Date: 26th October to 2nd November
Location: Eastern Cape, South Africa, including a farm outside East London, Amathole District, and the University of Fort Hare in Dikeni (Alice).
Organisers: Adaptation Network (AN) and Mycelium Media Colab
Participants:
- Penny Price (Adaptation Network Coordinator)
- Members of Mycelium Media Colab
- Researchers from the University of Fort Hare’s Centre for Global Change (CGC)
- Small-scale farmers and community members from IsiThembiso Multipurpose Organisation, Mxumbu Youth Agricultural Co-op, Vunikhaya Permaculture, and Busisiwe Mgangxela
Activities:
- Training in mobile journalism, photography, podcasting, and mobile editing techniques
- Peer-to-peer learning sessions
- On-site training across five rural communities and at the University of Fort Hare
- Practical exercises in storytelling, focusing on ‘Adaptation and a Just Transition in the Eastern Cape Food System’
- Visits to food forests, school gardens, and home gardens
- Filming and podcasting sessions
- Workshops on video editing using CapCut
Outcomes:
- Enhanced media skills among participants, enabling them to share their work and stories more impactfully
- Strengthened networks between community groups and researchers
- Deeper understanding of local contexts, cultures, environments, and food systems
- Increased enthusiasm for agroecological practices and sustainable farming methods
- Identification of key needs such as support for producing newsletters and professional videos
- Recognition of the importance of land reform and school gardening initiatives
Key Highlights:
- The visit provided valuable insights into the experiences and aspirations of farmers, activists, and academics.
- The collaborative approach to program development empowered participants and addressed power imbalances.
- Participants demonstrated resourcefulness and determination in creating a sustainable and just food system despite challenges.
- The exchange laid the foundation for future collaboration to support work in the region.
- The final workshop at the University of Fort Hare was a transformative experience for many participants, fostering a sense of community and belonging.
