The Limpopo Department of Agriculture (LDA) is holding mini-Extension Conferences throughout the Limpopo province. In these conferences, extension workers offering advisory services to farmers are sharing information that could make them render better services to the farming fraternity in the communities. The information sharing centres on the extension delivery approaches linked with operational plans on the ground. There are motivational speakers to cheer them up in their extension work in the communities. There are team-building sessions in all the mini-conferences.
This is in accordance with the pursuance of norms and standards for extension and advisory services in agriculture which came about as a response to the gaps prevalent in the extension and advisory service in South Africa.To close the gaps in extension and advisory service, the Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries commissioned a study on a search for an appropriate model of extension for South Africa.This study has identified important principles considered fundamental to forming the guidelines framework for extension approaches.As such, five core pillars to form the focus for the Extension Recovery Plan were drawn.
The pillars are spelt out as follows; Ensuring accountability and visibility, Promotion of professionalism and image of extension and advisory services, Recruitment of extension and advisory service personnel, Re-skilling and re-orientation of extension personnel andProvision of ICT infra-structure and other support resources. These mini-conferences are advancing the promotion of professionalism and image of extension and advisory services which is the second pillar. The mini-conferences take place in this order:
- Sekhukhune: 25 & 26 October 2010 (Loskop Dam-Groblersdal)
- Vhembe: 26 & 27 October 2010 (Tshipise Forever Resort-Musina)
- Mopani: 27 & 28 October 2010, (Karibu Lodge-Tzaneen).
All the mini-conferences which are build-up events to the 2011 February Provincial Conference, will start from 9h00.
The media is invited to the occasion.
For more information, contact:
Mr Kenny Mathivha
Cell: 082 450 1331
