Sebitia Nutrition Club to Receive SHEP Training to Boost Agricultural Skills and Household Income

The Sebitia Nutrition Club, based at Mapoteng Sun Centre in the Berea district, will receive training on the Smallholder Horticulture Empowerment and Promotion (SHEP) approach from January 13 to 14. The training is organized by Area Technical Nutritionist Ms. Ntefeleng Tsolo and supported by the Gender Equality and Women Empowerment (GEWE) program under SADP II at World Vision. Its main objective is to equip club members with practical skills to improve production, preservation, and marketing of agricultural produce, ultimately enhancing household income.

Ms. Tsolo explained that Sebitia Nutrition Club was selected for its dedication and consistent commitment to community development. The club has actively shared knowledge and demonstrated homestead farming techniques at Sebitia Primary School during the introduction of the school’s new feeding menu in November. During the demonstration, members showcased a variety of garden plot types, including trenches, double digging, raised beds, and banana pits, with additional support from Rorisang Club (Nokong) and Moletsane Club (Makhoroana).

The training will introduce participants to modern agricultural practices designed to bridge the rural-urban gap. Ms. Tsolo noted that adopting these methods will empower farmers, helping them remain competitive and innovative in a rapidly evolving agricultural sector. In addition to practical farming techniques, participants will receive guidance on economic concepts such as market surveys and stakeholder engagement, alongside psychological theories for designing effective home economics activities.

SHEP emphasizes the integration of gender equality in agricultural initiatives. The training encourages both men and women to participate in income-generating farming activities, treating agriculture as a sustainable business rather than just a household activity. Ms. Tsolo highlighted that this approach will not only strengthen food security but also create opportunities for income diversification and community development.

The Sebitia Nutrition Club’s engagement in SHEP training represents a step toward improving rural livelihoods, modernizing homestead farming, and promoting inclusive agricultural practices that benefit the wider Berea district.