“PE is a training centre for how to farm sustainably and harvest the best produce. I have also learned to live in harmony with others so that I can be a better person.”
Bridget
In Africa, 80% of agricultural production comes from small farmers, most of whom are rural women.
In March 2019, Zingela Ulwazi launched Permaculture Explorers a yearlong project in Orpen Gate Village in Acornhoek, Mpumalanga, for 20 women headed households. These households (118 people in total) were all well below the international extreme poverty line of US$1.90 (ZAR27.00) per day. The women learned permaculture gardening and set up their own home gardens to grow fresh food without pesticides or chemicals. They also learned small enterprise development to bring extra income into their households. At the end of year one, 95% of the women increased their income, mostly from selling vegetables they grew in their own gardens.
Success Stories
Phillistas was retrenched from her job at a lodge. Today she is a key staff person in a permaculture project with a sister organization.
Thandy was at home trying to get something going to make money. Today she is a 10 Trees tree mentor, and has a business selling seedlings and vegetables. She is a community leader and has an incredible “group of 10” in 10 Trees.
Teresa had no income and nothing growing in her yard. Today she has a successful small scale farm and a small spaza shop. She is a 10 Trees tree mentor to 15 women in her neighborhood. Teresa pre-sells much of her produce to neighbors, who want to make sure they get the best vegetables as they are harvested.
We have now integrated Permaculture Explorers with 10 Trees. Women who do well in 10 Trees are able to apply for the 6 month Permaculture Explorers program, to learn more advanced permaculture practices focusing on annual vegetables, and more in depth mindset management. They earn additional garden supplies and tools to increase their productivity.
I walk with dignity. I am doing everything in my house with dignity. I know myself now. I am not ashamed of who I am.
Agreement
Our Partnerships
Permaculture Explorers is a project in partnership with a number of different organisations – poverty has multiple causes so we approach this work from multiple angles. Thank you so much to our partners for your collaboration!
Seeds of light
Project Biome
Ackermans
NLC
A spring of hope
SIETA
Like Mountains
Rotary
IDC