Free State Hosts Public Sector Forum on Extension and Advisory Services to Strengthen Farmer Support Systems

The Free State province is currently hosting the Public Sector Forum for Extension and Advisory Services in Parys, bringing together key stakeholders in agricultural development for a focused three-day engagement. The forum is designed to strengthen strategic coordination, improve programme implementation, and enhance monitoring of extension and advisory services across the agricultural sector. These services play a critical role in supporting farmers, especially in rural and emerging farming communities where access to technical knowledge and resources remains limited. The gathering reflects a growing recognition of the importance of effective extension systems in driving food security and agricultural transformation. It also provides a platform for sharing challenges, practical solutions, and innovative approaches to service delivery.

The session was officially opened by the Head of Department of DARDEA, Mr. Tshepo Mabilo, who welcomed delegates and emphasised the importance of strengthening extension services in a rapidly changing agricultural environment. He highlighted that extension practitioners must provide continuous guidance to farmers, especially because compliance requirements are not static and continue to evolve. His remarks underscored the need for adaptability in service delivery, where agricultural support must respond quickly to new risks and policy shifts. He also pointed out that extension officers are often the first point of contact for farmers navigating complex production challenges. This places significant responsibility on practitioners to remain informed, responsive, and proactive in their roles.

Mr. Mabilo further outlined several pressing challenges currently affecting the agricultural sector. These include ongoing concerns around disease control, particularly Foot-and-Mouth Disease, which continues to threaten livestock production and trade stability. He also referenced the growing impact of climate change, which is altering rainfall patterns, increasing drought frequency, and affecting crop yields across many regions. In addition, he highlighted the broader economic pressure caused by global instability, including the effects of the Middle East conflict, which has contributed to rising fuel prices and increased input costs such as fertilisers. These combined challenges place additional strain on farmers and require stronger advisory support systems to ensure resilience and productivity.

The Head of Department stressed that extension practitioners must be continuously equipped with relevant skills and updated knowledge to remain effective in their roles. He emphasised the importance of understanding current agricultural technologies and integrating them into farmer support strategies. According to him, modern agriculture demands more than traditional advisory methods, as farmers now operate in a highly technical and data-driven environment. He stated that effective extension services directly contribute to national food security by improving productivity and reducing risks at farm level. His message reinforced the idea that capacity building within extension services is essential for long-term agricultural development.

He also encouraged practitioners to maintain close and consistent contact with farmers to ensure that support remains practical and relevant. Reliability and accountability were highlighted as key professional values within extension work. Mr. Mabilo stressed the importance of keeping proper records, conducting data analysis, and ensuring that recommendations are based on accurate information. He added that doing the right thing consistently builds trust between farmers and government support structures. This trust, he explained, is essential for improving adoption of new technologies and strengthening overall agricultural performance.

The forum is being led by DARDEA acting General Manager for Farmer Support and Development, Mr. George Madiba, who is serving as the Programme Director for the session. His role includes guiding discussions, ensuring structured engagement, and aligning the outcomes of the forum with broader departmental objectives. The presence of senior leadership reflects the strategic importance of extension and advisory services within the agricultural sector. It also signals a commitment to improving coordination between national, provincial, and local service delivery structures. Through this leadership, the forum aims to produce practical recommendations that can be implemented across different farming contexts.

The gathering in Parys highlights the critical role of extension services in addressing both immediate and long-term agricultural challenges. As farmers face increasing pressure from disease outbreaks, climate variability, and rising production costs, the need for effective advisory systems becomes more urgent. Extension practitioners are positioned as key drivers of knowledge transfer, innovation adoption, and rural development. Strengthening their capacity ensures that farmers receive timely, accurate, and relevant support. This ultimately contributes to improved productivity and resilience across the agricultural sector.

The Public Sector Forum for Extension and Advisory Services is expected to produce strategic insights that will guide future programme implementation and monitoring. By bringing together experts and practitioners, the forum creates an opportunity to align goals and improve coordination across the sector. It also reinforces the importance of continuous learning and adaptation in agricultural service delivery. The discussions in Parys reflect a broader national effort to strengthen food security and support sustainable farming systems. As the forum continues over the three-day period, its outcomes are expected to contribute meaningfully to improving extension services and supporting farmers across the Free State and beyond.