Factors affecting the training of farm workers in Free State Province, South Africa

Abstract

Farm workers are amongst the workers that are central to the productivity and efficiency of food production.
Food and agricultural sector in South Africa cannot achieve their global competitiveness without a properly
skilled and technologically wise farm workforce. In order for this sector to effectively prevent food insecurity
in South Africa and in Southern African Development Communities (SADC), famers and other stakeholders
needs to prioritize farm workers’ training programme. This study examined the training gaps that exist within
the farm worker communities in Free State Province, South Africa. The research was carried out in three
different regions of the aforementioned Province. An intensive investigation incorporating desktop studies,
qualitative and quantitative research methodologies revealed that the absence of dedicated training institute,
sponsors and training programs limit the farm workers’ human capital development. It was also revealed that
there is a significant association (P<0.10) between training and funding of farm workers. To unlock the
economic marginalization of these farm workers, the study recommends that training facilities aim at
empowering farm workers should be within their reach. A properly designed and supported farm worker
training programmes with a particular emphasizes on managerial training, agro-processing and value
addition of agro-products be canvassed.