Survival package for retrenched workers of Tiko

The Survival Package project continues to progress well, despite some interruptions as beneficiaries have needed to attend to their fields due to recent good rains. Many have been busy with manual weeding, but overall, the initiative remains on track.

Project Progress and Impact
Initially, the project included 22 retrenched workers, but over time, 11 of those classified as ‘working when needed’ have reintegrated into the Tiko workforce. This leaves 11 families in the truly retrenched category. So far, we have spent approximately a quarter of the total estimated budget, which aligns with the generous donations received to date.

Eight out of the eleven retrenched families now have vegetable rings, providing them with a sustainable food source. The remaining three have acquired one or two key ingredients necessary for producing Tiko Organic Fertiliser (TOF), specifically HOT 18-day Berkeley compost and HUMUS from worms. Encouragingly, many participants have already used TOF in their maize fields and are reporting positive results.

Additionally, all eleven families have clay stoves and outdoor kitchens, ensuring their mud stoves are protected from the rain. Four families have started raising pigeons, and one has begun breeding rabbits. Interest in these small livestock options is growing, with more families eager to adopt them.

Next Steps and Challenges
The next phase of the project involves constructing proper kraals for pigeons and more costly rabbit warrens for all families. A significant challenge is the impending dry season, during which vegetable gardens will be vulnerable to predators, particularly chickens. While most village farmers rely on bamboo fencing, those living closer to Tiko may require metal fencing, which is as expensive as all the other individual project components combined.

Community Engagement and Sustainability
Providing this survival package has eased the retrenchment process by ensuring that affected workers are not left without support. The success of the vegetable rings has been so inspiring that even active Tiko crew members are adopting the same practices. To date, Tiko has held seven seminars, with enthusiastic participation. Many attendees have shown an immediate willingness to implement these sustainable farming techniques.

In the long run, we aim to have all participants producing surplus TOF for sale at Tikondane creating a self-sustaining cycle that benefits both individual households and the broader community.

Call for Continued Support
The success of this initiative would not be possible without the generosity of our donors. We humbly ask for your continued support to ensure the sustainability of these households and our collective efforts. Your contributions are making a tangible difference, and we are deeply grateful for your ongoing commitment to this cause.

Thank you for standing with us.

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