SPEDU and the Ministry of Agricultural Development and Food Security signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to formalise the collaboration of the two organisations in enhancing and developing the agriculture sector in the region, create employment through projects undertaken, promote food security and ultimately play a role in the diversification and revitalisation of the SPEDU region economy.

Deputy permanent secretary- Corporate Services in the Ministry of Agricultural Development and Food Security, Ms Rose Sennanyana and SPEDU chief executive officer Dr Mokubung Mokubung signed the MoU on behalf of their organisations at Cresta Bosele Hotel in Selebi Phikwe on November 27.

Dr Mokubung said SPEDU was committed to assist in the development of the agriculture sector in the region and make it more attractive. He said the two entities would work together to develop the agriculture sector and support investment in agribusiness in areas such as field crop production, horticulture, aquaculture, poultry, piggery as well as other small stock projects.

He mentioned that as outlined in the MoU, government was expected to channel resources both human capital and financial resources to the SPEDU region if the development of the agriculture sector in the region was to be achieved.

He said SPEDU and the agriculture ministry had been working on a number of agriculture projects which included the ongoing establishment of the Thune and Lotsane Dam Horticulture Irrigation Scheme, revival of Talana Farms, provision of electricity among small scale horticulture farmers along Motloutse River and feasibility study for small dams in the region.

“SPEDU was established to diversify the economy of the region and one of the sectors that was identified was agriculture and its entire value chain,” he said.

For her part, Ms Sennanyana said the collaboration between her ministry and SPEDU to realise the objectives set under MoU needed not only the two organisation but all involved in agriculture to play a role and support the mission.

If all goes according to plan, SPEDU region would turn into an agriculture hub in future, she said adding that if the objective was achieved, it would bring returns to the region and country at large and ensure food security at both household and national levels.

She said the agricultural sector played an important role in providing food, income, and employment and investment opportunities for people living in both urban and rural areas.

She explained that the ministry of agriculture was in the process of transforming the agriculture sector with the major aim being commercialization and diversification.

She said her ministry’s approach was to promote production of agricultural commodities in suitable areas like the SPEDU region.

“Through this approach, commodity clusters are being created in different agro-ecological zones. Areas suitable for grain production, fruit, vegetable and livestock production, as well as agricultural related commodities are identified, clustered and relevant extension and technical support provided,” she said adding that SPEDU region was among other regions that would drive the initiative. ENDS