Transformation Research Projects
Projects links
- Grain SA Farmer development
- The development and training of entry-level soy farmers and consumers with further progression to soy-preneurs level
- Addressing food insecurity by supporting economic growth for emerging farmers
- Promoting household production and processing of soybean as major source of quality protein (Limpopo)
- Canola and soybean trial at Alice and Stutterheim
- Mentoring groundnut farmers
- Oil and protein seeds transformation initiative
- Grain Farmer Development Association (GFADA)
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Grain SA Farmer development
The mission of the programme is "To develop capacitated sustainable grain farmers, and to contribute to household and national food security through the optimal use of the land available to each farmer". To this end, we have recognised that we need strategic partners who share this vision and mission. We therefore respectfully acknowledge the vital role that the Oil and Protein Seeds Development Trust (OPDT) is playing in the promotion and development of the Oil Seeds Industry in South Africa through contributions to the Grain SA Farmer Development program.
We further believe that within the scope of our record of accomplishment and effective transformation and development in the farmer development arena, we are ideal partners for OPDT to help further the Trust objectives and to enhance market access in the interests of the Oil seeds industry. Grain SA Farmer Development and OPDT can together effectively provide information and advisory services to the sector through key communication platforms namely, the Pula Imvula magazine and the Grain South Africa Farmer Development Training (GSAFD) program.
The current climate for grain farmers
Many farmers are considering alternative crops simply because maize production is increasingly challenging due to climate variability. Furthermore, maize prices are under pressure while input costs continue to rise. While maize production will always be a popular option this may become a less viable option going forward and farmers will need to expertly plan a broader mix of crops within crop rotation and conservation agriculture systems to ensure optimum yield possibilities.
We believe that the crops which the OPDT champions, like sunflowers, soya beans, canola and groundnuts, play a critical role in many local crop production cycles whether they form part of a crop rotation system, contribute to improving soil health or are planted to improve household food security. For these reasons we need to ensure that training in production practices; knowledge transfer systems and mentorship opportunities are made available to farmers throughout the season.
Through traditional Grain SA Farmer Development channels of communication like study groups and farm visits, training courses and newsletters like Pula Imvula, we facilitate knowledge transfer of appropriate and relevant information and skills development to the subsistence, smallholder and New Era farmers. This information empowers farmers to make significant contributions to household's food security levels and assists in developing small farmers towards viable, sustainable farming enterprises.
This in-year report reviews progress on two platforms currently budgeted and funded by OPDT:
- Pula Imvula magazine articles and
- Training Courses
Each project is funded separately and project progress is reviewed in its own section.
Pula Imvula
Farmers receive messages through electronic and print media. Printed media brings information in print form closer to the villagers themselves. The printed media means the reliable information can be mediated "by a trusted, locally-based adviser for oral delivery". U.M. Ndilowe, "An investigation of the role of communication in the Malawi agriculture sector".
The Pula Imvula is a source of reliable and timeous agri-sector information tailored specifically for subsistence, smallholder and developing farmers. Topics cover many aspects of production and marketing as well as other generic information that is useful towards equipping and upskilling the farmers.
Copies of the magazine are distributed freely to recipients. They are also made available online via the Grain SA platform and can also be emailed to recipients in digital format.
Considering the critical importance of the role of oilseeds in the South African farmers' toolbox, we believe it is necessary to include information about the Oil and Protein seeds industry in a quarterly publication. The information will be according to the theme for the quarter and the same theme is used for the farmer's days, study group meetings and information sessions for individual farmers. This will be related to the activities that are relevant to the season and will include information on the production and marketing cycle of sunflowers, groundnuts and soybeans.
The target audience is wide and is relevant to all stakeholders interested in farmer development as well as facilitators and farmers who wish to equip themselves better.
In light of the fact that many of our farmers live in remote deep rural areas where on the spot mentorship, advice and knowledge about modern farming is scarce and difficult to access, we have come to understand the significance of the farmers holding this invaluable tool in their hands. The mentors, study group leaders and chairmen all report on invaluable discussions and inspiration experienced by the farmers who have been able to lay hands on a copy for themselves.
The full colour magazine is published monthly and articles are translated into 7 different languages namely:
English Afrikaans Sesotho Tswana Sesotho sa Leboa Zulu Xhosa Total copies 1 684 336 1 718 1 022 237 5 026 6 459 16 482 The Pula Imvula magazine brings up to the minute news and information about modern technologies and best practices to the farmer in his fis field 
Training courses
Farmers receive messages through interpersonal communication, which includes communication with the extension worker, communication using the lead farmer concept/demonstration blocks, communication through village meetings and communication through field days.
U.M. Ndilowe, "An investigation of the role of communication in the Malawi agriculture sector".
Grain SA Farmer Development: Training
The training courses afford subsistence, small scale and developing farmers the opportunity to learn more about correct crop production processes and modern best practices. Time and again the Grain SA Farmer Development team members meet rural farmers who have gone to the trouble of planting their fields in the hopes of a harvest and yet they do not know the correct methods or how to ensure their efforts have optimal chances of returning good yields. Through tailor made training courses, we are able to take the farmers through all the aspects of production and this goes a long way to reducisng the risk of failure – knowledge and understanding are vital building blocks towards success in any field.
