poultry sub-sector skills plan 2018-2019 final v02.pdf · sapa south african poultry association...
TRANSCRIPT
April 2018
POULTRY SUB-SECTOR SKILLS PLAN
2018-2019
Prepared on behalf of the Sector by AgriSETA
ABBREVIATION/ACRONYM DESCRIPTION
AFASA African Farmers Association of South Africa
AGOA African Growth and Opportunity Act
AGRISETA Agricultural Sector Education and Training Authority
APAP Agricultural Policy Action Plan
ARC Agriculture Research Council
ATI Agricultural Training Institute
ATR Annual Training Report
BMI Business Monitor International
CFO Chief Financial Officer
CoS Centres of Specialization
DAFF Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry
DHET Department of Higher Education and Training
DRDLR Department of Rural Development and Land Reform
DTI Department of Trade and Industry
FETMIS Further Education and Training Management Information System
GDP Gross Domestic Product
HEMIS Higher Education Management Information System
HSRC Human Sciences Research Council
HTFV Hard To Fill Vacancies
IGDP Integrated Growth Development Plan
IDP Integrated Development Plan
IPAP Industrial Policy Action Plan
IRR Institute of Race relations
KZN KwaZulu-Natal
KZNPI KwaZulu-Natal Poultry Institute
NAFU National African Farmers Union
ABBREVIATIONS AND ACRONYMS
ii
NAMC National Agricultural Marketing Council
NDP National Development Plan
NGP New Growth Path
NEETS Not in Employment, Education or Training
NPO Non-Profit Organization
NQF National Qualifications Framework
NSDS III National Skills Development Strategy III
NSFAS National Students Financial Aid Scheme
QLFS Quarterly Labour Force Survey
QCTO Quality Council for Trade and Occupations
RPL Recognition of Prior Learning
SACAU Southern African Confederation of African Unions
SADC Southern African Development Community
SAIVCET South African Institute for Vocational Continuing Education and
Training
SAPA South African Poultry Association
SAQA South African Qualifications Authority
SARS South African Revenue Service
SDA Skills Development Act
SDL Skills development levy
SIC Standard Integrated Project
SIP Standard Industrial Classification
SSP Sector Skills Plan
SIZA Sustainability Initiative of South Africa
STATSSA Statistics South Africa
TLUSA Farmers Union
TVET Technical Vocational Education and Training
WSP Workplace Skills Plan
WTO World Trade Organization
ABBREVIATIONS AND ACRONYMS ................................................................................................................. i
TABLE OF CONTENTS .................................................................................................................................... iii
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY .................................................................................................................................. v
CHAPTER 1: SECTOR PROFILE ........................................................................................................................ 1
1. INTRODUCTION ................................................................................................................................. 1
1.1 SCOPE OF COVERAGE .................................................................................................................... 1
1.2 KEY ROLE PLAYERS ........................................................................................................................ 3
1.3 ECONOMIC PERFORMANCE .......................................................................................................... 6
1.4 EMPLOYER PROFILE ...................................................................................................................... 7
1.5 LABOUR MARKET PROFILE ............................................................................................................ 8
1.6 CONCLUSION ............................................................................................................................... 11
CHAPTER 2: KEY SKILLS ISSUES .................................................................................................................... 12
2.2 ALIGNMENT OF SKILLS PLANNING TO NATIONAL STRATEGIES AND PLANS ............................... 12
2.3 PESTEL ......................................................................................................................................... 13
2.4 CHANGE DRIVERS ........................................................................................................................ 14
2.5 IMPLICATIONS FOR SKILLS PLANNING ........................................................................................ 16
2.6 CONCLUSIONS ............................................................................................................................. 16
CHAPTER 3: OCCUPATIONAL SHORTAGES AND SKILLS GAPS MISMATCHES .............................................. 17
3.2 EXTENT AND NATURE OF SKILLS DEMAND ................................................................................. 17
3.3 SCARCE AND TOP UP SKILLS ........................................................................................................ 20
3.4 EXTENT AND NATURE OF SUPPLY ............................................................................................... 21
3.5 CONCLUSIONS AND PIVOTAL LIST............................................................................................... 23
CHAPTER 4: PARTNERSHIPS ........................................................................................................................ 25
4.1 INTRODUCTION ........................................................................................................................... 25
4.3 CONCLUSION ............................................................................................................................... 26
CHAPTER 5: SKILLS PRIORITY ACTIONS ....................................................................................................... 27
5.1 INTRODUCTION ........................................................................................................................... 27
5.2 KEY FINDINGS FROM PREVIOUS CHAPTERS ................................................................................ 27
BIBLIOGRAPHY ............................................................................................................................................ 30
TABLE OF CONTENTS
iv
FIGURES
Figure 1: DISTRIBUTION OF AGRICULTURAL ENTITIES BY SUBSECTOR ......................................................... 3
Figure 2: PROVINCIAL DISTRIBUTION OF POULTRY ENTITIES ....................................................................... 7
Figure 3: RELATIVE SIZE DISTRIBUTION OF POULTRY ENTERPRISES ............................................................. 8
Figure 4: PROVINCIAL DISTRIBUTION OF EMPLOYEES .................................................................................. 9
Figure 5: DEMOGRAPHIC COMPOSITION OF EMPLOYEES .......................................................................... 10
TABLES
Table 1: RESEARCH PROCESS AND METHODS ............................................................................................. vi
Table 2: ACTIVITIES WITHIN THE POULTRY SUBSECTOR BY SIC CODE .......................................................... 2
Table 3: KEY AGRICULTURAL ROLE PLAYERS ................................................................................................. 4
Table 4: KEY POULTRY ROLE-PLAYERS .......................................................................................................... 5
Table 5: BROAD REMUNERATION CATEGORIES OF THE POULTRY INDUSTRY WORKFORCE ........................ 9
Table 6: KEY OCCUATIONAL CATEGORIES IN THE POULTRY INDUSTRY ...................................................... 10
Table 7: PESTEL FOR THE POULTRY INDUSTRY ........................................................................................... 13
Table 8: GENERAL PRIORITY SKILLS FOR THE POULTRY INDUSTRY ............................................................. 20
Table 9: PLANNED AND REPORTED TRAINING ............................................................................................ 21
Table 10: PIVOTAL LIST ............................................................................................................................... 23
Table 11: POULTRY SECTOR PARTNERSHIPS ............................................................................................... 25
v
1. INTRODUCTION AND OVERVIEW
The Poultry sub-sector, as demarcated to the AgriSETA, consists of three producer types, namely:
Commercial poultry producers, generally large corporates producing poultry (and eggs) on a very large scale and controls the supply chain from production (breeding) to growing, slaughtering (large abattoirs) and packaging.
Out growers. Out growers are mainly small to medium-sized operations that enjoy contracts to grow and deliver the live product to the abattoir (of mainly commercial poultry producers).
Small scale farmers. Small scale poultry and egg farmers are normally classified into the SMME category and frequently family operations.
