Saturday, September 30, 2023

UFS empowers small-scale wool farmers in South Africa

Estimated reading time: 4 minutes

  • The University of the Free State (UFS), through its RuForum Wool Project, is actively involved in training small-scale farmers in South Africa.
  • The main aim with the project’s various training programmes is to build small-scale wool growers’ competitiveness.
  • There are numerous factors that have a substantial impact on a small-scale farmer’s financial stability.
  • These small-scale wool farmers are also assisted through the programme to stay abreast of new developments and technologies in the industry.
  • With continued investment in training and support, the wool industry in the Free State and the country as a whole can continue to thrive.

The University of the Free State (UFS), through its RuForum Wool Project, is actively involved in training small-scale farmers in South Africa, especially in communal areas of Thaba Nchu and Botshabelo, in a bid to further develop the wool value chain in the province.

Andries Strauss, a PhD student who is part of the project, says the main aim with the project’s various training programmes is to build small-scale wool growers’ competitiveness. He says over 1 000 farmers, women in communal areas, stakeholders in the wool industry, extension officers and students have received training since the start of the project in 2020.

Find out how the project invests in women.

He has presented various training programme courses as part of his research and says one of the key benefits of training farmers in the wool industry, is to improve the quality of their wool. “This is important because high-quality wool is more valuable and can command a higher price on the market.

“By learning how to care for their sheep properly, implementing the code of best practices, shearing the animals to maximise the wool’s quality and classing the wool according to the National Wool Growers’ Association of South Africa’s (NWGA) classing standards, these farmers can increase their income and improve their overall economic situation.”

Training goals

According to Strauss, there are numerous factors that have a substantial impact on a small-scale farmer’s financial stability. That is why these training programmes have been introduced – to teach new techniques and skills to not only the farmers, but also women in communal areas so they can remain competitive.

Some of the challenges the wool industry has been facing include increased competition from synthetic materials, changing consumer preferences and rising production costs. In this regard, commercial and small-scale farmers have many constraints hindering them from contributing to the economy and improving their livelihoods.

“Training these farmers in best management practices is an attempt to reduce their production costs.”

Other challenges such as drought, diseases and parasites, predation and stock theft also have a considerable effect on farmers’ production goals and economic well-being. These losses have a huge impact on communal farmers in the Free State. Farmers in Thaba Nchu and Botshabelo have an average flock size of around 27 sheep/farmer and the loss of only three sheep amounts to approximately 11% of the total flock.

Strauss says training in wool classing is valuable as these farmers do not class their wool according to the NWGA’s classing standards. They then sell their wool to informal markets where they receive poor prices.

Cost reduction and tech advantages

Training these farmers in best management practices is an attempt to reduce their production costs. This is particularly important as they do not have access to the same resources and economies of scale as larger producers. “By learning how to manage their flocks more efficiently, farmers can reduce their expenses and increase their profits.”

These small-scale wool farmers are also assisted through the programme to stay abreast of new developments and technologies in the industry. This includes the processes pertaining to the wool value chain – from mating, lambing and sheep handling to reduced stress during shearing, wool classing, wool contamination, using the prescribed wool bags and selling bulk to minimise transport costs.

This can help them stay competitive and adapt to changing market conditions. Similarly, by promoting fair labour practices and ethical treatment of animals, these training programmes can help ensure that the industry is socially responsible and sustainable in the long term.

A success story

One of these prestige training days that stands out was held in November last year in Thaba Nchu. The day, which was organised by Apollo Bomvana from African Farming magazine, was well attended by almost 200 farmers who received training on numerous aspects of the livestock industry.

Strauss believes with continued investment in training and support, the wool industry in the Free State and the country as a whole can continue to thrive and support the livelihoods of thousands of small-scale farmers. – Christal-Lize Muller, Veeplaas

For more information, contact Andries Strauss on 066 025 1952 or 083 454 0899 or andriesstr1@gmail.com.

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