Project Progress
"Education is the movement from darkness to light" – Allan Bloom
The courses projected for the year March 2019 to February 2020 are as follows:
Office Course For whom Number Paarl Canola production Overberg SG and Piketberg SG 2 Nelspruit Groundnut production Jeppesreef, Schuzendal, Luzamo A and Luzamo B, Salubinza and Barberton 6 Louwsburg Soya production Secunda, Amsterdam, Amersfoort 3 Lichtenburg Sunflower Ventersdorp 1 Lichtenburg Soya production Ventersdorp and Makwassie 2 Lichtenburg Groundnut production Putfontein 1 Ladybrand Soya production Kestell and Paul Roux 2 Ladybrand Sunflower Welkom 1 Ladybrand Advanced Sunflower Welkom 1 19 Of the projected 19 courses to be held during the 2019/2020 budget year, the following 11 courses have been held in this period of reporting:
- 8 x Introduction to Groundnut production
- 2 x Introduction to Soya Bean production
- 1 x Introduction to Sunflower production
Event date Office Trainer Course # Name of course # Learners 2019-07-01 Nelspruit Elias Dladla 18 275 Introduction to Groundnut production 22 2019-06-18 Nelspruit Elias Dladla 18 305 Introduction to Groundnut production 20 2019-06-18 Lichtenburg Danie van den Berg 18 304 Introduction to Soya Bean production 15 2019-06-03 Lichtenburg Danie van den Berg 18 207 Introduction to Sunflower production 19 2019-06-03 Nelspruit Elias Dladla 18 206 Introduction to Groundnut production 21 2019-05-27 Lichtenburg Fanie Pienaar 18 205 Introduction to Soya Bean production 5 2019-05-27 Nelspruit Elias Dladla 18 198 Introduction to Groundnut production 27 2019-05-20 Louwsburg Chris de Jager 18 197 Introduction to Groundnut production 16 2019-05-20 Nelspruit Chris de Jager 18 193 Introduction to Groundnut production 27 2019-05-20 Louwsburg Timon Filter 18 190 Introduction to Groundnut production 21 Course No 18190 – 20 May 2019 – Introduction to Groundnut Production
HELD AT AMSTERDAM ENVIRONMENTAL CENTRE, MPUMALANGA
FACILITATOR: TIMON FILTER
Feedback from Course Attendees
It was good, we learnt a lot. What I learned in theory, I did find it on practical. It was not a waste of time. I did enjoy it! I'm looking forward to get another training! Thanks a lot!
ELLEN SELUMA
This course was very important! We learned what season Ground Nuts are planted, from October through to November. We learned that Ground Nuts re planted on well prepared seed beds so that the flowers can bend over and enter the soft ground to produce food. We learned that one of the main products of Ground Nuts is oil. Their roots easily reach 1m depth. We had a chance to see some Ground Nuts that were planted by Farmer Mam Busi, we could see the root system.
NOMSA NDHLANDHLA
Our teacher taught us well, I would love for him to come train us again. So I can be trained to be a faithful farmer. We were practically shown how to do things, thank you. Please try and send us my 'older brother' to train us again.
THEMBA DAY NKOSI
Course no 18193 – 20 May 2019 – Introduction to Groundnut Production
HELD AT JEPPES REEF
FACILITATOR: CHRIS DE JAGER
Feedback from Course Attendees
Theory: We learned about soil preparation planting and spacing of the groundnut seed when planting. Practical: The use and calibration of a knapsack sprayer. Taking of soil samples and gauging of soil depth.
SAMARIA MKHATSHA
I have learned how groundnuts can be planted successfully in our area. We also learned about the different uses of groundnuts. We discussed all problems that a farmer should avoid in order to maximize his harvest. Practical: We learned about the method used to take soil samples for analysis and to calibrate a knapsack.
SHABALALA KWANELE LUDWICK
I learned about the soils that are suitable for the planting of ground nuts. I also learned that ground nuts can produce nitrogen which is so essential for growth. Practical: Taking of soil samples and determining the depth of soil on the farm.
MABUZA THEMBINKOSI
Course No. 18198 – 27 May 2019 – Introduction to Groundnut Production
HELD AT SCHUZENDAL, MPUMALANGA
FACILITATOR: ELIAS DLADLA
Course No. 18197 – 27 May 2019 – Introduction to Groundnut Production
HELD AT VLAKPOORT
FACILITATOR: CHRIS DE JAGER
Feedback from Course Attendees
I learned about types of nuts and classifications. Soil and soil samples. Prices, land selection, storage primary and secondary tillage. In the practical sessions I saw soil testing, soil sampling, spraying and learn about how to adjust the tractor, fit and use accessories of the planter and adjustment mechanical spraying, we did some practical spraying. The course was great and encouraging. Thank you!
M.D. ZWANE
Course No. 18206 – 3 June 2019 – Introduction to Groundnut Production
HELD AT LUZAMO A, MOOIPLAAS, MPUMALANGA
FACILITATOR: ELIAS DLADLA
Course No. 18207 – 3 June 2019 – Introduction to Sunflower Production
HELD AT TLAKGAMENG, VRYBURG DISTRICT, NORTH WEST PROVINCE
FACILITATOR: DANIE VAN DEN BERG
Course No. 18205 – 3 June 2019 – Introduction to Soya Bean Production
HELD AT VENTERSDORP, NORTH WEST PROVINCE
FACILITATOR: FANIE PIENAAR
Feedback from Course Attendees
The course was very important especially the facilitator. He knows how to teach and explanation. He saves the funds for farmer. If we can do the way the facilitator explained to us there is a forward way. Courses like this one are very important for us. We learned a lot.
BENJAMIN MOKGTOETSI
Course No. 18304 – 18 June 2019 – Introduction to Soya Bean Production
HELD AT LICHTENBURG, NORTH WEST PROVINCE
FACILITATOR: DANIE VAN DEN BERG
Feedback from Course Attendees
They expressed their wishes to attend similar courses in future.
Course No. 18305 – 18 June 2019 – Introduction to Groundnut Production
HELD AT LUZAMO B, MPUMALANGA
FACILITATOR: ELIAS DLADLA
Course No. 18276 – 01 July 2019 – Introduction to Groundnut Production
HELD AT BADPLAAS, MPUMALANAGA
FACILITATOR: ELIAS DLADLA
This course has just been completed. The report will be completed in due course.
