Agroecology

Climate change is disrupting traditional farming in South Africa, threatening food security and livelihoods. In Matatiele Environmental & Rural Solutions (ERS) started agroecology project funded by WWF US . The aim is to promote resilient agriculture, resilient rural communities, improve food and income stability.

The first phase of the project involved eleven climate-smart gardens. Eight of those gardens were led by local youth “Ecochamps” in their villages, while three larger gardens served as community and a school-based hubs for training over 100 farmers and educators. These gardens used agroecological practices like composting, mulching, rainwater harvesting, no tilling/minimum tillage approach and cover cropping to improve soil quality, and healthy ecosystem that are resilient to climate shocks or stresses. The above mentioned agroecological practices are the tools of this project.

The impact of this phase has been clear as the following are the results: Improved soil health which feeds to a resilient ecosystem, higher yields, reduced reliance on chemical inputs, and a 30% increase in crop harvests. Collaborated nature-based solutions with community members being involved in peer learning and indigenous knowledge sharing through “Amalima” approach, nomore of pesticides, and began creating sustainable systems using garden outputs as feed for livestock. These efforts are helping preserve traditional knowledge while creating a more sustainable future for local agriculture.