ISAN Magazine_Issue 10

ABOUT ISAN MAGAZINE

ISAN Magazine was born in 2021 out of the Knowledge Hub for Organic Agriculture and Agroecology in Southern Africa, a project funded by GIZ and operationalised by African NGOs through five knowledge hubs making up the Knowledge Centre for Organic Agriculture and Agroecology in Africa. The aim was to support the emergence of a strong regional network.

Today, we are working towards a sustainable business model that can continue its work to strengthen networks, keep practitioners and consumers informed and advocate for organic agriculture and agroecology as a framework for food systems in the region.

ISAN Magazine is dedicated to building a strong network of informed civil society actors and organisations across the southern African region to advocate for organic agriculture and agroecology as a framework for regional food and farming systems.

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF: FORTUNATE NYAKANDA

MANAGING EDITOR: STEFANIE SWANEPOEL

EDITORS AND PRODUCTION: ODETTE MAVUNGA & HANNAH HOPPER LAYOUT & DESIGN: HANNAH HOPPER

SEND YOUR CONTRIBUTIONS FOR THE AUGUST 2024 EDITION TO SECRETARIAT@ISAN.IFOAM.BIO BY 30 JULY.

FOR PARTNERSHIP AND ADVERTISING QUERIES, PLEASE CONTACT CHAIR@ISAN.IFOAM.BIO

Our partners:

EDITOR’SNOTE

ORGANICOVERVIEW

INFURIATINGFACTS

EXPERTSFROMOURMINI-MAGAZINE

THEFUTUREOFFOOD

OrganicFarmingandBiodiversity

What’stheFusswithFastFood?

Zimbabwe:EnhancingAgrobiodiversityforImproved FoodSecurity

Zimbabwe:Community-BasedClimateChange

AdaptationApproach

DELVINGINTOMARKETS

TheCapeTownMarket:ATapestryofHistory, CultureandOpportunity

RESEARCHROUNDUP

ProvenHealthBenefitsofOrganicFood

KNOWLEDGESHARING

SoilHealth

YOUTHOUTLOOK

ProjectBiome’sOurHeritage,OurFutureYouthWebinars

DOINGITFORYOURSELF

CultivatingSustainability:MyJourneyinUrbanGardening andEntrepreneurship

look and logo and a content plan geared to providing our core stakeholders with the information that they need. Our mission is to support the building of strong networks of informed civil society actors and organisations to advocate for organic agriculture and agroecology as frameworks for regional food and farming systems.

There has never been a more important time for this, as the Southern African region experiences a prolonged drought, plunging millions into hunger, many of them children, as harvests and farming livelihoods fail.

fairness and ecology and that prioritise the health of people and the planet. We must make a concerted effort to promote sustainable, equitable and inclusive food systems that deliver good health and decent livelihoods and are able to withstand external shocks.

We are grateful to our contributors for sharing their stories in this issue. We also invite all those working on ecological and social sustainability to send us their success stories so that others can learn from best practice in the sector. Feel free to share this issue with others and encourage them to subscribe (it’s free).

ORGANIC OVERVIEW

The latest reports (2022) show that land area under organic management increased by 127 000 hectares from 2021; this is 4.9% of farmland on the continent, a total land area of just more than 2.7 million hectares. Uganda has the largest land area under organic cultivation. By 2022, 75 countries had effectively enacted comprehensive regulations governing organic agriculture and 19 countries had put in place organic regulations that are not yet fully enforced; 14 countries were in the process of drafting legislation.

millionhectares under organic management globally in 2022

21.1% increase in number of organic farmers from 2021 to 2022

globalmarket worth nearlyEuro 135billionin2022

Zambia has the largest number of organic beehives in world with 757 836 hives

Zambia leads in the top 3 countries in terms of wild collection, with Namibia ranked 5th and Mozambique 10th

INFURIATING FACTS...

Things that happen elsewhere, but affect us

We live in a globalised world in which we are not just affected by global trading platforms, but also by any production and consumption behaviour that causes greenhouse gas emissions and loss of biodiversity. What we do affects others. This section highlights some of these impacts.

Climate change

Europe, as a major emitter of greenhouse gases, significantly contributes to climate change, which disproportionately affects African countries causing droughts and heatwaves, among other impacts. Research suggests that Europe’s emissions have influenced the Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD), a climate phenomenon affecting the Indian Ocean.

A positive IOD event has brought drought and heatwaves in Africa resulting in crop failure, livestock deaths, increased food prices and a lot of negative impacts on biodiversity and ecosystems.

Despite making minimal contributions to global emissions, African communities bear the brunt of environmental degradation, highlighting the need for international cooperation in climate mitigation efforts.

Waste dumping

According to a report by the European Environment Agency, the production and consumption of textiles in the European Union has a significant negative impact on the environment and climate.

