Project case study 2:
Category: Commercial & Land Reform farms
Ithemba Farmers’ Cooperative,
Elliot, Eastern Cape
This primary agricultural cooperative consists of
36 emerging beef cattle and maize farmers who farm on 35 000 hectares around the Eastern Cape town of Elliot.
The cooperative requested assistance to develop the skills of its farmers to expand production towards viable units.
The College of Sustainable Agriculture implemented a learnership program for 20 members in plant production, as well as in a number of skills that included Corporate Governance, Financial Management of an Agri Enterprise, Basic Business Skills and Communication.
The College also facilitated funding for the cooperative to procure 2 500 head of beef cattle, and to plant 40 hectares of maize.
A total investment of R40 million was raised to fund the project. The extended production from the sale of weaners and maize contributes R12 million per annum to the income of the cooperative’s members.