Abalimi Bezekhaya Phase 2

Partner(s):

Abalimi Bezekhaya (Abalimi is translated to ‘planters’ in Xhosa) is an urban agriculture and environmental non profit body that operates in the disadvantaged societies of Khayelitsha, Nyanga and regions surrounding the Cape Flats. Abalimi assists individuals, groups and community based organizations to kick off and maintain organic food growing and conservation projects. Abalimi also encourages the planting of water wise plants in schools and streets. This helps with job creation, poverty alleviation, self help and sustainability. For more information on Abalimi Bezekhaya, please visit their website http://www.abalimi.org.za

Our Involvement:

The communities that benefit from Abalimi Bezekhaya’s projects receive SAIE’s AgriPlanner training in order to achieve the technical competencies necessary for them to operate their micro agribusiness more professionally. Eight (8) recipients of AgriPlanner training diffuse their know how to the broader communities through subsequent trainings and mentoring. Many Abalimi projects are already operating on the basis of AgriPlanner training and principles. SAIE’s material is also user-friendly making them appropriate for communities with large disparities in literacy levels.

Project Progress:

115 workbooks and 5 kits were issued. 18 facilitators were trained in 2005 and 2006, with a further refresher training conducted in June 2007. Eight support visits have been made to Abalimi since July 2006. Four facilitators are at this time providing training and support to 80 food gardeners in Khayelitsha, Philippi, Guguletu and Nyanga. The other 14 trained facilitators assist other members in their own groups with AgriPlanner principles.Through Harvest of Hope, gardeners suply crops through schools and churches to individuals. The four facilitators are in the final stages of the accreditation process which will earn them 10 credits on the SAQA unit standard 117870.

Funder:

Product:

Agri Planner

Location:

Western Cape