A Catalyst for Change in Hammanskraal
In May 2024, a transformative three-day workshop took place at Lefakong Moringa Farm in Hammanskraal. This event, driven by the FSNet-Africa 1.0 project, brought together stakeholders, including Moringa and broiler farmers, government officials, academics, and community members. The goal of the workshop was to unlock the potential of Moringa oleifera, a nutrient-rich superfood, and its application in sustainable agriculture.
Day 1: Sowing the Seeds of Knowledge
The workshop commenced with a warm welcome from Ms Maboang Matlou, CEO and Founder of Lefakong Farming. Mr Gabriel Serobatse from the Department of Agriculture in the North West emphasized the significance of smallholder farmers in ensuring food security.
Dr Sharon Lungu, the research fellow, presented the findings of the FSNet-Africa 1.0 project, highlighting the knowledge gap in Moringa’s benefits and its use as a feed additive for broilers. To bridge this gap, the University of Pretoria Drama Group performed a captivating play, bringing Moringa’s history, production, and benefits to life. Participants engaged in creative group activities, expressing their understanding through signs and skits.
Dr Ashwell Ndhlala from the Moringa Development Association of South Africa (MDASA) encouraged farmers to join the association, emphasizing the benefits of networking and resource sharing.
Day 2: Nurturing Growth and Productivity
The second day focused on practical aspects of Moringa production and utilization. Dr Thulani Tshabalala provided in-depth training on soil requirements, spacing, harvesting, processing, and value addition.
Dr Mazizi from the Agricultural Research Council (ARC) shed light on incorporating Moringa leaf powder into broiler feed, optimizing inclusion rates for improved growth performance. Nana, a successful Moringa farmer, shared her experiences, highlighting reduced mortality rates, enhanced growth rates, and potential cost savings.
Day 3: Cultivating Financial Success and Practical Skills
The final day began with a recap of previous sessions, followed by a training session on financial management for smallholder farmers. Participants then embarked on a farm tour, gaining hands-on insights into harvesting, processing, and packaging Moringa.
Empowering the Future
Each participant received 100 Moringa seeds, and six female farmers have partnered with Lefakong Farming as contract farmers. The workshop’s impact is evident in the positive feedback from participants and the formation of a strong Moringa farmer community.
As we look to the future, the workshop serves as a catalyst for sustainable agricultural practices and improved livelihoods. By empowering farmers with knowledge and resources, we can harness the potential of Moringa to create a more sustainable and prosperous future.
Click here to watch a glimpse of the impactful moments and enthusiastic participants who made this event a success.
Acknowledgements
The authors would like to express their sincere gratitude to FSNet-Africa for funding the workshop. FSNet-Africa is funded by the Global Challenges Research Fund (GCRF), as a research excellence project under the partnership between UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) and the Africa Research Universities Alliance (ARUA). Additionally, the authors would like to thank Lefakong Farm for providing the venue, the North West Department of Agriculture, the University of Pretoria Drama Group, and all participants and facilitators for their invaluable contributions to the success of the workshop.
