Eastern Cape (EC) sector role players who participated in the formal session of the Open Day. Back row, left to right: Mr Chauke (Chief Education Specialist School Landscape Management, Revitalisation and Rural Education, EC Dept of Education), Ms Malembe-Pitani (EC Rural Development Agency), Ms Subramanien (Acting Director School Landscape Management, Revitalization and Rural Education, EC Dept of Education), Mr Zantanta (EC Dept of Agriculture), Prof Keyster (UWC Research Chair in Sustainable Agriculture, Biotechnology department), Mr Mdaka (Curriculum Planner for Agricultural Subjects, EC Dept of Education Head Office), Mr Bellingan (Principal, Graham Marlow Agricultural High School). Front row, left to right: Mr Adeyemi (Subject Head for Life, Natural and Agricultural Sciences, Khanyisa Agricultural High School), Prof Kirby-McCullough (one of the Project Principal Investigators) and Dr Burger (Project Coordinator). Image: Supplied

In a 100-square-metre maize field trial at Marlow Agricultural High School in Nxuba (formerly Cradock) in the Eastern Cape, something small and almost invisible is carrying enormous promise.

Beneath the soil, naturally occurring bacteria are at work. Above ground, farmers, scientists and school learners are gathered, sharing the hope that sustainable agriculture in South Africa can be both productive and climate-smart.

The field trial is an initiative of the University of the Western Cape (UWC) and forms part of a five-partner transcontinental project that investigates how plant growth-promoting bacteria can improve maize yields while reducing reliance on chemical fertilisers. The project is coordinated by Dr Anita Burger, Research and Innovation at UWC, and is the only one from the African continent to be funded by this programme in 2024.

Heavy fertiliser use contributes significantly to greenhouse gas emissions and soil degradation, challenges that weigh heavily on farmers across Sub-Saharan Africa. For farmers navigating climate uncertainty, drought and rising input costs, the research speaks directly to lived realities.

Soil microorganisms (including bacteria, fungi and other microscopic life) recycle nutrients, support plant health and improve soil resilience. Instead of relying solely on synthetic inputs that can disrupt beneficial soil ecosystems, the research explores biological solutions that restore balance, enhance productivity and reduce environmental harm.

Prof Kirby-McCullough, one of the UWC principal investigators, showed in laboratory and glasshouse experiments that selected bacteria isolated from South African soils promote plant growth. The field trial assesses the relevant technology under field conditions while monitoring greenhouse gas emissions. It is the first trial in the country to assess the use of this technology on maize yield and health, alongside greenhouse gas emissions under real farming conditions; a critical step in measuring both productivity and environmental impact. The long-term goal is to develop a locally produced microbial solution that improves yields and plant health, supports regenerative farming practices and offers South African farmers a competitive edge without compromising environmental sustainability.

One of the several productive discussions during the Open Day’s visit to the field trial. Mr Labuscagne (School Governing Body, Marlow Agricultural High School), Gideon Jordaan (Dohne Agricultural Development Institute, EC Dept of Agriculture) and Henry van Niekerk (Farm manager, Marlow Agricultural High School). Image: Supplied

As part of its community engagement, UWC hosted an AgriFood and Biotechnology Open Day at the Marlow Agricultural High School on 11 February 2026. The aim of the day was to provide farmers and sector role players with an opportunity to learn more about the novel technologies that are being developed at South African academic institutions and how national and international complementary expertise can be employed to impact agriculture in Sub-Saharan Africa.

A highlight of the day was the participation of several of the Eastern Cape (EC) sector role players such as: farmers (commercial and small-scale), representatives and farm managers of six of the EC’s Agricultural High Schools, the EC Department of Agriculture, the EC Rural Development Agency, representatives of three Nxuba Secondary Schools that offer an agriculture curriculum, the Executive Mayor and other members of the Inxuba Yethemba Municipality, and representatives of companies that specialise in the development of solutions for the South African agricultural industry.

Chief Education Specialist, School Landscape Management, Revitalisation and Rural Education at the Eastern Cape Department of Education, Keith Chauke, reflected on the significance of the event and the collaboration it fostered among stakeholders. “What stood out for me on the Open Day was the collaboration among relevant stakeholders, learner engagement, as well as the site visit to the maize field trial. I am particularly looking forward to any positive findings of the trial and implementing them at our agricultural schools,” said Chauke.

Gideon Jordaan, from the Dohne Agricultural Development Institute, emphasised the importance of exposing young learners to technological developments in agriculture.
“I am excited about the outreach programme to learners and staff from agricultural schools. In my opinion, it is critical that young Agriculture learners/students be exposed to Agricultural technology development, to trigger critical thinking. This sector of Agriculture has, for many years, been ignored by the broader industry,” said Jordaan.

Mr Adeyemi (Subject Head for Life, Natural and Agricultural Sciences, Khanyisa Agricultural High School) and Mr Mdaka (Curriculum Planner for Agricultural Subjects, EC Dept of Education Head Office). Image: Supplied

Tingazwa Mxabangeli, principal of Phandulwazi Agricultural High School, added that the event created valuable learning opportunities for schools. “It was a well-organised programme with fruitful presentations,” she said. 

Following the Open Day, the focus shifted from farmers to future scientists. Seventy Grade 11 and 12 learners from Marlow Agricultural High School participated in a two-hour interactive outreach programme designed to show them what lies beyond the lab.

Divided into small groups, learners rotated through six hands-on stations, with a short introduction to some relevant technologies and demonstrations of techniques. They explored soil microbes, plant health and sustainable food systems, discovering how living soil supports the communities it feeds.

Postgraduate students and junior researchers from UWC shared their journey of studying the natural sciences after matric, how postgraduate study shaped their careers, and what it means to work as early-career scientists tackling real-world challenges. The message was clear: science is not distant or abstract; it is a pathway to solving problems that affect families, farms and futures.

Departmental Head of Marlow AHS, Ms Keogh, reflected on the programme's impact on learners and teachers.

Mrs Goduka (School Governing Body, Phandulawi Agricultural High School, Mr Mgidi (Patensie Agricultural High School) and Mrs Tingazwa Mxabangeli (Principal, Phandulawi Agricultural High School). Image: Supplied

“From Marlow AHS, we want to thank UWC for the great opportunity to be part of the field trial and the three community engagements. Our learners were intrigued with the programme given by the UWC students. They gathered a lot of new information and it also opened a whole new world for them to study after school. The students of UWC have done a great job in capturing the learners' attention. We are very excited about the research being conducted at Marlow. This also opened the minds of our learners and teachers about the importance of soil health and promoting organic farming to contribute to the sustainability of farming in the long run”.

The outreach extended the following day to learners from Matthew Goniwe Secondary School. By providing transport and meals to ensure equitable access, the programme underscored the project’s commitment to inclusion. Curiosity crossed every boundary. Questions were thoughtful, engagement was high, and the excitement was tangible.

Through international collaboration and strong local leadership, UWC has positioned itself at the forefront of climate-smart agriculture on the continent. The project connects global research networks with community realities, demonstrating how universities can drive innovation that is grounded, practical and inclusive.

The project received funding from the European Union’s Horizon Europe research and innovation programme, under grant agreement No. 101056828.