TUT Role in Advancing Agriculture MASTER Project Benefits. The Tshwane University of Technology (TUT) continues to solidify its impact in the agricultural sector through its participation in the European Union-funded MASTER project. Launched in 2023, this initiative seeks to empower agricultural students and small-scale farmers in Sub-Saharan Africa, with a particular focus on South Africa and Senegal.
Collaborative Approach to Agricultural Advancement
In collaboration with 13 international partner institutions from Africa (South Africa and Senegal) and Europe (Germany, Italy, France, and Serbia), TUT is an integral part of the Managing (South) Africa and Senegal Sustainability Targets through Economic-Diversification of Rural-Areas (MASSTER) project. The initiative aims to enhance the capacity of Sub-Saharan Higher Education Institutions to promote inclusive, integrative, and reflective educational practices.
These efforts address key developmental challenges, including food security, migration, and rising inequalities in economic and human capital development. By building socio-economic resilience, the project contributes to the region’s recovery and development.
Goals of the MASSTER Project
According to Prof. Grany Senyolo, Associate Professor in Agricultural Economics at TUT Department of Crop Sciences, the MASSTER project primary aim is to explore how Higher Education Institutions can support agricultural students and small-scale farmers. This support is directed at fostering rural development and addressing the migration/mobility nexus through a holistic societal engagement framework.
Key outcomes for TUT agricultural students include:
- Training to meet local farmers needs.
- Participation in income-generating farm activities.
- Providing extension services to farmers.
- Collaborating with municipalities to manage economic migrations effectively.
Skills Development
In October 2024, four TUT Faculty of Science members—Profs. Bohani Mtileni, Grany Senyolo, Tshifhiwa Nangammbi, and Dr. Tlangelani Nghondzweni—attended a seminar at Gaston Berger University (UGB) in Senegal. Discussions focused on a training needs assessment for South Africa and Senegal, with priorities identified as:
- Addressing gender-specific needs.
- Supporting farm expansion and income generation.
- Encouraging diversification.
- Raising governmental awareness and fostering collaboration.
- Strengthening partnerships between farmers and students.
The workshop aimed to design non-degree training courses for small-scale farmers and students in critical areas such as:
- Farm management and income generation.
- Climate change resilience in agriculture.
- Agritourism development.
- Food value chain optimization.
Building Capacity Through Knowledge Sharing
The seminar also included practical sessions, workshops, and lectures, focusing on tools like WBMOODLE and SyGMA for project management under Erasmus+ projects. These activities allowed participants to gain valuable insights, exchange ideas, and establish professional networks.
Prof. Bohani Mtileni reflected on the enriching experience, emphasizing its importance for TUT role in the MASSTER project.
“The knowledge and skills acquired will undoubtedly contribute to our efforts to deliver meaningful outcomes for agricultural students and small-scale farmers.”
Paving the Way for Rural Development
The MASTER project exemplifies the transformative potential of international collaboration. By addressing critical challenges in rural agriculture and empowering the next generation of agricultural professionals, the initiative sets a strong foundation for long-term socio-economic development across Sub-Saharan Africa.