Poultry is a large levy payer exceeding R46 million annually. It is also large in the context of agriculture at large and contributes approximately 21% to the local agricultural economy. The commercial poultry sector employs more than 100 000 workers of whom about 60 000 are permanent employees. Poultry is the second largest consumer of maize and has a major impact on upstream companies in the value chain, such as the animal feed industry. In short, the poultry industry has a formidable place in the South African agricultural economy.
However, the industry experience economic strain. It is heavily affected by avian influenza and more recently, Listeriosis as well as imports – dumping – mainly from the USA and South America. As a large consumer of maize, the increase in the maize prize has a direct impact on the poultry industry.
Amongst small scale farmers, poultry is a popular subsistence farming activity – it is relatively easy to engage with, low unit cost and if free ranging, input costs are low. It is naturally one of the most important sources of protein for impoverished rural people.
Key drivers of change in the industry are:
Growth of small-scale farmers. Extension Advisors. Recurring Avian Influenza and recently the outbreak of Listeriosis; and The Green economy.
In turn, these change drivers impact on skills and especially three factors stand out:
1. Develop small-scale farmers’ business and broiler management skills. 2. Train small-scale farmers in better understanding of animal health, hygiene and medicine
and the application thereof in order to minimize the spreading of avian influenza and other diseases such as Listeriosis.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
vi
3. In the commercial sector emphasis should be placed on creating an optimal environment for the breeding and growing of birds and layers. This relates to germ free environments, hygiene and safety.
2. RESEARCH
A document review was conducted to establish the economic performance and trends of the Poultry subsector, geographic concentration and employers. Government policy and strategy documents, as well as the key statistical and industry publications were reviewed and these are included in the bibliography. A thematic analysis was conducted to synthesize the key economic, policy and training issues affecting the Poultry subsector, and to identify key skills issues.
The following summarizes the research process and methods used to construct this sub-sector skills plan:
Table 1: RESEARCH PROCESS AND METHODS
RESEARCH TOPICS
OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY
RESEARCH METHODS
NATURE OF THE STUDY
SAMPLE SIZE DATA
COLLECTION TOOLS
TIMEFRAME OF THE STUDY
RESEARCH OUTPUTS
Sector Profile Understanding the economy, enterprises and labour within the sector
Desktop research Key informant interviews
Recent information on the sector was analyzed with a focus on Operation Phakisa: Oceans Economy
N/A Internet data research Unstructured interview
October – December 2017
Chapter 1: Sector Profile
Occupational shortages & emerging skills needs
Establish occupational shortages & emerging skills needs of the Poultry subsector
Qualitative method
Non-probability sampling method was employed to identify stakeholders from whom specific information was required
100 registered Poultry industry stakeholders
Key informant interviews (primary) & desktop data analysis (secondary)
September – November 2017
Chapter 2: Key Skills Issues Chapter 4: Sector Partnerships Chapter 5: Skills Priority Actions
Skills issues & demands
Identify key occupational shortages, demands & supply with regard to unskilled, skilled, generic Poultry
Quantitative method
Gathering empirical evidence using primary data sources, as well as undertaking theoretical, desktop
12% were cooperative farmers, 13% were small and emerging farmers and 75% were commercial farmers
The quantitative survey gathered data on the unskilled, skilled and generic occupational
September – November 2017
Chapter 2: Key Skills Issues Chapter 3: Occupational Shortages and Skills Gaps
vii
subsector occupations and emerging skills needs in the agricultural sector
research using secondary data sources
shortages & skills gaps
Sector Partnerships
Identify key AgriSETA partnerships
Desktop research
New sub-sector – search for possible partnerships
N/A N/A October – December 2017
Chapter 1: Sector Profile
3. SCARCE AND PIVOTAL LIST FORMULATION
The scarce skills, skills gaps and pivotal skills lists were arrived at through both secondary data analysis and the numbers made available in previous Sector Skills Plans, large and small workplace skills plans (WSPs), large and small annual training reports, (ATRs), and primary data analysis obtained at the two-day AgriSETA stakeholder conference (30-31 August 2017), interviews and data collection.
4. SUMMARY OF KEY FINDINGS
Priority skills in the Poultry industry are:
Business acumen such as identifying and starting a new business, basic business plan such as setting targets, resource planning, financial and operational plans. The existing NVC programmes can be considered as a basis for developing poultry specific programmes.
Technical skills focusing on practices relating to hatcheries, broilers and layers. Artisan development as the current population artisans are generally old and needs to be
replaced. Bio-security.
1
1. INTRODUCTION
Chapter 1 of this report provides an overview of the agricultural sector, paying particular attention to the Poultry subsector in South Africa. The first section of this chapter looks at the scope of the Poultry subsector’s coverage. Followed by the second section, which outlines AgriSETA stakeholders and key role-players in the Poultry sector. The third section looks at the economic performance of the overall agricultural sector, zooming into the contribution of Poultry to the South African economy. The fourth section explores the employer profile, based on the AgriSETA WSP/ATR data submitted for 2017. Finally, the last section provides a labour market profile where the number and demographics of people employed in the sector is explored. Essentially, chapter one of this document is intended to set the scene for the skills issues delved into in the subsequent chapters.
1.1 SCOPE OF COVERAGE
The scope of AgriSETA covers the agricultural sector, from input services to the farm, activities on the farm and first level processing activities from the farm. The Poultry subsector is classified into a single economic activity. The table below outlines the formal demarcation of the Poultry sub-sector.
CHAPTER 1: SECTOR PROFILE
2
Table 2: ACTIVITIES WITHIN THE POULTRY SUBSECTOR BY SIC CODE
SUBSECTOR SIC CODE SIC DESCRIPTION
Poultry
11220 Other animal farming, production of animal products (not elsewhere classified)
11221 Ostrich farming
30114 Poultry and egg production including the slaughtering, dressing and packing of poultry
Source: AgriSETA, 2017
The Poultry subsector is comprised of three 3 major sections:
Commercial poultry producers. These are large entities and some are large corporates producing poultry (and eggs) on a very large scale and controls the supply chain from production (breeding) to growing, slaughtering (large abattoirs) and packaging.
Out growers. Out growers are mainly small to medium-sized operations that enjoy contracts to grow and deliver the live product to the abattoir (of mainly commercial poultry producers). They are generally supplied by growing stock (chicks), feed and other inputs and once delivered to the abattoir the cost of production is deducted and then paid a pre-agreed amount per bird.
Small scale farmers Small scale poultry and egg farmers are normally classified into the SMME category and are frequently family operations. Live birds and eggs are generally sold on a daily basis at the gate or through hawkers. Generally, these are survivalist businesses.
Overall, the agricultural sector comprises of 11 sub-sectors, each organized into a Sub-sector committee tasked to represent their industry’s interest to AgriSETA. These are: Red meat; Horticulture; Poultry; Fibre; Pest control; ; Milling, Pet food, and Animal feed; Aquaculture; Seed; Sugar; Grain and Cereals and Tobacco. The Poultry subsector constitutes 2% of the overall number of levy paying entities to the AgriSETA. The graph below outlines the relative size of membership number by subsectors, as captured in the AgriSETA member database of 2017.
