Page 9 - TWIMS Posters 2023

IMPROVING THE Executive Summary Decision making process: Solution brainstorming mind map

The syndicate conducted a rigorous process of brainstorming potential solutions to improve the

terms of feasibility. Solutions were streamlined by choosing two of the most feasible solutions and
The target for UN SDG 2 is to “end hunger, achieve production costs, inadequate soil testing, poor maize yield based on the research findings. Each potential solution was unpacked and evaluated in
PRODUCTIVITY OF sustainable agriculture” (UN, 2022). In South Africa, appreciation for resilient and appropriate input facilitates the soil testing, soil analysis and input product distribution to the farmer was selected.
further analysing their pros and cons. Based on this process a mobile application (app) solution that
food security and improve nutrition, and promote
community support, poor extension services and an
23.6% of citizens are affected by moderate to severe
factors, such as genetically modified (GMO) seeds. A
food insecurity (Statistics South Africa, [Stats SA],
2022). Therefore, addressing food security in the review of secondary data through literature Proposed Solution: Mobile application that facilitates soil testing, soil analysis and input product
identified that precision agriculture (PA) technology
distribution to the farmer
SMALLHOLDER MAIZE research project focuses on exploring and developing land productivity. PA requires high capital ID 01: User registration: This use case allows the ID 05: Community board: This use case allows
South African context is an urgent priority. This
is a key enabler in improving agricultural yield and
a solution for SDG 2 in the South African context.
investment in most cases, which poses a challenge

The agricultural sector in South Africa has a critical for SMHFs who have limited access to financing. farmer to register as a first-time user of the the farmers to leverage off their collective
knowledge base.
application and provide details of their farm size
role to play in eradicating hunger and contributing to Interviews with experts in the field of agriculture and and location. ID 06: Ask for help: This use case is a live
FARMERS IN SOUTH AFRICA farmers (SMHFs) have a large role to play in this due to maize farming showed that the largest contributor ID 02: User login: This option is only available to interactive platform that allows the farmer to
the economic welfare of its citizens. Smallholder
to poor SMHF land productivity is the incorrect
the large proportion of land farmed by SMHFs. Maize,
successfully registered users and requires the
chat directly with the support desk and get help
application of farming inputs (namely, seeds,
a global staple food, is being farmed inefficiently by
SMHFs in South Africa when compared to large-scale fertiliser, pesticides and other nutrients) in the most farmer to enter the username. on demand.
efficient combinations for the soil quality at hand.
commercial farmers. The root cause of this problem is ID 03: Soil testing : This use case allows the
that agricultural technological systems are presently In order to resolve this problem, a mobile farmers to receive an automatic notification
designed for commercial farming and are not application (app) solution that facilitates the soil encouraging them to begin the soil testing
customisable for SMHFs. testing, soil analysis and input product distribution process. After the soil samples and testing has
to the farmer, is proposed. The app, titled The
A PESTEL analysis of the macroenvironment in Farmer’s App, would enable farmers to have access been competed the farmer can then login to the
which SMHFs operate showed that government to agronomists who can appropriately assess their app and download/view the soil testing reports.
remediation plans for SMHFs have been poorly soil, provide an analysis of results, and recommend
implemented, and that although market demand product dosages for optimal farming yields. This ID 04: Knowledge centre: The knowledge centre

exists, SMHFs have had challenges in being serious use case allows the manufactures of the farming
THE GLOBAL GOALS solution enables SMHF to have access to PA
For Sustainability Development market players on a national level. There are many without needing to finance their own on-site inputs required for maize, to advertise their
developments in agricultural technology that may system. A cost benefit analysis of the solution products and also give price estimates.
assist in improving SMHF maize yields, however
APPLIED BUSINESS PROJECT: various social barriers exist in implementing shows that the app would generate an annual
profit of R1.1m by the fifth year. The Farmer’s App
technological innovations with farmers.
would be marketed to farmers by first executing Implementation of proposed solution: Soil sampling, logistics and distribution of product and
farmer engagement
TWIMS PGDIP SYNDICATE 3 2023 Primary data gathered through interviews with 14 small focus group testing, followed by online Three critical processes were identified for the implementation of the solution and are highlighted
maize farmers from two locations in South Africa
campaigns through social media and farming
identified that farmers have challenges with high
forums to reach the farming communities at large.
in the diagrams below:
Results of Primary Data Collection: Farmer Interviews and Expert Interviews

Syndicate Members: The major themes identified across all the interviewed farmers are presented in Table 1 below: Figure 2: Implementation of soil sampling operational process
*3PL = Third Party Logistics

