Portia Mtshali
Umlazi
Summary
Dedicated and results-driven Assistant Agricultural Practitioner and Research Intern with strong experience in agricultural extension services, farmer support, sustainable agriculture, and community development. Proven ability to provide technical advice to farmers, facilitate training programs, conduct farm visits, compile reports, and support agricultural projects aimed at food security and rural development. Registered with SACNASP and passionate about empowering smallholder and subsistence farmers through climate-smart agricultural practices.
Overview
8
8
years of professional experience
Work History
Research Intern
DSI-HSRC
08.2023 - 07.2025
- Collected and analyzed data, presenting research findings to stakeholders.
- Contributed to writing scientific research articles and technical reports, enhancing clarity and impact.
- Facilitated and hosted stakeholder and research meetings.
- Supported postgraduate research students in academic and research tasks, facilitating their project success.
Assistant Agricultural Practitioner
Department of Agriculture and Rural Development
01.2023 - 07.2023
- Delivered technical advisory services to farmers, enhancing crop production and promoting sustainable farming practices.
- Coordinated and organized farmer meetings, training sessions, and extension activities to facilitate knowledge sharing and community engagement.
- Conducted farm visits to monitor projects and provide on-site support.
- Compiled and analyzed monthly reports, ensuring accurate records of agricultural activities for informed decision-making.
- Supported farmers with information on government support programmed and resources.
- Provided support for farmers in KZN region.
Junior Mentor
Grain SA
08.2017 - 08.2019
- Facilitated adoption of new agricultural technologies and improved practices among farmers.
- Guided farmers in market access strategies and production planning for better outcomes.
- Mentored farmers on maize production systems to enhance their agricultural skills.
Education
Postgraduate Diploma - Sustainable Agriculture
University of the Free State
01.2026
Bachelor of Technology - Extension and Development
Tshwane University of Technology
12.2016
National Diploma - Community Extension
Mangosuthu University of Technology
12.2015
Grade 12 - Science
Umkhumbi High School
12.2010
Skills
- Agricultural extension and farmer support
- Sustainable and climate-smart agriculture
- Farm visits
- Monitoring and evaluation
- Training facilitation
- Community engagement
Languages
- IsiZulu
- IsiXhosa
- English
- IsiZulu
- IsiXhosa
References
- Dr Xolile Mkhize, Mangosuthu University of Technology, 083 381 4110, XMkhize@mut.ac.za
- Dr B.E. Mthembu, Mangosuthu University of Technology, 031 907 7269, mthembu@mut.ac.za
- Mr Mlungisi Ncwane, Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, 076 821 6966, mluh.ncwane@gmail.com
Sacnasp Registration
Candidate Natural Scientist (Extension Science), 146447
Personal Information
- ID Number: 9202051332081
- Date of Birth: 02/05/92
- Gender: Female
- Nationality: South African
- Driving License: Code 10
Timeline
Research Intern
DSI-HSRC
08.2023 - 07.2025
Assistant Agricultural Practitioner
Department of Agriculture and Rural Development
01.2023 - 07.2023
Junior Mentor
Grain SA
08.2017 - 08.2019
Postgraduate Diploma - Sustainable Agriculture
University of the Free State
Bachelor of Technology - Extension and Development
Tshwane University of Technology
National Diploma - Community Extension
Mangosuthu University of Technology
Grade 12 - Science
Umkhumbi High School