3
Figure 1: DISTRIBUTION OF AGRICULTURAL ENTITIES BY SUBSECTOR
Source: AgriSETA member database, 2017
Note: Tobacco is not reflected as it reflects “0%” (although large, the total sector consist only of a very few enterprises)
1.1.1 Revenue from Skills Development Levies
In 2017, the value of SDL paid by the Poultry sub-sector was R46 449 986 of which (80%) R37 159 989 flowed to the AgriSETA. This levy was collected from 402 levy payers of whom only 100 submitted the WSP/ATR.
In summary, the Poultry industry represents less than 6% of levy paying enterprises in AgriSETA but contributes approximately 11% of levy income and contributes 20.9% to the South African agricultural economy in general. It is clear that the Poultry sub-sector is one of the key sub-sectors demarcated to the AgriSETA. If one is to simultaneously take into account the myriad of micro and survivalist producers who survive from poultry and egg production (just about every rural household own chickens either for own consumption or aimed at the informal – hawker – market), one realizes that this sub-sector needs focused attention from the AgriSETA.
1.2 KEY ROLE PLAYERS
There are a number of public and private key role-players in the agricultural sector which contribute towards its functioning, including: national government departments, sector representatives and industry bodies. For the sake of brevity, the table below groups these role-players according to their strategic contribution to the sector. Please note that while as comprehensive as possible, this list is not exhaustive.
Red meat (45%)
Horticulture (24%)
Grains and Cereals(10%)Fibre (9%)
Aquaculture (5%)
Poultry (2%)
Milling, Petfood,Animal Feed (2%)Pest control (1%)
Seed (1%)
Sugar (1%)
4
Table 3: KEY AGRICULTURAL ROLE PLAYERS
Strategic contribution Department or organisation
Relevance to agricultural skills development
Skills Development and Research
Department of Basic Education
Quality of education of entrants to labour market, career awareness programmes to expose agriculture as a possible career choice
Department of Higher Education and Training
Responsible for TVETs, HETs, agricultural colleges and skills development. Sets the national skills development agenda through regulation of SETAs.
Statistics SA Provision of updated statistics on agricultural sector economics & labour force.
Agricultural Research Council Scientific research on agricultural production issues.
Strategy and Policy
Department of Trade and Industry & Provincial Departments of Economic Development
Industrial strategy, international trade agreements, agricultural sector strategy and policy implementation desk.
Department of Agriculture Forestry and Fisheries
Sector regulatory framework, strategy and leadership, provision of extension services, Broad Economic Empowerment funding of development interventions including provision of bursaries for scarce skills.
National Treasury & SARS Financial planning, incentives, accountability of Land Bank, skills levies.
Planning
Department of Labour Labour legislation, wage determinations, employment equity
Department of Economic Development
Sector economic strategies
National Planning Commission Identification of inter-departmental overlaps and gaps
Department of Environmental Affairs
Policy and guidelines on environment protection and natural resource management, partner in environmental education
Department of Transport Planning for transport needs in rural areas
Rural Development and Land Reform
Department of Rural Development and Land Reform
Partnering with AgriSETA in mobilising funds for capacity building of claimants.
Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs & Municipalities
Linking agricultural and rural development to IDPs and LED, infrastructure and services to agricultural enterprises
Services
Department of Water Affairs Water Boards manage local irrigation schemes
Department of Energy Strategy to supply electricity to rural areas
South African Police Service Collaboration with agricultural community to address issues of farm security, including attacks, stock and property theft
5
Strategic contribution Department or organisation
Relevance to agricultural skills development
Credit and assistance
Land and Agricultural Development Bank of South Africa
Financial services to commercial farming sector, agribusiness, and emerging farmers.
Micro-Agricultural Financial Institutions of South Africa (MAFISA)
Production loans to smallholder operators
Union and Sector representatives
Agri South Africa (AgriSA) Agricultural Union serving some 32 000 large and small commercial farmers.
National African Farmers’ Union of South Africa (NAFU)
Represents black farmers to level the field in all agricultural matters.
The African Farmers’ Association of South Africa (AFASA)
Represents commercial African farmers to bring black commercial farmers into mainstream agribusiness.
Transvaal Agricultural Union South Africa (TAU SA)
A national agricultural union serving commercial farmers
Food and Allied Workers Union (FAwy
Representing unionized workers in the farming and food processing industries
Agribusiness
Agricultural Business Chamber Fosters a favorable agribusiness environment
Grain SA
Conglomerate organization providing commodity strategic support and services to South African grain producers to support sustainability.
Source: 2015 GCIS Handbook, Agriculture and AgriSETA SSP 2011-2016
Whilst the above is relevant to the agricultural sector at large certain key role players needs special mentioning when considering the Poultry sub-sector:
Table 4: KEY POULTRY ROLE-PLAYERS
Strategic contribution Department or organisation
Relevance to agricultural skills development
Representation, research, advocacy and
lobbying
South African Poultry Association (SAPA)
SAPA serves as the industry’s collective voice to the public and to government Active role in protecting the industry from foreign “dumping” of poultry products
Human development
Onderstepoort Veterinarian School, UP
Advanced veterinary training
KZN Poultry Institute (KZNPI) Short courses and information sharing
Transformation Developing Poultry Farmers Organization (DPFO)
Caters for the needs of smallholder and emerging farmers by addressing issues affecting this growing sector of the poultry industry. The organization has also fulfilled a dynamic capacity building and advocacy role, empowering provincial structures and developing partnerships with the state over time
6
1.3 ECONOMIC PERFORMANCE
1.3.1 Overview
Overall, agriculture contributes 2, 4% to South Africa’s gross domestic product (GDP) and 4, 4% of total employment (IRR, 2016). Notwithstanding the relatively small share of the total GDP, primary agriculture is an important sector in the South African economy; the value of primary agricultural production in South Africa was R263,2 billion in 2016, while its contribution to the GDP was estimated at R72.2 billion in 2015 (DAFF, 2016). In addition, the sector plays an important role in job creation, especially in the more rural parts of the country.
The Poultry Sub-sector, although only representing 6% of levy payers is critical to the agricultural sector at large. The poultry industry remains the largest single contributor to the agricultural sector in South Africa. Some 20.9% of the total agricultural gross value in 2015 stemmed from poultry production and over 42.8% of animal product gross value. The industry provides direct employment for over 56 000 people and indirect employment to a further 63 000 people; is the second largest consumer of maize; and supports many peripheral businesses as well as those downstream in the value chain. The poultry industry’s influence on the success of the South African feed industry is considerable. (SAPA, 2015).
