We attended a basic farming workshop held by Food and Trees for Africa (http://www.trees.co.za/). It was inspiring to see so many local community members interested in developing their farming and gardening skills, mostly for subsistence farming. The day started with an indoor gathering involving general discussion and Q&A about gardening. We later went outside for a more hands on approach. At this point I was trying to gather as much general information about small-scale urban farming as I had no clues for a project direction.
11:07
I participated in a brief soil type training based on some notes given to me by FTFA. informal and fun. (above photograph taken by Angus Campbell)
good to see different generations of community members present, although the youngest might be asleep in this shot.
we went into the decently sized school garden which wasn't nearly being used to its full potential.
putting our newly found soil knowledge to the test.
Its seemed a unique sight, that of a child farming. The community members were keen to capture this on camera.
Some post discussions took place between the fellow community women. Very interested in each other's gardening knowledge and techniques.
The children stayed after they adults' discussions. A glimmer of hope for young farmers!
15:20 - A few seedlings, provided by FTFA were handed to the community members as we were all departing.
Siyazenzela site at the Phumzile Primary School on Mabalane Street, in Phiri, Soweto.
15:41 - Leaving Siyazenzela
One of the farmers, with whom my mentor had previously been in contact, welcomed us to his fairly developed farm in Phiri (as we were giving him a lift there anyways). This brief visit, and the passion of the young farmer gave a lot of insight and inspiration to me. The potential for growth became clear as did the struggle for upcoming community farmers.
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