Date: 25th-26th April 2023
Location: Bergville, South Africa
Organisers: Mahlathini Development Foundation, Institute of Natural Resources (INR), funded by Umgeni Water
Participants: 12 household farmers, 7 Citizen Scientists, and 3 INR staff from the uMkhomazi Catchment
Activities: Participants engaged in a two-day field exchange, visiting various conservation agriculture (CA) plots in Bergville. They observed intercropping techniques, compared open-pollinated and hybrid seed varieties, and discussed sustainable farming practices. The visit included practical demonstrations of runoff monitoring and the use of innovative planting tools.
Outcomes: The exchange facilitated mutual learning, with participants gaining insights into crop rotation, intercropping benefits, and efficient planting techniques. The visit also highlighted the importance of working together to reduce workload and improve soil health.
Key Highlights:
- Practical demonstrations of sustainable agriculture methods
- Enhanced understanding of CA principles
- Social interactions that fostered knowledge transfer
- Participants’ eagerness to implement new techniques in their communities
- Plans by some farmers to scale up CA production by acquiring more land
The visit was deemed highly successful, achieving its objectives and inspiring participants to share their newfound knowledge with others.