1.3.2 Economic outlook of the sub-sector
The period 2004 to 2008 the industry experienced substantial growth with broilers growing on average by 7%. Thereafter it slowed drastically down to 1% for the period 2009 to 2014. During the past seven years, production costs have increased, disposable income of consumers has declined and the importation of poultry meat products at low prices has eroded the demand for locally produced broiler products. (SAPA, 2015). The total gross value of animal products was R113, 7 billion and the total gross value of agricultural products was R233, 3 billion in 2015. Total animal products contributed 48. 7% to the gross value of total agricultural products, with poultry meat contributing 16. 6% and eggs 4. 2 %. (SAPA, 2015). The outbreak of avian influenza in the Western Cape has resulted in the culling of vast numbers of birds (in August 2017 this already totaled in excess of 300 000). The epidemic combined with a slowdown in consumer demand and the large scale import of poultry products (South Africa imported 273 745 tons of chicken in the first half of 2017 (Agri Handbook, 2017) has placed the industry under severe pressure. At this stage it is not clear what the eventual impact of Liseriosis will be on the industry (the largest poultry producer in South Africa is affected and had to remove its product from the shelves of retailers). All indications are that the industry will remain under pressure for the next number of years and it is expected that it will shed some of its labour in order to survive commercially.
7
1.4 EMPLOYER PROFILE
According to SARS there are 1 134 registered poultry industry employers in South Africa. Of them, 403 are paying the skills levy and 100 are submitting the WSP/ATR. Using the levy paying companies as a proxy, it is clear from the following graph that approximately 50% of all poultry enterprises are to be found in Gauteng and Kwazulu-Natal. The third largest province is Mpumalanga with 15% of all poultry enterprises. All the other provinces have less than 10% representation.
Figure 2: PROVINCIAL DISTRIBUTION OF POULTRY ENTITIES
AgriSETA “Huge File”, 2017
For planning purposes, it is important for the SETA to have a clear understanding of the distribution of enterprises by size as it helps in decisions regarding grants and special grants aimed at certain categories (such as SMME’s).
However data sources are limited. SAPA’s membership is not reflective of the total industry as it is a voluntary organization. The quality of employer data provided by SARS and DHET remains poor and is only used to indicate relative size rather than absolute numbers per size category.
The following figure distributes those that that are registered with AgriSETA. 1
1 It should be noted that in the context of skills planning, size is determined by number of employees and not turnover. Small = ≤49 employees, Medium 50 – 149 and Large ≥150 and above.
9%
5%
25%
23%2%
15%
8%
5%
8%EC
FS
Gau
KZN
Lim
MP
NW
NC
WC
8
Figure 3: RELATIVE SIZE DISTRIBUTION OF POULTRY ENTERPRISES
AgriSETA “Huge File”, 2017
Whilst the sector has many small enterprises, it is known that only about 100 submit WSP/ATRs (of the estimated 1 000 enterprises). It is also a known fact that the poultry industry is one of the largest contributors of the skills levy to AgriSETA (11%). It thus implies that the vast majority of the levy income is generated by a few large corporates. An analysis of levy income confirms this.
The indication is that poultry together with livestock and vegetables are the most popular farming activities in South Africa. It is also important to note that it is very popular in the poorest provinces - Eastern Cape and Kwazulu-Natal followed by Limpopo and Mpumalanga.
1.4.1 Subsistence Farming
Poultry is one of the most popular subsistence farming activities – it is relatively easy to engage with, low unit cost and if free ranging, input costs are low. It is naturally one of the most important sources of protein for impoverished rural people.
This is one of the reasons why the graph above also reflects that poultry is one of the most popular commodities in rural provinces (Eastern Cape, KZN, Limpopo and Mpumalanga).
1.5 LABOUR MARKET PROFILE
It is estimated that the Poultry industry directly employs 56 000 workers and indirectly 63 000. The broiler industry is the largest employing approximately 48 000 people and the egg industry a further 8 000 people.
The table below illustrates that the vast majority of workers in the broiler industry are employed at lower levels (89%) whilst in the egg industry a slightly higher percentage of workers are employed at higher level.
85%
9%6%
0%
10%
20%
30%
40%
50%
60%
70%
80%
90%
Small Medium Large
9
Table 5: BROAD REMUNERATION CATEGORIES OF THE POULTRY INDUSTRY WORKFORCE
Industry Junior Staff Supervisory and
Senior Staff Total
Broiler, hatchery and rearing 12 880 1 591 14 471
Broiler processing 25 515 2 029 27 544
Broiler distribution 4 465 1 604 6 069
Total 42 860 5 224 48 084
Percentage distribution 89% 11% 100% Egg industry 6 827 1 198 8 025
Percentage distribution 85% 15% 100%
SAPA, 2017
1.5.1 Provincial distribution of employees
The following figure summarizes the provincial distribution of employees – this includes employees form large, medium and small firms. It should however be noted that very few small firms (only 36) submit the WSP/ATR and therefore the picture is not fully representative.
Figure 4: PROVINCIAL DISTRIBUTION OF EMPLOYEES
AgriSETA WSP data, 2017
In general employees are distributed fairly evenly between the Western Cape, North West, Gauteng, Mpumalanga and KZN with 9% in the Free State. As the figures reflect mainly large and medium firms one can deduct that these firms are geographically well spread. It furthermore illustrates that most large corporates have activities in many provinces
1.5.2 Gender, Race and Age
The following table summarizes the demographics of the sector:
4%9%
15%
14%
4%16%
17%
0%
21%
EC
FS
Gau
KZN
Lim
MP
NW
NC
WC
10
Figure 5: DEMOGRAPHIC COMPOSITION OF EMPLOYEES
AgriSETA WSP data, 2017
The majority of employees are male although there is a healthy representation of female workers in the Poultry industry and Black workers (including Coloured and Asians) represent 92% of all workers. There are much older workers than youth in employment in the industry.
