Issued by: North West Communication Service
"WOMEN IN AGRICULTURE" CONFERENCE TO BE HELD IN MMABATHO
The North West Departments of Agriculture is to hold a confe- rence on "Women in Agriculture" in Mmabatho on September 17 and 18, 1996.
"The conference objectives will be to highlight the plight of women farmers in this region, putting strategic plans in place, which will improve their present status; and hopefully create networking for women in agriculture," said North West MEC for Agriculture Rev. O.J. Tselapedi.
"We have invited women farmers from development agencies, commerce and industry, the political field, and a number of participants from the SADC countries."
Women have traditionally been marginalised and disadvantaged as farmers. They have been treated as minors where finance and decision-making are concerned. Their role in farming has been relegated to that of suppliers of labour, acquisition of productive resources such as land, finance; Agricultural extension services seriously neglected them - those programmes that were in place overlooked the major role that women play in agricultural production, marketing and management.
The theme of the conference: "BROADENING ACCESS TOWARDS AGRICULTURAL THRUST FOR WOMEN FARMERS" will be implementing one of the key programmes of the RDP i.e. developing our human resource. The conference will generate active interest and involvement in the plight of women in agriculture and take decisive action toward solving their plight.
"It is imperative that women deliberate their own situation and determine the course of action to be taken and what support will be required and who should play what role. The conference aims at providing a launching pad for women to take this lead," said Rev. O.J. Tselapedi.
The Deputy Minister for the National department of Agriculture, Mrs Thoko Didiza will deliver the keynote address.
For further information contact LANA QUINN (0140) 895459 / 895148. 2 September 1996