This is according to Thabiso Mokhesengoane, an extension officer with the Free State Department of Agriculture and Rural Development based in the Koffiefontein area.

He says one focal area lies in closing the gap between traditional farming techniques and technological advances. “Our people used to do things traditionally and with the advancement of the latest technology, we need to see that we close the technology gap between our farmers and the communities.

“This is when we go into things like taking soil samples – it will give us a clear guide. What nutrients do we need? Is the soil too acidic? If the soil is acidic we must apply lime to neutralise the soil.”

He says another important part of their work involves taking complicated research and translating this into language that farmers at ground level can understand. He says the work he does is very rewarding and also very humbling.

“Someone may have been struggling with their vegetables, for instance. You then come and give them a plan… they’ll say they have been struggling with the type of soil and don’t know what to do. Then after having done soil samples you find they only have to add lime to neutralise the soil.

“To see somebody else progressing. I love that.”

- OFM News