1.5.5 Occupational Categories
The following table list the top occupations within each main category on the OFO (those occupations with the highest number of workers in the WSP are included):
Table 6: KEY OCCUATIONAL CATEGORIES IN THE POULTRY INDUSTRY
Broad Occupational Category
Occupational code Detailed description
MANAGERS
2017-112101,121101, 121201, 121901,
212908, 122101/2, 131101, 132102,
132104, 132401/2, 134915
Director, Finance Manager, Personnel/HR manager, Corporate general manager, Quality systems manager, Sales and marketing manager, Agricultural farm manager, Production/operations manager, Engineering manager, Supply, distribution and logistics manager, Operations manager
PROFESSIONALS 2017-241101/2, 241107 Accountant, Management accountant, Financial accountant
TECHNICIANS AND ASSOCIATE PROFESSIONALS
2017-312201, 312202, 314201, 325703, 331301, 334102
Production/operations supervisor, Maintenance planner, Agricultural technician, Agricultural/Horticultural Produce Inspector, Bookkeeper, Office administrator
57%
43%
81%
10%
1%7%
44%51%
5%
0%
10%
20%
30%
40%
50%
60%
70%
80%
90%
11
Broad Occupational Category
Occupational code Detailed description
CLERICAL SUPPORT WORKERS
2017-411101, 422601, 431101, 431301, 432101, 432201
General clerk, Receptionist, Accounts clerk, Payroll clerk, Stock clerk, Production coordinator
SERVICE AND SALES WORKERS
2017-522301, 523102, 524903, 541401
Sales assistant, Cashier, Sales clerk/officer, security officer
SKILLED AGRICULTUEAL, FORESTRY, FISHERY, CRAFT AND RELATED TRADES WORKERS
2017-611302, 611401, 612101, 612201, 641201, 642601, 642701, 651202, 651302, 653303, 671101, 681105
Landscape gardener, Mixed crop farm manager/foreman, Livestock farmer, Poultry farmer, Bricklayer, Plumber, Air-conditioning and refrigeration technician, Welder, Boiler maker, Mechanical fitter, Electrician, Poultry slaughterer
PLANT AND MACHINE OPERATORS AND ASSEMBLERS
2017-716109, 718201, 732101, 733201,
734101, 734206, 734402
Milling process machine operator, Boiler/engine operator, Delivery driver, Truck driver, Agricultural mobile plant operator, Loader operator, Forklift operator
ELEMENTARY OCCUPATIONS
2017-811101, 811201, 821101, 821201, 821204, 821301, 821401, 832904,
833402, 862203, 862916
Domestic cleaner, Commercial cleaner, Crop production farm worker, Livestock farm worker, Poultry, ratites or avian farm worker, Mixed crop and livestock farm worker, Garden workers, Food and beverage factory worker, Store person, Handyman. Farm maintenance worker
1.6 CONCLUSION In terms of levy contribution Poultry industry is one of the largest demarcated to AgriSETA using levies paid as a measure. This is acceptable because it is also one of the largest industries in agriculture in terms of it contribution to the agricultural GDP. From a skills development perspective it needs to be noted that it is a large employer which employers (directly and indirectly) in excess of 100 000 workers.
This sector requires focused attention from the AgriSETA, not only because it is large but also because it has a large and growing small scale farming population that requires development. Similarly, AgriSETA must contribute to the control of avian influenza and other health risks such as Listeriosis with sector specific training programmes.
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2.1 INTRODUCTION
This chapter focuses on the alignment of skills planning to national strategies insofar as it has relevance to Poultry and it will also focus on factors driving change in the sector, thus influencing particular skills needs.
2.2 ALIGNMENT OF SKILLS PLANNING TO NATIONAL STRATEGIES AND PLANS
The following section draws attention to the national strategy and planning documents that frame AgriSETA’s mandate for skills development. All of these legislative and policy frameworks speak to AgriSETA’s Constitutional mandate, as a Public Institution governed by the Public Finance Management Act, to develop learning programmes and facilitate the implementation thereof in accordance with the Skills Development Act, (1998), the Skills Development Levies Act (1999), and the National Qualifications Framework Act (2008).
There are two seminal strategic documents that underpin AgriSETA’s mandate for skills planning, namely: the White Paper on Post School Education & Training (2013) and the National Skills Development Strategy III (NSDS III) (2011 – 2016). Both of these documents highlight the SETAs roles in developing clear, sector specific linkages between education and the workplace through
CHAPTER 2: KEY SKILLS ISSUES
13
an analysis of the demand and supply of skills in their sector. These documents call for credible institutional mechanisms for skills planning, programmes that are occupationally oriented, and responsive higher and further education and training institutions. Furthermore, attention should be given to the needs of local, community enterprises, co-operatives and the like, with a focus on developing their skills capacities to meet the needs of their particular environments, thereby closing the gap between the rural and urban South African economies.
The Poultry industry has specific challenges that need to be taken into consideration during any skills planning process:
There is huge pressure from foreign companies to export cheap poultry products to South Africa. Imports happen from the US (AGOA), Brazil and Europe and by now has exceeded 250 000 tons. This has a very limiting effect on growth potential of the industry.
Diseases such as Avian Influenza and Listeriosis has a devastating effect on the industry – more than 300 000 birds had to be culled to date during 2017. Recently one of the largest producers had to remove all its product from retailers’ shelves. These diseases has the potential to render broiler production and processing plants unproductive and in some cases it is even possible that it will temporarily be closed down impacting on employment stability and profitability.
Small-scale growers and subsistence farmers are numerous. No official figures on the number of under resourced poultry farmers exist. It is however recognized that virtually every rural family will own chickens for own consumption or for the hawker market. It is very difficult to engage with these households to control the spread of diseases such as avian influenza. Large scale awareness, information dissemination and basic training is required.
2.3 PESTEL The macro-environmental framework within which the South African poultry industry has to operate and for the SSC to advise the AgriSETA reflect the following factors that needs to be taken into account for any strategic planning purposes.
Table 7: PESTEL FOR THE POULTRY INDUSTRY
FACTOR POSSIBLE IMPACT
Political
There is a need to restrict imports to protect the industry. Uncontrolled “dumping” has the potential to kill the industry. International arrangements such as AGOA is one such arrangement. Its relevance to the poultry industry need to be revisited. Whilst agricultural colleges are being repositioned as Agricultural Training Institutes, their stability, efficiency and effectiveness remains a challenge. Since the formation of DHET there was an issue of where these colleges must be allocated. The lack of political will to stabilize agricultural colleges had a major impact on their performance. After 17 years, RPL policy prescripts and the implementation in South Africa remains a contentious matter influencing the ability of certifying highly experienced people lacking required theoretical education.
14
FACTOR POSSIBLE IMPACT
Land expropriation without compensation which is now an adopted policy can have a negative impact on the industry.
Economic
Growing imports of poultry products not only from the US but also from South America and Europe, impacts negatively on the economy of the industry. There is a growing demand for poultry as a source of protein. Price increases are strongly driven by the price of seeds and grain, fuel price hikes and the volatility of the ZAR.
Social
Poultry farming is very popular amongst poor rural people. 1. There is a need to systematically capacitate small scale and survivalist farmers to grow into sustainable businesses. 2. Animal health is of paramount importance as free ranging chickens can easily spread diseases such as avian influenza and they share food sources with wild birds. The ageing Artisan workforce is a worrying factor. Floods and droughts have a direct effect on the industry and impact negatively on food prices.
Technological
Animal health and food security is increasingly important to the poultry industry as the sector is plagued by the recurrence of avian influenza and diseases such as Listeriosis. Technological advances have to be made to pre-empt such diseases. Food quality inspectors is not a popular field of study for young people and needs addressing
Legal Employers regard labour legislation as restrictive and one of the effects is that more contracted workers are engaged in processing plants.
These PESTEL factors need to be taken into consideration when prioritizing skills development initiatives in the sector.
2.4 CHANGE DRIVERS
In this section key themes and issues driving change and influencing skills demand and supply in the Poultry sector are addressed. These change drivers were identified through a thematic synthesis of internal stakeholders’ views, policy documents, existing research and stakeholder engagement. It was ensured that sufficient engagement, via SSC sessions, were placed on the needs of the under-resourced sector.
2.4.1 Growth of Small Scale Farmers
Small-scale farmers do not have the knowhow to properly manage neither their businesses nor the technical skills to withstand external influences such as:
Avian influenza/Listeriosis.