Africa is the main ‘recipient’ of used textiles from Europe, importing more than 60% of total volume. Textile consumption is the third highest user of land and water and the fifth highest in material resource use and greenhouse gas emissions.

Production of textiles uses chemicals that harm the environment and contribute to climate change.

Used clothing and textile imports from Europe have flooded African markets undermining local textile industries. Vast volumes of secondhand clothing are being dumped in large water bodies posing harm to aquatic life due to the water pollution caused by textile dyes and chemicals.

Overfishing

Overfishing occurs when more fish are caught than the population can replace through natural reproduction. This is linked to illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing (IUU) or fishing piracy. The United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization estimates that 57% of fish species are exploited while 30% are overexploited or depleted.

Africa loses billions to illegal fishing, corroborates Kofi Annan, a former UN secretary-general and head of the African Progress Panel, a group of 10 distinguished individuals who advocate for the continent’s sustainable development.

Communities relying on fish as a source of protein have less to eat. This leads to malnutrition, especially in children. Women who mostly process the fish earn less than they did previously. In West Africa, times are rough for the nearly seven million people who depend on small-scale fisheries.

EXERPTS FROM OUR MINI-MAGAZINE

We publish a mini-magazine every month between our main edition. The March ISAN mini-magazine profiled five African women drawn from the hubs of the Knowledge Centre for Organic Agriculture and Agroecology in Africa who spoke at the Food for the Future: Women and Sustainable Food Systems panel at Biofach, Germany in February 2024. Contact us for more information on how to get involved with our mini-magazine series.

SPECIAL EDITION PROFILING AFRICAN WOMEN FOOD SYSTEM CHANGE MAKERS THAT SHARED THEIR STORIES AND EXPERIENCES ON THE ‘FOOD FOR THE FUTURE: WOMEN AND SUSTAINABLE FOOD SYSTEMS’ PANEL AT BIOFACH, GERMANY, FEBRUARY 2024

CAROLE FOPA

Carole Fopa is a Cameroonian who has been working for the last 13 years to promote equal rights and opportunities for women and girls in Africa. She is currently working as the gender focal point for the KCOA project in Central Africa. For her, sustainable development cannot be achieved without the full participation of women and girls. She is committed to advancing women’s rights and reducing the gender gap in the agricultural sector in Africa.

Carole advocates for the bolstering of women's access to essential resources such as land. She also collaborates with civil society at the local level to craft internal policies that confront gender disparities head-on. Moreover, she works to equip women with the tools and knowledge necessary to liberate themselves from the constraints of systemic discrimination.

Carole not only envisions but actively cultivates a future where every woman and girl has the opportunity to thrive.

Women play a key role in food systems in Africa, yet women are the most hit by poverty.... 80% of farm workers are women and most of the food is produced by women... Women have low access to resources such as land, finance and knowledge.

Fopa

Carole

BUSISWE MGANGXELA

Busisiwe is an agroecological farmer in East London, South Africa. She is the firstborn in a family of four children. She comes from a line of farmers on both sides of the family. She was raised by her paternal grandmother who would wake her and her siblings up to water the plants before going to school in the morning. Busiswe despised farming as a young girl as she perceived it to be difficult work. Today is a different story! She went on to study nursing, but little did she know her nursing education and career would lead her back to farming. While working as a nurse, she realised the best way to prevent illness was to improve nutrition. Busiswe became aware of how important it is to grow food free from synthetic chemicals and genetic modifications. She applied for state land and became the beneficiary of a 48-hectare farm called Hillview Farm in 2020.

She now focuses her time on nurturing plants by using the four principles of organic farming: Care, Health, Ecology, and Fairness. Today, Busiswe is a trainer of a team of trainers, a PGS Pollinator, and an Ecological Organic Agriculture Leader in Southern Africa who has been trained by the International Federation of Organic Agriculture Movements-Organics International.

I became involved in the co-creation of what I would want to see in the community; clean healthy food, diversity, and healthy soils.

Busiswe Mgangxela

OLUSOLA SOWEMIMO

Olusola had a profound awakening during her participation at a Cancer Control Conference in California back in 2013. Stirred by the loss of her mother to cancer, Olusola was resolute in her determination to effect change. Encountering numerous survivors who credited their wellbeing to organic foods ignited a spark within her. This pivotal moment set her on a course towards establishing Ope Farms, a venture committed to cultivating safe and wholesome produce.

The initial years posed several challenges. Weathering through initial setbacks, attending conferences, and enduring rigorous training sessions, she persisted. Today, Ope Farms boasts an impressive variety of vegetables, root crops, fruits and even its own apiary. The farm has a database of more than 500 customers including households, restaurants, juice bars and other distribution points in the region.

