Showing love to our gardens, communities, and planet
Author: Food & Trees for Africa
Your monthly update from the Food & Trees For Africa team.
LIVING OUR VALUES
At Food & Trees for Africa (FTA), sustainability isn’t just a concept—it’s a way of life. Many of the employees extend their passion for agroecology beyond the workplace, applying permaculture principles and sustainable practices in their own home gardens.
From growing fresh, nutritious vegetables to using water-wise techniques and promoting biodiversity, the FTA team is committed to nurturing the planet both professionally and personally.
These home gardens reflect how the team lives its values—empowering themselves, their families, and the planet through sustainable practices. They serve as a reminder of the importance of integrating nature into daily life and show how small actions—like planting a tree or conserving water—can create a ripple effect throughout communities.
By living sustainably at home, the FTA team demonstrates that everyday choices can lead to meaningful change, helping to foster a healthier, more resilient world for future generations.
NOURISHING OUR SOILS AND OURSELVES
This month, FTA's EduPlant programme, in partnership with Tiger Brands, is embracing a season of growth and renewal.. With a focus on soil health and personal well-being, schools are learning how the health of the Earth directly impacts our own.
Workshop four introduces essential soil conditioning practices, including earthworm farming, green manure, and compost teas - empowering learners with sustainable techniques to enrich their soil and boost garden productivity. Learners are also exploring nutrition and food preparation, using their harvests to create nutrient-rich snacks, healthy for the body and mind.
By tending to their food gardens, learners see firsthand the rewards of their care - abundant seasonal harvests that provide fresh, wholesome meals. Their commitment to nurturing the soil is mirrored in how their gardens, in turn, nourish them and their communities.
As we celebrate this journey of cultivating abundance, let’s take a moment to appreciate the ways we nourish ourselves, our communities, and our earth—one garden at a time.
SUPPORT OUR COMMUNITY INITIATIVES
GROWING BEYOND THE GARDEN
The Qholaqhwe Garden Project has successfully completed its third and final phase, marking a significant milestone in its journey toward food security, employment creation, and community empowerment. The project was initially established to combat food insecurity and give young people access to economic possibilities but has expanded significantly with Shoprite Act for change and FTA’s assistance. Through hard work and dedication, project members have expanded food production and shared their skills with over 1,000 individuals from neighboring villages, helping them improve their own food gardens.
The final workshop welcomed new members eager to learn about biointensive methods, soil health, and pest control techniques. Participants engaged in discussions on soil preparation, identifying pests, and sustainable farming methods, reinforcing the project’s commitment to education and skill-sharing. One of the project’s greatest successes has been its ability to generate income and work towards long-term financial security through successful community produce sales.
The dedication of Qholaqhwe’s members reflects a growing passion for sustainable agriculture, strengthening their shared vision. As the project moves forward, it stands as a powerful example of how community-driven initiatives create jobs, spread agricultural knowledge and inspire others to embrace sustainable farming.
ROOTING FOR A GREENER FUTURE
Herholdt’s Group is making an impact in the fight against climate change by through planting trees with FTA . The company generously donated 500 trees, helping to restore ecosystems, promote sustainable land use, and empower local communities across South Africa.
As part of their commitment, Herholdt’s Group hosted volunteer days, planting trees at each site in the Western Cape, Northern Cape, Eastern Cape, and Free State. These events brought communities together, fostering environmental awareness and action. The remaining trees were planted at the Stutterheim Reforestation Project in the Eastern Cape—a crucial step in restoring indigenous habitats and strengthening biodiversity.
Reforestation plays a vital role in carbon sequestration, climate resilience, and ecosystem restoration. By planting these trees, Herholdt’s Group is reducing carbon emissions while improving air quality, supporting biodiversity by providing habitat for indigenous wildlife, and restoring degraded landscapes that preserve South Africa’s natural beauty.
Herholdt’s Group’s commitment to reforestation is a powerful example of how businesses can drive positive environmental change. As we navigate the challenges of climate change and deforestation, corporate partnerships like these are essential in shaping a greener, more sustainable future.
PLANT SEEDS OF CHANGE
CALLING YOUNG CLIMATE LEADERS TO JOIN THE CLIMATE REALITY CORPS TRAINING IN CAPE TOWN
In just a few weeks, The African Climate Reality Project (ACRP), together with former U.S. Vice President Al Gore, will bring the Climate Reality Leadership Corps Training to Cape Town on 29 March 2025.
This one-day, intensive training is part of the REALITY® Tour, a year-long series of events aimed at building global momentum for bold action to phase out fossil fuels and tackle the climate crisis.
Participants will gain critical knowledge about South Africa’s Climate Change Act, the Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), and hear directly from climate leaders about solutions to issues like climate finance, adaptation, and the use of storytelling as an advocacy tool.
By joining the Climate Reality Leadership Corps, participants will become part of a global network of Climate Reality Leaders who are working to create lasting climate change in their communities and beyond.
If you’re passionate about climate justice and taking action, this is your chance to make a difference.
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