Imports (dumping).
15
Droughts.
Floods.
Currently avian influenza has the most notable effect on the poultry sector and small-scale farmers are not prepared to manage the disease.
Major skills issues:
Build entrepreneurial skills.
Technically focus on animal health skills.
2.4.2 Extension Advisors
Well capacitated extension advisors can be a major driver of change in the Poultry sector, especially insofar as they can support small-scale farmers and Outgrowers.
Major skills issues:
Retraining of extension officers on the modern qualifications developed jointly by AgriSETA and DAFF.
Focus specifically on animal health issues and ensure that bird related health is a recognized component of such training.
CPD aiming at regular updating of extension officers with regards to new diseases and how to protest animals against it and how to treat such diseases.
2.4.3 Recurring Avian Influenza
Avian influenza is very difficult to control as it is mainly spread by wild birds. It is a phenomenon
that is here to stay and the poultry industry needs to find ways to manage and cope with it.
Major skills issues:
Animal health programmes.
Germ free environments – hygiene in areas where large numbers of birds are kept in confined space.
Vaccinations and medicine.
2.4.4 The Green Economy
There is an increasing emphasis on the “Green economy” in government policy documents (see, NDP, NGP). In the agricultural sector, this refers to the use of environmentally sustainable farming practices. These sustainable practices require new knowledge and skills that cuts across farming enterprises of all sizes. The need for green knowledge is conveyed through industry specific training interventions across different subsectors. Whilst there is a tendency to limit discussion on the Green economy to renewable and efficient energy, the Green economy is also embracing the progression to environmentally friendly pesticides and feeds which are less
16
harmful to man and its environment. This is even more important as poultry production is one of the largest consumers of grain.
2.5 IMPLICATIONS FOR SKILLS PLANNING
In this chapter we have seen that the legislative and policy frameworks established by government, coupled with the contextual change drivers and industry specific perspectives on skills development point to the following 3 skills implications that need to be addressed in the Poultry Sub-Sector Skills Plan.
3 Skills Implications:
Develop small-scale farmers’ business and broiler management skills. Train small-scale farmers in better understanding of animal health, hygiene and medicine
and the application thereof in order to minimize the spreading of avian influenza. In the commercial sector emphasis should be placed on creating an optimal environment
for the breeding and growing of birds and layers. This relates to germ-free environments, hygiene and safety.
2.6 CONCLUSIONS
From the analysis of skills issues in the Poultry industry, two matters stand out:
Firstly, there are many small-scale farmers and they appear to be growing. They need to be assisted to participate effectively in the economy, and whilst it implies training it also places a responsibility on government to ensure its extension officers can play the supporting role they are supposed to.
Secondly, Avian influenza as well as Green economy requirements are forcing the industry to ensure even higher levels of animal health and hygiene – this applies to the commercial sector and small-scale farmers. The AgriSETA’s role in support of this should be clear and well defined; the Poultry SSC must take the lead in defining that role.
17
3.1 INTRODUCTION
Chapter 3 reflects skills demand and supply in the Poultry Industry. WSP and ATR information is key to the findings of this chapter. As a very large sector, the wealth of information available should enable AgriSETA to accurately define skills mismatches.
The key themes emerging from this chapter corroborate the skills implications identified at the end of Chapter 2.
The Poultry industry is relatively easy to enter and unfortunately there are quite a number of operators whose actions and practices are not conducive to a healthy and disease free industry.
3.2 EXTENT AND NATURE OF SKILLS DEMAND
Many factors impact on the demand for skills in the sector – some of which are external, such as large scale importation of poultry products and avian influenza which puts a damper on sectoral economic growth and which in turn negatively affect labour demand. However there are other
CHAPTER 3: OCCUPATIONAL SHORTAGES AND SKILLS GAPS
MISMATCHES
18
less obvious reasons. In a PESTEL and SWOT analysis of the sector the following were raised as important factors impacting on the poultry sector.
Ageing Artisan Workforce It is a well-known fact that South Africa’s artisan population in the workplace are on average older than 50 years. The current system of NCV whereby thousands of young people with poor quality technical qualifications are produced with no workplace experience, is not helping to solve the problem of an aging artisan population. Over time a breakdown developed between employers and TVET Colleges with the former not trusting the quality produced by the latter. Colleges also started to develop the disposition that it has to provide theory and some simulated workshop training but has nothing to do with the workplace. A further challenge is that RPL is lacking in South Africa. This is especially the case with older workers who, over the years accumulated the necessary skills but do not have the required theoretical acumen to become artisans. Many attempts are under way to advance RPL especially amongst artisanal trades but a single well integrated policy does not exist. There are two positive developments with regards to artisan development. Firstly, the post school education and training strategy set a target to train 30 000 artisans annually. This led to the A21 initiative aiming to focus on work integrated learning during the development phase of an artisan. Secondly, DHET has recently commenced with the establishment of Centres of Specialization (CoS) which will initially focus on 13 priority trades and most importantly, these CoS will implement the new Occupationally-driven qualifications using the dual system (high level of rotation between the classroom and workplace) of training. The most popular trade in the poultry industry is that of electricians – this trade is part of the CoS initiative.
Veterinarian Related Skills
There is a lack of political will to train sufficient veterinarians. All training is still limited to one veterinarian school, located at Onderstepoort and linked to the University of Pretoria.
Similarly there is a lack of political will to resuscitate the 11 agricultural colleges. At this stage only Tsolo Agricultural College is producing some Animal Health Technicians.
There is a dire need, across the agricultural industry (cattle, small stock, and bird stock) for more animal health specialists – this is an area that needs to be prioritized by the Poultry SSC.
Food Quality Inspectors and Food Technologists
There are insufficient inspectors as there is a lack of interest to study in this field. This has a serious impact on the industry and is a threat to global competitiveness.
Hard-To-Fill Vacancies
Hard-To-Fill Vacancies (HTFV) are those vacancies which can take six months or more to fill. The industry identified the following six occupations as HTFVs:
19
20
Table 8: GENERAL PRIORITY SKILLS FOR THE POULTRY INDUSTRY
HTFV Reason Demand and
Supply SETA intervention
1. Artisans Lack of capable TVET
colleges.
Lack of holistic programmes
Lack of funding.
Lack of integrated theory,
practical and workplace
learning
Not sufficient
suppliers of quality
education.
Industry processing
plants need
artisans
Allocation of
resources.
Accreditation for
service providers.
Resuscitate the
current
agricultural
colleges.
2. Veterinarians Discrepancies in quality of
education supply.
Poor intake criteria
Lack of practicality
skills supply.
Resuscitate the
current
agricultural
colleges.
3. Food Quality
Inspectors
Discrepancies in quality of
education supply.
Lack of interest by
prospective students.
Demand exceeds
supply because of
a lack of
prospective
students.
Research and
programme
development in
line with food
technology
inspector
Advocacy.
4. Food
Technologist
Discrepancies in quality of
education supply.
