Learning Networks
Sharing knowledge on the use and conservation of water for food production
One key activity of the Amanzi for Food programme is the development and support of Learning Networks. These aim to connect people and organisations, to make information on rainwater harvesting more accessible and to encourage the increased use of rainwater harvesting and conservation (RWH&C) activities for food production. Through networking, people get the opportunity to share their experience and the new knowledge they are developing. Rainwater harvesting practices are not widely known and the training of these practices is strengthened through Learning Networks with resources being made available to the network partners. These Learning Networks also support the establishment and use of demonstration activities and sites.
Links to the Training of Trainers Course(s)
The first Learning Networks are being established around the Training of Trainers courses, and many network members are also participating in the course in order to gain a Rhodes University qualification. It is hoped that the Learning Networks continue beyond the training course and provide support to their members in implementing RWH&C in the future.
The Eastern Cape and Mpumalanga learning networks are,respectively, the Imvotho Bubomi Learning Network and the Sinakekela Sibusiso Semanti Learning Network.
Learning Network News
EEASA 2024 Conference: Amanzi for Food Team’s Presentation on the Digital Field Support Tool
The Environmental Education Association of Southern Africa (EEASA) 2024 Conference brought together a vibrant mix of experts, educators, and practitioners, united by a common goal: to push forward the region's sustainable development agenda. This year’s theme centers around Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) as a vital component of the circular economy, focusing on how we can build a more resilient and sustainable future through education. The Amanzi for Food team represented all the Amanzi for Food learning network members and partners at the conference. The team introduced their innovative Digital Field Support Tool aimed at enhancing agricultural practices, particularly [...]
Sustainability: Our Journey into Permaculture Food Forests
Written by Bakhusele Mathupha It all began on a warm November day in 2021 when my partner and I decided to venture beyond conventional farming practices. We started by cultivating the traditional African trio: Mealies, Beans, and Pumpkin, a harmonious combination known as the “3 sisters”. This method, with beans providing nitrogen, maize offering a trellis, and pumpkin shading the soil, reduced water usage and input costs significantly. However, we soon realized the need for diversity in our plates and in our fields. We craved herbs, leafy greens, fruits, and fodder for our animals. Our yearly cycle of planting [...]
Rainwater harvesting in Willowvale, Eastern Cape.
At present, the world is facing an increasing need to teach about climate change due to many factors such as power generation, goods manufacturing, water wastage, deforestation and overconsumption, to mention but a few. For the following weeks, I will strictly deal with ways and methods I currently employ to save and conserve water through my farming practices and education. Groundwater is our primary water source, and with industrialisation and common usage by individual households, there is a huge threat to water availability. With so many technological devices and applications to try and save or [...]
Champion Community Development through youth and women engagement in Agriculture – An Amanzi for Food Learning Network Story
One of our learning network members, Bakhusele Mathupha has a registered NPC in Willowvale, Busila Administration. Phawu AgriPak is a local non –Governmental organization established to champion community development through youth and women engagement in Agriculture. Established in 2016 and incorporated on 12th February 2019, the organization is in Amatole district with operations across Mnquma sub-region and parts of Mbashe districts. He strives to promote sustainable development through practical engagement of youth and women in meaningful agricultural production for self-sustainability. He and the rest of the team put forward practical engagements of youth and women [...]
The Amanzi for Food Team at EEASA in Namibia
The 40th Conference for the Environmental Education Association of Southern Africa (EEASA), held at the University of Namibia from 23rd to 25th August 2022 was definitely the event of the year for everyone involved in Environmental Education. Some of the Amanzi for Food Learning Network Team members also attended the conference. Ms Khuthala Swanepoel presented: Strengthening partnerships: A key to accelerating regional post-Covid-19 recovery efforts and addressing emerging challenges in advancing Education for Sustainable Development 2030 Agenda and beyond. Mr Job Tjikongo showcased the Ombombo mobile classroom which is a lab, classroom or cinema on wheels. [...]
Heritage Food Gardening Workshop in Diepsloot and Alexandra to promote Rainwater Harvesting and Conservation practices.
Dr Wilma van Staden and Prof Rob O'Donoghue presented a Heritage Food Gardening Workshop at LEAP 4 in Diepsloot and LEAP 3 in Alexandra, Gauteng, on 21 and 22 July. Twenty-eight teachers, garden technicians and education coordinators participated in the workshop. The main topics include utilising heritage gardening as a curriculum activation tool. Each school will upgrade their existing garden to teach the curriculum. Teachers will focus on developing lessons and assessments using the garden as a teaching aid. The Amanzi for Food Online Training of Trainers course will support the gardening technicians to learn more about RWH & [...]