, skilled developing farmers.

   The basis set by the existing Grain SA Farmer Development program framework with its management office in Bloemfontein and nine Regional Development offices situated in primary grain growing regions of South Africa, has enabled us to manage diverse projects in collaboration with other sector stakeholders e.g. The Jobs Fund Project – "From Subsistence to Abundance". This has seen the farmers successfully increase their maize yields from in the region of 1.5 tons per ha to over 4 tons per ha and plant more dry beans as a good crop rotation option which increases the nutrition available to their households and commuities. During the 2017/2018 summer cropping season 3804 farmers participated in the project and together they planted more than 5300 ha (mostly by hand, in the deep rural areas).

   Collaboration with Oil and Protein Seed Development Trust

   The collaboration between OPOT and the Grain SA Farmer Development Programme has MADE A DIFFERENCE by building a solid network which is able to fast-track vital information to developing grain farmers. The positive feedback and wide interest which this program is generating is indicative of the fact that this work has indeed contributed to the transformation of the South African agricultural sector.

   WE ACKNOWLEDGE THE OIL AND PROTEIN SEED DEVELOPMENT TRUST FOR CONTINUED SUPPORT TOWARDS OUR FARMER DEVELOPMENT THROUGH THEIR CONTRIBUTIONS TOWARDS THE PUBLICATION OF THE PULA IMVULA MAGAZINE/NEWSLETTER. WE WISH TO HEREBY THANK THE TRUSTEES FOR MAKING IT POSSIBLE FOR US TO DO THIS IMPORTANT WORK WHICH WE BELIEVE IS MAKING A DIFFERENCE AND CONTRIBUTING TOWARDS POSITIVE CHANGE IN OUR COUNTRY.

   Grain SA Farmer Development Program Footprint

   The Grain SA Farmer Development program has its management office in Bloemfontein. This is where the engine room of the program is found. All project planning, project proposals, project accounting, project reporting and general administration is managed from here. The co-ordination and communications for all nine Regional Development offices, training courses and the PULA/IMVULA are processed by managers and administrative personnel based here. Furthermore all other initiatives implemented with diverse partners are managed from here.

   The nine Farmer Development Offices are managed by nine Development Coordinators who are each supported by an Administrative Assistant. The Bloemfontein management office and five of the Regional Development Offices are funded in part by Maize Trust contributions:

   • Dundee - Graeme Engelbrecht
   • Kokstad - Luke Collier
   • Ladybrand - Johan Kriel
   • Lichtenburg - Du Toit van der Westhuizen
   • Louwsburg - Jurie Mentz
   • Maclear - assisted by Sarel Pretorius and Francis Davidson
   • Mthatha - Sinelizwi Fakade
   • Nelspruit -Jerry Mthombothi
   • Paarl - Liana Stroebel

   Each Regional office has its own unique character and needs. This may be due to the nature of agricultural activity in that region, location of the study group or the level of exposure the farmers have had to modern farming methods. Some offices like Paarl, Ladybrand and Lichtenburg service fewer, larger farmers who would fall into the Potential Commercial farmer and New Era farmer categories, while other regions such as Nelspruit, Louwsburg, Dundee, Mthatha, Maclear and Kokstad are dominated by subsistence and small holder farmers. In order to have some point of reference, we have defined the following groups of farmers:

   • Subsistence Farmers cultivating less than 10 ha of arable land;
   • Small Holder Farmers operating on 10.5 ha up to 100 ha arable land;
   • Potential Commercial Farmers farming over 100 ha arable land; and
   • New Era Commercial Farmers who are producing more than 250 tons/year.

   In this period of reporting we have registered the following numbers of farmer members in the categories described above:

   New Era Commercial Farmers	100
   Potential commercial farmers > 100 ha	280
   Small Holder farmers (10.5 ha - 100 ha)	551
   Subsistence farmers (0.5-10 ha)	13 019
   Total number of farmer members	14 393

   Our program is about farmer development rather than merely farm land development, so our primary aim is to assist active grain farmers to grow, regardless of the size of their operation. Farmers are invited to be involved in the different programs which suit them best.

   The following are among the programs being rolled out in the regions:

   Study Groups

   The study group sets the Grain SA footprint in key grain growing regions – even in very remote areas. This is where our Entry Level Grain SA membership is facilitated and where we get to build relationships with the farmers, their environment and other agri-business networks in the region. It is here where we first get to know the farmers and they learn to trust us and see we are willing to walk the 'extra mile' with them. The Study Group meetings serve as a platform for transfer of information both theory and practical – and a place where Managers and Mentors can be instrumental in updating farming systems and changing lives.

   Advanced Farmers

   South Africa has some of the most advanced commercial farmers in the world. There is however still a gap between them and most of Grain SA's New Era farmer members. These New Era farmers have moved up through the ranks from Study Group membership level and have demonstrated aptitude, work ethic and business acumen, all of which have ensured enterprise growth. Most are by now getting to the point where they are farming each Ha to produce the highest possible yield on a semi-commercial scale. These New Era farmers have developed beyond the support that is offered at the Study Group level (information, training and demonstrations). However, we have seen evidence that many of them are still at times unsure of themselves and not yet quite ready to be left to their own devices entirely. We have identified a need to appoint an expert and dedicated mentor who can continue to walk beside them to continue to guide and support them and ensure the path to long term viability and sustainability for that farmer within the grain growing sector.

   Farm Visits

   Our Regional Managers and their teams of Mentors are tasked with paying regular visits to the farmers and their fields. The visits include one-to-one mentoring on a wide range of topics throughout the season; but also include visits to check on soil health and crop progress. In this way, our team can play an important parttowards improving farmers'production practices and also identify unique challenges or assistance the farmer may need.

   Demonstration Trials

   "Tell me and I forget. Teach me and I remember. Involve me and I learn". BENJAMIN FRANKLIN

   There is great benefit to be had where farmers can actually be shown the results of doing things the right way. We try to plant demonstration trial plots to prove the value of particular practices and show the improved yields which result from best practice. We involve local farmers in the planning and preparation of trial plots. We show them why we propose to do things in a specific way. Scientific research has proved that farmers learn best from seeing with their own eyes in their own location and they change more willingly and arrive at more effective farming operations.

   Demonstration trials, whether planted by Grain SA or other industry stakeholders, are invaluable for developing farmers to see many aspects and possibilities of farming maize.

   We are always looking out for partners from industry to support these endeavours that promote effective learning.

   Farmers Days

   The Farmers' Days provide an opportunity to visit the Demonstration Trial sites, exchange information with other farmers, input supply companies, local extension officers and other sector stakeholders who are strategically invited to these days. The networking experience and information to which farmers are exposed cannot be under-valued particularly for the subsistence and small-scale developing farmers who are being introduced to a broader support system beyond the Grain SA Farmer Development team. We are astutely aware of the need to assist farmers by facilitating the development of a supportive network for them that comprises other farmers, input providers, industry representatives and stakeholders, and state entities.

   Grain SA Farmer Development also facilitates other programmes which are managed nationally from our Bloemfontein office. These are rolled out in the key grain growing regions of the country and have been tailored to meet needs as expressed by the farmers themselves or industry role players:

   Farmer of the Year Competition

   The idea of this "competition is to raise up role models who serve to inspire other farmers – a moment to celebrate learning, development and growth. Grain SA has long held the Grain South Africa Emerging Farmer of the Year competition. This has catered to the more large scale developing farmers. However more recently it was felt that the competition excluded too many remarkably successful smaller subsistence and small holder farmers who were also deserving of recognition. Moreover, considering the nature of the work done in this program with farmers, in that we work with all grain farmers regardless of the scale they work, we identified a need to create an opportunity for all farmers to showcase their work and celebrate their progress too. Furthermore since there is such a diversity of contributions to celebrate in the fields of farmer development and transformation, it was deemed appropriate to recognise many other stakeholders, individuals and institutions that have consistently made invaluable contributions to Grain Farmers Development.

