After the pilot interviews and further desktop research (specific to SA) I confirmed my project in the direction of off-the-grid food storage. It became clear how the storage technology, designed appropriately (for use in the local market), could assist in narrowing the gap between commercial farmers and small-scale farmers. It would serve to promote the community's economy in a way that is at least measurable.
This was the first time we went into the field with our prearranged groups of social scientist students. With some new desktop knowledge and a couple background and preparation lectures we were ready to visit the farms again. The day began at the RDFF monthly meeting in Tladi. In the meeting we introduced ourselves in relation to the technology we were developing.The upcoming farmers' market (2 Sep) was discussed and farmers were stating what types of goods they would bring to the market. The farmers admitted having low stock and were advised to increase their produce and prepare stock for the market and invite all other community gardeners to sell their produce. At this point it became apparent that a key element of the storage unit would be transport-ability and all other operations linked to a market scenario. There would now be two users of the product, farmer and consumer, and the design would have to satisfy both users.
The gardens at Tladi were closed with no gardeners in site. We moved swiftly onto the next site.
A familiar site, 'Sekakalame Molepo' food gardens, Soweto, helped to familiarise the social scientists with the context (image below).
some of the crops were neglected, resulting in wilting and thus post-harvest losses. This also attracted more rats. earlier harvesting would help the situation.
It was good to see expansions on the site as well as a group of community volunteers helping the elderly farmers with the more physical and laborious activities (below image, far left). Jomari was allocated this promising site as there are many farmers here that are dependent on seedling methods.
On my return to Siyazenzela, I was impressed at the progress from our last visit. The new produce was growing well two weeks after crop rotation. The farm's seedling factory was at half capacity. So far the farm contained many varieties of spinach, spring onions, mustard, chili and various herbs. With the turn of the new season, the farmers look to plant summer crops such as tomatoes, brinjals, etc.
The area under the second greenhouse structure was being prepared (below image).
The irrigation (pump and sprinklers) had been recently fixed and is now up and running! Mulch covered every square metre!
Shelter on site, with various experimental plants.
I thanked Earl and Sakhile for accommodating us and look forward to our following months of collaborative work.
All images taken by Social Scientist student, Jane Cherry, used with permission.
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