Course No. – 08 July 2019 – Introduction to Groundnut Production
HELD AT AMERSFOORD, MPUMALANGA
FACILITATOR: TIMON FILTER
Note: This course was active during the period of reporting. The report will be updated in due course.
The overwhelming excitement expressed by individuals who have learned something new, something relevant, something enlightening, some new skill – something they know will change the results they see from their farming endeavours ... is a difficult thing to capture into words on a blank page to be reported on in a boardroom. We take these courses to the farmers in the most remote corners of South Africa and teach them in a language they can understand. We show them how to do things better and explain why sometimes they need to change the way things have been done for decades. Development is exciting but sometimes change is uncomfortable and is greeted with a degree of suspicion. But then ... there are special moments when the atmosphere of our 'classrooms' are filled with an almost tangible excitement as hope rises – Here and there is an exclamation at a light bulb moment of understanding – or a glow of pride at a new skill mastered ... oftentimes there is a swell of murmuring voices as the farmer share the excited anticipation of knowing they now know exactly what they should be doing ... It is difficult to show the farmers' GRATITUDE to you the board member and Trustee with the power to say yes or no to funding – but to be sure there is appreciation, hearts are thankful, there is joy in learning and time and again the trainers report back that the training encounter was not only an enriching experience for the farmers but for themselves too.
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The development and training of entry-level soy farmers and consumers with further progression to soy-preneurs level
Soy Awareness
Eden Social Development Foundation presented Soy in Food Awareness and planting training within 9 different areas. Planting was done in participants own gardens and small fields.
Soy in Food Training
Day 1:
- Basic training on the principles of following a 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 of flavouring of Soy Yoghurt.
- Practical demonstration on making Soy nuts.
- Practical demonstration of the use of Okara to make Soy snacks. Soybeans and 1 piece of cheesecloth were handed out to each participant at the end of the training for the participants to produce their own household kitchens.
Planting of Soy
Planting Soy in participants personal gardens and fields (± 0.5 hectares).
- Do a 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
Operational Method
The Soy in Food training is done by identifying 8 community facilitators and 1 project coordinator to assist with the training.
Project Coordinator
ESDF appointed Ms Maureen Makhaya as project coordinator.
Maureen works from the offices of the Christian Social Services (CSS) offices in Ladysmith. She is employed full time in the service of the CSS, 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 responsibilities are to facilitate and oversee the 8 community facilitators and report back to ESDF offices. Maureen receives a monthly stipend 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 HUV, 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 sessions. Each facilitator received a container with all the equipment and raw materials that would be required to do the Soy in Food training. The facilitators also received seed and inoculants packs which were to be handed out to participants after the Soy Planting training sessions.
The community facilitators each trained 3 women groups within their respective areas. Henry Davies, from ESDF, assisted and guided the facilitators with their first training session where after the facilitator proceeded with the other 2 training sessions on their own. The community facilitators each receive a monthly stipend.
Co-Workers
Project Coordinator
Maureen Makaya Project Facilitators
Dudu Ndlovu
(Rookdale) (Nazareth)
Thabile Hlongwane
(Maye)
Welile Nthshange
(Roosboom)
Celiwe Langa 
Joyce Sithole
(Pomeroy) (Hlumayo)
Lungile Hlongwane (Nhalakane) 
Nomusa Dladla (Sahlumbe) 
Celimpilo Lamula Summary
Name Area Soy in Food Planting Female Male Female Male Dudu Ndlovu Rookdale 55 3 38 2 Thabile Hlongwane Maye 59 10 39 5 Welile Nthshange Roosboom 46 2 35 4 Celiwe Langa Nazareth 82 – 58 12 Joyce Sithole Pomeroy 68 – 50 4 Lungile Hlongwane Nhlalakahle 76 7 60 – Nomusa Dladla Sahlumbe 67 – 41 – Celimpilo Lamula Emkhumbane 41 – 45 2 494 22 366 29 Outcomes
The majority of the Community Facilitators worked well and didn't need reminders on the training and the required follow-up visits. Unfortunately there was also those facilitators who had to constantly be reminded what is expected from them.
ESDF has therefor decided to focus on the Champion facilitators during the 2020/2021 season, to assist the communities to plant bigger fields and with setting up micro businesses, within their communities, to market Soy in Food products.
ESDF would like to conclude the Soy in Food awareness training in these areas during the 2020/2021 season and alternatively assist with establishing micro-enterprises run by the Champions.
Soy in Food training will proceed with the wives and farmers from the planting programme and subsequently assist the farmers wives in establishing their own micro enterprises.
Farmers Co-op planting with the Department of Agriculture
ESDF, in conjunction with the Department of Agriculture started planning the planting season as early as July 2019. Fields were sourced and Co-ops, that was eager to plant, were identified.
ESDF, the Department of Agriculture and OPDT organised a training workshop on 5 November 2019.
Ten agricultural advisors representing the Department of Agriculture and as well as 31 female and 13 male farmers attended the training.
The Agricultural Advisors from the Department of Agriculture oin the Okhahlamba 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 farmers and 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 2019 in moist soil.
The areas where they planted experienced good follow-up rain during the season and the crops are looking good.
ESDF also hosted a farmers day in the Amaswazini Area on the 19th of February 2020.
