Two World Design Capital 2014 projects address food scarcity

Turning waste to fertiliser

Food waste is rich in energy and nutrients that can be used to produce high quality compost and ultimately, wholesome, fresh food. Food waste makes up between 30% and 50% of waste sent to landfills for disposal and each ton generates around two tons of carbon dioxide equivalent, making it a major contributor to global climate change.

The Waste to Food project uses innovative technologies to convert food waste and other organic wastes into environmentally beneficial products such as compost. It helps to avoid the negative environmental impacts associated with the current practice of disposal to landfill and provides enterprise development opportunities.

The company creates its compost in two ways - the first is via high-tech machinery and the second is through the use of earthworms. The latter is highly labour intensive and plans are in place to create micro franchise opportunities for entrepreneurs from the local community who will be trained to use so-called Worm Hammocks to produce vermicomposting, which they can then sell back to Waste to Food. Ultimately the project will help to address the negative impacts of climate change and promote food security.

Food gardens flourish on barren land

The Rotary Club of Constantia and Abalimi Bezekhaya, an urban agriculture and environmental action association, have partnered combined to create a one hectare community food garden, called the Moya We Khaya Peace Gardens. Providing the infrastructure, equipment, training and start-up requirements to plant and harvest crops, the Khayelitsha community members will have food both for their table and to sell. The project aims to bring food security, a better standard of living and a more positive future for all those trained through the facility.

Once barren land, the 10,000 sqm site was cleared of unwanted vegetation with all high points flattened and hollows filled. Two boreholes were sunk, storage tanks were installed and the irrigation pipework was laid. In addition, a large food tunnel has been erected to grow and protect the plants. Pending the final electrical connection, the project team are now ready to prepare the soil and plant the first crop with agricultural expertise provided by Abalimi Bezekhaya.

By offering food, skills and potential income for the participating local residents, the project will deliver personal and community upliftment.

For more information on these projects, go to www.wdccapetown2014.com.