Achtergrond: Landbouw en watermanagement in Zuid-Afrika

South Africa faces critical challenges in water management and agriculture, particularly in transitioning land to emerging farmers who need modern farming skills. The project focuses on horticulture and potato sectors in key production areas like the Western Cape, Free State, and North West province. Emphasizing water-smart innovations such as high-efficiency irrigation and optimized water use strategies, it aims to boost agricultural income and employment. The potential for integrating Dutch knowledge and technology is high, with a focus on empowering disadvantaged groups, especially women, through online learning.

Water security, a priority for the South African government, is under strain with agriculture consuming 60% of resources. Innovative practices in water resource management, including 3R measures and groundwater strategies, are essential. However, implementing these in the agriculture-water nexus is challenging and requires a skilled workforce, supportive platforms for sharing insights, and collaborative efforts for sustainable and inclusive growth.

TRAININGSBEHOEFTEN EN PROJECTDOELSTELLING:

The project promoted agricultural growth and sustainable, equitable water use by educating young people in water optimization and climate-smart agriculture. It was based on aligning TVET programs with labor market needs in agriculture and water. Key stakeholders included the QCTO and SETA, supporting the development of a new national occupational qualification. Six TVET colleges across various provinces were involved, with Stellenbosch University leading the implementation. The consortium and TVETs focused on developing occupational standards, industry skill matching, and inclusive practices, supported by a Dutch-South African Triple helix platform.

De volgende outcomes, outputs en deliverables zijn onderdeel van het project:

The objective of the FNS & Water project are as follows: End hunger (SDG 2) and Ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all (SDG 6) by Promoting agricultural growth and sustainable and equitable water use, ensuring the needs of all sectors and the Environment.

The following overarching outcome has been defined at project level:

TVET and HE organizations (in SA and in NL) perform better their core tasks and are firmly embedded in their environment (in line with specific labour market needs & aiming at inclusiveness).

RELEVANTE DUURZAME ONTWIKKELINGSDOELEN:

Deze TMT-training is gekoppeld aan het prioriteitsthema: Voedsel- en Voedingszekerheid (FNS), met nadruk op promotion of agriculture growth and sustainable & equitable water use.