A review of the role of agricultural extension and training in achieving sustainable food security: a case of South Africa

E N Raidimi,H M Kabiti

doi:10.17159/2413-3221/2019/v47n3a520

Abstract

A review of the role of agricultural extension and training in achieving sustainable food security: a case of South Africa

Highlights

Since time immemorial, agriculture has been and continues to be the mainstay of rural economies in sub-Saharan Africa and throughout the developing world
In sub-Saharan Africa, 60 to 80% of the population is employed in agriculture, producing 15 to 50% of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) (Organisation for Economic Co-operation Development (OECD), 2016; Staaz & Dembele, 2008)
The purpose of this paper was to outline the role of agricultural extension and training for sustainable food security, focusing on the potential role agricultural extension and training can play in addressing South African rural household food security concerns

Summary

Introduction

Agriculture has been and continues to be the mainstay of rural economies in sub-Saharan Africa and throughout the developing world. In sub-Saharan Africa, 60 to 80% of the population is employed in agriculture, producing 15 to 50% of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) (Organisation for Economic Co-operation Development (OECD), 2016; Staaz & Dembele, 2008). Smallholder farmers are important drivers of the agriculture sector in these areas as they grow most of the food These farmers, who are endowed with limited resources, have become the mainstay of food supply for millions of people in South Africa, and this situation is likely to progress for several years. The long-term goals of the agricultural sector in South Africa are to improve food security and reduce poverty by supporting the efforts of smallholders to increase agricultural productivity (Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (DAFF), 2011). Despite all the government’s efforts and well-intended policies, there is ample evidence that there has been very little progression and productivity of subsistence farmers in South Africa

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