Olusola's influence extends beyond the confines of her farm in Nigeria. Through her initiative ‘Grow To Harvest’, she has empowered more than 2 000 people with the knowledge of home food cultivation. Olusola is also a member of many associations including the Association of Organic Agriculture Practitioners of Nigeria, is a recipient of many awards, and has been featured on BBC and France 24. Olusola and Ope Farms stand as a testament to the potency of passion and purpose in the pursuit of a healthier world.

As you grow, don’t stop advocating, so that you can replicate yourself. We need more women in the space to push for more favourable policies.

Olusola Sowemimo

ESTHER WANGARI KIRUTHI KAGAI

Esther Wangari Kiruthi Kagai has more than 15 years of experience in the organic agriculture sector. She is the Founder and Director of the Community Sustainable Agriculture and Health Environmental Programme (CSHEP) in Kenya and channels her expertise into training, extension, and mentorship, shaping the future of sustainable farming practices.

She has a degree in Agroecological Agriculture from Uganda Martyrs University and Organic Farming from the Kenya Institute of Organic Farming. She also has received training in Biointensive Agriculture from Circle of the Sun in the United States, Project Management from the Kenya Institute of Management, and Primary School Teaching from St. Mary Teacher College.

She has experience in organic standards and certifications such as the Global Gap Standards, Participatory Guarantee System (PGS), Rainforest Alliance and Fairtrade. She is a master trainer with the Knowledge Hub of East Africa (KHEA). She also conducts organic audits for companies exporting organic products from Kenya and advocates for organic farmers' markets. Moreover, she is the Chair of the Country Knowledge Validation Committee of the KCOA Project and a mentee of the Awola Project. Esther remains dedicated to advancing sustainable agriculture practices and nurturing the next generation of agricultural leaders.

Weneedtoidentifytheissuesfacedby womenandyouthinagroecologyinorder toadvocateandinfluencepolicy.

EstherWangariKiruthiKagai

NAGLAA AHMED

Naglaa Ahmed is a dynamic project manager at Heliopolis University, spearheading initiatives to transition conventional farmers to biodynamic agriculture across rural Egypt. Naglaa orchestrates various activities aimed at enhancing the competencies of farmers, ushering in a new era of sustainable farming practices.

Naglaa extends her influence globally as a member of the advisory, research, and training committee at Biodynamic Federation Demeter International. Her rich professional background includes invaluable experience in international funding agencies, particularly in the realm of agricultural technical school development, reflecting her unwavering commitment to educational advancement in the agricultural sector.

Naglaa's dedication to philanthropy shines through her involvement with various

sharedcanencourageandinspireother women.

NaglaaAhmed

THE FUTURE OF FOOD

Exploring the drivers of food system collapse and opportunities for change

Through opinion pieces and author contributions we explore what is driving the breakdown of our food systems and identify best practice in how to combat challenges such as climate change and support the transition towards more sustainable, equitable and inclusive food and farming systems.

ORGANIC FARMING AND BIODIVERSITY

Fortunate Nyakanda

Organic farming is about a lot more than farming without chemicals. It is about farming with nature, about creating a balanced system that boosts ecosystem services, enables natural nutrient cycling and supports the production of nutrient-dense foods. Foods that are healthy to eat. It works with all life within the system from tiny organisms in the soil to plants, livestock and people.

The main goal of organic farming is to develop enterprises that are sustainable and harmonious with the environment, agrobiodiversity then becomes the key.

A sustainable organic unit should have diversity, bringing together the variety and variability of animals, plants and microorganisms (the genetic information they contain and the ecosystems they form) that are used directly or indirectly for food and agriculture.

This includes crops, livestock, forestry and fisheries, integrating horticultural crops, fruit trees (including shrubs and climbers), field crops, small and large livestock on the farm.

This brings about maximum use of space and nutrients, while maximizing on output and contributing to resilient food systems especially in the face of climate change.

Benefits of biodiversity in agricultural systems

WHAT’STHEFUSSABOUT ULTRA-PROCESSEDFOODS?

Stefanie Swanepoel

There is growing scrutiny of the booming ultra-processed food (UPF) industry, which is extending its market share into African countries. The African Centre for Biodiversity (ACB) recently released a series of factsheets on UPFs in Africa, which highlight key concerns related to human and ecological health. Read the full series here.

UPFs are any ‘ready-to-eat’ food products that are made entirely or mostly from ‘substances derived from foods and additives’, with little, if any, intact food elements that have not been processed. UPFs include some breakfast cereals, margarine, hot dogs and other meat products made from parts, instant soups, baby formula, some sweet and savoury snacks, chicken and fish nuggets, etc. Sometimes we don’t even realise that the food we are eating has very little food in it!

These substances are put through industrial processes to create products that are long lasting (and thus appealing to food retailers as there is little risk of spoilage) and they are often loaded with sugar, salt and unhealthy oils, as well as flavour enhancers to make them hyperpalatable - and therefore quasi-addictive.

