Tiger Brands approached FTFA in 2017, to assist with food garden training and support for 8 community feeding schemes which Tiger Brands supports. The training has focused on introducing participants to natural farming methods, and jump starting existing vegetable gardens to maximise production. The permaculture aspects which have been covered work towards ensuring sustainability of these projects. To support the training, resources are provided and include: educational posters, seeds, fruit trees, compost, seedlings, tools and The Growing Green book.
Eventually we hope to work with these community groups to start supplying their feeding schemes with fresh and nutritious vegetables.
This is the beginning of long term food security interventions in each of the communities where households around the community centre will receive trees and homestead gardens, improving environmental sustainability and food security in the area. The first role out of the tree plantings will be in Arbor Week 2017 where 500 homes in Mohlakeng will receive fruit and shade trees, the begging of their homestead gardens.
Shade trees improve soil fertility in the homestead gardens, and fruit trees will add to a diversity of harvest once they start to bear. Depending on the survival rate of the trees distributed, homes will be identified to receive training and resources to start their own food gardens.
We are very excited to be partnering with a company so committed to long term food security interventions on both the household and community level. We look forward to witnessing real long term impact with our community partners.