   Training Courses

   Farmer education is not a requirement unique to developing farmers. Indeed all farmers require on-going education to keep up with the rapidly evolving environment. There are continuous new developments in technology, science, business management etc. Farming requires a broad spectrum of knowledge and expertise. Nowadays practical knowledge alone is not enough. In the South African context, developing farmers are often either new entrants or they have not been exposed to modern farming methods and educational opportunities or skills development. With profit margins being under extreme pressure, there is no margin for error. How do you gain experience, and who will catch you if you fall? Training helps farmers to incorporate the latest scientific advances and technology tools into their daily operations and ensures that developing farmers are not some of those left behind.

   'No Farmer Left Behind' – Good training courses are structured in such a way that they are appropriate for the farmers and relevant to their activities. The training courses are delivered in the language of the farmers and are designed so farmers will be able to apply the new information and skills to their own farming business. Feedback from the team report that farmers are indeed becoming better custodians of the earth through the better investments they make into:

   • soil health;
   • safer food production and storage system;
   • improved water conservation practices;
   • more educated weed control practices through wise use of chemicals;
   • improved planning and record keeping systems, and
   • on-farm maintenance.

   During the period of reporting i.e. 1 March 2018 to 28 February 2019, the Grain SA Farmer Development team rolled out 510 courses which were attended by 6 634 course attendees. The following institutions donated towards Course implementation:

   • ABlnbev
   • Agriseta
   • DST
   • Farmsol
   • Maize Trust
   • Winter Cereals Trust

   Courses were implemented in the following regions

   Province	Number of courses	Number of attendees
   Eastern Cape	229	2 716
   Free State	17	282
   KwaZulu-Natal	119	1 606
   Mpumalanga	113	1 693
   North West Province	6	67
   Western Cape	31	270

   

   Schools Visits

   This initiative recognises the potential of youth to make a significant impact on the agricultural sector IF they can be alerted to the urgent need for them to participate as future farmers or in other careers in agriculture. Africa is a young continent with 65% population below 35 years of age and 10-12 million young people estimated to enter the work force every year.

   Publication – PULA/IMVULA

   Nora Cruz Quebral, often referred to as the Mother of development communication has said:

   "The purpose of development communication is to advance development. Development requires that a mass of people with a low rate of literacy and income, and the socio-economic attributes that go with it, first of all be informed about and motivated to accept and use a sizeable body of hitherto unfamiliar ideas and skills in very much less time than that process would normally take."

   The publication is an effective channel of communication which is put into the farmers hands to keep. The magazines are appreciated by the farmers as a source of valuable information, a learning tool and a reference. Grain SA Mentors use the magazine to support discussions in study group meetings and as a discussion point on farm visits. The information is packaged in easily understood articles in each publication which is made available in 7 languages. The articles are also available online through the Grain SA website.

   

   This Interim Report highlights the specific areas of implementation of the OPDT Trust funded activities during the 2018/2019 budget year. This constituted a contribution to the funding of the monthly publication, the PULA/IMVULA newsletter / magazine and the making of 1 DVD.

   OPOT (OPDT) contribution to the PULA/IMVULA magazine

   This then is the job of development communication: to inform and motivate at the national, sectoral and project levels.
   NORA CRUZ QUEBRAL

   

   The PULA/IMVULA magazine is a vibrant, colourful, sector specific publication which is well received by the farmers who feedback that they find the information timeous, relevant and easy to understand. It is also another reliable information package in the tool-kit of the development officers who use it for discussions or to refer farmers to for specific information.

   Donors

   • Each month, the Maize Trust funds 8 pages;
   • The Winter Cereals Trust funds an additional 4 pages for December, March, June and September;
   • OPOT funds an additional 4 pages for October, January, April and July; and
   • In addition to this, there is an expanded English Pula which adds more advanced (complicated subjects) of another 8 pages (this only in the English version).

   Interesting Facts:

   • The publication is distributed in 7 languages namely English, Afrikaans, Sesotho sa Leboa, Setswana, Sesotho, Sepedi, Zulu and Xhosa.
   • Current circulation statistics reflect that a total number of 15,756 magazines are circulated in hard copy on a monthly basis.
   • We are pleased to offer many of the articles online via the Grain SA website.
   • Entire publications are also available for download on the website, making this knowledge available to an even wider readership.
   • All the sponsors are credited in the magazine by page.

   

   The current Pula lmvula monthly distribution statistics are as follows

   English	Afrikaans	Sesotho	Tswana	Sesotho sa Leboa	Zulu	Xhosa	Total
   1,522	295	1,276	1,009	208	4,914	6,432	15,756

   A record of the articles published each month for the reporting period is listed below:

   • Canola - main priorities for April to June
   • COULD CANOLA STEAL THE SPOTLIGTH IN THE NEAR FUTURE?
   • GROUNDNUTS – tips and tricks to remember during the growing season
   • BOOST GRAIN PRODUCTION WITH LEGUMES
   • CANOLA – what to look out for during October
   • Consider these factors when planting soybeans
   • SOYBEANS: What is on the horizon this coming season?
   • Know the value of DRY BEANS
   • CANOLA - planning for the new season
   • Lessons learnt from Brazil's soybean industry

   

   The Role of DVD's in the development arena

   Training videos are a valuable tool for farmer education. This media combines visual and verbal com­munication and is highly suitable for the transfer of skills, information and knowledge. These presentations are particularly well suited for use by development practitioners in particular for communities with low levels of literacy. Training DVD's have been found to build farmers' knowledge base and improve coping capacity. They have become an increasingly more popular tool in the development agent's toolbox for the communication of quality information.

   The high cost of production is a hindrance so it is not unusual for this medium to be highly dependent on donor funding. Nonetheless there is a global trend to produce DVD's for farmer education with the support of NGO's, USAID and Commodity foundations. Recent research conducted in Africa has proven the effectiveness of this method of spreading information into farming communities and farmers have said they watch DVD's with their families, farm workers and within their broader communities on a repeat basis.

   Grain SA Farmer Development has developed a series of exciting DVD's recently.

   • Some were funded by the Department of Science and Technology and have even been compressed to a size suitable for sending via WhatsApp.The potential for getting information out to farmers in this manner is revolutionary in term of development communication.
   • The Oil and Protein Development Trust also funded the video #Soya - the Trending Bean, which has been well received.

   DVD series – The Road to Growth

   Five DVD's were made and have been released. The funds donated to this initiative have the team very excited. This is the first time we have produced meaningful video/sound bites of important information about best agricultural practices and packaged them in such a way that they can even be sent via WhatsApp messages. This literally means that our farmer members can hold these DVD productions in their hands and look and learn over and over, as often as they wish. The 5 episodes have already been uploaded onto our WhatsApp groups and Twitter feed @gsafarmerdev for mentors to send on to farmers. The clips are also available for an interested party to watch on the Grain SA YouTube channel. The links are provided below each one.

   The topics are:

   • Road to Growth – Part 1: Feed your soil to feed your crops
   • Road to Growth – Part 2: How to control plant disease
   • Road to Growth – Part 3: How to control pests in crops
   • Road to Growth – Part 4: Eliminate the Competition! (Weed control)
   • Road to Growth – Part 5: Factors in chemical weed control

   The potential to build on this project to address issues we are already training farmers about is enormous.

   #SOYA – The Trending Bean

   We have been equally delighted by the response to this DVD which has been sponsored by OPDT.

