Kgodiso Development Fund Chairperson Alfred Setlakalane, and University of Limpopo Vice-Chancellor and Principal Dr Jeffrey Mabelebele reaffirm their commitment to a partnership that will strengthen agricultural research, support emerging farmers and develop future leaders in the potato industry.
University of Limpopo and Kgodiso Development Fund invest in student bursaries, farmer training and agricultural research to improve food production and rural livelihoods
By Malatji Monyelegwete – malatji.monyelegwete@ul.ac.za
A R5 million investment by the Kgodiso Development Fund (KDF) will support student bursaries, agricultural research and farmer development through a partnership with the University of Limpopo (UL)
Announced during a stakeholder engagement between the university and the KDF Board, the funding will support the University’s Enhanced Bursary and Farmer Development Initiative. The programme combines research and practical farmer training to address skills shortages, improve potato production and strengthen rural livelihoods in Limpopo.
The funding will provide bursaries for students while helping emerging farmers gain access to training and technical support from university researchers.
Professor Victor Mmbengwa from UL’s School of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences said the partnership would give farmers access to research expertise and practical skills to improve productivity.
“The investment will provide on-site skills development and practical training for emerging farmers, helping to build sustainable agricultural entrepreneurs and a skilled workforce in the potato industry across Limpopo, particularly in the province’s major potato-producing areas,” he said.
The programme will also support research into challenges facing the agricultural sector while strengthening collaboration between researchers, industry and farming communities.
KDF Chairperson Alfred Setlakalane said the fund’s investment is intended to strengthen agriculture by linking scientific research with practical farming.
“Farmers are at the centre of this initiative. Our goal is to empower committed farmers with the science and research they need to reach their full potential,” he said.
He added that the fund is also investing in young people pursuing careers in agriculture through bursaries and educational opportunities.
The partnership will provide bursaries to 25 final-year BSc Agricultural Science students and five postgraduate students. It will also fund an eight-month capacity-building programme for 50 smallholder potato farmers across Limpopo.
UL Vice-Chancellor and Principal Dr Jeffrey Mabelebele said the partnership would strengthen collaboration between academics, researchers and farming communities.
“As the university, we are committed to using our expertise in crop production and soil science to improve farming practices. We also propose the establishment of a Research Chair focusing on potato production and soil science to advance research and support the growth of the sector,” said Dr Mabelebele.
He also welcomed opportunities to introduce short learning programmes for emerging farmers and thanked the Kgodiso Development Fund for supporting students, many of whom come from disadvantaged backgrounds.
KDF Executive Director Tilo Diale said Limpopo, as South Africa’s largest potato-producing province, is well placed to benefit from closer collaboration between the agricultural sector and the university.
He said the partnership would strengthen research while giving students and farmers access to knowledge and practical skills that can improve productivity across the province.
Acting Director of the Resource Mobilisation Unit at UL, Dr Bonginkosi Dladlama, said the funding supports the university’s core functions of teaching and learning, research and community engagement.
“The investment will create opportunities for students, researchers and farming communities while ensuring that the university’s research contributes directly to agricultural development and economic growth in Limpopo,” he said.
“Farmers are at the centre of this initiative. Our goal is to empower committed farmers with the science and research they need to reach their full potential.”
