On 11 March 2024, the Centre of Vocational Excellence (CoVE) Hub for Climate-Smart Agriculture in South Africa was launched at Lovedale TVET College. This project is funded by the European Union (EU). It is a collaboration between three TVET colleges in South Africa, two universities in the EU, one university in South Africa, and one private partner from South Africa. Lovedale is one of the three colleges involved in this project, along with Boland TVET College and West Coast TVET College.
Preparing TVET lecturers and students for climate-smart agriculture
Global climate change is currently impacting food production in a significant way. This project aims to equip students of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) colleges with the necessary skills and knowledge to transition to climate-smart agriculture. This will be achieved by improving the capacity of TVET staff and the TVET curriculum. By doing so, students will become well-rounded professionals who can effectively apply what they have learned to the industry upon completing their qualifications.
Stakeholder networking as part of the CoVE Hub
An ecosystem has been created between key stakeholders (participants in the horticulture industry) and academia and research (TVETs and Universities) to achieve the project's objectives. During the CoVE Launch, stakeholders such as local farmers, representatives from the Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development (DALRRD), and TVET lecturers actively engaged in discussions on the challenges and solutions currently affecting farming. The implementation of this project will have a positive impact not only on the college but also on the local farming community, providing them with valuable training and support. The benefit of participating in the CoVE is tremendous for all participants as it aims to change the agricultural landscape for all involved.
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