   The message of the presentation is intended to awaken farmers and consumers to the value of the soya bean – both as a wonderful crop to grow in a farming system and as a healthy, highly nutritional product which is experiencing a growing demand in households where the nutritious value of the many and varied products is being discovered. We are convinced the information is making a contribution towards motivating farmers to plant this high value crop. The DVD is currently being circulated by our Development Managers and Mentors in areas where soy bean cultivation is an excellent option for farmers. We believe the message is equally important for potential future consumers so the audience is likely to be widespread and diverse. The video has also been uploaded to Grain SA's and OPDT's YouTube channels and can be found on the following link: https://youtu.be/bkwoSZEqeW0

   

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
   MARCH 2018 - MAY 2019

   Group Members Trained	Areas	Organisations	Training
   Female: 568 Male: 14	Alfred Duma Municipality Okhahlamba Municipality	Department of Agriculture Christian Social Services	Soy in Food Awareness Soy Planting

   Farmer Co-Ops Trained	Areas	Organisations	Training
   63 farmers 48 hectares	Kestell / Harrismith Okhahlamba Municipality Estcourt	Department of Agriculture: Bergville Estcourt	Soy Planting

   Black Commercial Farmers	Areas	Hectares Planted	Training
   5 farmers	Kestell / Harrismith Okhahlamba Municipality Estcourt	128	Facilitate and Soy planting training

   Workshops	Areas	Organisations	Training
   8 Extension officers 22 Female 33 Male	Okhahlamba Municipality	Department of Agriculture	Training on Commercial Soy Planting

   Additional training	Areas	Organisation	Training
   170 farmers	Piet Retief Matatiele	GFADA	Soy in Food Awareness

   Soy Awareness

   Eden Social Development Foundation presented Soy in Food Awareness and planting training within 11 different areas in collaboration with various organizations. Planting was done in the participants own gardens and in small fields 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 for the 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.
   • Training and facilitating the planting of Soy on a larger scale amongst Farmers and Farming Co-ops.

   Summary of Soy in Food and Soy planting training in communities

   Areas		Project participants Soy in Food & Soy Planting Training
   		Female	Male
   ALFRED DUMA MUNICIPALITY (Ethembeni)
   Thabo Mosoga 6-7 March 2018 (Food & Planting Training)	Thabo Mosoga	26	8
   Somshoek 13-14 March 2018 (Food & Planting Training)	Nazareth, Kwa Hlati, Emceleni, Ezhakeni, Ohwebeden, Esikoko	69	–
   Coniliva 27-28 March 2018	Coniliva	21 18 children	1
   	Total	99 18 children	9

   

   New operational method

   ESDF has made some changes on the method in which the Soy in Food training is done by identifying 8 community facilitators and 1 project facilitator to assist with the training. These changes were implemented from October 2018.

   Project Facilitator

   ESDF appointed Ms Maureen Makhya as project facilitator.

   Maureen works from the offices of the Christian Social Service (CSS) offices in Ladysmith. She is employed full time in the service of CSC facilitating women groups in the Okhahlamba and Alfred Duma municipality districts.

   ESDF has reached an agreement with CSS so that Maureen can assist ESDF with its training.

   Maureen's responsibility is to facilitate and oversee the 8 community facilitators and report back to ESDF offices. Maureen receives a small monthly stipend to the amount of R1 800 from ESDF for her services.

   Community Facilitators

   The facilitators work as volunteers with the Christian Social Services with various women groups within the Uthukela District Municipality. These women do a variety of training for the CSS such as HIV, Business training, Stockvel and many more. ESDF trained these community facilitators to do Soy in Food training and the Planting of Soy training on a monthly basis within their communities.

   These women do training within the areas in which they live and are readily available to assist and facilitate the training.

   ESDF supplied all training materials and training manuals to assist the facilitators with their training session. The community facilitators each trained 3 women groups within their respective areas. Henry Davies, from the ESDF, assisted and guided the facilitators with their first training session where after the facilitators proceeded with the other 2 training sessions on their own.

   The community facilitators each receive a small monthly stipend of R1 400.

   

   Summary of Soy Planting Training done by 8 Community Facilitators

   Area	Community Facilitator (Soy planting training)
   	Female	Male
   OKHLAMNA MUNICIPALITY
   Rookdale	40	2
   Maye	32	2
   UTHUKELA DISTRICT MUNICIPALITY
   Nazareth	68	–
   Roosboom	66	–
   Pomeroy	92	–
   Nhulakahle	70	–
   Sahlumbe	52	–
   Hlumayo	49	1
   Total	469	5

   

   Planting of Soy Training

   Facilitator name	Area	Training dates	Female	Male
   OKHAHLAMBA MUNICIPALITY
   Dudu Ndlovu	Rookdale	26/11/2018	20	2
   Dudu Ndlovu	Rookdale	04/12/2018	20	1

   

   Facilitator name	Area	Training dates	Female	Male
   Thabile Hlongwane	Maye	26/11/2018	11	2
   Thabile Hlongwane	Maye	04/12/2018	15	–
   Thabile Hlongwane	Maye	05/12/2018	16	2

   

   Facilitator name	Area	Training dates	Female	Male
   UTHUKELA DISTRICT MUNICIPALITY
   Celiwe Langa	Nazareth	15/11/2018	18	–
   Celiwe Langa	Nazareth	21/11/2018	25	–
   Celiwe Langa	Nazareth	28/11/2018	25	–

   

   Facilitator name	Area	Training dates	Female	Male
   Welile Ntsangase	Roosboom	16/11/2018	30	–
   Welile Ntsangase	Roosboom	26/11/2018	12	–
   Welile Ntsangase	Roosboom	27/11/2018	24	–

   

   Facilitator name	Area	Training dates	Female	Male
   Joyce Sithole	Pomeroy	15/11/2018	22	–
   Joyce Sithole	Pomeroy	03/12/2018	14	–
   Joyce Sithole	Pomeroy	24/12/2018	24	–

   

   Facilitator name	Area	Training dates	Female	Male
   Lungile Hlongwane	Nhlalakahle	29/11/2018	19	–
   Lungile Hlongwane	Nhlalakahle	03/12/2018	29	–
   Lungile Hlongwane	Nhlalakahle	04/12/2018	22	–

   

   Facilitator name	Area	Training dates	Female	Male
   Nomusa Dladla	Sahlumbe	16/11/2018	12	–
   Nomusa Dladla	Sahlumbe	28/11/2018	21	–
   Nomusa Dladla	Sahlumbe	05/12/2018	19	–

   

   Facilitator name	Area	Training dates	Female	Male
   Cenompilo Lamula	Hlumayo	29/11/2018	13	–
   Cenompilo Lamula	Hlumayo	03/12/2018	24	–
   Cenompilo Lamula	Hlumayo	13/12/2018	12	1

   

   Farmers Co-op planting

   The first meeting with the Department of Agriculture was held at their offices in Bergville and was attended by 16 Extension Officers from Bergville, Loskop (Estcourt) and Uthukela districts. The discussion of the meeting mainly focused on potential groups and areas that are viable for planting soy. The Extension officers were given 2 weeks after which they were to report back with potential groups and areas.

   A total of 7 Co-Ops were identified as interested in planting soy.

   ESDF, in conjunction with the Department of Agriculture and OPDT, organised a training workshop on 12 and 13 November 2018.

   8 Extension officers representing the Department of Agriculture as well as 22 female and 23 male farmers attended the training.

   The Extension officers from the Department of Agriculture in the Okahlamba and Loskop district assisted with the planting process; whilst the Department of Agriculture supplied the tractors, planters, boom sprays, diss equipment and tractor drivers.

   The farmer co-ops supplied the fertilizers, Roundup and diesel for the tractors.

   ESDF supplied the soy seed, inoculants and foliage feed for the Soy plants.

   The rain was late and therefore planting only took place in December of 2018 in mostly dry soil.

   The long awaited rain only arrived during the 3rd week of January 2019 resulting in poor germination; however there were areas wherein the soy proceeded to germinate within 2 weeks of being planted.

   

   Farmers Co-ops and Department of Agriculture – Planting

   Co-op	Amaswazi Co-op (15 members)
   Area	Amaswazi, KwaZulu-Natal
   Department of Agriculture representative	Siphiwe Mtshali (076 821 6652)
   Hectares	18ha
   Commercial Farmer	John Killian (083 794 1018)
   Plant date	04/12/2018
   Seed Cultivar	Pannar 1521, Medium Grower

   This was the Amswazi Co-op's 2nd year of planting Soy.

