An innovative six-month initiative, aimed at empowering small-scale farmers in the Western Cape, was launched at the CoCreate Hub in Stellenbosch last Wednesday (19 June). Presented by the Herbal View Agricultural Training Centre (HVATC), the training programme is a collaborative effort between Herbal View Hydroponics, Stellenbosch-based NPC Ranyaka Community Transformation and the CoCreate Hub Stellenbosch. The Industrial Development Corporation (IDC) funds the initiative.
The first cohort of the programme will equip 20 small farmers with the knowledge and tools for sustainable operations using intensive hydroponic techniques in small greenhouse models. Beyond hydroponics, the programme emphasises business skills training.
"We are including topics such as general business management, costing, pricing, marketing, and community selling," said Basil Williams. "It's about sustainability – ensuring that the projects flourish as small businesses, have access to market, and that the farmers are able to pay themselves and their workers."
Financial education sessions, supported by Nedbank, will further enhance the programme's impact. "This project allows me to give back within my expertise," Williams added. "It's about investing in others and building sustainable futures."
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