Key findings of ACB’s research are that: The supply chain for UPF is driver of environmental degradation and greenhouse gas emissions.

Primary ingredients in the manufacture of UPF are commodity crops (refined sugar and vegetable oils), which could orient production towards these crops and away from diverse cropping systems. There are growing concerns that consumption of UPF is linked to dietaryrelated non-communicable diseases, such as diabetes, obesity, kidney and liver diseases, as well as cardiovascular diseases.

The UPF market in regions such as the United States and Europe is nearly saturated and producers have turned their attention to Africa, where UPF consumption is rising rapidly. ACB’s research indicates that the UPF industry is targeting low-income countries and communities and that corporations in this sector have gained significant influence over policy bodies responsible for food and nutrition policy frameworks.

ZIMBABWE: ENHANCING AGROBIODIVERSITY FOR IMPROVED FOOD SECURITY

Onismus Chipfunde

Zimbabwe agriculture is at the center of the economy and livelihoods, with agricultural activity occupying more than 80% of the total land area and contributing at least 18% to the country’s gross domestic product. It employs at least 67% of the total population and generates a gross value of up to US$9 billion and is projected to reach US$13 billion by 2025. The major resource base that supports and sustains agriculture (crop, livestock, forest, fishery, aquaculture) is agrobiodiversity. Biodiversity refers to variability among varieties, breeds and species used for food, fodder, fibre, fuel and pharmaceuticals.

It also includes the diversity of non-harvested species that support production (soil microorganisms, predators, pollinators), and those in the wider environment that support agroecosystems (agricultural, pastoral, forest and aquatic) as well as the diversity of the agroecosystems. Biodiversity is responsible for provision of the essential services, which includes nutrient supply, regulation of pests and

diseases and temperature regulation. All these provide essential services for enhanced agricultural production.

This puts agrobiodiversity at the center of building resilient, sustainable agriculture food systems that foster food and nutrition security.

Caption: Indigenous goat breeds Credit: Agribusiness Media

The recognition of agrobiodiversity as an essential component of food systems is gaining significant attention at the global level. Despite being very important agrobiodiversity is being lost at an unprecedented rate.

The first ever global assessment for agrobiodiversity published by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) in 2019 reported the accelerated decline of many components of agrobiodiversity, in particular the most commonly ignored invertebrates, including microorganisms and invertebrates like pollinators and other beneficial insect species.

Major drivers of biodiversity loss include:

Climate change,

Unsustainable production practices

Invasive alien species,

Emerging pest and diseases

Changes in land and water management, among many others.

The report established that the use of biodiversityfriendly production practices such as organic agriculture is becoming increasingly popular as communities use nature-based solutions to strike a balance between optimizing food production while minimizing the impact of the practices on the environment.

In response to the report, the FAO’s Commission on Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture (CGRFA) developed the Framework of Action Biodiversity for Food and Agriculture, which was adopted by the FAO Council in 2021. The framework provides practical and critical actions and solutions to halt the continued decline of agrobiodiversity. It establishes three priority areas where countries can take action and these are characterization, assessment and monitoring, management and institutional frameworks for agrobiodiversity. The framework identifies farmers, fisher folk, livestock keepers and pastoralists as the custodians of agrobiodiversity who have managed and sustainably utilized agrobiodiversity for generations using cultural practices anchored in traditional knowledge systems.

After the recognition of the increasingly vital role played by biodiversity in particular agrobiodiversity to the provision of food and nutritional security in the face of global challenges, further calls to stop the decline of biodiversity have also been intensified by the recent adoption of the Global Biodiversity Framework by the 15th Conference of Parties (COP15) to the United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD).

Caption: Field of pearl millet

Credit: Community Technology Development Organisation

Zimbabwe case

Zimbabwe is among the countries that have taken heed to the global calls to take action to enhance the conservation and sustainable use of agrobiodiversity and minimize its loss.

The Zimbabwean government embarked on a transformative agenda initiated in the past 10 years to revive the agriculture sector centered on restructuring food systems to become more resilient and sustainable enabling them to deliver food self-sufficiency, improvement of livelihoods and economic development. An ambitious blueprint was developed by the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development (MLAFWRD) named the Agriculture Food Systems and Rural Transformation Strategy (AFRTS) to guide transformation of food systems informed by the national vision 2030, African Union Commission’s Agenda 2063, the Malabo declaration and the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

The strategy outlines several programmes aimed at optimizing and climate proofing agriculture towards more resilient and sustainable agricultural practices in the face of climate change and other global challenges. One of the flagship programmes driven by the Ministry is the Climate Proofed Food Production Scheme. Termed locally as the Pfumvudza/Intwasa programme, that has mobilized over 3 million households in the rural areas to adopt agroecological principles to realize household food security.

