In the current landscape of South African agriculture, the challenges facing farmers continue to intensify. Clouds of uncertainty hang over the country’s agricultural production, while threats such as climate change, water scarcity, soil degradation, disease, economic instability, and infrastructure and energy constraints darken the horizon. In response, researchers in the Crop Production and Soil Management sub-programme at the North-West University’s (NWU) Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences are committed to finding collaborative solutions to the country’s most critical agricultural challenges.
To address these challenges, North-West University must remain at the forefront of innovation, and two new agriculture-focused projects demonstrate the university’s commitment to this: the NWU AgriHub and the HVAC Growth Facility. Professor Jacques Berner, sub-programme leader, is an expert in plant physiology, focusing on photosynthesis and the adaptation of ancient crops to environmental stresses. His expertise lies in studying the physiological responses of crops to drought and extreme temperatures. “We aim to establish the NWU AgriHub of Excellence, located just 4 km from the NWU Potchefstroom Campus, as a centre for agricultural innovation, research and training. This season, we are launching a long-term cereal-based trial and will focus on diverse farming systems to promote sustainable food production. Our vision is to develop solutions that will ensure food security and environmental sustainability while bridging knowledge gaps between academia, industry, government and farmers. This centre will serve as a platform for influential research, industrial cooperation and the development of farming systems designed for future challenges,” explains Berner.
The Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning Growth Facility (HVAC Growth Facility) is being developed near the border with Botswana. “Our HVAC Growth Facility is being built on the Mahikeng Campus. This state-of-the-art facility will provide controlled environments that mimic a variety of climatic conditions, including variations in temperature, light, humidity, drought and flooding. It will create an ideal environment for research into the impact of climate change on plant growth and development. By simulating different environmental variables, the facility will allow researchers to study how plants respond to varying light conditions, heat stress and water shortages.. This will provide valuable insights into their resilience, adaptability and overall health in the face of changing environmental conditions. This research has the potential to make a significant contribution to agricultural practices and strategies to mitigate climate change,” says Berner.
The university is also looking beyond the immediate future to explore further opportunities to support the agricultural sector. “We are exploring the possibility of establishing a veterinary school, which will work in collaboration with, among others, the NWU Animal Health Subject Group, and the Agricultural Programme to prioritise food security. Agriculture plays an important role in the country and in South Africa by adding economic value, providing employment opportunities, promoting rural development and ensuring food security,” says Professor Bismarck Tyobeka, Principal and Vice-Chancellor of NWU.
“When it comes to food security, there is currently a great need in our province and country, but the university has the capacity and expertise to make a significant difference in this sector, and we are strengthening our commitment to the agricultural sector by further developing our partnerships with government and the private sector,” adds Professor Tyobeka.
In addition to these efforts, the NWU is also looking at cooperating with struggling agricultural schools in the province, and considerable progress has already been made in this regard.
Agriculture is one of the pillars supporting the South African economy, and the NWU is committed to ensuring that this sector not only thrives, but also thrives.
• To read the full article in English, follow the link here: https://news.nwu.ac.za/north-west-university-forefront-agricultural-innovation
With these innovative and forward-looking initiatives, North-West University is establishing itself as a key player in agricultural research and innovation, both regionally and internationally. The importance of these efforts cannot be underestimated, as they not only contribute to ensuring food security and environmental sustainability, but also strengthen the rural economy and communities, thereby providing a bright future for agriculture in South Africa.