Moutse

The Moutse programme began in 2003 with the launch of the Moutse Cotton Umbrella, a representative organisation of 14 cotton-farming associations and 200 members. TechnoServe provided training and capacity building in farm and soil management to all association members.

The programme has since expanded to providing mentorship and technical assistance to individual black emerging farmers with the potential to become commercial farmers. Three pilot programmes involved local farmers, Thomas Mkhabela and Isaac Phetla, and the Garakopaneng Cooperative consisting of 15 women.

Through improved farming practices and mentorship, Thomas was contracted by Monsanto Company to grow seed maize. His maize yield of 5.8 tons/ha has comfortably exceeded the expected tonnage of 3.5 tons/ha and Monsanto awarded him best emerging farmer for 2005.

Isaac has also greatly improved his cotton farming, with yields of 2500ton/ha and has been allocated 40 hectares of communal land, earmarked for commercial farming.

TechnoServe is looking for opportunities to work with more emerging farmers.