   John Killian is a local commercial farmer who assisted the co-op with the following:

   • Spraying of Roundup before planting
   • The planting of the soy
   • Spraying after the planting of the soy; and
   • The combining of the soy.

   The germination of the soy was poor due to the dry conditions that persisted after planting some of the fields. Some of the fields recovered after late rains fell in January 2019. Crop coverage on the fields was bad and was compounded by the presence of weeds and Morning Glory. Burn down spraying had to be done prior to combining.

   John Killian has advised ESDF that he will not be assisting the co-op during the 2019/2020 season due to a lack of interest shown from the members of the co-op. There were also cattle spotted on the fields even though the community was asked to keep the cattle out of the fields, ESDF will not be assisting these farmers in the new season.

   

   Co-op	Oade Farmers Reserve Co-op (9 members)
   Area	Moyeni, KwaZulu-Natal
   Department of Agriculture representative	Siyabonga Mdlala
   Hectares	5ha 2 plots
   Plant date	07/12/2018
   Seed Cultivar	Pannar 1521, Medium Grower

   This was the Ogade Farmers Reserve Co-op's 2nd year of planting Soy.

   The Department of Agriculture assisted the Ogade Farmers Reserve coop with Tractors, planters and boom sprayers whilst the Co-op supplied its own fertilizers and Roundup. ESDF assisted with the seed for planting, inoculants and a part of the Roundup.

   This was a very dry area and received no rain after planting thus resulting in poor germination. Maize was planted next to the soy, later in the season, but also yielded poor results. These fields were used for cattle grazing later in the season.

   ESDF is planning to assist the Ogade Farmers Reserve Co-op during the 2019/2020 season with the planting of soy.

   

   Co-op	Gqushagari Co-op (22 members)
   Area	Ezibomvu, KwaZulu-Natal
   Department of Agriculture representative	Xolani Fakude (072 187 6915 / 076 962 9323)
   Co-op Representative	Remember Ndebele (073 260 5294) S Hlongwane (079 793 8777)
   Hectares	3 ha
   Plant date	18/12/2018
   Seed Cultivar	Pannar 1521, Medium Grower

   This was the Gqushagari Co-op's 1st year of planting Soy.

   The Department of Agriculture assisted the Gqushagari co-op with tractor and planters whilst the Coop supplied its own fertilizers.

   ESDF assisted with the seed for planting, inoculants and foliage feed. The crop coverage was good despite the dry season.

   Backpack sprayers were used to spray Roundup; however multiple sprays were required due to the planter row space of 900mm resulting in insufficient coverage by the Soy crop itself.

   The soy plants were harvested by hand-pulling them from the ground. The harvested soy is currently in at a co-op member's house and will be threshed by the ESDF threshing machine once it is completed.

   ESDF is planning to assist the Gqushari Co-op during the 2019/2020 season with the planting of soy.

   Co-op	Khokwane Co-op (10 members)
   Area	Sandlwane, KwaZulu-Natal
   Department of Agriculture representative	Xolani Fakude (072 187 6915 / 076 962 9323)
   Co-op Representative	Sandile Hlatswayo (079 081 4593)
   Hectares	5 ha
   Plant date	07/12/2018
   Seed Cultivar	Pannar 1521, Medium Grower

   This was the Khokwane Co-op's 2nd year of planting Soy.

   This was a very dry area and received no rain after planting thus resulting in no germination. ESDF has been informed that the co-op planted Sugar Beans on the land later into the season.

   ESDF is planning to assist the Khokwane Co-op during the 2019/2020 season with the planting of soy.

   

   Co-op	Bergville Co-op (15 members)
   Area	Zwelisha, KwaZulu-Natal
   Department of Agriculture representative	Stembile Ndando (076 940 9678)
   Co-op representative	Cindi (079 416 1610)
   Hectares	10 ha
   Plant date	06/12/2018
   Seed Cultivar	Pannar 1521, Medium Grower

   This was the Bergville Co-op's 2nd year of planting Soy.

   The Department of Agriculture assisted the Bergville co-op with Tractors, planters and boom sprayers whilst the Co-op supplied its own fertilizers and Roundup. ESDF assisted with the seed for planting and inoculants.

   The soy was planted in very dry conditions and resulted in poor germination. The area did not receiveany rain after the planting of the soy.

   Rain only fell late in January 2019 resulting in an unsuccessful planting season for the Bergville Co-op.

   ESDF is planning to assist the Bergville Co-op during the 2019/2020 season with the planting of soy.

   

   Co-op	Ngoba Farmers Co-op (6 members)
   Area	Ngoba, KwaZulu-Natal
   Department of Agriculture representative	Bheki Msimanga (076 821 7773)
   Co-op representative	Sphiwe Mdluli (072 124 6759)
   Hectares	4 ha
   Plant date	18/12/2018
   Seed Cultivar	Pannar 1521, Medium Grower

   This was the Ngoba Farmers Co-op's 1st year of planting Soy.

   The Ngoba Farmers Co-op planted after the first rain resulting in good germination of the seeds.

   The Department of Agriculture assisted the Ngoba Farmers Co-op with Tractors, planters and boom sprayers whilst the Co-op supplied its own fertilizers and Roundup. ESDF assisted with the seed for planting, inoculants and part of the Roundup required.

   Backpack sprayers were used to spray Roundup; however multiple sprays were required due to the planter row space of 900mm resulting in insufficient coverage by the Soy crop itself.

   The soy plants were harvested by hand-pulling them from the ground. The harvested soy is currently in at a co-op member's house and will be threshed by the ESDF threshing machine once it is completed.

   This area is only accessible to 4x4 vehicles or tractors.

   ESDF is planning to assist the Ngoba Co-op during the 2019/2020 season with the planting of soy.

   

   Co-op	Loskop Peoples Co-op (8 members)
   Area	Loskop Estcourt, KwaZulu-Natal
   Department of Agriculture representative	Jubulani Mduli (076 935 50667)
   Co-op representative
   Hectares	3 ha
   Plant date	12/12/2018
   Seed Cultivar	Pannar 1521, Medium Grower

   This was the Loskop Peoples Farmers Co-op's 1st year of planting Soy.

   The Department of Agriculture assisted the Loskop Farmers Co-op with Tractors, planters and boom sprayers whilst the Co-op supplied its own fertilizers and Roundup. ESDF assisted with the seed for planting and inoculants.

   

   The Estcourt area received a greater amount of early rain resulting in good germination and crop. The crop was hand pulled from the ground and the plants were threshed using the Co-op own Threshing Machine. The threshing is currently in process.

   ESDF is planning to assist the Loskop Peoples Co-op during the 2019/2020 season with the planting of soy.

   Small-scale Farmers

   ---

   THULANI MBELE

   Farmer	Thulani Mbele (072 367 9329)
   Area	Kestell/Harrismith, Free State
   Hectares	100 ha
   Plant date	26/11/2018-01/12/2018
   Seed Cultivar	Panar 1521, Medium Grower

   

   This was Mr Mbele's 3rd season of planting soy.

   The first rain for the 2018 season fell at the end of November thus the crop was planted in wet conditions resulting in very good germination. Unfortunately there was low rainfall until the end of January but the soy recovered after the dry spell to yield an average crop. Mr Mbele is currently in the process of combining.

   Mr Mbele planted this season's soy at his own cost with ESDF only assisting with the seed for planting.

   ESDF is planning to assist Mr Mbele during the 2019/2020 season with the planting of soy.

   ---

   ZV NKOSI

   Farmer	ZV Nkosi (Head of the Department of Agriculture in Bergville – 082 921 9398)
   Area	Maswazini, KwaZulu-Natal
   Hectares	4 ha
   Plant date	13/12/2018
   Seed Cultivar	Panar 1521, Medium Grower

   

   This was Mr Nkosi's 3rd season of planting soy.