The programme aims to restore soil health through soil ameliorative actions such as liming, use of mulch, organic fertilizer, reduced use of inorganic fertilizer, soil moisture management and others. As a result, the proportion of food insecure households declined significantly from 59% to 38% in 2022.

Other similar programmes under the AFTRTS focus on accelerating irrigation development, livestock production, soil health and many others. To safeguard and enhance the critical resources that sustains agricultural production and food systems, government has gone further to take greater strides to ensure the conservation and sustainable use of agrobiodiversity. The MLAFWRD spearheaded the development of an Agrobiodiversity policy

framework to create an enabling environment including legal and institutional support systems for the conservation and sustainable use of agrobiodiversity. The policy framework seeks to promote biodiversity-friendly production practices that maintain the diversity of genetic resources essential to agriculture while pursuing increased production and productivity.

The policy framework is at an advanced stage of approval and has already stimulated the actions towards development of dedicated strategies and programmes that accelerated the adoption and promotion of sound production practices such as organic agriculture, agroecology, and ex-situ and on-farm conservation of genetic resources important for food and agriculture. Institutional structures that implement these different programmes are in government, civil society and private sector. Government has several institutes and entities conserving agrobiodiversity species of plants, animals, forestry, aquatic species. These include:

A national gene bank that conserves over 6000 acquisition of different seed collections of crop species, including various indigenous and naturalized crops.

Conservation of livestock, goats, chicken and other animal species on station including promoting their sustainable utilization.

Civil society, supported by development partners, promotes on-farm conservation through community seedbanks, farmer field schools, etc.

Various partnerships that actively support biodiversity-friendly production practices across agricultural sectors including agroecology, organic agriculture as well as the Global Good Agriculture Practices (GAP).

More work still needs to be done, however, to conserve agrobiodiversity through:

Generation of knowledge and understanding of components that remain lagging (e.g. microorganisms and invertebrates).

Strengthening of coordination systems to facilitate technical cooperation and collaboration among players across sectors. Development of incentive mechanisms, such as markets, for farmers.

Implementation of the Agrobiodiversity Policy to further contribute to conservation of agrobiodiversity and foster sustainable utilization for improved livelihoods.

ZIMBABWE: COMMUNITYBASED CLIMATE CHANGE ADAPTATION APPROACH

Sherpard Zvigadza

Assisting millions of poor people at the greatest risk from climate change to adapt to its impacts is a daunting task for any donor or international funding mechanism. One unique approach that deserves greater support is Community-based adaptation (CBA). Community-based adaptation (CBA) is an approach to climate change adaptation that emphasizes the role of local communities in designing and implementing adaptation strategies. It is simply viewed as an additional layer of community development activities, practices, research and policies.

CBA begins by identifying the communities in the development world that are most vulnerable to climate Change. These are generally very poor urban or rural communities, depending on natural resources or low income activities(urban) and occupy areas already prone to shocks such as floods, or droughts. Once a community’s vulnerability has been established, using the best available science on

climate change impacts, the process of engagement with communities can begin. Zimbabwe has been at the forefront of CBA, with numerous initiatives aimed at enhancing the resilience of local communities to climate change. CBA projects have provided numerous benefits to communities such as capacitating the communities to start producing high-value nutritious fruits, vegetable and fish, providing food and income to families.

Caption: Agroecology practices in Zimbabwe

Caption: CSA Rushinga Credit YCBA_Herald Credit: Southern African Development Community

Here are some examples:

Dryland farming: In the drought-prone regions of Zimbabwe, CBA projects have promoted dryland farming practices, such as agroecology, conservation agriculture, organic farming and agroforestry. These approaches help smallholder farmers build resilience to climate variability and improve their yields.

Community-led total management of natural resources: This approach empowers local communities to manage natural resources, including water, land, and forests. In Zimbabwe, CBA projects have supported community-led initiatives to protect and restore natural habitats, improving ecosystem services and enhancing climate resilience.

Climate-resilient water management: CBA projects in Zimbabwe have focused on improving water management practices, including rainwater harvesting, water conservation, and climate-resilient irrigation systems. These initiatives have helped communities adapt to changing rainfall patterns and improved access to clean water.

Sustainable energy access: Zimbabwe has seen a rise in CBA projects promoting sustainable energy access, including solar, biogas, and wind energy. While, these initiatives have reduced greenhouse gas emissions, they have also improved energy security, enhanced community resilience to climate change. They have supported numerous livelihood initiatives, by providing water for drinking for humans as well as for promotion of small drought animals, and community gardens.

Community-based early warning systems: CBA projects have established community-based early warning systems, enabling local communities to prepare for and respond to climate-related disasters, such as floods and droughts.