Lack of interest by
prospective students.
Demand problem
because of a lack
of prospective
students.
Research and
programme
development in
line with food
technology
inspector.
5. Engineers Lack of focus on Maths and
science in secondary
schooling.
Demand problem-
lack of quality
students.
Allocation of
bursaries.
6. Charted
Accountants
Lack of focus on Maths and
science in secondary
schooling.
Affordability.
Demand problem-
Lack of quality
students.
Best students get
absorbed by big
companies
Allocation of
bursaries.
3.3 SCARCE AND TOP UP SKILLS
Scarce and top-up skills are determined by considering the HTFV and what is reported by employers in the WSP/ATRs.
Enterprises plan for and engage with training because there is a need to develop or top-up specific skills. The following table summarizes the most needed training interventions (in order of priority as determined by the number of interventions):
21
Table 9: PLANNED AND REPORTED TRAINING
PLANNED TRAINING TRAINING COMPLETED
1. Occupational health and safety skills Occupational health and safety skills
2. Management and supervisory skills HR and labour relations skills
3. Animal production skills Driver and operator skills
4. HR and labour relations skills Animal production skills
5. Food safety and security skills Management and supervisory skills
6. Driver and operator skills Financial skills
7. Admin and computer related skills Food safety and security skills
8. Life skills Admin and computer related skills
9. Financial skills Agricultural Maintenance Skills
10. Artisan and technical skills General Agricultural Skills
AgriSETA WSP & ATR data, 2017
The above reflects the top ten most number of interventions from high to low. Whilst it is a good indication of scarcity or need for top-up, alone it does not satisfy as it should be considered in relation to the number of posts in the industry. However, it is important to note that there is a high correlation between planned and executed training. This confirms the authenticity of the needs.
3.4 EXTENT AND NATURE OF SUPPLY
3.4.1 Tertiary Institutions
Most tertiary institutions offer bachelor’s degrees in Agriculture and/or Animal Science, Agricultural Management and Agricultural Extension. Specific poultry related qualifications are:
University of KwaZulu-Natal: Bachelor of Science in Animal and Poultry Science, NQF 7.
Tshwane University of Technology: National Diploma in Animal Production, of which poultry production is one of the subjects in both the second and third years.
3.4.2 Agricultural Training Institutes (formerly Agricultural Colleges)
Cedara Short course on Broiler production (on request).
Madzivhandila Short course in Poultry production.
Potchefstroom Poultry production is a compulsory part of the Diploma in Mixed Agriculture.
3.4.3 Qualifications registered with SAQA and available to any duly accredited training providers
Legacy poultry related qualifications with SAQA;
GET Certificate: Poultry Processing, NQF1, NQF2 andNQF3
GET Certificate: Poultry Production, NQF1, NQF2and NQF3
22
National Certificate: N1 Poultry Meat Examiner, NQF1 and NQF3
New occupational qualifications
The following is registered with SAQA:
Occupational Certificate: Poultry Farmer, NQF5
These programmes above can be presented by any of AgriSETA’s accredited providers (of whom most of the 800 are accredited to provide in animal production NQF levels 1 – 4.
3.4.4 KZN Poultry Institute
The KZN Poultry Institute deserves special attention. This is the only provider known in South Africa to focus solely on poultry related training. It is a non-profit institution sponsored mainly by large poultry enterprises and enterprises related to the sector (such as input suppliers) and has the necessary accreditation with AgriSETA and delivers on unit standard based programmes.
Learnership
National Certificate in Poultry Production, NQF 1 and NQF 3
Short courses
General Poultry Production
Hatchery Management
Commercial Layer Production
Broiler Breeder Production
Biosecurity
Indigenous Chicken Production
Poultry Business Skills
The Poultry Advisor
Poultry Team Leader
Mentoring Mentoring is an addition to formal training especially for new-entrant and smaller-scale farmers. Mentors travel both within and outside South Africa to assist producers on their farms to achieve their goals.
This mentoring allows the farmer to adapt the sound production practices that they learn on course to their own resources and farm environment and work systematically towards achieving good results. This is invaluable support to new farmers.
23
3.5 CONCLUSIONS AND PIVOTAL LIST Section 3.2 above list the occupations were identified as scarce and the need for to-up skills. The following table summarizes the occupations and the PIVOTAL programmes.
This pivotal list is essentially based on the AgriSETA WSPs for the Poultry sub-sector. It has been moderated by SSC members.
Table 10: PIVOTAL LIST
OFO
Code Occupation
Specialization
/ Alternative
Title
Planned
Intervention
NQF
Level
NQF
Aligne
d
#
neede
d
# to be
supported
2017-
13110
1
Agricultural
Farm
Manager
Livestock farm
manager
Learnerships 4 Yes Not
quantifi
able
132
2017-
12110
1
Finance
Manager
CFO, Chief
accountant
Bursaries 6 to 7 Yes 44 44
2017-
61220
1
Poultry
Farmer
Poultry Farm
Production
Supervisor
Poultry Farm
Foreman
Learnerships
and skills
programmes
2 to 4 Yes Not
quantifi
able
84
2017-
67110
1
Electrician Electrical fitter Apprentice-
ship
4 Yes 100 20
2017-
67120
2
Millwright Apprentice-
ship
5 Yes 100 60
2017-
68110
5
Poultry
Slaughterer
Halaal
slaughterer,
Chicken
processor,
Poultry worker
abattoir
freezing works,
Poultry factory
worker,
Poultry spotter,
Poultry boner,
Poultry
processing
worker
Skills
programme
2 Yes 200 96
2017-
82120
4
Poultry,
Ratites/Avian
Farm Worker
Egg collector,
Bird sexer,
Hatchery
assistant
Skills
programme
1 to 2 No (on-
job
training)
500 362
2017-
31390
7
Food &
Beverage
Process
Controller
Food and
Beverage
Process
Technician/
Artisan
Apprentice-
ship and
learnership
3 to 4 Yes 200 96
2017-
83290
4
Food &
Beverage
Worker/
Perishable
Produce
Packhouse
Worker
Skills
Programme
1 to 2 Yes but
also
non-
aligned
200 96
24
on-job
training
Table constructed from inputs form the SSC (specifically SAPA)
25
4.1 INTRODUCTION
This chapter highlights the partnerships which exist between the Poultry industry and other
institutions benefitting the industry.
4.2 LIST OF EXISTING PARTNERSHIPS
Three key partnerships are listed:
Table 11: POULTRY SECTOR PARTNERSHIPS
Strategic Partnership Department or
organisation Relevance of partnership
Skills development AgriSETA
Funding the poultry industry as a commodity organization where the industry select the type of intervention which must be industry-wide Funding of learning interventions of individual industry enterprises based on applications put forward to AgriSETA. Focus on KZNPI
CHAPTER 4: PARTNERSHIPS
26
Strategic Partnership Department or
organisation Relevance of partnership
Industry protection
DAFF
Work closely with DAFF to minimise impact of imports and protest the industry against “dumping” Work closely with DAFF to manage and control avian influenza
UP Veterinarian School, Onderstepoort
Joint efforts to vaccinate areas not yet infected with avian influenza
Agri-processing DRDLR
Joint programme with DRDLR to establish and manage small scale abattoirs to the benefit of the under resourced poultry farming community.