Summary of Co-op planting Name Male Female Hectares Remarks Income Amaswazi Co-op 8 3 18 Excellent crop R104 291.71 Zimvumbo Co-op – 15 4 No crop – Mhlanshane Co-op – 15 3 No crop – Ubuhle Bemfeni Co-op 6 2 4 No crop – Mdlambuzi Co-op 12 22 10 No crop – Uthando Lwenhlambane Co-op 16 29 12 Good crop R9 159.00 Manzana Co-op 7 16 10 Excellent crop R27 827.70 Qhozo Co-op 10 6 10 Average crop R22 773.76 Phembulwazi Co-op 4 – 10 No crop – Zamaninjaco Co-op 5 5 5 Good crop R29 700.00 Maye Co-op 1 – 4 Good crop R26 383.00 Gqushangani Co-op 11 4 4 Good crop R23 214.05 Amathsethwalane Co-op 7 4 3 Average crop R5 229.12 Ogade Co-op 6 4 4 No crop – Zwelisha Co-op 14 13 50 Excellent crop R34 402.50 Israel Zwelisha Co-op 6 12 45 Excellent crop R61 628.31 Greenpoint Co-op 7 8 6 Excellent crop R67 578.91 17 Co-ops 122 158 202 R412 188.12 129ha – EXCELLENT CROP | 25ha – GOOD CROP | 13ha – AVERAGE CROP | 35ha – NO CROP | 23.5ha – NOT PLANTED
Challenges
- Most of the fields planted is on communal land and it is sometimes difficult to get all parties to agree on planting again the following year.
- Fields planted are often new fields and has not been planted on for a long time resulting in poor germination and crops.
- It is difficult to do soil preparation due to the late seasonal rains.
- The Co-ops often experience cash-flow difficulties later on in the season and is thus unable to purchase Round-up.
- Crop rotation using maize is problematic as the maize is susceptible to theft.
- The Departmental contractors are not from the Okhahlamba area but from Underberg and Vryheid. Once the contractors leave the area it is difficult to get the contractors to return to proceed with spraying.
- There are too many inactive members in the Co-ops. These members only want to become involved once the planting has been a success and there is profit to be made. Needless to say that this causes friction between active and non-active members.
- 900mm row spacing are too wide. Soy must be planted at 700mm in order to control the weeds easier.
- The harvesting of the bigger fields (more hectares) are proving problematic. A Combine is need to harvest the bigger fields.
- If the Chairman of the Co-ops are incapacitated and can't continue with the planting project, it almost always lead to neglect of the fields.
Outcomes
There has been excellent crops this year despite the fact that the farmers and Co-ops each faced different challenges. These farmers are doing a fantastic job with the challenges they face and the old equipment available to them. They are farmers in the truest sense of the word!
There is great potential to increase the hectares planted and crop quality under the farmers and Co-ops in the Okhahlamba area. This would all be in conjunction with the help and energetic support of the Agricultural Advisors that has thus far been experienced.
Eden Social Development Foundation is in the process of identifying the Champions (Co-ops and farmers that has proven themselves to be eager and committed) in order to assist these champions by possibly increasing their hectares planted and improving crop quality.
The Co-ops that has not been performing during the previous season will not be assisted during the 2020/2021 season.
Farmers Planting
The farmers are positive about the prospect of planting more hectares during the next season however they are experiencing problems when it comes to the harvesting of the soy.
It would be to their benefit if they invest in a Harvester/ threshing machine. The majority of the farmers own Planters and Boom Sprayers.
The crops in KwaZulu Natal as well as in the Free State are looking much better than last season.
Summary Name Area Hectares Remarks Income Thulani Mbele Kestell / Harrismith 30 Excellent crop R376 200.00 Frans Makoena Tweespruit / Ladybrand 30 Excellent crop R396 000.00 Jabulani Mdluli Loskop, Estcourt 5 Excellent crop R20 454.40 ZV and Medi Nkosi (Young farmer) Maswazini, Bergville 4 Excellent crop R55 800.00 Mafanelo Mbele (Young farmer) Cathedral, Bergville 5 Good crop R11 569.82 Sanele Ngubane and Thuthukane Hlongwane (Young farmers) Ngoba, Bergville 1 Good crop R6 670.00 Lindiwe Khumalo Thaba Nhlope, Estcourt 5 Good crop R20 010.00 80 R886 704.22 
Soybean cultivation workshop
BERGVILLE – 30 OCTOBER 2019
Eden Social Development Foundation (ESDF), in conjunction with the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (DARD), hosted a 1 day workshop on Soybean Cultivation on 30 October 2019 in Bergville, Okhahlamba.
Venue
Department of Agriculture and Rural Development Offices, South Street, Bergville
Amaswazi Co-op soy fields (located in Amaswazi)Attendees
- Department of Agriculture, Bergville
10 Agricultural Advisors
31 Female Farmers and Co-op Members
13 Male Farmers and Co-op Members
Program Facilitator
Training was done by Mr Gareth Alcock, from Estcourt, who previously worked as a contractor for Grain SA. Mr Alcock is fluent in Zulu and delivered an excellent presentation.
Farmers Day
AMASWAZI AREA, UTHUKELA DISTRICT, BERGVILLE – 17 FEBRUARY 2020
Eden Social Development Foundation (ESDF), in conjunction with the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (DARD), hosted a Farmers day in Bergville, Okhahlamba.
Venue
Department of Agriculture and Rural Development Offices, South Street, Bergville
Amaswazi Co-op soy fields (located in Amaswazi)Attendees
- Department of Agriculture, Bergville
5 Male and 6 Female Agriculture Advisors - Department of Agriculture, Newcastle
2 Male and 4 Female Advisors - Bergville Soy Farmers and groups
12 Male and 19 Female attendees - Newcastle Soy Farmers and groups
20 Male and 5 Female attendees
Multicrop thresher
The Multi-crop thresher has been designed by a Ghanaian Engineer and has been extensively field tested by Soybean Innovation Lab (SIL) and farmers.
Extru Feeds and Eden Social Development Foundation received the drawings from Soybean Innovation Lab in order to manufacture their own thresher for testing.