Agro-pastoralism: In Zimbabwe's dryland regions, CBA projects have promoted agro-pastoralism, combining crop and livestock production to build resilience to climate variability. This approach has improved food security and enhanced community livelihoods.

Community-led climate change vulnerability assessments: CBA projects have supported community-led assessments of climate change vulnerability, enabling local communities to identify and prioritize their adaptation needs.

These examples demonstrate the effectiveness of community-based adaptation approaches in Zimbabwe, highlighting the importance of empowering local communities to design and implement climate change adaptation strategies that meet their unique needs and contexts.

Caption: Climate adaptation and resilience Credit -CARE Zimbabwe

DELVING INTO MARKETS

Markets - small and large, formal and informal - are key to farmers’ success

Each edition, we will provide an in-depth look at a local market set-up in different countries. This edition, we focus on the longstanding Epping Market in Cape Town, South Africa, which is a primary supplier to both formal retail outlets, restaurants and informal street vendors. Our staff reporter Hannah Hopper reports back.

THE CAPE TOWN MARKET: A TAPESTRY OF HISTORY, CULTURE AND OPPORTUNITY

Hannah Hopper

The Cape Town Market is one of the largest and oldest fresh produce markets in South Africa. It serves as a bustling hub for farmers, wholesalers and retailers to trade a diverse range of fruits and vegetables. The market exudes a vibrant and energetic atmosphere, where goods are exchanged along with stories. Everyone at the market plays a crucial role in the supply chain of fresh produce. More than 100 companies operate in the market, ranging from small to large wholesalers, retailers and market commission agents to informal traders.

The market's history is rich and storied. In 1679, the Dutch East India Company assigned Simon Van Der Stel to fully colonise the Cape and establish a fresh produce market to supply ships passing through the area. This initiative led to the development of the Company Gardens and Green Market Square, where the fresh produce market was first constructed. The market was subsequently relocated to the current site of Cape Town City Hall and later to

District 6, where the Good Hope Centre now stands. In 1961, the market moved to its current location in Epping. Many of the original traders and market agents relocated with it.

Before 1994, farmers were legally required to bring all their fresh produce to the national fresh produce markets before redistribution. The intention was to ensure that farmers had a marketing tool for local distribution.

Caption (LtR): Cape Town Market’s Trading Manager Adrian de Villiers (left) and Floor Manager David Norjte (right); Caption: Inside the Cape Town Market Credit: Hannah Hopper

Caption: Pockets of lemons for sale at the Cape Town Market Credit: Hannah

Hopper

RESEARCH ROUNDUP

Bringing you research you

can use

We need an evidence base to advocate for organic and agroecological food and farming systems. This section provides overviews of research conducted into these sysems. If your organisation is involved in research that you want to share, please contact us.

Proven Health Benefits of Organic Food

An international team of experts led by Newcastle University has shown that organic crops are healthier for you than conventionally grown crops. The study, published in the prestigious British Journal of Nutrition in 2015 analysed 343 studies focused on the composition of organic and conventional crops to find similarities and differences in their make-up.

They found that organic crops are lower in toxic metals and pesticides, and they are up to 60% higher in a number of key antioxidants than conventionally grown ones. Antioxidants neutralise harmful substances that damage cells in your body. chemicals such as synthetic fungicides, herbicides, and insecticides are widely used in conventional agriculture and residues remain on (and in) the food we eat. Organic food is often safer because it doesn't contain preservatives that make it last longer.

Read the full study here.

A switch to eating organic fruit, vegetable, cereals and food made from them would provide additional antioxidants equivalent to eating between 1-2 extra portions of fruit and vegetables a day!

KNOWLEDGE SHARING

We need accurate, contextual and appropriate knowledge...

Africa is not a homogenous continent, we are richly diverse in plants, animals, insects, ecological zones, peoples, customs and cultures. This means that we need knowledge products that speak to the challenges in various contexts, and we need them in formats that we can use. This section profiles relevant resources for farmer organisations and farmers to support a transition towards sustainable food and farming systems.

Soil health

The Knowledge Hub for Organic Agriculture and Agroecology in Southern Africa has produced a range of useful posters with easy-to-understand graphics and instructions on everything from composting to making biofertiisers. Find these and other resources on the Knowledge Centre for Organic Agriculture and Agroecology in Africa platform. There are hundreds of useful resources in different African languages and for different African agroecological zones on the platform.

YOUTH OUTLOOK

What is the pivotal role of youth in the future of farming, and how can we support them?

African youth are speaking up about the kind of food futures they want to see, and what needs to happen to make these a reality. There are increasingly spaces for youth voices being opened up. This edition, we share the Alliance for Food Sovereignty’s call for its first Thousand African Youth Summit on Food Systems and Agroecology. Apply for the event

Letting Youth Voices be Heard Webinar Co-Creations

Project Biome has been running some innovative co-creation webinars with youth on food systems over the past six months. In the three held so far, youth participants have identified what they feel are core challenges with the food system and what a sustainable system would look like.