TABLE 1: MAJOR THEMES IDENTIFIED THROUGH FARMER INTERVIEWS Farmers receive 3PL assesses demand & plans Samples submitted to
Kamva Makabane Theme Theme Description notifications of launch of the requirements or agronomists, published on App, demand
accredited lab, results
YA raduates, vehicles &
seasonal planting event via
Farmers sit with high production costs which are either subsidised by the government by less than a App accommodation shared with suppliers
five percent fraction or not subsidised at all as in the case of ninety percent of the farmers interviewed.
Trevor Zuma These costs come from machinery leasing, seeds cost, fertiliser costs, fencing, maize storage, ongoing SEASON LAUNCH 3PL SCHEDULING SAMPLE SUBMISSION & ANALYSIS
High Production Cost
maintenance and treatment, and human labour force.
The soil testing subsidised by the department of agriculture is always delayed and the soil testing done
Insufficient Soil Testing
Travis Kanniah through a private firm is fast, however, the samples taken do not meet the required prescribed best practices.
Lack of Community Support
Farmers experience theft and cows consuming their maize produce before harvesting.
FARMER INVITATION SOIL SAMPLE COLLECTION PURCHASING
Tshepo Nkodi All the farmers highlighted the importance of understanding the process of maize farming, from soil Farmers are invited to Resources aquired & Farmers purchase, accept
testing, soil preparation, planting, to treatment and overall monitoring of the maize crop through its
lifecycle. The absence of this can negatively impact the yields.
Importance of Understanding
deployed to collect
accept participation for the
the Farming Process Timing within the maize lifecycle is critical. If you start late, your yields are already at risk. In the case of season and complete land size samples, plan adherence terms & pay. Demand is
confirmed for 3PL to
Sibusiso Hlangu the farmers in the Eastern Cape, by 1 June, cows are allowed to eat from the fields and therefore the & yield ambition tracked on App execute
entire harvesting needs to be completed before then.
Lack of support from the Department of Agriculture through extension services. The department is
Khuthala Dladla Poor Extension Services failing to scale and therefore farmers do not receive the same level of support. Furthermore, there is lack Figure 3: Product distribution logistics process
of training on new technologies that can be adopted to improve yield throughout the farming process.

Even though GMO seeds come at a high recurring cost, all the farmers prefer using GMO seeds because
GMO Seeds are Preferred more it helps them avoid the climate change impact on yields, the maize testes better, and the overall farming
Lily Vasic than Natural Seeds cycle is reduced.

Follow up interviews with three experts were held to understand their perspectives on land productivity Aggregate Aggregate Direct Distribution:
Full rail & road loads direct to customers
Demand
Demand:
methods used by SMHF. The results of these interviews indicated that the largest contribution to poor yields - Fertiliser Analysis Direct Distribution:
Supervisor: was incorrect application of farming inputs (namely, seeds, fertiliser, pesticides and other nutrients) in the - Seeds and logistics Mixed road loads direct to multiple customers
planning (rail
- Pesticides
most efficient combinations for the soil quality at hand.
- Potassium
demand,
- Nitrogen vehicles, staff), Primary Roadshow:
Systems thinking application: Agricultural ecosystem of SMHF maize yield enhancement - Calcium split demand Distribution: - Call & collect Secondary
- Transhipment
Distribution:
Mbongeni Ndlovu A study of the literature, integration of the primary data and application of courses studied on the - Magnesium between Full road & rail plus - Advertising stalls Mixed road
Direct &
- Manganese
mixed road
PGDip led to the diagram below which highlights the agricultural ecosystem of the smallholder - Iron Indirect delivered to the - Equipment sales loads delivered
- Consulting service offers
to customers
transhipment agent
distribution
- Boron
maize farmers. In particular it indicates the available precision agriculture systems and innovations - etc. at the roadshow - Extension service
consulting
that could improve maize yield.
LIVE ORDER TRACKING, ADVERTISING, WEATHER WARNINGS, AGRIC HEADLINES & TRAINING
Figure 1: Agricultural ecosystem of SMHF maize yield enhancement
External policy, commercial and socio-economic influences
SMHF Maize Cultivation Process Flow Figure 4: Farmer engagement plan
Politcal History Financial Capital
Access to alternative 5 farming/co-ops willing
affordable fiancing, land Socio-economic to test product
reforms and lack of farmer Production Resources influence
support Impact of farmer Test product and Videos Pamphlets
Raw Material Inputs Property and Equipment organisations & bias generate social media
- Seeds - Property and storage (silos) Human Capital towards technological content Information Stands
Financial Implications - Fertilizers - Land and soil - Skilled labour innovations Pictures
Financing challenges faced - Pesticides - Machinery - Unskilled labour
by SMHF, leading to poor Get focus group to Participation in
technology investment On-Site Operations participate in forums community events
Legisiative policy
Field direction
Field Testing & Growth Process Harvesting Engaging Small focus Online Presence at Key Sites
Environmental Impact Preparation & Planting Revision of APAP
Climate change impacts Assessment Fertilization & Monitoring & Storage (2015-2019) Farmers group testing Campaign (Harvest sites - Afgri)
rainfall and this caused
draughts and floods
Sell to local susistence primary market / distributor
Farmer Forums Social Media Sponsored Ads
Available precision agriculture systems and innovations to improve maize yield Share Other
Participation valuable Receive a ...
review
Digital Systems Development Agri-Science Development Climate Smart Agricultural Systems Agro-Processing in forums insights and feedback Tik Tok WhatsApp YouTube Google Facebook
Digital solutions such as mobile GMO seeds can improve yield and Intended boost agricultural productivity by Assists the farmers to improve the learning
technologies ensure that farmers have resistance to climate change. Improvement mitigating climate change challenges. harvesting and logistics process ensure Demonstration Farmer Demonstration Review comments
access to informatiom to improve yields. in fertilizer can improve yields. Generally applied to onsite operations. that waste is minimised
video groups video (likes) & feedback
National secondary market & international macroeconomic marketplace
Precision agricultural solutions allow SMHF to become active participants in national secondary market. The additional volumes limits food security concerns and earns additional revenues for SMHF. Demonstration Educational Review comments
Opportunity for SMHF to access international markets and supply staple food for human consumption, animal feedstock, feedstock for the production of biofuels. video content (likes) & feedback