Some random thoughts on raising rural ed/tech levels for the majority small farmers not just 'boutique' group who shouldn't be neglected either @floydgreenja @NestaJA

Realism is critical for not ALL small farmers really are committed farmers. So how to select? Also, rural development not ONLY about agric but many other services/quality of life. So one must think/act broadly

A BIG issue: distinguish btwn improving rural high schools (HUGELY DIFFICULT); and raising ed/tech level of practicing farmers who have long left formal ed system behind. Even harder. They will need incentives and a very different approach as have family responsibilities

Top rural grammar schools (Munro/Clarendon College/St Hulda's) are fine but often enclaves with little immediate impact on environment (Knox excepted). They could 'adopt' nearby weak schools. Other very good ones like St Eliz Tech different & could be mobilized.

Maybe alumni could be mobilized as an advisory council Excellent persons such as Alvin Wint who I think went to St Eliz Tech. Must be many others @trevorforrest

In terms of external assistance there is the IICA. Also the EU: Dutch in particular had many good rural dev projects up into 1980s

Finally take a look at earlier approaches such as JA Welfare/Cobbla and 100 townships & Agro21. Lots of studies etc. in Ministry files/libraries. Also good dedicated civil servants plodding away without recognition/appreciation. No need to reinvent the wheel