   Mr NKosi planted in dry soil resulting in poor germination of the seeds. Late rains during January led to the relative recovery of the crop.

   Mr Nkosi planted this season's soy at his own cost with ESDF assisting with the seed for planting, inoculants and foilage feed. The soy was harvested by hand, threshed with a bean thresher and is currently being bagged.

   ESDF is planning to assist Mr Nkosi during the 2019/2020 season with the planting of soy.

   ---

   SANDILE DLALISA

   Farmer	Sandile Dlalisa (071 850 1802 / 083 248 5615)
   Area	Dukuza, KwaZulu-Natal
   Hectares	20 ha
   Plant date	28/11/2018, 03/12/2018-05/12/2018
   Seed Cultivar	Panar 1521, Medium Grower

   

   This was Mr S Dlalisa's 4th season of planting soy.

   ESDF has previously assisted Mr Dlalisa's father, Musa Dlalisa, with the planting of Maize since 2002 and the planting of soy for the past 5 years. Mr Musa Dlalisa has handed the planting operations over to his son. ESDF continued to work with Mr Sandile Dlalisa during the last planting season.

   Mr S Dlalisa planted in dry soil resulting in poor seed germination however after 2 weeks some evidence of germination of the seed were evident with the outlook of an average yield of the crop.

   Mr Dlalisa started harvesting his crop with an old Laverna machine but unfortunately experienced a breakdown and was unable to procure the parts for the Laverna. Neighbouring commercial farmers were unable to assist Mr Dlalisa with harvesting as the roads leading to the fields were too narrow for a regular combine.

   The soy started splitting and Mr Dlalisa proceeded to harvested the by pulling the soy plants from the ground by hand and then feeding the plant into the combine.

   Mr S Dlalisa used his own implements to plant, spray and combine as well as covering the input costs. ESDF assisted with seed and inoculants.

   ---

   MFANELO MBELE

   Farmer	Mfanelo Mbele (063 633 7112)
   Area	Cathedral, KwaZulu-Natal
   Hectares	1.5 ha
   Plant date	05/12/2018
   Seed Cultivar	Panar 1521, Medium Grower

   

   This was Mr Mbele's 2nd season of planting soy.

   ESDF was first introduced to Mr Mbele 4 years ago at Soy in Food training session that was held inconjunction with GrainSA. Mr Mbelo's mother was part of the GrainSA mentor groups on planting no-till maize.

   Mr Mbele is 19 years old and already a very keen farmer. He fixed a 2 wheel tractor and hooked a one row 'no-till' planter onto this tractor using a rope to plant soy, maize and dry beans.

   The soy was planted in dry soil and this resulted in low germination of the seeds but the crop recovered well after the late rains. At one point there was a dry spell and the soy was taking strain however ESDF received a call from Mr Mbele, after 10mm of rain fell on his soy, to inform us that his soy was asleep but woke up again after the recent rains.

   Mr Mbele managed to produce a small crop which he plans on using to make Soyfoods.

   Mr Mbele supplied his own fertilizer and Roundup. ESDF assisted with seed, inoculants and foliage feeder.

   ESDF believes that Mr Mbele has the potential to become a successful future commercial farmer with a little help and encouragement.

   ESDF is planning to assist Mr Mbele during the 2019/2020 season with the planting of soy.

   ---

   ELLIOT HLONGWANE

   Farmer	Elliot Hlongwane (076 323 9621)
   Area	Dukuza, KwaZulu-Natal
   Hectares	1.5 ha
   Plant date	12/12/2018
   Seed Cultivar	Panar 1521, Medium Grower

   

   This was Mr Hlongwane's 1st season of planting soy.

   Mr Sandile Dlalisa assisted Mr Hlongwane to plant his soy. Mr Hlongwane used a Backpack Sprayer to spray for weedcontrol and proceded to pull the soy plants from the ground by hand. Mr Hlongwane will be threshing his soy with the ESDF threshing machine once the machine is completed.

   Mr Hlongwane supplied the fertilizer and Roundup. ESDF assisted with seed, inoculants and foliage feeder.

   ESDF is planning to assist Mr Hlongwane during the 2019/2020 season with the planting of soy.

   ---

   LINDIWE KHUMALO

   Farmer	Lindiwe Khumalo
   Area	Estcourt, KwaZulu-Natal
   Hectares	1 ha
   Plant date	04/12/2018
   Seed Cultivar	Panar 1521, Medium Grower

   

   This was Ms Khumalo's 2nd season of planting soy.

   Ms Khumalo supplied the tractor, planter, boomspray, fertilizer and Roundup.

   The planter that was used was the 2 row planter from the Grain SA mentor group. Soyplates were used to plant the soy in 900mm rows however the planter was not ideal to plant soy.

   Even though the seed was planted in wet soil, the germination was influenced negatively by the use ofthe less than ideal planter.

   The soy will yield average crop.

   The crop is not yet ready to harvest but will be harvested by hand once it is time to harvest.

   ESDF supplied the seeds and inoculants.

   ESDF is planning to assist Ms Khumalo during the 2019/2020 season with the planting of soy.

   Conclusion on Small-scale and co-ops planting

   All Co-ops and farmers that planted Soy during the previous season are keen to plant soy again during the 2019/2020 season.

   Problems encountered during the season were:

   • Planters with row space of 900mm are problematic as the soy seeds are not completely covered.
   • Weed control is expensive due to extra spraying of Roundup.
   • Combining on small scale, where more than 2ha are planted; is problematic in remote rural areas. ESDF will investigate into smaller combines which might be used in countries like China and India as they seem to plant on a smaller scale.

   ESDF will be testing the new thresher in the new season with the aim to build more of the threshers before the 2020 combining season.

   The 2018/2019 season proved to be a very difficult season for all small scale farmers to keep their proverbial 'heads above water'.

   Workshops

   ESDF hosted a 2 day Training Workshop on 12 and 13 November 2018 in Soybean Cultivation.

   Venue
   Department of Agricultural and Rural Development's offices, South Street Bergville

   Attendees
   8 Extension Officers from the Bergville Department of Agriculture

   22 Female Farmers
   33 Male Farmers

   Program

   DAY 1: MONDAY 12 NOVEMBER 2018
   09h00-09h30	Opening and Welcome
   09h30-11h00	Introduction to soy production
   11h00-11h30	Tea/Coffee Break
   11h30-13h00	Cultivation practices
   13h00-14h00	Lunch
   14h00-16h00	Cultivation practices (continued)
   16h00-16h15	Close
   DAY 2: TUESDAY 13 NOVEMBER 2018
   09h00-11h00	Cultivation practices (cont)
   11h00-11h30	Tea/Coffee Break
   11h30-13h00	Production schedule
   13h00-14h00	Lunch
   14h00-15h00	Summary
   15h00-15h50	Close

   ESDF is planning to host a similar workshop during the 2019/2020 season. ESDF would like to thank the following:

   • The Department of Agriculture; for the use of their premises and for organizing the attending farmers.
   • OPDT, for paying Mr Amos Njoro for his services.

   

   Visit: MEC of Agriculture, KwaZulu-Natal

   The MEC of Agriculture in KZN, Mr Themba Mthembu, visited the Okhahlamba area. Henry Davies, from ESDF, met with the MEC at Mr Mfanelo's homestead. The MEC noted that Soy planting and processing is high on their priority list.

   

   Training hosted in conjunction with other organizations

   ESDF hosted two workshops in conjunction with GFADA. Please refer to Annex A for a full report on the Workshop.

   Project background

   GGFADA – Soy Planting Training (2 days)
   Eden Social Development Foundation – Soy In Food Training (2 days)

   The training started between 09h30-10h00 daily as a result of participant transportation difficulties.

