Date: 14 August 2023
Organisers: EMBO Yakwa Ntu, NPO and TCOE
Participants: 39 people (4 youth males, 12 youth females, 18 women, 5 adult males)
The workshop on Adaptation and Just Transition in the South African Food System, organised by EMBO Yakwa Ntu, NPO, and TCOE, brought together 39 participants, including youth, women, and adult males. Despite a delayed start, the session began at 09:30 am with Ms. Busisiwe Mganxgela’s welcome address, followed by Ms. Mhlati outlining the objectives. Mr. Eddie Parichi presented on “Provocation on just transition in the food systems.”
Key discussions focused on climate change adaptation, highlighting water scarcity solutions like rainwater harvesting and alternative land use methods such as vertical gardens. Participants stressed the importance of seed production and the need for better policies and government support for agroecology.
Building resilience was another major topic, with suggestions for promoting local economies through barter systems, enhancing biodiversity, and improving land access. The creation of market days and collaboration among farmers practising ecological agriculture were also discussed.
Outcomes from the workshop included a call for reducing chemical use in farming, increased knowledge sharing between elders and youth, and the promotion of environmentally friendly practices. The importance of community awareness on climate change impacts and government support for community employment were emphasised.
Ms. Busisiwe Mgangxela will represent Embo Yakwa Ntu at the National Food System Dialogue from 20-22 September 2023.
