August is Women’s Month and, while women’s empowerment should be a constant focus on the African continent, this provides the perfect opportunity to showcase some of the fine work being done by women in the agroecology sector, with support from Food & Trees for Africa (FTFA).
Agroecology and the empowerment of women are intrinsically linked in South Africa, with women usually the ones keeping their families food secure, despite having to do so in the face of the multiple challenges they face in a patriarchal society. Their efforts are also frequently more impactful for the wider community.
Furthermore, the inspiring efforts of women-led agroecology projects in South Africa are making a significant impact in the face of climate change. One notable example is the Mkani Project, based in Port Shepstone, KwaZulu-Natal, where project members have demonstrated remarkable resilience and dedication to food production despite the erosion challenges posed by recent flooding, using various agroecology principles to mitigate flood damage.
Established in 2012, this initiative focuses on staple and vegetable production at a subsistence level, aiming to elevate community practices to meet commercial standards and build a sustainable agribusiness.
The Mkani Project grows produce for self-consumption and to generate an income. The upkeep of the food garden is managed by five female project members, with a primary aim being to upskill and empower single mothers and widows in the community to start their own food gardens.
“I started the project because I love to see that people are not suffering. We help people in my community and improve their lives by teaching them how to plant their own seeds at home,” says project founder Thenjiwe Mkani. “Even those who didn’t know how to plant or how to do any farming work can now do this at home and benefit from their own food gardens. The project has also made it cheaper for people to buy fruit and vegetables.”
Mkani has been an exceptional female role model and the community has really taken notice of her efforts. “People love the project, and it is going very well – most of the ladies in the community have joined us,” she says. “We are working very well together and it helps us to build better communication and relationships in our community.
In 2021, the Mkani Project began a series of workshops to enhance their farming techniques. The first workshop concentrated on plant management and propagation, where members learned about effective methods such as softwood and hardwood cuttings, as well as root splitting. Emphasising natural pest control, the project used permaculture sprays to protect crops from insects, helping their plants to thrive.
The garden now features a diverse array of crops, including butternut and spinach seedlings interplanted with maize. Cabbage seedlings are also being developed for out-growers, while beetroot will soon be ready for harvest. Ongoing support from Shoprite has been instrumental in sustaining this initiative, aiding the women of Mkani Project in their journey toward food security and environmental stewardship.
At the end of another successful Women’s Month, FTFA is proud to take this moment to celebrate these impressive women’s commitment to their community and their role in fostering sustainable agroecology in South Africa.
