Innovating Agriculture: ARC Roodeplaat Agro-Processing Facility
By Upile Faith Muhariwa, Nchee Rethabile Grace, Dr Richard Kasuga, and Llyod Sondayi
In a remarkable initiative to bridge the gap between research and practical application, the Centre for Coordination of Agricultural Research and Development for Southern Africa (CCARDESA) recently organized a four-day Regional Information Communication Knowledge Management (ICKM) Workshop. Held from September 18-21, 2023, the event brought together ICKM Country Focal Persons from ten Southern African Development Community (SADC) nations, aiming to deepen their skills in producing Research to Extension (R2E) videos and mastering social media engagement within their respective institutions.
A highlight of the workshop was an insightful field visit to the Agricultural Research Council of South Africa (ARC) Vegetables, Industrial and Medicinal Plants (VIMP) Campus at Roodeplaat. Here, participants were divided into five groups, each tasked with learning from and interviewing ARC researchers about their ongoing projects. These interactions were not just theoretical exchanges; each group actively produced videos, aligning with the workshop's practical objectives.
The focal point of this article is the visit to the Roodeplaat Agro-processing facility, a hub of innovation under the leadership of Dr. Nqobile Masondo. “This facility stands out for its advanced equipment, including tea bag and capsule-making machines and versatile grinders. These tools are instrumental in adding value to ARC's diverse agricultural produce”, said Dr Masondo as she informed members of the group.
Grinder making machine
Remarkably, the facility extends its innovation to a variety of crop commodities, turning medicinal plants like Moringa and Amaranthus into consumer-friendly products. These range from Moringa ice tea and vitamin water to yogurts and Amaranthus leaf powder. The creativity doesn't stop there; the facility also produces unique items like vegan sweet potato noodles, amaranthus cheese, and a range of organic personal care products including candles, spices, and creams.
Beyond product development, the facility's comprehensive setup, featuring a processing area, dryer, storage room, analytical lab, and ablutions, plays a critical role in empowering local small-scale farmers.
Dr Masondo said, “Through training and support, these farmers are learning to add value to their crops, enhancing their livelihoods significantly. This approach not only boosts individual farmers but also contributes to the broader agenda of agricultural development in Africa”.
Capsule making machine
The CCARDESA's ICKM workshop and the visit to the ARC's Roodeplaat facility highlight a pivotal movement in African agriculture. By blending research with practical applications and media engagement, the program sets a new standard for agricultural development. As the continent moves towards more sustainable and profitable farming practices, initiatives like these are not just desirable but essential. Agro-processing emerges not just as a business venture but as a transformative force, paving the way for a more prosperous future for African farmers and the agricultural sector at large.
The authors are CCARDESA ICKM Focal Point Persons from Malawi, Lesotho, Tanzania and Zimbabwe