Project Biome uses music, graphic harvesting and collaborative poetry to create an atmosphere conducive to visioning within a safe space for youth. For more information about these webinars, contact Shanti shanti@projectbiome.org or visit their website: www.projectbiome.org.

Caption: Graphic harvesting at 2023 Our Heritage Our Future webinar

Credit: Graphic Harvester Claire Roussel

DOING IT FOR YOURSELF

We can all take some small action to make the world a better place...

This section provides stories, recipes, tips and knowledge that can apply at home, in our gardens or on our farms. Each action makes a difference. If you have tips or stories you would like to share, please contact us

Cowpeas are rich in fibre, which helps in improving digestion and helps relieve constipation. The presence of vitamins A and C in cowpeas helps in boosting immunity. Cowpeas contain the amino acid tryptophan that helps in the formation of melatonin in the body, which may help improve sleep patterns and insomnia

GOOD FOOD CORNER Cowpeas

Cowpea veggie patties

Ingredients

1 Cup cowpeas

1 medium sized carrot

1 Tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice

1 large onion(diced)

1 Large pepper (diced)

Spices (Black pepper, ground coriander, ground paprika) or spices of your choice

1 tablespoon oat flour(optional) or 1 egg to bind

Salt to taste

Method

Soak a cup of well graded and cleaned cowpeas overnight

Using pestle and mortar pound the cowpeas to a crunchy but binding consistency; If using a blender adjust so that it leaves a crunchy consistency)

Add diced carrots and diced green pepper and mix well

Add spices and salt to taste and mix well

Add lemon juice and mix

Add oat flour to bind the mixture and or egg depending on preferences

Spoon the mixture into hot vegetable oil and fry until golden brown

CULTIVATING SUSTAINABILITY: MY JOURNEY IN URBAN GARDENING AND ENTREPRENEURSHIP

Jacobina Lumambo

At the heart of Windhoek, my journey into urban gardening and entrepreneurship has blossomed, rooted in a deep commitment to organic living and sustainability. My story is one of transformation—a journey sparked by personal challenges and fuelled by passion for positive change.

My battle with endometriosis, a chronic illness, became a catalyst for my exploration of organic practices. Despite the lack of formal training in agriculture, I recognised the healing potential of cultivating my own urban garden. Thus, I began my quest to nurture both plants and purpose, culminating in the founding of Taatsu's Gardena business dedicated to combating food waste and fostering a community of self-sufficiency. Over the past three years, I have poured my heart and soul into cultivating Taatsu's Garden.

Working closely with local Namibian farmers, I transformed excess produce into nutrition-based products such as fruit and vegetable powders, utilising eco-friendly preservation methods at every step of the way. From seedlings to powders, sustainability is at the core of everything.

Taatsu's Garden is more than just a business; it is a movement—a call to embrace organic living and reconnect with the Earth, even within an urban setting.

Caption: Taatsu's Garden Logo Credit: Jacobina Lumambo

By sharing my journey and knowledge, I strive to inspire others to take ownership of their food sources and cultivate their own urban gardens regardless of their location. Thus, we can sow seeds of positive changes within the community.

My journey in urban gardening is deeply personal. Not only has it nourished and sustained me through health challenges, it has also brought joy and empowerment to my family and friends.

Through hands-on experiences and passionate advocacy, I am determined to cultivate a sustainable and thriving organic community in Namibia. Taatsu's Garden represents more than just products; it embodies a way of life, one rooted in sustainability, community, and connection to land. From seedlings nurtured with care to nutrient-rich powders that capture the essence of Namibian produce, my venture reflects on the ethos of urban gardening in Windhoek.

As the urban gardening movement continues to grow, fuelled by individuals like myself, it offers hope for a brighter and more sustainable future. Together, we cultivate gardens, as well as a sense of possibility and empowerment within our community. In the soil of Windhoek, a new chapter is being written—one where organic principles flourish and the seeds of change take root.

Through Taatsu's Garden, I am not only offering products but also inspiration. From workshops on sustainable gardening practices to community events celebrating local produce, my aim is to cultivate a network of like-minded individuals committed to living in harmony with nature. By empowering others to embrace organic practices, we can create a ripple effect of positive change that extends far beyond the boundaries of our urban landscapes. We can harvest our own produce. Feeding yourself and your friends and family organically grown produce from your own urban garden is one of the most rewarding acts you can do. In the face of environmental challenges and food insecurity, urban gardening represents a tangible solution that empowers individuals to take control of their food sources and reduce their ecological footprint. By transforming vacant lots and rooftops into flourishing gardens, we can not only beautify our cities but also mitigate the impacts of climate change and strengthen community resilience.

