Cape Town’s growing interest in urban agriculture is set to change the city’s attitude towards food security and sustainable food production.
Produces harvested at the Moya! Garden(Harvestofhope.co.za)
Across the world, in spaces where food was often taken for granted, more people are becoming aware of the urgent need to embrace urban agriculture on a citywide scale and work across socio-economic divides.
Rob Small, Co-Director of Abalimi says, “There’s absolutely no reason for food insecurity anywhere, just 100m2 can feed a family of four year-round with all the fresh veggies they could dream of.”
Abalimi’s Harvest of Hope marketing project is a social business that provides a much-needed outlet for excess produce. They sell produce on behalf of the farmers in the form of a weekly organic box scheme.
“We provide a market to small organic farmers who otherwise would not get the true value and recognition for the work they are doing. We provide constant access to market for our farmers along with support, training, and community,” says Rachel McKinney, Marketing Co-ordinator Harvest of Hope.
Produce being transported to collection point in Cape Town ((Harvestofhope.co.za))
“There is a demand that can be fulfilled by our farmers and we are working to build production capacity among the core community garden projects and aim to take on many more community garden projects in future. We have a list of over 300, which we have interacted with and supported since 2008,” adds Small.
Projects like these provide participants with healthy, locally grown food and a platform for individuals from different backgrounds to work together for a common goal – empowering Capetonians to cultivate a culture of people that are more connected to their food source.
Volunteer at Harvest of Hope, where every contribution is appreciated. For a for more information regarding Harvest of Hope’s volunteer program and how to order your own freshly packed and organically grown vegetables, visit www.harvestofhope.co.za