Industry representation South African Poultry Association (SAPA)
Representing the industry and lobbying on poultry related matters of which one of the most important is the protection of the industry against “dumping”
4.3 CONCLUSION
With the repeated outbreak of avian influenza and the fact that it is difficult to control, especially amongst small scale farmers who may not understand the impact and because their flock tend to be free ranging and therefore come easily into contact with wild birds, it is especially industry protection partnerships that must be prioritized.
Skills development partnerships should be geared towards supporting the above. In this regard the potential (expanded) role of KZNPI should be investigated.
27
5.1 INTRODUCTION
This chapter aims to synthesize the findings of the previous chapters and establish a set of skills priority actions for the sub-sector. The intention of these recommended skills priority actions is that they articulate the micro concerns of the Poultry sector.
These recommendations are founded in national policy and sectoral change drivers (chapter 2), as well as the skills concerns identified by employers and training providers in terms of their skills needs (chapter 3). This chapter is not a strategic or operational plan, but rather serves to identify priorities that should be taken forward and further developed in the AgriSETA Strategic Plan and Annual Performance Plan and to reflect the needs of the Poultry industry in those documents.
5.2 KEY FINDINGS FROM PREVIOUS CHAPTERS
From Chapter 1 it is clear that the Poultry sub-sector is one of the most important to AgriSETA; it contributes 11% of AgriSETA’s income and more importantly it contributes nearly 21% to the South African agricultural economy.
The industry is plagued by avian influenza and other diseases (lately Listeriosis) which results in the culling of large flocks of birds. One of the major contributing reasons is the difficulty in controlling these diseases. The industry has a myriad of subsistence and small scale producers
CHAPTER 5: SKILLS PRIORITY ACTIONS
28
all over South Africa and it is difficult, if not outright impossible, to control the virus at that level (frequently at household level)
The sector is dominated by a relatively small group of large corporates which produce more than 90% of commercially sold poultry. They are mainly situated in KZN, Gauteng and Mpumalanga. Most employees are black (92%) and 44% are below the age of 35. It is also a male dominated industry (57%).
Chapter 2 summarizes the main drivers of change in the industry which are the growth in small scale farmers and the resultant extension requirements, the recurring avian influenza and the future impact of the green economy.
These imply the following for skills planning (Chapter 3):
Develop small-scale farmers’ business and broiler management skills.
Train small scale farmers in better understanding of animal health, hygiene and medicine and the application thereof in order to minimize the spreading of avian influenza/Listeriosis.
In the commercial sector emphasis should be placed on creating an optimal environment for the breeding and growing of birds and layers. This relates to germ free environments, hygiene and safety.
Some other factors impacting on skills development are:
An ageing artisan workforce.
Need for veterinarian related skills.
Food quality inspectors and food technologists.
There are few tertiary institutions providing qualifications directed directly at the Poultry industry. It is also not mainstream in colleges of agriculture and TVET colleges. It is noted that the KZN Poultry Institute, a NPO, is specifically focusing on and geared towards the Poultry industry and delivers learnerships, skills programmes and most importantly mentorships.
Chapter 4 stresses that strong partnerships needs to be built and maintained especially with the focus on maintaining animal health and controlling the regular outbreak of diseases.
Priority skills in the Poultry industry are:
Business Acumen. o It is firstly proposed that the sector work closely with AgriSETA and interrogate
the NVC 2 and NVC 4 curricula. If relevant, these qualifications must be tailored to meet the needs of the Poultry Industry and become a foundation programme to develop new entrants covering aspects such as identifying and starting a new business, basic business plan such as setting targets, resource planning, financial and operational plans. Consideration should be given to the need to implement the full NVC programme or only elements thereof as a part qualification.
29
o Tailored short skills programmes focusing on financial planning, production planning, etc. These are foreseen as one to three day programmes.
Technical Skills. Technical skills programmes must focus on hatchery, broiler and layer management (with specific focus on the small-scale producer).
Artisan Development. The sector must prepare to replace an ageing artisan population in the workplace. Commercial production units, abattoirs and packing lines require well skilled artisans. New developments with regards to the training of artisans must be investigated and the industry should consider participating in the newly established CoS.
Biosecurity. The latest outbreak of avian influenza brought the whole matter of biosecurity to the fore. This need manifests itself in many ways.
o Veterinarian and related skills such as animal health inspectors and the ability to supply such skills (especially via agricultural colleges).
o Disease control and the protection of the national flock. Because the spreading of avian influenza and Listeriosis is very easy and is helped along through wild birds, disease control is not only the responsibility of the few large enterprises but, to be effective, incorporate out growers, small-scale producers and even those in rural areas producing for own consumption in their “backyards”.
o Awareness programmes. Engagement should not be limited to formal disease control learning programmes, but there is an ever growing need for awareness creation on how to manage a flock in a healthy and hygienic manner.
30
Adegbola, A. A. (1988). The structure and problems of the poultry industry in Africa. Proceedings of the
18th World Poultry Congress, pp. 31 – 38.
Agri Handbook, http://www.agrihandbook.co.za/index.php/book/livestock/poultry, 2017.
Barua, A. and Yoshimura, Y. (1997). Rural poultry keeping in Bangladesh. World’s Poultry Science Journal
53, 387 – 394.
Benabdeljalil, K. (1983). Poultry production in Morocco. World’s Poultry Science Journal 39, 52 – 60.
Botwalla, S. (2005). Poultry development in the Indian Subcontinent. Poultry Middle East and South Africa
184, 70 – 74.
Green-Armytage, S. (2003). Extraordinary Chickens. Harry, N. Abrams, Inc. Publishers, New York, pp. 320.
Gueye, E. F. (1998). Village egg and fowl meat production in Africa. World’s Poultry Science Journal 54, 73
– 86.
Ikpi, A. and Akinwumi, J. (1981). The future of the poultry industry in Nigeria. World’s Poultry Science
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SAPA, 2015 Industry profile, 2015.
Windhorst, H. W. (2006). Changes in poultry production and trade worldwide. World’s Poultry Science
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REFERENCE OF PHOTOS USED IN THIS DOCUMENT
Cover page: Smallstarter Africa, Poultry farming – how to make money from Africa’s love of
chicken and eggs, not dated.
Kashmir Reader, Stuart-K conducts a program on backyard poultry, June 2017.
Chapter 1: Food Allergy Canada, Quick facts, not dated.
Chapter 2: Hobby farms, 3 Parasites that can infect your chickens, March 2017.
Chapter 3: Grub Street, Egg industry promises to stop destroying its baby male chickens,
June 2016.
Chapter 4: Cape Tourism, Cape Point ostrich farm, not dated.
Chapter 5: Business Plan, Poultry farming business plan, July 2017
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