North West Rural, Environment and Agricultural Development Hosts Extension Conference and Outreach Programme, 9 to 11 March

The Department of Rural, Environment and Agricultural Development (READ) will host the 8th Provincial Extension and Advisory Services Conference and Outreach programme. READ hosts this annual event as stipulated in the Extension and Recovery Plan. The plan seeks to address the gaps identified in Agricultural Extension and Advisory Services in the country using the five pillars such as ensuring accountability and visibility of extension, improving image and professionalism, re-skilling and orientation of extension, provision of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) infrastructure and other resources and recruitment of personnel.

About 300 delegates including agricultural advisors, delegation from the National Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, State owned entities and academic institutions are expected to attend.

The conference will also honor Agricultural Advisors and the managers who are making commendable contribution to the profession towards the long-term achievement of the objectives of the National norms and standards of Extension and Advisory services.

This year's ceremony categories to be awarded include the best papers presented, the Best Agricultural Advisor, Senior Agricultural Advisor, Assistant Director, Deputy Director and the best Extension and Advisory Services Team, the best supporting team and MEC Special Award.

As part of the conference, READ will also launch the provincial community seedbank initiative and handover food gardens to more than 100 households and 06 institutions (schools, churches, crA¨ches and a clinic).

The Awards Conference activities are as follows:

Date

Activity

Venue

Time

09 March

Conference

Villa Pronto Hotel, Sannieshof

09h00-17h00

10 March

...