ESDF is planning to manufacture more of these threshers to be sold to small co-ops. The co-ops can rent out the thrashers within their respective communities promoting the establishment of micro-enterprises.
This endeavour has great potential for job creation as there is a market for these threshers in the rural areas under small farmers.
Addressing food insecurity by supporting economic growth for emerging farmers
No progress was made with the project during the reporting year.
Promoting household production and processing of soybean as major source of quality protein (Limpopo)
No progress was made with the project during the reporting year.
Canola and soybean trial at Alice and Stutterheim
No progress was made with the project during the reporting year.
Mentoring groundnut farmers
No progress was made with the project during the reporting year.
Oil and protein seeds transformation initiative
No additional research, training or technology transfer was done during the reporting year.
Grain Farmer Development Association (GFADA)
Introduction
GFADA is a single Transformation Body in the grain and oilseeds industries in South Africa, with a vision to establish successful competitive black commercial farmers. The main objective of GFADA is to facilitate and oversee transformation functions on behalf of the member trusts in the grains and oilseeds industries in the Republic of South Africa, with specific focus on the establishment and development of "emerging grain farmers" of previously disadvantaged backgrounds.
The purpose of this report is to provide the outcomes in respect of the funding received from the Oil and Protein Seeds Development Trust towards the administration of GFADA and Oilseeds projects for the 2019/2020 season.
Support to oilseeds farmers in respect of the 2019/2020 season
The allocation and utilization of funds for Existing projects
The Oil and Protein Seeds Development Trust approved the grant funding of R3 810 600 for the continuation of existing oilseeds projects in respect of the 2019/2020 season. The allocation and utilisation of the funds in respect of the existing project is shown in table 1. It should be noted that the table 1 indicates final utilisation at the time of developing this document and does not include the final projects payment.
Table 1: Allocation and final utilization of existing Oilseeds farmers in respect of the 2019/2020 season No. Partner Province No. of Farmers Ha Allocation Amount paid Provision Final utilisation R R R R 1. SOYABEAN 1.1 DRDAR EC 29 1 450 1 450 000 238 202 1 211 798 238 202 1.2 Lemang Agric Services GP&MP 2 200 360 000 – 360 000 – 1.3 Ndwadwa Holdings MP 1 200 200 000 200 000 – 200 000 1.4 TWK Agriculture MP 7 600 660 000 318 000 342 000 318 000 1.5 VKB FS 3 126 138 600 7 560 131 040 7 560 Total (1) 42 2 576 2 808 600 763 762 2 044 838 763 762 2. SUNFLOWER 2.2 GFADA Direct NW 1 150 90 000 9 000 81 000 9 000 2.3 NWK NW 14 1 400 840 000 187 583 652 417 187 583 2.4 VKB FS 2 120 72 000 17 866 54 134 17 866 Total (2) 17 1 670 1 002 000 214 449 787 551 214 449 Total (1+2) 59 4 246 3 810 600 978 211 2 832 389 978 211 As shown in Table 1, the final utilisation for the season 2019/2020 amounts to R978 211. farmers planted more sunflower due to late rainfall for maize planting. Sunflower became an alternative crop for most farmers in the Free State and the North West Provinces.
The allocation and utilization of funds for the new projects
The amount of R3 036 200 was approved by the Oil and Protein Seeds Development Trust in respect of the new Oilseeds projects for the 2019/2020 season. The summary of allocation and final utilization of the aforementioned amount is shown in table 2. The total amount of R318 573 was utilized by the time of developing this document which excludes the final projects payments.
Table 2: Allocation and final utilization of new Oilseeds farmers in respect of the 2019/2020 season No. Partner Province No. of Farmers Ha Allocation Amount paid Provision Final utilisation R R R R 1. SOYABEAN 1.1 Lemang Agric MP 5 325 357 500 – 357 500 – 1.2 VKB FS 2 200 568 400 67 302 501 098 67 302 Total (1) 7 525 925 900 67 302 858 598 67 302 2. SUNFLOWER 2.1 NWK NW 4 400 80 000 58 433 21 567 58 433 2.2 VKB FS 2 210 178 500 58 234 120 266 58 234 Total (2) 20 1 660 2 110 300 251 271 1 859 029 251 271 Grand Total 27 2 185 3 036 200 318 573 2 717 627 318 573 GFADA support, agronomic performance, and financial information for soybean projects
In this section, the outcome of the 2019/2020 season in respect of the agronomical and financial performance for soybean farmers supported by GFADA in partnership with agribusiness that provided loans to farmers is discussed. It should be noted that not all Service Providers provided loans for the farmers. Grant funding was received from The Eastern Cape Department of Rural Development and Agrarian Reform (DRDAR).
Farmers supported by GFADA with EC DRDAR
GFADA supported four farmers in partnership with EC DRDAR as continuation of projects in respect of the 2019/2020 season. Table 3 shows the agronomic and financial performance for each farmer supported in respect of 2019/2020 season.
Table 3: Agronomical and financial performance for Oilseeds farmers Agronomy Financial information Actual hectares planted Actual harvested Average Total tons harvested Average selling price/ton Total income Loan amounts Insurance payout GM (deficit) Ha Ha Ton/ha Ton R R R R R PARTNER AND FARMERS: DRDAR Farmer 1 — Crop: Soybean 30 – – – – – – – – Farmer 2 — Crop: Soybean 28 26 1 27 6 200 167 400 – – 167 400 Farmer 3 — Crop: Soybean 31 26 1 29 6 200 179 800 – – 179 800 Farmer 4 — Crop: Soybean 18 16 2 26 6 200 161 200 – – 161 200 TOTAL 107 68 2 82 4 650 508 400 – – 508 400 As indicated in table 3 only four famers out of the twenty-nine approved manged to plant due to late rains and that the department did not provide funding for production inputs. farmers who managed to plant received positive margins except farmer 1 who had crop failure.