   PROGRAMME: DAY 1
   09h00-09h30	Opening and Welcome
   09h30-11h00	Introduction to soy production
   10h00-11h00	Cultivation Practices
   11h00-11h30	Tea Break
   11h30-13h00	Post harvesting handling
   13h00-14h00	Lunch
   14h00-16h00	Soy in Food training (ESDF)
   PROGRAMME: DAY 2
   08h30-11h00	Completion of Soy In Food Training (ESDF)
   11h00-11h30	Tea Break
   11h30-13h00	Production schedule
   13h00-14h00	Lunch
   14h00-15h00	Summary and conclusion

   The soybean training workshops were organised by Mr Ishmael Tshiame and his team from GFADA. The workshops were well planned and organized.

   Production training was presented by Mr Amos Njoro from Ya Rono Temo Farming and Enterprises. Mr Njoro is a farmer with extensive knowledge and experience on Soy cultivation and training. He presented a 'hands-on' training session.

   All participants received a training manual on the Production of Soybeans as well as a Soy in Food Awareness training manual.

   Project Preceding

   First Day
   ESDF (Henry Davies) – gave a practical demonstration and training on producing Soy Base and Soy Yoghurt.

   Second Day
   ESDF – This session proceeded with the tasting and flavouring of the Soy Yoghurt made on Day 1 of training; as well as additional yoghurt that was made at the ESDF premises the previous evening. ESDF gave a practical demonstration and training on producing Soy Biscuits / Chips by incorporating Okara. Attendees were also encouraged to incorporate Okara into everyday recipes. A demonstration was given on producing Soy Nuts. Attendees received training on marketing strategies related to marketing of the Soy products within their own communities through Spaza Shops / School vendors and other Customers.

   Areas

   ---

   MATATIELE 3-4 MAY 2018

   ---

   Attendees: 49 Male and 11 Female
   Location: Department of Rural Development and Agrarian Reform Offices

   The majority of the attendees were farmers and representatives from the Department.

   Project Outcomes

   The training was a success. The participants were already familiar with soy as the GrainSA SoyCow was situated in Matatiele before it was moved to Bizane.

   The participants were unaware and pleasantly surprised to learn that soy yoghurt can be made in a home kitchen.

   

   ---

   PIET RETIEF 28-29 MAY 2018

   ---

   Attendees: 19 Male and 2 Female
   Location: TWK Sylyn Boardroom

   The majority of the attendees were farmers ranging from subsistence farmers to commercial farmers.

   Marius Jansen van Rensburg from the ARC also attended the training.

   Project Outcomes

   Soy in Food was a new concept to the attendees, but the attendees thoroughly enjoyed the Soy in Food Products.

   

   Conclusion

   There were mostly male attendees in the workshop in Piet Retief and although they enjoyed the Soy in Food products; I doubt that they will be making the products themselves. It was suggested to them that the manuals be given to the women at home who is culturally more active in the kitchen department. The farmers wives should be invited to the Soy in Food workshops.

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

   Prof A Egal
   Vaal University of Technology

   No progress was made with the project during the reporting year.

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

   Prof A Egal
   Vaal University of Technology

   No progress was made with the project during the reporting year.

5. Canola and soybean trial at Alice and Stutterheim

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

   No progress was made with the project during the reporting year.

6. Mentoring groundnut farmers

   Ms J McPherson
   Grain SA

   No progress was made with the project during the reporting year.

7. Oil and protein seeds transformation initiative

   No additional research, training or technology transfer was done during the reporting year.

8. Grain Farmer Development Trust (GFADA)

   Sunflower and soybean projects

   Progress reports on projects supported through AFGRI-HTI programme
   CHANGES ON THE ORIGINAL APPROVED FARMERS

   The projects approved by the Board and the Oil and Protein Seeds Development Trust through AFGRI Harvest Time Agriculture were the new projects for the 2018/2019 season. Table 1.1 shows the original approved farmers in respect of the 2018/2019 season.

   Table 1.1: Approved Oilseeds farmers in respect of the 2018/2019 season

   Farmer	Hectares	Crop Insurance (R)	Soil Correction (R)	Mentorship (R)	Total (R)
   1. Soybean
   Gegana Business Entertainment CC	220	50 000	–	5 000	55 000
   GFG Ithuba Cooperative	212	50 000	–	5 000	55 000
   Total	412	100 000	–	10 000	110 000

   As shown in Table 1.1 the funds allocated for farmers through AFGRI Harvest Time Agriculture is amounting to R110 000.

   Hectares planted

   Table 1.2 Hectares planted (Soybean)

   Farmer	System	Planned	Actual planted (ha)	Area
   Gegana Business Entertainment CC	Dry	220	280	Kinross and Greylingstad
   GFG Ithuba Co-operative	Dry	212	250	Belfour
   Total		432	530

   The following are photos are received from the Service provider:

   

   

   Progress reports on projects supported through direct farmers programme

   Changes on the approved projects regarding funds allocation

   The projects approved by the Board and Oil and Protein Seeds Development Trust through Direct support were both the continuation of the existing and the new projects for the 2018/2019 season. Table 1.1 shows the original approved farmers in respect of the 2018/2019 season.

   Table 1.1: Approved Oilseeds farmers in respect of the 2018/2019 season

   Farmer	Hectares	Crop insurance	Soil correction	Mentorship (R)	Total (R)
   1. SOYBEAN
   Kodisang J	81	50 000	–	8 100	58 100
   Nhlabathi L	150	50 000	–	–	50 000
   Sub total	231	50 000		8 100	108 100
   2. SUNFLOWER
   Maru a Ranngogo	150	50 000	120 000	5 000	175 000
   Maphira Family Trust	50	25 000	40 000	5 000	70 000
   Setshego Family Trust	300	50 000	240 000	5 000	295 000
   Ramoholi Family Trust	271	50 000	216 800	5 000	271 000
   Sub total	771	175 000	616 800	20 000	811 000
   Grand total	1 002	225 000	616 800	28 100	919 100

   Table 1.1 shows that the total allocated funds for the directly supported farmers amount to R919 900.

   Hectares planted

   Table 1.2 Hectares planted (Soybean and Sunflower)

   Farmers	Town / Region	Soybeans area	Sunflower area
   Kodisang J	Selosesha	0	–
   Nhlabathi L	Badplaas	150	–
   Maru a Ranngogo		–	50
   Total		150	50

   Progress report on the family Trusts will be included within the Standard Bank report.

   Kodisang J could not plant due to drought and therefore the amount of R58 100.00 will not be claimed in this regard.

   

   General comments

   Kodisang is the only farmer withdrawn from the original approval and the farmers under the family Trusts as approved are covered within the Standard Bank Programme. Their allocated amounts may also not be claimed as such. Detailed information is within the standard Bank report.

   Progress reports on projects supported through Mangi Consultancy programme

   Changes on the approved projects regarding funds allocation

   The projects approved by the Board and the Oil and Protein Seeds Development Trust through Mangi Consultancy were the new projects for the 2018/2019 season. Table 1.1 shows the original approved farmers in respect of the 2018/2019 season.

   Table 1.1: Approved Oilseeds farmers in respect of the 2018/2019 season

   Farmers	Hectares	Crop insurance (R)	Soil correction (R)	Mentorship (R)	Total (R)
   Motloung P Makgae S Tapala H Seabi A Makgae M Makgae Mapula	150	50 000	–	15 000	65 000
   Total	150	50 000	0	15 000	65 000

   As shown in Table 1.1 the funds allocated for farmers through Mangi Consultancy is amounting to R65 000.

   Hectares planted

   Progress Report on the farmers shown in Table 1.1 was not received at the time of preparing this document. It should be noted that GFADA had a meeting with the Service Provide who indicated to have not managed to secure funding for the production inputs. This implies that all the farmers shown in table 1.1 are withdrawn from the initial approval and the amount of R65 000 will not be claimed in this regard.

   General comments

   The Service Provider will further be engaged upon receiving the project status report. It should also be noted that the company notified GFADA on the partnership split due to some internal operation challenges.

