Transcript Black History Month Presentation

Mentoring in the
Agricultural Sector
AgriSETA Conference
22 October 2009
Deon van der Ross
Content
Background
Challenges
Partnerships
Mentoring
Linkages
Current Situation
Successes
Conclusion
BRAZIL
7/17/2015
3
CHINA
7/17/2015
4
COLOMBIA
7/17/2015
5
EUROPE
7/17/2015
6
World Fastest Growing City
=%
?
=%
?
=%
?
South Africa 2020
=% increase in
technical skills
= % growth
7/17/2015
8
= Unemployment
Background – development / mentorship program
OVK started with a development program for
black farmers in 2007
A total of 60 farmers has completed a six
month business management course
Sixteen farmers are currently in the
commercialization project – (summer and
winter crop)
Between OVK, VKB & GSA = 66 farmers in
summer and winter crop projects > 3000 ha
Impact on food security by Agri - Businesses
Challenges
Basic knowledge about running a business
Knowledge – acceptable farming practices
Excess to funding
Excess to markets
Building a track record
Lack of equipment
Government policies / strategies
Partnerships
OVK, Grain South Africa and Free State
Department of Agriculture
AgriSETA
Maize Trust
Wheat Trust
IDC
Suppliers
• Monsanto
• Omnia
• Opticrop
• Wenkem, Novon Protecta
• Santam Agri
• Commercial farmers
Mentorship
Training is a vital part of the development program and is
definitely the foundation for success, but
IT IS NOT ENOUGH
In addition to information a person needs experience to
operate effectively – something you cannot get from a
textbook
MENTORING
Mentorship refers to a developmental relationship in which a
more experienced or more knowledgeable person helps a less
experienced or less knowledgeable person
The mentor is not just a provider of knowledge but rather a guide.
Sometime you have to admit that you need help
Linkages
Willingness from both parties
Compatible
Relationship
Location
------------Scope
Deliverables
Exit strategy
Current Situation
Trained – basics about running business
Knowledge – acceptable farming practices
Excess to funding
Excess to markets
Track record
Support structure (mentor)
------------Farmer organisations
Business Organisations
Successes
2007 – One farmer to University (AgriSETA
support)
2007 – First place – Dev. Grain Farmer of the
year (GSA)
2008 – Second and Third place - Dev. Grain
Farmer of the year (OVK & GSA)
2009 – First and Second place - Dev. Grain
Farmer of the year (OVK,VKB & GSA)
"Mistakes are a fact of life. It is the response to error that counts."
Nikki Giovanni
" You will learn and grow according to the nature and consequences of your
actions."
Robert Anthony
You can do anything - or can you ?
The woodpecker may have to go
Conclusion
Address the challenges stop the blame game
Empowerment vs. Beggar mentality
Relationships between all stakeholders
Available expertise
Support form Government
Coming together is a beginning...Keeping together is progress...Working
together is a success."
Anonymous