Generally, the season was good despite the late rains and farmers received good prices.
GFADA in partnership with Ndwandwa Holdings
GFADA supported farmers' groups under Ndwandwa Holdings in terms of the existing projects for the 2019/2020 season. The farmers' group are based in Mpumalanga Province funded by the Land Bank. Table 4 shows consolidated agronomic performance of the farmers' group supported.
Table 4: Agronomic and financial performance for Oilseeds farmers Agronomy Financial information Actual hectares planted Actual harvested Average Total tons harvested Average selling price/ton Total income Loan amounts Insurance payout GM (deficit) Ha Ha Ton/ha Ton R R R R R PARTNER AND FARMERS: NDWADWA HOLDINGS Farmer 1 — Crop: Soybean 194 194 2 456 5 400 2 462 400 1 855 792 – 606 608 TOTAL 194 194 2 456 5 400 2 462 400 1 855 792 – 606 608 Generally, farmers had a good season despite 15 ha hail damage experienced. As indicated in table 4 farmers manged to plant 194 hectares which is a little bit less than the approved and were profitably during the season.
Farmers supported by GFADA in partnership with Lemang Agricultural Services
GFADA supported two continuation of existing farmers and five new farmers in partnership with Lemang Agricultural Services in respect of 2019/2020 season for the farmers based in Mpumalanga province. Table 5 shows the agronomic and financial performance for each farmer supported in respect of 2019/2020 season.
Table 5: Agronomic and financial performance for Oilseeds farmers Agronomy Financial information Actual hectares planted Actual harvested Average Total tons harvested Average selling price/ton Total income Loan amounts Insurance payout GM (deficit) Ha Ha Ton/ha Ton R R R R R PARTNER AND FARMERS: LEMANG AGRIC Farmer 1 — Crop: Soybean 495 495 2 972 6 400 6 220 800 3 487 000 – 2 733 800 Farmer 2 — Crop: Soybean 313 313 1 320 6 000 1 920 000 – 547 267 2 467 267 Farmer 3 — Crop: Soybean 420 420 2 720 6 000 4 320 000 8 500 000 – -4 180 000 Farmer 4 — Crop: Soybean 77 77 1 94 6 100 573 400 301 940 – 271 460 Farmer 5 — Crop: Soybean 150 150 1 184 6 500 1 196 000 927 993 – 268 007 Farmer 6 — Crop: Soybean 280 280 2 623 3 200 1 993 600 1 489 976 – 503 624 Farmer 7 — Crop: Soybean 280 280 1 354 6 000 2 124 000 1 135 000 – 989 000 TOTAL 2 015 2 015 2 3 267 5 743 18 347 800 15 841 909 547 267 3 053 158 Table 5 shows that seven soybean farmers were supported in respect to 2019/2020 season. The overall gross margin for most farmers as stated in Table 5 is positive. Farmer 3 had high credit balance which led to a negative margin.
The highlights on performance of farmers under this programme are as follows:
- Sufficient rainfall later in the season contributed to the positive margins of the farmers.
- Farmers received good prices for their crops.
- Grain was sold through the hedging tools to mitigate market risk.
- Farmers planted more hectares than planned due to late rains which delayed maize planting.
Farmers experienced lot of mechanical breakdowns due to old farming equipment.
Farmers supported in partnership with TWK Agriculture
GFADA supported three of the seven existing farmers in respect of 2019/2020 based in the Mpumalanga province. Table 6 shows the agronomic and financial performance for each farmer supported in respect of 2019/2020 season.
Table 6: Agronomic and financial performance for Oilseeds farmers Agronomy Financial information Actual hectares planted Actual harvested Average Total tons harvested Average selling price/ton Total income Loan amounts Insurance payout GM (deficit) Ha Ha Ton/ha Ton R R R R R PARTNER AND FARMERS: TWK Farmer 1 — Crop: Soybean 258 258 0.19 50 6 880 344 000 4 000 000 – -3 656 000 Farmer 2 — Crop: Soybean 178 178 0.31 56 6 140 343 840 2 500 000 1 850 925 -305 235 Farmer 3 — Crop: Soybean 119 119 0.45 53 6 550 349 685 1 200 000 – -850 315 TOTAL 555 555 0.29 159 6 523 1 037 525 7 700 000 1 850 925 -4 811 550 As indicated in table 6, all the farmers received negative margins due to severe hail damage and high inputs cost which was added on by the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Farmers did receive mentorship from the Service Provider. However, indicated dissatisfaction regarding the insurance cover provided.
Farmers supported under TWK Agriculture had a bad season and carry-over debts.
Farmers supported in partnership with VKB
GFADA supported one new farmer out of the five approved in respect of 2019/2020 season based in the Free State province. Table 7 below shows the agronomic and financial performance for each farmer supported.
Table 7: Agronomical and financial performance for Oilseeds farmers Agronomy Financial information Actual hectares planted Actual harvested Average Total tons harvested Average selling price/ton Total income Loan amounts Insurance payout GM (deficit) Ha Ha Ton/ha Ton R R R R R PARTNER AND FARMERS: VKB Farmer 1 — Crop: Soybean 46 46 2 105 6 041 632 146 402 649 – 229 497 TOTAL 46 46 2 105 6 041 632 146 402 649 – 229 497 Table 7 indicates that farmer 1 did manage to plant despite late rains which led to other farmers not planting. However, the farmer planted less than the planned hectares. The farmer achieved good yields and received positive margin. The farmer's credit account was also low which worked to his advantage.
Generally, the season was not good for soybean farmers in the Free State area.
