Free journo training workshop on food security, farming

The Southern Africa Food Lab, having visited small scale farmers around the country identifying their challenges and needs, will hold a special training session for journalists as part of its meeting being held in Irene Dairy Farm Conference Centre, Irene Pretoria on 22 October 2013. Bookings close today, 16 October.

16 Oct 2013

Image courtesy of graur codrin / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Questions that will be covered include:

How to report on food security issues.
What about land tenure?
Is the government extension programme working?
What are the challenges facing small scale farmers who want to reach commercial markets?
What background information is needed in order to cover food security issues effectively?

Small scale farmers have a critical role to play in keeping the country's economy strong and in bolstering regional food supply. However, they need to operate in an environment that encourages entrepreneurial thinking so they can thrive as small businesses.

This one-day workshop will include representatives from government, business, researchers and the small-scale farming community who have been working together to solve the challenges that face small scale farmers today.

The workshop will clarify issues around extension policies and farmer support, producer support programmes; the lack of accessible markets and high transaction costs; the need for marketing skills among producers and access to finance.

The workshop will also provide journalists with useful reference material to use when covering land reform and sustainability issues, and ideas about key questions that are not being answered by current land reform policy and practice.

Participation, including teas and lunch is covered for all journalists who register, but travel and accommodation should be covered by the journalist or their employer.

RSVP to moc.snoitacinummocoppih@alocin or call +27 (0)21 556 8200.