SASRI made a strong impression at the KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Annual Agricultural Extension and Advisory Services (EAS) Summit 2025, held on 14 August at the Olive Convention Centre, Durban. The event, themed “Transforming Agricultural Extension for Sustainability, Climate-Smart and Resilient Rural Development”, brought together extension practitioners, researchers, policymakers, and commodity organisations to exchange knowledge and strengthen collaboration across the province. SASRI’s participation demonstrated the Institute’s continued leadership in integrating research, extension, and grower support. The team contributed through presentations, posters, and adjudication roles, reinforcing SASRI’s commitment to building resilient farming systems through innovation and partnership.
SASRI Extension Specialist Bongiwe Chonco discussing the successful adoption of new varieties.
A highlight of the Summit was the success story presentation by Bongiwe Chonco (SASRI Extension Specialist) on “Adoption of New Varieties as a Success Tool for the Kwalenkume Cooperative”. This presentation highlighted how the introduction of improved sugarcane varieties and targeted extension support has enhanced the productivity of small-scale growers in the Ugu District. The story drew special praise from the Honourable MEC for Agriculture and Rural Development, Ms Thembeni ka Madlopha-Mthethwa, who commended it as an exemplary model of collaborative impact between research institutions, extension services, and growers. Building on SASRI’s strong showing, Lindani Mchunu (Selection Officer) presented a poster on participatory methodologies for small-scale sugarcane management, which drew considerable attention from delegates, including the MEC. The display highlighted SASRI’s pioneering participatory research approach that integrates farmer knowledge, scientific insight, and extension practice to co-develop locally relevant solutions for pest, disease, and variety management.
Dr Lawrence Malinga (SASRI Programme Manager – Crop Protection -left) and Lindani Mchunu (Selection Officer) talking about a recent SASRI knowledge exchange project.
In a follow-up presentation, Dr Lawrence Malinga (SASRI Programme Manager – Crop Protection) linked SASRI’s contributions from the national South African Society for Agricultural Extension (SASAE) Conference to the provincial extension agenda, focusing on climate-smart agriculture, digital extension tools, and participatory methods. Dr Malinga also served on the adjudication panel for summit presentations and later provided expert commentary on the impact of climate change on agriculture, which was featured on SABC News, further amplifying SASRI’s visibility and influence.
Reflecting on the event, Dr Malinga noted, “SASRI’s engagement at the summit reaffirmed our central role in bridging science and practice. Our shared learning with KZN DARD and other sectors ensures that sugarcane growers — especially small-scale farmers — benefit from research-driven, climate-resilient solutions.”