GFADA support, agronomic performance, and financial information for sunflower projects
In this section, the outcome of the 2019/2020 season in respect of the agronomic and financial performance for sunflower farmers supported by GFADA in partnership with agribusiness that provided loans to farmers is as follows:
Farmers supported by GFADA Direct-Maru A Rangogo
GFADA supported one farmer as continuation of existing projects under Maru A Rangogo based in the North West Province in respect of the 2019/2020 season. Table 9 shows the agronomic and financial performance for the farmer supported.
Table 8: Agronomic and financial performance for Oilseeds farmers Agronomy Financial information Actual hectares planted Actual harvested Average Total tons harvested Average selling price/ton Total income Loan amounts Insurance payout GM (deficit) Ha Ha Ton/ha Ton R R R R R PARTNER AND FARMERS: GFADA DIRECT Farmer 1 — Crop: Sunflower 20 11 0.3 3 5 976 17 928 120 000 – -102 072 TOTAL 20 11 0.3 3 5 976 17 928 120 000 – -102 072 The farmer only manged to plant 20 hectares of the 150 planned and achieved negative margin as a result.
Factors which contributed to the losses as stated in table 9 are as follows:
- Lack of access to production loan/funding
- Poor germination due to the improper planting by the contractor
- Wet weather conditions which halted operations during the season
- Late harvesting due to late access to contactor
GFADA linked the farmer to Service Providers in the area unfortunately they did not meet the funding criteria.
Farmers supported by GFADA in partnership with NWK
GFADA in partnership with NWK supported 10 farmers in respect of 2019/2020 season for the farmers based in North West province. Table 9 shows the agronomic and financial performance for each farmer supported.
Agronomy Financial information Actual hectares planted Actual harvested Average Total tons harvested Average selling price/ton Total income Loan amounts Insurance payout GM (deficit) Ha Ha Ton/ha Ton R R R R R PARTNER AND FARMERS: NWK Farmer 1 — Crop: Sunflower 145 145 1 133 5 610 745 176 274 000 – 471 176 Farmer 2 — Crop: Sunflower 424 424 1 468 5 455 2 553 747 1 602 964 – 950 783 Farmer 3 — Crop: Sunflower 126 126 1 92 5 717 524 843 234 370 – 290 473 Farmer 4 — Crop: Sunflower 115 115 1 70 5 442 378 946 360 470 – 18 476 Farmer 5 — Crop: Sunflower 140 140 0.1 16 5 304 84 650 – – 84 650 Farmer 6 — Crop: Sunflower 105 105 1 55 5 373 295 982 234 000 – 61 982 Farmer 7 — Crop: Sunflower 36 36 1 49 5 282 260 522 29 262 – 231 260 Farmer 8 — Crop: Sunflower 182 182 1 243 5 311 1 290 534 718 708 – 571 826 Farmer 9 — Crop: Sunflower 76 76 1 47 5 295 246 908 159 626 – 87 282 Farmer 10 — Crop: Sunflower 161 161 1 139 5 436 756 048 528 349 – 227 700 TOTAL 1 510 1 510 1 1 311 5 423 7 137 357 4 141 749 – 2 995 608 Table 9 indicates that ten farmers planted out of the approved eighteen approved. All farmers supported achieved positive margins. Farmer 5 was not financed which assisted in achieving positive margin. Farmers planted more sunflower due to late rains which delayed maize planting.
Most farmers which were not approved for finance did not manage to plant, however the season was good for those who managed to plant.
Farmers supported by GFADA in partnership with VKB
GFADA supported four farmers in partnership with VKB in respect of the 2019/2020 season for farmers based in the Free State Province. The projects were both for the continuation and new. Table 10 below shows the agronomic and financial performance of each farmer.
Agronomy Financial information Actual hectares planted Actual harvested Average Total tons harvested Average selling price/ton Total income Loan amounts Insurance payout GM (deficit) Ha Ha Ton/ha Ton R R R R R PARTNER AND FARMERS: VKB Farmer 1 — Crop: Sunflower 89 89 1 124 5 283 654 797 477 148 – 177 649 Farmer 2 — Crop: Sunflower 15 15 1 10 5 301 53 012 38 163 – 14 849 Farmer 3 — Crop: Sunflower 220 220 1 168 5 311 892 181 342 499 – 549 682 Farmer 4 — Crop: Sunflower 66 66 1 88 5 297 465 203 61 793 – 403 410 TOTAL (2) 390 482 1 390 5 298 2 697 338 919 603 – 1 145 589 GRAND TOTAL 436 528 1 494 5 422 3 329 484 1 322 252 – 1 375 086 As indicated in table 10 all the approved farmers managed to plant, mostly more than the approved hectares except for farmer 2. Farmer 1 and 4 achieved average yields for the area. Farmers experienced challenge with sclerotinia fungal pathogen. Farmer 4 experienced severe wind damage.
Generally, the farmers had a good season with all achieving positive margins.
