KwaZulu-Natal Extension Practitioners Push for Stronger Farming Support at Durban Conference

KwaZulu-Natal’s agricultural extension practitioners have gathered at the Inkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre in Durban for a focused two-day conference aimed at strengthening the backbone of the province’s farming support system. The event brings together field officers, agricultural experts, policymakers and senior government officials to address urgent challenges affecting farmers across rural and peri-urban communities. The Department of Agriculture and Rural Development describes extension practitioners as the lifeblood of the sector because they connect policy with day-to-day farming realities. The conference is designed to assess current gaps in service delivery and build practical solutions that can be implemented on the ground. It comes at a time when farmers face increasing pressure from climate change, resource constraints and rising food insecurity.

The discussions at the conference focus on several pressing agricultural issues that directly affect smallholder and emerging farmers. One key topic is the impact of recurring droughts, which continue to reduce crop yields and strain livestock production across KwaZulu-Natal. Participants are also examining how climate-smart agricultural trials can help farmers build resilience and improve long-term productivity under changing weather patterns. Soil health has been highlighted as another critical area, with a strong push to improve soil test utilization among small-scale farmers through better extension training and awareness. The conference is also reviewing household food insecurity, including a case study that looks at how dependence on social grants affects rural farming capacity and food production. These discussions are intended to create practical interventions that improve both productivity and food security.

MEC for Agriculture and Rural Development, Mrs. Thembeni kaMadlopha-Mthethwa, addressed the conference with a strong warning about the shortage of extension officers in the province. She noted that the demand for services far exceeds the available workforce, placing strain on service delivery in rural areas. According to data shared from the General Household Survey, KwaZulu-Natal has an average ratio of one extension officer serving about 1,610 farmers. She explained that this imbalance makes it difficult for officers to provide consistent support, regular farm visits and technical guidance. The MEC stressed that without urgent intervention, many farmers will continue to struggle with limited access to expert agricultural advice.

KaMadlopha-Mthethwa also called for a shift toward more modern and technology-driven farming systems to help farmers adapt to climate change. She warned that rainfall patterns have become increasingly unpredictable, making traditional farming methods less reliable. She emphasized that extension services must take the lead in promoting sustainable farming techniques that improve resilience and productivity. The MEC encouraged the adoption of tech-savvy tools and improved knowledge sharing to help farmers respond to environmental challenges. She said farmers should be supported in a way that allows them to adapt without fear of changing weather conditions. Her message focused on building long-term sustainability rather than short-term fixes.

The conference also featured a keynote address from Inkosi Mzamo Buthelezi, the Minister for the Department of Public Service and Administration, who previously worked as a veterinary assistant. He highlighted the critical role extension practitioners play in developing agriculture and supporting small-scale farmers toward self-sufficiency. He stressed that their work directly affects food security, rural development and economic growth in farming communities. However, he cautioned that conferences must lead to real implementation and measurable outcomes for farmers on the ground. He called for a shift away from discussions that do not translate into action, urging stronger accountability in the sector.

Inkosi Buthelezi further raised concern about hunger in several districts, including Zululand, uMkhanyakude, uMzinyathi and Harry Gwala. He pointed out that these areas have fertile land yet still experience high levels of food insecurity. He said this contradiction must be addressed through stronger agricultural support and better use of available land. He encouraged extension services to ensure that productive land is fully utilized to reduce hunger and improve household food production. He also welcomed efforts by the department to prioritize these districts for targeted intervention and support.

Extension and Advisory Services have been urged to increase their presence on farms through more frequent visits and hands-on support. Evidence shared at the conference shows that regular engagement between farmers and extension officers leads to improved crop yields and better livestock management. The department has also been encouraged to expand training programmes that equip farmers with modern agricultural skills and techniques. Calls were made for the recruitment of additional extension officers to reduce workload pressure and improve service delivery across the province. Strengthening this workforce is seen as a key step in improving agricultural performance and rural livelihoods.

The conference highlights the growing urgency of strengthening agricultural extension services in KwaZulu-Natal as climate pressures and food insecurity continue to rise. It reflects a clear recognition that farmers need consistent technical support to remain productive and competitive in a changing environment. The discussions point toward a future where innovation, training and increased staffing work together to improve outcomes in rural farming communities. If the recommendations are implemented effectively, they could help close the gap between policy and practice in the agricultural sector. The focus now shifts to turning conference commitments into real action that supports farmers and strengthens food security across the province.