FAST FACTS
The skill sets of South African graduates have declined in recent years, according to the World Economic Forum’s ‘Global Competitiveness Report 2020’.
Through training, the wool industry has capacitated communal producers to market 5,88 million kilograms of wool, valued at R289 million, through the formal market during 2019/20.
The lack of quality formal education, funding and resources are some of the main challenges hampering skills development in South Africa.
The capabilities and skills of individuals and populations, known as human capital, is a key driver of economic prosperity and productivity, according to the World Economic Forum’s ‘Global Competitiveness Report 2020’.
The report notes that South Africa is one of several countries to have seen a downward trend in the adequacy of graduates’ skill sets in recent years.
“As a result, investing in human resource development is critical for the long-term sustainability and profitability of the agriculture industry,” says Jacomien de Klerk, manager of the Citrus Academy. A non-profit organisation, the academy was established by the Citrus Growers’ Association of Southern Africa in 2005 to address the skills shortages within the industry.
A DEARTH OF SKILLS
This story is from the June 25, 2021 edition of Farmer's Weekly.
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This story is from the June 25, 2021 edition of Farmer's Weekly.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
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