Hemp might be the next big crop in South Africa, but according to Dr. Tshepo Lechaba, it's still being grown like a mystery plant. Speaking at this year's Canna Connect Africa conference in Johannesburg, Dr. Lechaba presented the findings from a study aimed at identifying training gaps for hemp farmers. The early results? South Africa has a fragmentation problem, and until that's fixed, the country risks squandering the promise of industrial hemp.
"Because of the differences between cannabis and hemp, there's no uniformity in how people grow the crop," Lechaba said. "We felt we had to conduct a study on how we can help farmers standardize cultivation, because harmonization across the board is key, from crop testing to harvesting to processing."
Dr. Lechaba joined the Tshwane University of Technology under Prof. David Katerere to work on biotech advancement in Africa. The cannabis angle is part of a wider research platform that also includes nutraceuticals, traditional medicine, and mushroom cultivation, all feeding into pharma-grade standardization efforts. For hemp, that means developing structured marketing plans, building out R&D, and, crucially, training farmers.
Same crop, different outcomes
According to Lechaba, 51% of South African hemp growers reported a clear need for training in core areas like irrigation, pest management, and nutrient use. And these aren't agricultural novices, they're experienced growers who've worked with other crops previously.
"We were shocked to find that access to seed was still a major problem," he noted. "That, and a lack of knowledge about cultivation and processing techniques. We are talking not only about beginners, but also a lot of professional growers with experience in other crops that have been struggling with hemp cultivation."
That's partly because hemp is tightly regulated, and also highly sensitive to factors like climate, nutrient load, and especially THC thresholds. Without standard cultivation practices, growers can't ensure consistency. "You can't just put something in the ground and expect it to pop out."
Influencing policy through agronomy
This isn't just about better farming, it's about policy influence. Lechaba argues that without cultivation standards, the industry lacks the leverage to shape regulation. "If we have a segmented system, we're not in a position to influence policymakers. But if we train growers, improve yields, and collect reliable data, we can speak to government with one voice."
Collaborating to advance
If the research shows anything, it's that the hemp sector doesn't just need agronomists, it needs collaborators. Lechaba's team is currently working with Tshwane Business School to develop training programs not only for cultivation, but also for extraction techniques and business management.
"This is a value chain problem," he emphasized. "It's not just about what happens in the field. We need to think about what happens after the harvest, and how growers can turn this into a sustainable business."
In other words, one of the main takeaways Dr. Lechaba's presentation at Canna Connect 2025 is that South Africa's hemp growers aren't lacking in enthusiasm, but they are lacking a roadmap. With the right training, better seed access, and a little help navigating the post-harvest minefield, the country could go from fragmented to harmonized. "Hemp is not just the next big crop, it's the next big opportunity. But only if we get it right."