Summary and conclusion
Table 11:Summary of Agronomic and financial performance for Oilseeds farmers Agronomy Financial information Actual hectares planted Actual harvested Average Total tons harvested Average selling price/ton Total income Loan amounts Insurance payout GM (deficit) Ha Ha Ton/ha Ton R R R R R 1. PARTNER AND FARMERS: DRDAR Farmer 1 — Crop: Soybean 30– – – – – – – – – Farmer 2 — Crop: Soybean 28 26 1 27 6 200 167 400 – – 167 400 Farmer 3 — Crop: Soybean 31 26 1 29 6 200 179 800 – – 179 800 Farmer 4 — Crop: Soybean 18 16 2 26 6 200 161 200 – – 161 200 TOTAL (1) 107 68 2 82 4 650 508 400 – – 508 400 2. PARTNER AND FARMERS: GFADA DIRECT Farmer 5 — Crop: Sunflower 20 11 0.3 3 5 976 17 928 120 000 – -102 072 TOTAL (2) 20 11 0.3 3 5 976 17 928 120 000 – -102 072 3. PARTNER AND FARMERS: NDWADWA HOLDINGS Farmer 6 — Crop: Soybean 194 194 2 456 5 400 2 462 400 1 855 792 – 606 608 TOTAL (3) 194 194 2 456 5 400 2 462 400 1 855 792 – 606 608 4. PARTNER AND FARMERS: NWK Farmer 7 — Crop: Sunflower 145 145 1 133 5 610 745 176 274 000 – 471 176 Farmer 8 — Crop: Sunflower 424 424 1 468 5 455 2 553 747 1 602 964 – 950 783 Farmer 9 — Crop: Sunflower 126 126 1 92 5 717 524 843 234 370 – 290 473 Farmer 10 — Crop: Sunflower 115 115 1 70 5 442 378 946 360 470 – 18 476 Farmer 11 — Crop: Sunflower 140 140 0.1 16 5 304 84 650 – – 84 650 Farmer 12 — Crop: Sunflower 105 105 1 55 5 373 295 982 234 000 – 61 982 Farmer 13 — Crop: Sunflower 36 36 1 49 5 282 260 522 29 262 – 231 260 Farmer 14 — Crop: Sunflower 182 182 1 243 5 311 1 290 534 718 708 – 571 826 Farmer 15 — Crop: Sunflower 76 76 1 47 5 295 246 908 159 626 – 87 282 Farmer 16 — Crop: Sunflower 161 161 1 139 5 436 756 048 528 349 – 227 700 TOTAL (4) 1 510 1 510 1 1 311 5 423 7 137 357 4 141 749 – 2 995 608 5. PARTNER AND FARMERS: LEMANG AGRIC Farmer 17 — Crop: Soybean 495 495 2 972 6 400 6 220 800 3 487 000 – 2 733 800 Farmer 18 — Crop: Soybean 313 313 1 320 6 000 1 920 000 – 547 267 2 467 267 Farmer 19 — Crop: Soybean 420 420 2 720 6 000 4 320 000 8 500 000 – 4 180 000 Farmer 20 — Crop: Soybean 77 77 1 94 6 100 573 400 301 940 – 271 460 Farmer 21 — Crop: Soybean 150 150 1 184 6 500 1 196 000 927 993 – 268 007 Farmer 22 — Crop: Soybean 280 280 2 623 3 200 1 993 600 1 489 976 – 503 624 Farmer 23 — Crop: Soybean 280 280 1 354 6 000 2 124 000 1 135 000 – 989 000 TOTAL (5) 2 015 2 015 2 3 267 5 743 18 347 800 15 841 909 547 267 3 053 158 6. PARTNER AND FARMERS: TWK Farmer 24 — Crop: Soybean 258 258 0.2 50 6 880 344 000 4 000 000 – -3 656 000 Farmer 25 — Crop: Soybean 178 178 0.3 56 6 140 343 840 2 500 000 1 850 925 -305 235 Farmer 26 — Crop: Soybean 119 119 0.4 53 6 550 349 685 1 200 000 – -850 315 TOTAL (6) 555 555 0.3 159 6 523 1 037 525 7 700 000 1 850 925 -4 811 550 7. PARTNER AND FARMERS: VKB Farmer 27 — Crop: Soybean 46 46 2 105 6 041 632 146 402 649 – 229 497 TOTAL (7.1) 46 46 2 105 6 041 632 146 402 649 – 229 497 Farmer 28 — Crop: Sunflower 89 89 1 124 5 283 654 797 477 148 – 177 649 Farmer 29 — Crop: Sunflower 15 15 1 10 5 301 53 012 38 163 – 14 849 Farmer 30 — Crop: Sunflower 220 220 1 168 5 311 892 181 342 499 – 549 682 Farmer 31 — Crop: Sunflower 66 66 1 88 5 297 465 203 61 793 – 403 410 TOTAL (7.2) 390 482 1 390 5 298 2 697 338 919 603 – 1 145 589 TOTAL (7) 436 528 1 494 5 422 3 329 484 1 322 252 – 1 375 086 GRAND TOTAL 4 837 4 881 1 5 773 5 591 32 840 894 30 981 702 2 398 192 3 625 238 Late rains during the 2019/2020 season resulted in limited planting window for maize farmers leading farmers to look for alternative crops. Table 11 shows that out of 86 approved farmers only 31 managed to plant, however most farmers planted more hectares than planned due to the late rains. The abandoning of maize planting boasted the production of oilseeds crops during the season.
Farmers benefited from the good rains which followed the dry weather at the begging of the season combined with good commodity prices. As indicated in table 11 farmers achieved positive margins except the ones supported under TWK. Farmer 19 had negative margin to the high credit account balance. Farmer 1 had crop failure which led to no crop to harvest. Farmer 5 received negative margin due main due to lack of access to production credit facility.
Farmers indicated during GFADA visits to be satisfied with the mentorship programmes provided by the Service Providers, however, concerns were raised by farmers under TWK with regard to the kind of insurance cover provided. Late projects approvals and payments by GFADA was also as concern as farmers pay interest on the payments made by service providers from the credit facility.
Generally, the season was good for the production of oilseeds crops as well as the good commodity prices received by the farmers.
GFADA would like to acknowledge the contribution of all the partners included in this report, the support of the Oils and protein Seeds Development Trust and Oilseeds Advisory Committee.
GFADA would like to acknowledge the contribution of all the partners included in this report, the support of the Oils and protein Seeds Development Trust and Oilseeds Advisory Committee.
ANNEXURE A
Photos taken in different areas for the farmers supported in respect 2019/2020 season
