Micro-farming among the poor Cape Town

Dear Friends, we in South Africa and particularly in the Cape region are experiencing a very bad drought. Our dams are nearly dry and there is not enough rain. But this does not stop our familymicro-farmers. They use water carefully. There are many ways to keep going even under difficult circumstances- one of the most important ways is to mulch the soil so that it does no dry out. Mulch is a layer of organic matter such as grass or leaves that is layed over the soil between the plants. The moisture in the soil is thus preserved and less water is needed.

We (ABALIMI) continually supply training and follow-up to our many micro-farmers and thereby encourage them to keep on planting and to use their water wisely. Every drop counts.

Many of our family micro-farmers are earning a regular modest income from sales of their vegetables to the public . They also feed their families with plenty of good fresh veg . They could not do this otherwise since they are withoit education and cant find work. Unemployment in SA is over 30% overall and in the areas where we work unemployment levels are often above 50% .  Without our assistance there would be a lot of underefed children.

The attached pics are some examples of lovely gardens that provide food for wholefamilies and communities in our area.

Thank you for your ongoing support .