Evaluating the effectiveness and relevance of short skills training offered by agricultural Colleges to farmers in the Western Cape, Karoo region, South Africa

Abstract

The agricultural sector is a vital contributor to South Africa's economy, food security, and rural employment, particularly in the Western Cape. However, farmers in the semi-arid Karoo region face persistent challenges, including climate variability, rising input costs, and water scarcity, which threaten productivity and sustainability. Agricultural Training Institutes (ATIs), such as the Elsenburg College's Oudtshoorn decentralised centre, are pivotal in addressing these challenges through short skills training programs designed to enhance farmers' knowledge and practices. The importance of agricultural education and training cannot be overlooked as it is vital for economic development and food self-sufficiency, for poverty alleviation and for environmental protection. The purpose of the study is to investigate the relevance, effectiveness and efficiency of delivering of short-specialised programmes to small holder farmers by the Oudtshoorn decentralised centre (which is part of the Elsenburg College). This study, therefore, evaluates the effectiveness and relevance of short skills training offered by agricultural colleges to farmers in the Western Cape, Karoo region, South Africa. The study assesses the impact of these training programs on farmers' knowledge, skills, productivity, and profitability, and explores the relevance of the training to the specific needs of farmers and the agricultural sector. The findings of this study will inform the development of more effective and relevant training programs that address the needs of farmers and contribute to the growth and development of the agricultural sector in the region. Key findings are expected to reveal the capacity of the college to deliver relevant training, the perceived impact on farmers' practices, and the existence of any skills mismatches. The study identify critical gaps in current training offerings and provide evidence-based recommendations for enhancing program design, delivery, and relevance. By doing so, this research seeks to contribute to improved agricultural training policy and practice, ultimately supporting the resilience and competitiveness of the farming sector in the Western Cape Karoo region