Do we have the people that will command the economy 15 years from now?

Being equipped and ready for your day includes having people on board who know what they are doing. This is true, whether one is talking of one's family, community or business, or the country at large.

Agriculture is where South Africa must see its investment in the future. Advancing economies like Russia, China, India, Indonesia, Turkey, Brazil and Mexico are built on a healthy agricultural sector. Do we have the people with the skills to command the South African economy in 15 years' time? This is the question asked by Prof Mohammed Karaan, dean of AgriSciences at Stellenbosch University, two weeks ago. Find the report of his speech here.

NOSA Agri, who have just exhibited at the Harare Agricultural Show in Zimbabwe, say that training for farmers in Africa is crucial. To make their case, they point to facts like:

• The United Nations estimates that the global population will reach 9.2 billion by 2050.
• Food security is expected to become an increasing global issue.
• Agriculture is by far the world's largest business; the livelihoods of approximately 2.6 billion people, 40% of the world’s population, depend on it.
• 60% of the world’s uncultivated arable land is lying unused in Africa.
• There is a substantial need for African farmers to produce more food for Africa and for the world.

The Agri Handbook lists agricultural education providers in South Africa as well as potential careers in this (and related) sectors. A useful reference is also the Skills Handbook website.