Date: 7–8 August 2023
Location: Maobane, Hammanskraal, South Africa
Organisers: The Adaptation Network (AN), Mahlathini Development Foundation, Sociotech, Sukhuma
Participants: 12 staff members from Sociotech and Sukhuma, along with 75 community participants from Maobane.
Activities:
The two-day workshop focused on enhancing skills for climate change adaptation and improving livelihoods through sustainable farming practices. Day one featured sessions on climate-resilient agriculture, nutrition-sensitive production, and value-adding techniques for local crops. Day two offered hands-on training in seed saving, soil fertility management, pest control, and fruit tree care, including pruning and grafting. Participants engaged in practical gardening activities at a local homestead, where they applied these techniques directly.
Outcomes:
The event successfully built the capacity of local staff and community members, enabling them to implement sustainable agricultural practices in the face of climate change. Participants gained valuable skills in seed saving, organic pest control, and improving soil health, which will help enhance food security and promote more resilient farming practices in the region. The event also strengthened relationships between local NGOs and the community, fostering ongoing collaboration.
Key Highlights:
Key highlights of the event included the highly popular grafting session, where participants learned how to graft fruit trees, and the practical value-adding workshops, such as making lemonade from lemons and preparing sweet chilli sauce. The seed saving session was another standout, providing participants with critical knowledge about sustainable seed practices. Feedback from attendees was overwhelmingly positive, with many expressing excitement about applying their new skills and sharing the knowledge with their communities. The event also demonstrated the power of practical, hands-on learning, as participants eagerly engaged with the various stations and demonstrations.
