The University of Pretoria (UP) has made history by launching Africa's first integrated, high-tech agricultural research and training facility, FARM@UP. This groundbreaking 570-hectare site is set to revolutionize sustainability-focused agricultural research and skills development, marking a significant leap forward for the continent's agricultural sector.
FARM@UP envisioned as a cutting-edge hub, will spearhead multidisciplinary research and development initiatives across South Africa and the broader African region. According to Professor Barend Erasmus, Dean of Natural and Agricultural Sciences at UP, the facility is tailored to address Africa’s unique agricultural challenges while promoting future-fit, climate-smart practices. “FARM@UP will serve as a working farm offering practical training and large-scale research opportunities for scholars, students, and industry professionals. It is poised to reshape African agriculture," Erasmus said.
The facility will foster powerful collaborations between academia and industry, aligning with UP’s vision for transdisciplinary research. FARM@UP has already secured partnerships with industry giants like Agri-Enviro Solutions, Automill, and Bühler Southern Africa, positioning it as a major driver of agricultural innovation across the continent. This bold initiative sets a new benchmark in Africa’s quest for sustainable agricultural solutions.
Article by Nyokabi Wanjiku
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