Agriculture, Sept. 10, 2024, 1:24 p.m.

Branching Out for a Greener tomorrow this Arbor Month

Your monthly update from the Food & Trees For Africa team.

ARBOR DAY 2024: A DAY OF PLANTING,
LEARNING & COMMUNITY

On 1 September, Food & Trees for Africa (FTFA) hosted an inspiring Arbor Day celebration at Khula Zonke Agricultural Cooperative—a community-led initiative focused on sustainable farming, where volunteers and community members united to create a lasting impact.

Mainline Irrigation generously donated resources, including piping and parts for a new irrigation system, ensuring a reliable water supply that will boost the long-term sustainability of the farm. This infrastructure will play a vital role in nurturing the diverse plantings and fostering a thriving ecosystem.

Long-term sponsors Tiger Brands and Starke Ayres, along with FTFA staff, their families, and local volunteers, participated in planting one hundred fruit trees and one thousand vegetable and herb seedlings, all cultivated using sustainable agroecology techniques. Agroecology encompasses the integration of ecological principles into agricultural practices, promoting biodiversity and sustainability while enhancing food security. By working in harmony with natural systems, this approach fosters resilient farming methods that benefit both the environment and the community.

The fruit trees were planted in a high-density permaculture guild, a strategic design that maximises space and enhances biodiversity, allowing for the intercropping of various plants, creating a symbiotic environment where the trees and companion plants support each other’s growth. As these trees begin to bear fruit in the next two years, they will provide fresh produce while enriching the soil and ecosystem.

FTFA's knowledgeable facilitators also shared valuable insights with the volunteers on food sovereignty and ecological farming practices, equipping them with practical skills to support long-term agricultural success.

The Arbor Day event was more than just a day of planting—it marked an important step toward improving food security, greening the area, and empowering the community with sustainable farming techniques. With continued growth and support, FTFA envisions Khula Zonke evolving into a fully-fledged farm, providing naturally grown, fresh produce to local communities and markets. This cooperative is poised to thrive, contributing to a healthier, more sustainable future for everyone involved.

PLANTING HOPE: PIC & FTFA BOOST FOOD SECURITY IN KZN

The Public Investment Corporation Ltd (PIC), in partnership with FTFA has launched a transformative Corporate Social Investment (CSI) initiative to boost food and water security in Kwa-Zulu Natal. The inaugural event took place at Khula Nathi food garden, the first of eleven beneficiary projects, as part of a broader effort to support sustainable farming and community resilience.

As part of the initiative, two boreholes were installed at two market gardens, providing reliable water access for year-round crop irrigation. Additionally, six hundred trees, including fruit, nut and indigenous varieties will be planted across the beneficiary sites. These efforts will support both food security and biodiversity, empowering communities to thrive.

This initiative combines sustainable water solutions with food production, creating lasting positive change,” said Adi Mathai, PIC’s Communication Specialist. “We are proud to help build a greener, more resilient future for rural KwaZulu-Natal.”

The young farmers at Khula Nathi have embraced this opportunity to expand their food garden and contribute to their community. “This sponsorship is life-changing,” said Nkanyiso Bhengu from Khula Nathi. “We now have the resources to grow and give back.”

The initiative also supports two additional community gardens, including Sthak’Imvelo and Hopebridge for Vulnerable Communities, ensuring more local families have access to fresh food and sustainable livelihoods.

Through this partnership, PIC and FTFA are laying the foundation for a brighter, greener tomorrow for rural communities.

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NURTURING FUTURE ENTREPRENEURS
AT EMAFINI PRIMARY SCHOOL

A vital objective of the EduPlant programme is to cultivate entrepreneurship skills among learners. This initiative empowers students to understand the entire business cycle, from identifying market opportunities to harvesting, preparing, weighing vegetables, and determining the right pricing for their produce.

Recently, the dedicated teachers at Emafini Primary School in Gqeberha were thrilled to organise a market day after a bountiful harvest from their flourishing garden. The garden, which has been a cornerstone of the school's Enviro Club, yielded a variety of fresh produce, including spinach, beetroot, and cabbages. The quality of the harvest not only impressed the teachers but also made them the primary customers for the day's market. In the spirit of community support, some of the fresh produce was shared with vulnerable learners, ensuring that everyone benefits from the garden's success.

This market day has sparked renewed enthusiasm among the students, motivating them to continue their gardening efforts. The funds collected during the event will be reinvested back into the garden, ensuring its sustainability and productivity. With this positive momentum, more learners are showing interest in the EduPlant programme, eager to learn how to grow their own food and contribute to the school's agricultural initiatives. The school is also encouraging students to set up their own gardens at home, fostering a sense of responsibility and connection to food production.

The Emafini Primary School garden, which has been operational since 2005, is not just a place for growing vegetables; it is a thriving hub of learning and community engagement. Having previously claimed the Eastern Cape provincial title in the 2018 National EduPlant Competition, the garden continues to play a crucial role in improving food security for over 300 pupils and community members daily.

Tiger Brands sponsors this incredible garden project and their support has been instrumental in its ongoing success. With the ongoing support of Food & Trees for Africa, the EduPlant programme aims to empower young learners with the skills and knowledge they need to thrive in the world of sustainable agriculture. As students develop their entrepreneurial skills and contribute to their community, they are not only learning valuable life lessons but also helping to ensure a more food-secure future for all.

DONATE TREES FOR ARBOR MONTH

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TRACKING YOUR COUNTRY'S CLIMATE GOALS
IS ABOUT TO GET MUCH EASIER

The African Climate Reality Project (ACRP) is excited to announce the launch of a new Framework and Tracker for Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs). This innovative tool is designed to empower the public and Climate Reality Leaders to effectively track and engage with their countries' climate action plans, particularly as nations begin to review their NDCs ahead of the February 2025 deadline.

NDCs are essential commitments made by countries under the Paris Agreement, aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions and adapting to the impacts of climate change. These plans are regularly updated to encourage more ambitious actions as advancements in technology and increasing climate risks necessitate stronger responses.

Bertha Letsoko, our International Cooperation and Policy Campaigner, recently discussed the framework and tracker on Voice of Wits FM's Science Wise show. She highlighted how young climate activists can leverage this tool to drive meaningful change in their communities and influence national climate policies.

For those interested in learning more, you can listen to the full interview here.

Stay informed and engaged as we work together to create a sustainable future!