An academic from Mangosuthu University of Technology (MUT) has contributed to provincial discussions aimed at strengthening agricultural development and rural transformation in KwaZulu-Natal. Dr Karabo Molomo, a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Agriculture: Animal Production at MUT, was invited by the Acting Head of Department at the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (KZN DARD), Dr Fikile Qwabe, to present at the department’s Strategic Planning Review session.
The session took place at Thembela Venue in Richards Bay, northern KwaZulu-Natal, from 5–6 March 2026 and brought together policymakers, government officials, agricultural specialists, researchers and industry stakeholders. The meeting focused on reviewing departmental programmes and exploring strategies to strengthen the province’s agricultural sector.
During the session, Dr Molomo delivered a presentation titled “The Commercialisation of Emerging Farmers in KwaZulu-Natal.” His presentation examined the opportunities and challenges associated with transitioning emerging farmers from subsistence and small-scale production into sustainable commercial agriculture.
Dr Molomo highlighted the critical role agriculture plays in supporting food security, creating rural employment opportunities, reducing poverty and stimulating economic growth. However, he noted that many emerging farmers continue to face barriers, including limited access to finance, inadequate infrastructure, insufficient technical support and restricted access to markets.
To address these challenges, Dr Molomo proposed several strategic interventions to accelerate the commercialisation of emerging farmers. These included strengthening agricultural extension services, improving access to finance, investing in agricultural infrastructure, supporting farmer cooperatives and promoting stronger collaboration between government, industry and academic institutions.
Dr Molomo also emphasised the role that universities such as MUT can play in supporting agricultural development through research, innovation, skills development and farmer capacity building.