   Progress reports on projects supported through NWK programme
   CHANGES ON THE APPROVED PROJECTS REGARDING FUNDS ALLOCATION

   The projects approved by the Board and the Oil and Protein Seeds Development Trust through NWK Agriculture were both the continuation of the existing and the new projects for the 2018/2019 season. Table 1.1 shows the original approved farmers in respect of the 2018/2019 season.

   Table 1.1: Approved Oilseeds farmers in respect of the 2018/2019 season

   Farmer	Hectares	Crop insurance (R)	Soil correction (R)	Mentorship (R)	Total (R)
   1. CONTINUATION OF EXISTING PROJECTS
   Booizen BX	200	100 000	–	14 750	114 750
   Malo D	300	150 000	–	14 750	164 750
   Manoto LR	500	250 000	–	14 750	264 750
   Moleleki DJ	180	90 000	–	14 750	104 750
   Mashotte	200	100 000	–	14 750	114 750
   Phetoe LP	200	100 000	–	14 750	114 750
   Sub total	1 580	690 000		88 500	878 500
   2. NEW PROJECTS
   Makhutile SM	100	50 000	–	14 750	64 750
   Raphoto PR	150	50 000	–	14 750	64 750
   Serema OG	190	50 000	–	14 750	64 750
   Tshetlhane AM	150	50 000	–	14 750	64 750
   Motswatswe NHS	150	50 000	–	14 750	64 750
   Tshabalala WT	200	50 000	–	14 750	64 750
   Tsatsipe JS	180	50 000	–	14 750	64 750
   Mokone KI	150	50 000	–	14 750	64 750
   Msibi MI	150	50 000	–	14 750	64 750
   Sub total	1 270	450 000		132 750	582 750
   Grand total	2 850	1 140 000		221 250	1 461 250

   As shown in Table 1.1 the funds allocated for farmers through NWK Agriculture is amounting to R1 461 250. None of the farmers reported have been withdrawn from the programme, however five are reported to have not qualified for the production loan but will be able to plant on their own. These farmers will still be receiving mentorship from NWK.

   Hectares planted

   Table 1.2 shows hectares planted as per the progress report verified. Plantings were delayed by the late rains, however farmers managed to plant as per the table below.

   Table 1.2 Hectares planted (Sunflower)

   Farmers	System	Planned	Actual planted (ha)	Area
   1. Booizen BX	Dryland	200	70	Baberspan
   2. Malo D	Dryland	300	130	Deelpan
   3. Manoto LR	Dryland	500	235	Lushof
   4. Moleleki DI	Dryland	180	24	Baberspan
   5. Moshoette KE	Dryland	200	84	Kopela
   6. Phetoe LP	Dryland	200	222	Gelukspan
   7. Motswatswe NHS	Dryland	150	95	Ga-Motlatla
   8. Raphoto PR	Dryland	150	121	Mooiplaas
   9. Serema OG	Dryland	190	126	Bethlehem
   10. Tshabalala WT	Dryland	200	166	Blaauwbank
   11. Tshetlhane AM	Dryland	150	66	Mafufutso
   Total		2 420	1 339

   The following are photos were taken during the crop monitoring visits on crop development monitoring:

   

   

   General comments

   The crop is generally developing well with farmers confident about the mentorship provided by NWK. Mr Booizen and Moleleki could not qualify for NWK credit facility but managed to plant with their own funds. NWK continued to provide mentorship to these farmers and requested that the insurance be paid directly to the insurer by GFADA.

   The planned hectares could not be achieved due to late rains. Mr Phetoe experienced poor germination due contaminated seed from the supplier and had to replant. The matter is being taken up with the seed company for compensation above the replacement of seed provided.

   Progress reports on projects supported through VKB programme
   CHANGES ON THE ORIGINAL APPROVED FARMERS

   The projects approved by the Board and the Oil and Protein Seeds Development Trust through VKB Agriculture were both the continuation of the existing and the new projects for the 2018/2019 maize season.

   Table1.1 shows the original approved farmers in respect of the 2018/2019 season.

   Table 1.1: Approved Oilseeds farmers in respect of the 2018/2019 season

   Farmer	Hectares	Crop insurance (R)	Soil correction (R)	Mentorship (R)	Total (R)
   1. SOYBEAN
   Diyawela Agriculture (new)	81	50 000	–	8 100	58 100
   Mphuti MD	10	10 000	–	1 000	80 250
   Tsotetsi RP	40	40 000	–	4 000	224 062
   Sub total	131	50 000	0	13 100	362 412
   2. SUNFLOWER
   Nkisi TJ	40	18 247	–	4 000	22 247
   Mbele ML	80	36 494	–	8 000	44 494
   Matobako D	20	9 123	–	2 000	11 123
   Sub total	140	63 864	0	14 000	77 864
   Grand total	271	113 864	0	27 100	440 276

   As shown in Table 1.1 the funds allocated for farmers through VKB Agriculture is amounting to R440 276.

   Hectares planted

   Table 1.2 Hectares planted (Soybean and Sunflower)

   Farmers	Town / Region	Soybeans area	Sunflower area
   Diyawela Agriculture (new)	Reitz	60	–
   Matobako D	Rosendal	–	109
   Mbele ML	Rosendal	–	65.4
   Mphuti MD	Qwa Qwa	13	–
   Nkisi TJ	Rosendal	–	27
   Tsotetsi RP	Qwa Qwa	30.8	–
   Total		73	201.4

   Table 1.2 shows summaries of the planted hectares received from VKB Agriculture. The indication from Table 1.2 is that most farmers planted less than the planned hectares except for Mr Matobako who planted more than planned.

   The unfavourable weather conditions are indicated as reasons for the diminishing planted areas.

   The following are the photos received from the Service Provider during the engagement on crop development monitoring:

   

   

   

   General comments

   Almost all the farmers could not plant the planned hectares due to the late rains. The crop is generally developing well. As indicated in table 1.1 there was only one new farmer approved for soybean under VKB Agriculture programme. None of the farmers approved was withdrawn from the programme.

   Progress reports on projects supported through Senwes programme
   CHANGES ON THE APPROVED PROJECTS REGARDING FUNDS ALLOCATION

   The projects approved by the Board and the Oil and Protein Seeds Development Trust through Senwes Agriculture were the new projects for the 2018/2019 season. Table 1.1 shows the original approved farmers in respect of the 2018/2019 season.

   Table 1.1: Approved Oilseeds farmers in respect of the 2018/2019 season

   Farmer	Hectares	Crop insurance (R)	Soil correction (R)	Mentorship (R)	Total (R)
   1. SOYBEAN
   Serokhomo L	50	50 000	–	5 000	55 000
   Sub total	50	50 000	0	5 000	55 000
   1. SUNFLOWER
   Mabaso B	100	50 000	80 000	10 000	140 000
   Sub total	100	50 000	80 000	10 000	140 000
   Grand total	150	100 000	80 000	15 000	195 000

   As shown in Table 1.1 the funds allocated for farmer through Senwes Agriculture is amounting to R195 000. The farmers shown on table 1.1 are both withdrawn from the initial approval and this implies that an amount of R 195 000 will not be claimed in this regard.

   General comments

   The reason for the farmers' s withdrawal is cited as the risk imposed by the drought leading to no approvals from the insurance and ultimately the loan facility from the Service Provider.

   Progress reports on projects supported through TWK programme
   CHANGES ON THE APPROVED PROJECTS REGARDING FUNDS ALLOCATION

   The projects approved by the Board and the Oil and Protein Seeds Development Trust through TWK Agriculture were both the continuation of the existing and the new projects for the 2018/2019 maize season. Table 1.1 shows the original approved farmers in respect of the 2018/2019 season.

