In a step towards modernising agriculture, the Mpumalanga Farmers Outreach Programme on Agritech Technology Validation was recently held at Phambili Ngombono Farm near Ngodwana.

The initiative brought together key stakeholders and farmers in a practical learning environment and proved to be a successful and informative event.

The outreach was delivered through a strategic partnership between the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment; the United Nations Development Programme; the Department of Agriculture, Rural Development, Land and Environmental Affairs (Dardlea); 22 On Sloane; and the People of Japan.

According to Dardlea spokesperson Zanele Shabangu, a key focus area of the programme was the fish farming process known as aquaculture, with demonstrations and discussions centred on innovative technologies such as automatic feeders and aquaponics systems.

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“Currently, Mpumalanga is the only province actively implementing aquaculture technology funded through this initiative,” she said.

The outreach focused on introducing innovative technologies that can improve productivity while addressing climate-related challenges. Held at Phambili Ngombono Farm, a Dardlea-supported mixed farming operation, the event formed part of the United Nations Development Programme’s Leveraging Agritech AI for Sustainable Agricultural and Export Development in South Africa initiative.

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“It aims to validate selected agritech solutions through direct engagement with farming communities, ensuring that the technologies introduced are practical, affordable, climate-responsive and aligned with local production realities,” explained Shabangu.