Empowering small-scale growers (SSGs) to increase profitability of their agricultural operations is a priority for the South African sugarcane industry. A key factor in SSG empowerment is to allow farmers to identify their major sugarcane production challenges and define practical solutions for enhanced adoption of sustainable agricultural practices.
The South African Sugarcane Research Institute (SASRI) is conducting an SSG initiative aimed to help growers increase their sugarcane productivity and sustainability using various participatory research methods and social learning processes within a number of community engagements. Eleven sugarcane growing regions were visited in 2022-2023. These regions were Gcumisa, Ndwedwe, Umbumbulu, Amatikulu, Umfolozi, Pongola, Makhathini, Komati, Malelane, Gcilima, and Mnini-Mfume. Through this participatory approach, SSGs reflect on and share their farming knowledge, practices, achievements, and challenges. The involvement of representatives from SASRI (scientists and SSG extension team), KwaZulu-Natal Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (KZN DARD), local mills, South African Canegrowers’ Association (SACGA), and South African Farmers’ Development Association (SAFDA) in the study, facilitated adequate information sharing between industry stakeholders that support SSGs.
In each region, a random sample of thirty growers was invited to participate in a series of interactive activities conducted in break-away groups. Each group was allocated a facilitator, a co-facilitator and a note-taker. The activities facilitated deep reflection on growers’ agricultural journeys and allowed peer learning through detailed discussions. Visual aids such as posters and seasonal calendars stimulated interest and kept participating SSGs engaged.
Grower participation in activities.
Growers responded positively to the community engagements. This was evident through their eagerness and willingness to participate, resulting in rich and transparent information sharing. Moreover, SSGs in all regions expressed their yearning for more knowledge and training. The community engagements helped the SASRI team to understand sugarcane farming through the eyes of an SSG. Furthermore, it allowed the stakeholders to appreciate the role these growers play in their respective communities, while highlighting their specific areas of need and the challenges they face as small-scale growers.
Growers confidently identified priority problems and concerns. Weed infestation in the sugarcane fields were the key issue by a significant majority of growers, with 100% of the growers in six regions (Malelane, Gcumisa, Umfolozi, Pongola, Makhathini and Mnini Mfume) highlighting it as their primary concern. In comparison, between 63% and 94% of growers in the other five regions noted weed management as a priority. Growers indicated that they manage weeds by using cultural methods, such as hand-weeding, as well as chemical control. However, growers voiced factors such as financial constraints, the need for practical training, and a lack of knowledge of the different available chemical products negatively influenced their weed management practices. Additionally, growers raised concerns regarding the contractor’s implementation of farming practices, with an emphasis on harvesting and haulage.
Future work involves conducting a second series of community engagements, encompassing feedback sessions with SSGs and other stakeholders. This will allow the team to delve deeper into the problems previously indicated as high priority issues and work hand in hand with SSGs to co-create sustainable solutions through interactive activities. The result of these researcher-SSG collaborations will promote the adoption of management practices, which will be practical and helpful for SGGs.
*Tholoana Mofurutsi (Assistant Research Officer), Lindani Mchunu (Assistant Research Officer), Khanyisile Buthelezi (Assistant Research Officer), Surashna Jithoo (Agrochemical Scientist) and, Dr Lawrence Malinga (Research Entomologist).