Looking ahead, I am filled with hope for the future of urban gardening in Windhoek and elsewhere. With each seed planted and each harvest gathered, we are not only nourishing our bodies, but also nurturing a more sustainable and equitable world. All together, let us continue to cultivate the seeds of change, one garden at a time.

Caption: Carrots from Taatsu’s Garden Credit: Jacobina Lumambo

RESOURCES & EVENTS

Find interesting reads and podcasts, must-attend events not-to-be-missed webinars.

HOTOFFTHEPRESS

JUSTANNOUNCED:2025ISTHEYEAROFTHEWOMANFARMER!

InearlyMay,theUnitedNationsGeneralAssemblydeclared2025tobethe InternationalYearoftheWomanFarmer.AllUnitedNationsmemberstates,civil society,academiaandtheprivatesectorarecalledonto"increaseawarenessofthe crucialrolethatwomenfarmersaroundtheworldplayinagrifoodsystems,aswellas theircontributionstofoodsecurity,nutritionandpovertyeradication".Theyearwill serveasaplatformtopromotetheadoptionofpoliciesthataddressthechallenges andbarriersfacedbywomenfarmers,addressgenderinequalityandempowerment ofwomeninagriculture.

RESOURCES

TheKnowledgeCentreforOrganicAgricultureandAgroecologyinAfrica has launcheditsonlineplatform.Hereyouwillfindawealthofresourcescreatedbythe fiveknowledgehubsacrossthecontinent.Allhavebeendesignedtofillspecific knowledgegapsrelatedtoorganicagricultureandagroecologyandareavailablefor specificcontextsandtargetaudiencesandareavailableinmanylocalAfrican languages.Youneedtoregistertoaccesstheresources,alongwithblogs,asocial mediawallshowcasingtheworkdoneinthefivehubs,andtheeventspage. https://kcoa-africa.org/

OrganicFarmingResearchFoundation’s‘OrganicisRegenerative’toolkit providesarangeofmessagingtoolstohelpyoureachyourtargetaudienceswith well-designedmessagesaboutthebenefitsoforganicfarminganditscontributionto resilient,regenerativelandstewardship.Thetoolkitincludessocialmediacontent,a flyersandslidesthatcanbeusedforpresentationsatmeetingswithconsumers, funders,policymakersandothers.Downloadthetoolkit here.

RESEARCHPAPERS

Ascopingstudy‘Exploringtheoff-farmproduction,marketinganduseoforganicandbiofertilisersinAfrica’ wasreleasedinMarch2024.Thepaper,authoredbyBernhardFreyer,PierreEllssel,FortunateNyakandaand StéphanieSaussure, providesvaluableinsightsintothestatusoforganicfertilisersandbiofertilisers(OFBF) productionandmarketingin12selectedAfricancountries.Readthepaper here:.

UPCOMINGWEBINARS

MwapataInstitute,Malawi.23May2024: WatchliveonthispagetheNationalConsultationonAccelerating FoodSystemsTransformationinMalawionThursday,May23,2024,startingat8am.Thismeetingaimsto capitalizeontheprogressmadethroughMalawi’snationalpathwaysforfoodsystemstransformation,withthegoal ofcreatinghealthier,sustainable,andequitablefoodsystemsforabetterMalawi.Theoutcomesfromthedialogue sessionsheldinAprilofthisyearwillinformthisdiscussion.Theconsultationwilladdressissuesrelatedtofood systems'coordinationandcollaboration,knowledgesharing,policyalignmentandgovernance,inclusive engagement,andactionablestrategies.

FoodCultureAlliancePanel,11June2024:Theevolutionof women’sidentifiesthroughfoodculture.The panelwillexploretraditionalversusmodernrolesofwomen,culturalinfluencesandheritageandreinvention. Registertoattendhere.

OURBIGFIND:SOCIALGASTRONOMYINPRACTICE

SocialGastronomyinPracticeisaseriesofonlineandphysicallearningjourneystoshareexistingmodelswithinthe communitywithmemberswhocanimplementandmultiplythebestpracticesintheircommunities.Theirannual learningjourneysfocusonaspecificchallengewithinthefoodsystem,allowingpractitionersandpotentialmultipliers toemergeintothelocalrealityanddeepdiveintothelocalmodels.Participantsatthein-personthree-dayevent thenorganiseawebinarfortheonlinecommunitytosharethelocalmodel,theirkeylearningsandreplicationefforts toinspireaction.Lastyear,thefocuswasoncross-sectorcollaborationforfoodjusticeandequityinTwinCities, Minnesota,UnitedStates.Thisyear,thelearningjourneywilltakeplaceinNepalinOctober2019,cohostedby Food NetworksandSAVAGUNA.Watchpreviousepisodeshereandsignuptotheirnewslettertostaytunedforthisyear’s onlineevents.