Requesting party and partners:

Stellenbosch University

Western Cape Department of Agriculture

AgriColleges International

6 Individual TVETs: Vhembe TVET, Nkangala TVET, Northern Cape TVET, Motheo TVET, Elsenburg TVET and Boland TVET

Academy for Environmental Leadership

Consortium partners Q-point:

Graafschap College

Maastricht School of Management

CINOP

SaltFarm Texel

Acacia Water

The involved institutions

Stellenbosch University (SU) is a leading University in SA. Experts from both its Water and
Agriculture departments are part of the consortium. SU is founder of the Elsenburg TVET, and
faculty staff provides training & teaching of staff and students to TVETs across the country. It
has invested in skills and technology to become a lead provider of e-learning agriculture
programs.

The Western Cape Department of Agriculture supporting the provincial agricultural sector in maintaining its export position by growing its value added; supporting the sector (farmers
and industries) in increasing agricultural production (primary provincial commodities); optimising the sustainable utilisation of our natural resources through conservation.

Context

Background: Agriculture and watermanagement in South Africa

South Africa faces critical challenges in water management and agriculture, particularly in transitioning land to emerging farmers who need modern farming skills. The project focuses on horticulture and potato sectors in key production areas like the Western Cape, Free State, and North West province. Emphasizing water-smart innovations such as high-efficiency irrigation and optimized water use strategies, it aims to boost agricultural income and employment. The potential for integrating Dutch knowledge and technology is high, with a focus on empowering disadvantaged groups, especially women, through online learning.

Water security, a priority for the South African government, is under strain with agriculture consuming 60% of resources. Innovative practices in water resource management, including 3R measures and groundwater strategies, are essential. However, implementing these in the agriculture-water nexus is challenging and requires a skilled workforce, supportive platforms for sharing insights, and collaborative efforts for sustainable and inclusive growth.

Project goal and outputs

The project promoted agricultural growth and sustainable, equitable water use by educating young people in water optimization and climate-smart agriculture. It was based on aligning TVET programs with labor market needs in agriculture and water. Key stakeholders included the QCTO and SETA, supporting the development of a new national occupational qualification. Six TVET colleges across various provinces were involved, with Stellenbosch University leading the implementation. The consortium and TVETs focused on developing occupational standards, industry skill matching, and inclusive practices, supported by a Dutch-South African Triple helix platform.

 

Relevant Sustainable Development Goals

The objective of the FNS & Water project are as follows: End hunger (SDG 2) and Ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all (SDG 6) by Promoting agricultural growth and sustainable and equitable water use, ensuring the needs of all sectors and the Environment.

The following overarching outcome has been defined at project level:

TVET and HE organizations (in SA and in NL) perform better their core tasks and are firmly embedded in their environment (in line with specific labour market needs & aiming at inclusiveness).

Client

Funded by the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs and managed by Nuffic, as part of the Orange Knowledge Programme, project number OKP-SAF-10023.

 

  •  logo

Duration

June 2019 – December 2022

Other projects

More projects