Newsroom

By Matsobane Manaka and Susan Mokwatlo

The Limpopo Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (LDARD) continues to shine on national scientific platforms, as another of its agronomists has earned top honours for research excellence.

Following in the footsteps of previous achievers, Susan Mokwatlo clinched the Best Poster Award at the 2026 Combined Congress for the Limpopo Climate-Smart Agriculture Study, held at North-West University in Potchefstroom from 19–22 January 2026.

This achievement builds on the department’s proud record. In 2023, Rebinah Sasa received the Best Scientific Poster Award at the 56th Annual SASAE Conference hosted by the University of KwaZulu-Natal. Her poster focused on the use of Bacillus thuringiensis (BT) technology in maize production for sustainable food systems, specifically targeting fall armyworm infestation.

Sasa’s work demonstrated her passion for advancing household food security while breaking barriers in a historically male-dominated field. Her innovative research highlighted how biotechnology can contribute to improved yields and farmer resilience.

Mokwatlo’s 2026 award recognizes the importance of locally grounded research in shaping climate-responsive agricultural development. Presented at the Combined Congress—jointly convened by the Soil Science Society of South Africa, the South African Society of Horticultural Sciences, and the South African Society of Crop Production—her poster showcased how Climate-Smart Agriculture is strengthening resilience, improving productivity, and enhancing food security among smallholder farmers in Limpopo Province.

The findings from her study provide practical recommendations for policymakers, extension practitioners, and development partners committed to building resilient farming systems. Together, these accolades affirm the department’s commitment to scientific excellence, innovation, and sustainable agricultural growth in Limpopo.