   Table 1.1: Original approved farmers in respect of the 2018/2019 season

   Farmer	Hectares	Crop insurance (R)	Soil correction (R)	Mentorship (R)	Total (R)
   1. CONTINUATION OF EXISTING PROJECTS
   Gumede X	297	237 600	–	20 000	257 600
   Ngema NW	500	400 000	–	20 000	420 000
   Sub total	797	637 600	–	40 000	677 600
   2. NEW PROJECTS
   Mathebula J	250	50 000	–	5 000	55 000
   Mthombeni SD	200	50 000	–	5 000	55 000
   Mnyathi Multi-Purpose Co-op	100	50 000	–	5 000	55 000
   Sikhulasonke	354	50 000	–	5 000	55 000
   Simelane MB	90	50 000	–	5 000	55 000
   Sub total	444	250 000	–	25 000	275 000
   Total	1 241	887 600	–	65 000	952 600

   As shown in Table 1.1 the funds allocated for farmers through TWK Agriculture is amounting to R952 6000.

   Table 1.2 Farmer withdrawn from the original approved projects

   Farmer	Hectares	Crop insurance (R)	Soil correction (R)	Mentorship (R)	Total (R)
   1. NEW PROJECT
   Mnyathi Multi-Purpose Co-op	100	50 000	–	5 000	55 000
   Total	100	50 000	–	5 000	55 000

   Table 1.2 shows the withdrawal of Mnyathi Multi-Purpose Co-op from the initial approval and this implies that the amount of R55 000 will not be claimed in this regard.

   Hectares planted

   Table 1.3 Hectares Planted

   Farmers	System	Planned	Actual planted (ha)	Variance
   1. Gumede XZ	Irrigation	297	170	127
   2. Ngema NW	Dryland	500	622	-122
   3. Mathebula J	Dryland	250	226	25
   4. Mthombeni SD	Dryland	200	82	118
   5. Sikhulasonke	Dryland	354	74	280
   6. Simelane MB	Dryland	90	61	29
   Total		1 691	1 234	457

   The following are the photos taken during the visit to monitor crop development.

   

   

   

   General comments

   Mr Ngema planted more than the approved hectares by GFADA. Mr Gumede planted 100ha of his maize under irrigation. Mr Mathebula's soybean was affected by hail and the farmer planted sugar beans to mitigate the loss on the soybean. Mr Mthombeni planted less area due to lae rains.

   Progress reports on projects supported through GFADA and DRDAR Partnership programme
   CHANGES ON THE APPROVED PROJECTS REGARDING FUNDS ALLOCATION

   Table 1.1 Original allocations in respect of the 2018/2019 season

   No	Organisation and farmers	Allocations 2018/2019
   		Ha	Insurance (R)	Lime (R)	Mentorship (R)	Total (R)
   1.	Matatiele area
   1.1	Bafo P	50	107 750		17 500	125 250
   1.2	Lehlehla TE	50	107 750		17 500	125 250
   1.3	Lekhatlanya JBT	50	107 750		17 500	125 250
   1.4	Marareni S	50	107 750		17 500	125 250
   1.5	Mohapi T	50	107 750		17 500	125 250
   1.6	Mongoato D	50	107 750		17 500	125 250
   1.7	Mongoato TV	50	107 750		17 500	125 250
   1.8	Moruri SA	50	107 750		17 500	125 250
   1.9	Ndzunga C	50	107 750		17 500	125 250
   1.10	Sdinani D	50	107 750		17 500	125 250
   1.11	Oliphiri T	50	107 750		17 500	125 250
   1.12	Ramotsamai M	50	107 750		17 500	125 250
   1.13	Mlandu R	50	107 750		17 500	125 250
   1.14	Tsoanyane S	50	107 750		17 500	125 250
   	Total (1)	700	1 508 500	–	245 000	1 753 500

   Table 1.1 above indicate the total allocation of R1 753 500 for the farmers in Matatiele area on soybean Production.

   Hectares planted

   No	Farmers	Production system	Planned hectares	Planted hectares	Variance hectares
   1	Lehlehla TE	Dry	50.0	21.8	-28.2
   2	Lekhatlanya JBT	Dry	50.0	23.0	-27.0
   3	Marareni S	Dry	50.0	21.0	-29.0
   4	Mdebuka JM	Dry	50.0	25.0	-25.0
   5	Mlandu MR	Dry	50.0	19.0	-31.0
   6	Mlandu SN	Dry	50.0	–	-50.0
   7	Mlotha MA	Dry	50.0	25.0	-25.0
   8	Mohapi ET	Dry	50.0	29.9	-20.1
   9	Mongoato DR	Dry	50.0	25.2	-24.8
   10	Mongoato TV	Dry	50.0	35.0	-15.0
   11	Moruri SA	Dry	50.0	–	-50.0
   12	Mragala A	Dry	50.0	22.0	-28.0
   13	Ndzunga K	Dry	50.0	23.0	-27.0
   14	Ngcingwane BZ	Dry	50.0	25.8	-24.2
   15	Oliphiri TS	Dry	50.0	4.0	-46.0
   16	Pauleni B	Dry	50.0	38.4	-11.6
   17	Radebe SM	Dry	50.0	23.0	-27.0
   18	Salukazana Z	Dry	50.0	87.7	37.7
   19	Sdinani D	Dry	50.0	23.0	-27.0
   20	Sikhunyana XM	Dry	50.0	21.0	-29.0
   21	Tsoanyane SP	Dry	50.0	36.9	-13.1
   Total			1 050.0	529.7	-520.3

   Mr Mlandu and Morori could not plant due to late access to late rains which lead to late access to mechanization. The above implies that the two are withdrawn from the project and the amount of R100 000 will not be claimed in this regard.

   The following are the photos taken during projects visits.

   

   

   

   

   

   General comments

   The crop is generally developing well, and farmers are exited with the crop introduction in the areas which will contribute in soil fertility improvement as a result of crop rotation.

   Summary and conclusion

   Table 1.1 Summaries of Oilseeds farmers regarding support for the 2018/2019 season

   Service provider	Number of Farmers	Approval		Actual fund required		Balance (R)
   		Ha	Amount	Ha	Amount
   A   SOYBEAN
   AFGRI‐Harvest Time	2	432	110 000.00	0	–	110 000.00
   Direct Farmers	2	231	108 100.00	126	50 000.00	58 100.00
   TWK Agriculture	7	1 791	952 600.00	1 234	860 989.26	91 610.74
   VKB	2	50	113 100.00	104	99 219.54	13 880.46
   GFADA / DRDAR EC	19	1 050	1 050 000.00	530	886 172.75	163 827.25
   Senwes	1	50	55 000.00	0	–	55 000.00
   Mangi Consultancy	6	150	65 000.00	0	–	65 000.00
   Sub total (1)	39	3 754	2 453 800.00	1 994	1 896 381.55	557 418.45
   B   SUNFLOWER
   Direct Farmers	4	771	811 800.00	50	116 580.60	695 219.40
   NWK	15	3 000	1 461 250.00	1 433	358 699.14	1 102 550.86
   Senwes	1	100	140 000.00	0	–	140 000.00
   VKB	3	140	77 864.00	202	35 644.28	42 219.72
   Sub total (2)	23	4 011	2 490 914.00	1 684.8	510 924.02	1 979 989.98
   Grand total (A + B)	62	7 765	4 944 714.00	3 678	2 407 305.57	2 537 408.43

   The summary table above indicates that the area planted for both soybean and sunflower is lower than the actual planned areas. This is mainly due to the farmers withdraws as a result of late rains and not qualifying for credit facility provided by the Agribusinesses.

   The total amount required reflects the amount claimed by the Agribusinesses and the amounts needed to make payments for the directly supported farmers including projects under GFADA and DRDAR partnership.

   Payment request from AFGRI HTI was not finalized by the time of developing this document, therefore the request for payment amount will be done at a later stage. Mangi Consultancy and Senwes had their farmers withdrawn from the projects due to lack of access to production and insurance cover respectively.

   In conclusion the crop development is fairly looking good in all the arears particularly in Mpumalanga, despite the reported hail damage and late rains.

   Finally, GFADA would like to acknowledge the contribution of all partners included in this report and the support of the Oil and Protein Seeds Development Trust, Oilseeds Aidvisory Committee are highly appreciated by farmers and GFADA family.