National Department of Agriculture and Mohair SA Partner to Strengthen Technical Support for Mohair Farmers

The National Department of Agriculture and Mohair SA have joined forces to strengthen technical support for mohair farmers through the development and deployment of extension practitioners. The partnership aims to improve farmers’ access to reliable agricultural advice and practical knowledge that can help them manage their farming operations more effectively. Formalised through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), the agreement brings together government resources and private-sector expertise in support of South Africa’s mohair industry. This collaboration recognises the importance of accessible technical services in helping farmers respond to production challenges and maintain sustainable farming practices. It also reflects a shared commitment to strengthening the support available to farmers across the mohair value chain.

Extension practitioners play an important role in agricultural development because they connect farmers with technical knowledge, practical guidance and available support services. Their work can help farmers understand improved production methods, identify challenges and make informed decisions about their farming operations. For mohair producers, access to relevant advice is particularly important because successful production depends on effective animal management, sound veld management and consistent attention to flock health. Technical support can also help farmers identify risks early and adopt practices that protect the long-term productivity of their farms. Through the new partnership, the National Department of Agriculture and Mohair SA aim to strengthen the capacity to deliver these services to the farming community.

The involvement of both government and the private sector creates an opportunity to combine different areas of experience and expertise. Government agricultural services play a role in supporting farmers through extension programmes and broader agricultural development initiatives. Mohair SA brings industry knowledge and an understanding of the practical needs of mohair producers. By working together, the two partners can strengthen the connection between technical expertise and the everyday realities of farming. The MoU provides a formal basis for this cooperation and establishes a shared commitment to improving access to agricultural advisory services.

South Africa has a leading position in the global mohair industry, making the sustainability and competitiveness of local production important to farmers, rural communities and the wider agricultural economy. Mohair is a valuable natural fibre produced from Angora goats and forms part of an established agricultural value chain that includes farming, processing and trade. Maintaining the quality and consistency of production requires farmers to apply appropriate management practices and respond to changing conditions. Reliable extension support can help producers strengthen their knowledge and improve their ability to manage these responsibilities. The partnership therefore places technical assistance at the centre of efforts to support the continued growth of the industry.

The development and deployment of extension practitioners will be an important part of translating the agreement into practical support for farmers. These practitioners can help bridge the gap between technical information and its application on farms. Effective extension services depend on understanding local farming conditions and providing advice that responds to the challenges producers face. They also create opportunities for farmers to strengthen their skills and improve their understanding of available technologies and production practices. As the partnership develops, the focus on practical knowledge and accessible advisory services will be important to achieving its objectives.

The collaboration also highlights the value of partnerships in addressing agricultural development needs. Farmers often require more than financial assistance to build resilient and productive businesses. They also need technical guidance, relevant information and support that helps them apply good farming practices over time. Bringing public resources and private-sector expertise together can help strengthen the delivery of these services. For the mohair sector, improved access to extension support could contribute to better-informed production decisions and stronger farm management.

The signing of the Memorandum of Understanding marks an important step in cooperation between the National Department of Agriculture and Mohair SA. Its success will depend on how effectively the partnership develops and deploys extension practitioners and responds to the needs of farmers. Continued collaboration will be essential to ensuring that technical advice reaches producers and supports practical improvements on the ground. By strengthening agricultural extension services, the initiative aims to contribute to a more sustainable and competitive South African mohair industry. It also reinforces the importance of shared responsibility between government and industry in supporting farmers and protecting the future of one of the country’s important agricultural sectors.

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