By Tshifhiwa Muifha
A member-participation is crucial for decision making processes to ensure that the cooperative operate in member’s best interests.
Farmers from Vhembe Central Agro-Ecological Zone have attended an Information Day on the importance of establishing agricultural cooperatives and sustainable farming practice, which was held at Mutanga Wa Ndodzi farm, Tshivhilwi village on 21 May 2025.
Agricultural advisors from Matangari Service Centre led the facilitation.
Establishing agricultural cooperatives come with advantages of bulk-buying power, which could lead to reduction of costs on production inputs such as seeds and fertilisers, as well as mechanisation costs; sharing of costs and resources which could improve production hence profit sharing; among others.
In her step-by-step guide on how to establish cooperative, Lucy Netshisaulu, an agricultural advisor, highlighted the importance of clear goals, member involvement and legal requirements. She maintained that member-participation is crucial for decision making processes to ensure that the cooperative operate in member’s best interests.
Like any other legal entity, cooperative must have committee that comprises of chairperson, deputy, secretary, and treasury, to ensure transparency and accountability.
In her presentation, Prudence Nenweli mentioned record keeping as one of the best practices in cooperatives. She explained that this will enable the members to track down on whether the entity is making profit or running at a loss, and further to ensure the cooperative complies with regulations.
Farmers urged to upskill through free training opportunities tailor-made for them in the Limpopo Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (LDARD). They were further appealed to familiarise themselves with other regulations that govern their field of operations such as Conservation of Agricultural Resources Act (CARA). “The Act promotes the principles of Conservation of Agricultural Resources for sustainable use of natural resources”, said Bono Mbengeni.
Bengeni also used the platform to encourage the Agriculture Advisors to introduce the Landcare initiatives within their areas for sustainable use of agricultural resources.
