Planting for Progress this April

Your monthly update from the Food & Trees For Africa team.

Sequestering carbon with the Stutterhaim Reforestation Project

In the heart of South Africa's Eastern Cape lies FTFA"s Flagship Reforestation Project, a symbol of optimism for climate action and biodiversity conservation. Through a partnership between Food & Trees for Africa (FTFA), the Inclusive Carbon Standard, and local suppliers, this initiative aims to restore degraded landscapes and sequester carbon through the planting of indigenous trees. With over 6,000 trees already planted and plans for further expansion, the project demonstrates the power of reforestation in restoring our planet.

“The importance of planting trees within the Amatola forest is to enrich the diversity and habitat restoration and ensure the land is restored to its original state,” says Simone Ruthnam, from FTFA’s Carbon Department. “The trees are planted densely to ensure they grow closely and intertwine. This eventually creates a canopy of pioneer species, increasing biomass and carbon stored,” she adds.

By reintroducing native trees and vegetation, the initiative creates vital corridors for wildlife movement and habitat restoration. With each tree planted, the project contributes to the preservation of crucial ecosystems, ensuring the survival of indigenous flora and fauna for generations to come.
 

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SRK promotes sustainability through FTFA's Climate Heroes Programme

In September 2023, Klipriviersberg Nature Reserve, a recipient of trees through SRK Consulting's donation, collaborated with FTFA for an Arbour Day event. Engaging multiple local schools, the event featured educational activities and the planting of 12 indigenous trees within the reserve. Additionally, each participating school received trees for their own grounds, a symbolic commitment to environmental stewardship. Among the highlights was a "trashion show," where learners showcased creative fashion made from recycled materials, promoting conscious consumption practices and circular economy principles.

FTFA’s Climate Heroes initiative, an extension of the award-winning Trees for All programme, focuses on educating learners about tree care and raising awareness about climate change. Thanks to SRK's 2023 donation, which included funding for workshops, FTFA conducted additional educational sessions with 30 learners from two schools in East London in February 2024. Led by facilitators Angela Chappel and Ludwe Majiza, the workshops emphasised environmental responsibility and culminated in a tree-planting activity, with each participant receiving a Climate Heroes certificate to inspire further advocacy and tree care.

With a total of 1,156 trees donated and approximately 426.56 tonnes of CO₂e offset over a 40-year period, the FTFA and SRK partnership has reached 39 beneficiaries and trained 30 Climate Heroes, underscoring their commitment to environmental sustainability and community empowerment.
 

Peter's gardening projects plant the way for youth in agriculture

Just over a year ago FTFA, with the help of Public Investment Corporation (PIC), began supporting Peter Molepo's vision of bringing food gardens to every school in his community. Recognising a need for increased food security for young learners, Peter began teaching them how to grow their own food thereby improving the nutritional value of school meals. For some learners, this is the only meal they receive each day, but the knowledge Peter imparts will provide them with crucial skills for a lifetime. 

In this article, we tell Peter's story and proudly share the tangible transformations that have taken place in his community. 
 

World Earth Day commemorated in Nigeria as part of #bagthewastecampaign

In observance of Earth Day on April 22nd, Climate Leaders under the the African Climate Reality Project (ACRP) orchestrated a series of activities aligned with this year's theme, "Planet vs Plastics". Among these initiatives, Smith Nkowocha, a Climate Leader hailing from Nigeria, utilised a grant provided by ACRP to launch his #BagTheWasteCampaign. Collaborating with ten dedicated volunteers, they embarked on a mission to eliminate and clean up plastic and waste while simultaneously educating local residents on responsible waste disposal practices and the importance of utilising waste bins.

“The rampant and excessive littering of waste, particularly plastic waste, in our country prompted me to initiate this campaign. Transitioning from careless disposal to proper bagging is vital in reshaping our environmental stewardship. Effective waste management is paramount in safeguarding our environment”, said Nkowocha. For further updates on the impactful endeavors undertaken by climate leaders, we invite you to explore the ACRP website
 

Deepening the impact of school greening with EduPlant

Now in its 30th year, the EduPlant School Gardening and Nutrition Programme, initiated and run by FTFA in partnership with Tiger Brands, has undergone strategic changes. This includes reducing the number of schools to 150, many of which are previous EduPlant or FTFA school garden beneficiaries. These schools have existing gardens in place, enabling EduPlant to deepen its impact and strengthen knowledge-sharing.

With meticulous planning and thorough preparation, the new cycle has commenced with workshops held in Kuruman and Port Elizabeth. The remarkable turnout and palpable enthusiasm witnessed during these sessions bode well for the establishment of productive and food-secure schools.

The presence of eager learners at these post-Covid workshops signals a wave of excitement, as each participating school will be guided in cultivating a permaculture garden, fostering a sense of environmental stewardship, and acquiring invaluable life skills. Moreover, the host schools will receive enhanced support and training to serve as mentors to neighboring institutions.

The inaugural workshops marked the distribution of essential educational materials and seeds, laying a solid groundwork for the forthcoming cycle. Covering a spectrum of topics including the alignment of permaculture with the curriculum, ethical principles, garden design, soil management, seedbed preparation, and portfolio compilation techniques, participants are well-equipped for the transformative journey ahead.
 

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