TIME TO REGULATE ALL FORMS OF TRAINING

The proliferation of trainers and training workshops in agriculture and livestock in particular is a real cause for concern. Every week a growing number of advertisements are posted on social and mainstream media signalling that there is money in it. Unfortunately, money is said to be the root of all evil. Unsuspecting farmers are being swindled of their hard earned money by unscrupulous trainers whose qualifications and experience are not verified by anyone. 

The pursuit for knowledge is very high as a result of the agrarian revolution that ushered in a new breed of farmers who, unfortunately, lack the necessary skills to embark on serious farming. Threats by government to take back unproductive land are not being taken lightly by farmers hence the need for a quick turnaround.  For a while now, the so called “cell phone” farmers have enjoyed both of the two worlds, a holiday home at the unproductive farm and a secure job and home in the city.

Another reason is that slowly but surely city life is becoming unbearable as a result of the economic hardships. A majority of these people are looking at the available options, to which farming is one of them. The massive appeal is that there is some quick fix and easy way to becoming a great farmer without going through the natural process of work and growth that makes it possible. These are the followers of the “get rich quick schemes” promising “wealth without work”. What comes quickly to my mind is the infamous “sack” potato and “chiuta” schemes that promised instant gratification. Some people invested heavily and lost everything.

A good number of  farmers are realising that they have no clue on the subject of agriculture hence this stampede to attain some form of knowledge and produce something on the land before government threats are actualised. Unfortunately not every one of them will get the right type of knowledge; the majority will be met along the way by hell’s angels who will feed on them before they can run away.

The government has a huge roll to play in this. For example the South African government has regulated all forms of training. The South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) decided that all training programs falling within the generic educational practices domain become Sector Education and Training Authority (SETA) responsibility. For example the agriculture sector is called AGRI-SETA.  Various SETAs train, assess and register their own assessors, facilitators and moderators etc. This move stimulated but regulated the training market. 

Poultry training workshop at Elangeni Training Centre

Firstly, training modules are pitched right so that they are palatable to the trainees. Secondly, the trainer must be qualified and registered to deliver the right information to a particular level of trainees. Thirdly, there is recourse for the trainee in case they are not satisfied with the conduct of the facilitator and the content of the training.   

Under current circumstances here in Zimbabwe, I implore farmers’ unions, Non Governmental Organisations (NGO) and other interested parties to come to farmers’ rescue by arranging short courses with recognised agricultural institutions like Esigodini, Mlezu, Chibero and Gwebi. These institutions have excellent training facilities. Agriculture is a practical course hence it cannot be taught through social media and workshops conducted in hotels.

While still sorting out the regulatory framework, government can encourage its agricultural institutions to take up the training of farmers. In order to reduce time at school for adult learners, theory can be conducted through online, hard or soft copies of modules, while practical work is done at the institution.

This article was written by: Muhle M. Masuku

Email: muhle.masuku@gmail.com

Mobile: 0712 938 659